Search

Background: Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is a convenient treatment techniques for patients with early-stage breast cancer. We aimed to compare the outcome of IORT to that of whole-breast external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in highly selected breast cancer patients based on the 2023 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Clinical Practice Guideline for Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI). Patients and methods: We reviewed patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and received either IORT or EBRT for early-stage breast cancer between 2014 and 2019. The outcomes of these patients were analyzed and compared across different risk stratifications according to the 2023 ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline for PBI, which categorized the patients into "recommended", "conditionally recommended", or "conditionally not recommended" groups. Results: A total of 732 patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up time of 5.1 years. Among patients in the recommended group, the locoregional recurrence rates were 2.0% for IORT and 2.3% for EBRT (p = 0.978). Conversely, in the conditionally recommended or conditionally not recommended groups, IORT exhibited significantly higher locoregional recurrence rates compared to EBRT: in the conditionally recommended group, IORT had a recurrence rate of 11.1% versus 3.0% for EBRT (p = 0.044), and in the conditionally not recommended group, IORT had a rate of 13.8% versus 2.5% for EBRT (p = 0.010). Conclusions: The locoregional recurrence rate in the IORT group was comparable to that of the EBRT group for patients recommended for PBI. However, for patients categorized as conditionally recommended or conditionally not recommended for PBI, the IORT group showed a higher locoregional recurrence rate, highlighting the need for careful patient selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Current decision support systems (DSS) for phosphorus (P) fertiliser were developed using data from historical cropping systems. An understanding of how soil properties and rainfall influence wheat (Triticum aestivum) response to P fertiliser in current systems is required to optimise P management. Aims: The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the soil properties that have the greatest influence on relative yield; (2) examine how rainfall conditions influence relative yield; and (3) examine whether there were interactive effects between rainfall and soil properties on relative yield. Methods: Forty P rate-response field experiments were completed in Western Australia. Regression tree modelling, soil test calibration curves and the sliding window approach were used to examine relationships between soil properties or rainfall and relative yield. Key results: Phosphorus buffering index (PBI) was important for determining the factors that influence relative yield. For sites with PBI 0–10 cm <56 (n = 30), regression tree modelling showed rainfall before sowing and soil pHCa were important factors (R 2 = 0.59). For sites where PBI >56 (n = 10), relative yield was closely related to plant-available P at 0–10 cm and the r -value for the calibration curve was 0.95. Conclusions: Rainfall and soil pHCa influence wheat response to P where PBI <56 is attributed to an accumulation of soil P after decades of fertiliser applications and the availability of stored soil P to crops. Implications: Pre-sowing rainfall should be included in DSS so that grain producers can make informed, tactical decisions about P fertiliser applications for wheat at sowing. Fertiliser decision support systems need to be reassessed as cropping systems change. Our analysis of a series of 40 field experiments showed that phosphorus buffering in the topsoil determined the factors that had the greatest influence on wheat (Triticum aestivum) response to phosphorus fertiliser. Rainfall prior to sowing and soil pH were important in low phosphorus buffering soils, and wheat response to fertiliser P was closely related to plant-available P in high buffering soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, polymer-coated anisotropic inorganic nanowires dispersed in PBI matrix were introduced to construct 1D proton conducting channels within PBI. Ionic-liquid and solvothermal methods were used for the synthesis of ZrO2 and W18O49 NWs, which were coated with PVPA and PDDA polymers to increase their proton conductivity. Our results showed that, prepared membranes have amorphous nature due to the dominating presence of PBI. SEM analysis revealed the average thickness of membrane of about 36 µm. TG/DTA analysis detected lower weight loss of W18O49 NWs (total 2.8%) compared to ZrO2 NWs (18%). Proton conductivity analysis showed that, PDDA/W18O49 NWs possess relatively 4 times higher proton conductivity (4 $$ \times $$ × 10−4 Scm−1) compared to PDDA/ZrO2 NWs (1 $$ \times $$ × 10−4 Scm−1) at 80 ℃. In addition, PDDA-coated W18O49 NWs dispersed PBI membranes showed the highest fuel cell current density (1.2 A/cm2) and power density (215 mW/cm2) at 150 ℃ after 24 h which is nearly 2.5 times higher than pure PBI membrane. In addition, they exhibited the lowest in-situ proton resistance of about (0.47 Ω) compared with that of pure PBI membrane (0.8 Ω). Our results are introducing new concepts towards the development of thin and efficient polymer electrolyte membranes for PEM fuel cells.

In this study, polymer-coated anisotropic inorganic nanowires dispersed in PBI matrix were introduced to construct 1D proton conducting channels within PBI. Ionic-liquid and solvothermal methods were used for the synthesis of ZrO2 and W18O49 NWs, which were coated with PVPA and PDDA polymers to increase their proton conductivity. Our results showed that, prepared membranes have amorphous nature due to the dominating presence of PBI. SEM analysis revealed the average thickness of membrane of about 36 µm. TG/DTA analysis detected lower weight loss of W18O49 NWs (total 2.8%) compared to ZrO2 NWs (18%). Proton conductivity analysis showed that, PDDA/W18O49 NWs possess relatively 4 times higher proton conductivity (4 × 10−4 Scm−1) compared to PDDA/ZrO2 NWs (1 × 10−4 Scm−1) at 80 ℃. In addition, PDDA-coated W18O49 NWs dispersed PBI membranes showed the highest fuel cell current density (1.2 A/cm2) and power density (215 mW/cm2) at 150 ℃ after 24 h which is nearly 2.5 times higher than pure PBI membrane. In addition, they exhibited the lowest in-situ proton resistance of about (0.47 Ω) compared with that of pure PBI membrane (0.8 Ω). Our results are introducing new concepts towards the development of thin and efficient polymer electrolyte membranes for PEM fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonated poly (2,20-m-phenylene-5,50-bibenzimidazole) (PBI) membranes are good electrolytes for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) as they can be operated at high temperatures, thus favoring catalysis reaction kinetics, CO elimination, and water management. Electrolyte production from polymeric membranes with controlled thickness is important for the study of their properties and their use in fuel cells (FCs). When preparing PBI membranes by casting with controlled thickness, polymer solubility in different solvents was assessed as well as the relation between petri dish diameter and solution concentration. Membranes with different thicknesses were phosphonated and had their phosphoric acid (PA) and water uptake measured. A systematic procedure was established to prepare membranes with predetermined thickness using 12 mL of 5-8% PBI in N,N-dimethylacetamide in petri dishes measuring 5-9 cm. Membranes with predicted thickness of 60 ± 20 μm and 200 ± 40 μm showed a maximum water uptake of 8.34 ± 0.01% and PA uptake of 32 ± 1% and 18 ± 2%, respectively. This study contributed significantly to systematize procedures for producing high-quality membranes with predefined thickness and to understand the influence of their thickness on their degree of phosphonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAnnual declines in university students’ physical health have an impact on social stability and the nation’s long-term growth. Parenting style, which is crucial to a child’s growth and development, may have a big influence on physical health. This study delves into the effects of different parenting styles on the physical fitness of Chinese college students under gender differences.MethodsThrough random allocation and stratified sampling methods, this study comprehensively investigated 3,151 undergraduate students (male = 1,365; female = 1786) with an average age of 18.44 years (SD = 1.46), from a university in Jiangsu Province, China. Parenting styles of college students were evaluated by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). Physical fitness tests were based on the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standards including body mass index, lung capacity, standing-long-jump, bent-leg-sit-up, seated forward bend, pull-ups, 50 m sprint, and 800/1,000 m run. Further investigations focused on the relationship between parenting styles and physical health by statistical analysis methods such as Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression.ResultsSignificant differences were identified in gender, family members, and academic majors in most of the correlation indicators between different parenting styles and physical health among college students. Further analysis showed that the parenting styles of democratic and authoritative mothers and democratic fathers were more conducive to the promotion of physical health among female university students. The combination of a democratic fathering style and a permissive mothering style is considered an ideal parenting model for male students.ConclusionThis study confirmed that different parenting styles have a significant impact on the physical health of college students. Positive parenting styles may improve physical health, while negative ones are likely to have adverse effects, especially among female students. It is also important to notice differentiated parenting styles with respect to male and female university students. Therefore, more attention should be raised on parenting styles to enhance physical health of the student population.

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre gasto tributario y crecimiento económico en el sector pesquero peruano. Métodos: La investigación tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo, nivel correlacional, diseño retrospectivo y transversal. Se utilizaron fuentes públicas que abarcaron el periodo 2005-2022, y se empleó un análisis no experimental junto con el modelo estadístico de coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: El análisis de las variables reveló que el PBI del sector pesquero ha experimentado variabilidad importante; sin embargo, no se encontró una correlación significativa entre este y el gasto tributario del sector. Conclusión: El estudio destacó que el PBI del sector pesquero experimentó fluctuaciones, así como las devoluciones de tributos en ese ámbito; sin embargo, no se encontró una relación directa entre el gasto tributario del sector pesquero con el PBI del mismo sector, lo que sugiere que los gastos tributarios tienen una influencia limitada o nula en el crecimiento económico de dicho sector.

The main objective of this research article is to analyze the influence of public investment in the economic growth of Peru at the departmental level in the period 2009-2023. Above all, it will allow us to highlight the Keynesian theory, whose study is based on the fact that state interventionism is essential for the economic growth of a country, starting from the increased consumption of domestic demand. The research design is non- experimental and longitudinal. The study is quantitative, focusing on data collection and the respective statistical analysis to validate the theories aforementioned; the data were obtained from secondary sources. In addition, the materials used for the estimation of the model were the econometric software Eviews 13 and Microsoft Office Excel. The econometric results show that the effect of a public investment shock in the short term does not produce an immediate positive result; however, it becomes positive in the medium and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage proteins are essential for seed germination and seedling growth, as they provide an indispensable nitrogen source and energy. Our previous report highlighted the defective endosperm development in the serine hydroxymethyltransferase 4 (OsSHMT4) gene mutant, floury endosperm20-1 (flo20-1). However, the alterations in storage protein content and distribution within the flo20-1 endosperm remained unclear. Here, the immunocytochemistry analyses revealed a deficiency in storage protein accumulation in flo20-1. Electron microscopic observation uncovered abnormal morphological structures in protein bodies (PBI and PBII) in flo20-1. Immunofluorescence labeling demonstrated that aberrant prolamin composition could lead to the subsequent formation and deposition of atypical structures in protein body I (PBI), and decreased levels of glutelins and globulin resulted in protein body II (PBII) malformation. Further RNA-seq data combined with qRT-PCR results indicated that altered transcription levels of storage protein structural genes were responsible for the abnormal synthesis and accumulation of storage protein, which further led to non-concentric ring structural PBIs and amorphous PBIIs. Collectively, our findings further underscored that OsSHMT4 is required for the synthesis and accumulation of storage proteins and storage organelle formation in endosperm cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study examines the relationship between boarding school attendance, adult attachment styles, parental bonding, and substance use, aiming was to quantitatively investigate if caregiver deprivation caused by boarding contributes to enduring outcomes in adults. In a sample of 149 adults, measures included AUDIT and DUDIT (substance use), Parental Bonding Instrument (parental care), and Experiences in Close Relationships (adult attachment). Pearson's correlation revealed a significant negative association between age at first boarding and anxiety, avoidant attachment styles, and poorer parental care, whilst a significant positive relationship was identified between age at first boarding and perceived parental care. This was supported by a hierarchical regression which demonstrated that the model predicted 29% of the variance in age at first boarding. These results contribute towards the formulation and treatment of ex-boarders and to research considering the effects of boarding school experiences on difficulties in adult life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Place-Based Initiatives (PBIs) involve efforts to mobilise and coordinate local resources, services and expertise across multiple organisations and sectors in order to strengthen the social, structural, physical and economic conditions of historically disinvested neighbourhoods. While promising, these initiatives have had some documented challenges, and some are leveraging partnerships with academic institutions to address those challenges. In this article, we explore perspectives of leaders and staff from three PBI organisations in Charlotte, NC to better understand the benefits of PBI-academic partnerships and the conditions under which they are most effective. Thematic analysis of 23 semi-structured interviews revealed that PBIs leverage partnerships with academic institutions to accomplish two key goals. First, these partnerships stimulate assetbased community development (ABCD) by connecting community organisations and neighbourhood residents with academic resources and by strengthening PBI service delivery. Second, some partnerships give rise to community-based research efforts that help address external accountability challenges and inform PBI programming. The findings also illuminated several pitfalls in academic-PBI partnerships, sometimes rooted in conflicting priorities and approaches of academic researchers and non-profit practitioners. Finally, insights delineate key recommendations for improving PBI-academic collaborations, including countering academic exploitation by plugging into PBIs’ mission and respecting PBI expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal Health Care (UHC) in Indonesia, named the National Health Insurance (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional - JKN), has been running since 2014. JKN was predicted to be the most extensive UHC program in the world. Under JKN, the poor get free health services through the cashless method through a sub-program called Contribution Assistance Recipients (Penerima Bantuan Iuran - PBI). Unfortunately, JKN faced several failures to cover the program's expenditures within years. Within the current dynamics, was PBI, as part of JKN still effectively helping the poor? We examined the effectiveness of the PBI program by measuring differences in out-of-pocket health expenditures for the poor with similar socio-economic characteristics who used PBI and those who did not. We incorporated secondary data from National Socio-economic Survey (SUSENAS). The dataset was executed by using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodology. We used health expenditures and socio-economic parameters such as income, education, and gender from the 2017 and 2018 SUSENAS data. We found that in 2017, the total health expenditures of the PBI beneficiaries were lower than the non-beneficiaries. Nevertheless, by merging all two years' data, similar to 2018, we found general pattern that PBI participants' total health out-of-pocket payments were bigger than the non-participants. Health expenditures such as medicine, traditional practitioners, and others, were expenditure classifications in which PBI beneficiaries had lower expenses than non-beneficiaries in 2017. Therefore, Therefore, the UHC subsidy program for the poor in Indonesia has not only been ineffective through the years of implementation but also has not been effectively implemented for all variations of health expenditure types.

Abstract Introduction Real-world data on the needs of patients with psoriasis and patient-perceived benefits of apremilast are limited. We report such data from France. Methods The multicenter, observational REALIZE study was conducted in real-life clinical practice in France and enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who had initiated apremilast per French reimbursement criteria in the 4 weeks preceding enrollment (September 2018–June 2020). Physician assessments and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected at enrollment, 6 months, and 12 months. PROs included the Patient Benefit Index for skin diseases (PBI-S), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and 9-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). The primary outcome was PBI-S ≥ 1 (minimum clinically relevant benefit) at month 6. Results Of 379 enrolled patients who received ≥ 1 dose of apremilast, most [n = 270 (71.2%)] remained on apremilast at 6 months and over half [n = 200 (52.8%)] persisted at 12 months. Patients reported the following treatment goals as most important (≥ 70% reported goal as “very important” in the Patient Needs Questionnaire): get better skin quickly, regain disease control, be healed of skin alterations, and have confidence in the therapy. Most patients persisting on apremilast achieved a PBI-S ≥ 1 at months 6 and 12 (91.6% and 93.8%, respectively). Mean (SD) DLQI decreased from 11.75 (6.69) at enrollment to 5.17 (5.35) and 4.18 (4.39) at months 6 and 12, respectively. Most patients (72.3%) reported moderate-to-severe pruritus at enrollment and no/mild pruritus at months 6 and 12 (78.8% and 85.9%, respectively). Mean (SD) TSQM-9 Global Satisfaction scores were 68.4 (23.3) and 71.7 (21.5) at months 6 and 12, respectively. Apremilast was well tolerated; no new safety signals were identified. Conclusions REALIZE provides insights regarding the needs of patients with psoriasis and the patient-perceived benefits of apremilast. Patients who persisted on apremilast reported improvements in quality of life, high treatment satisfaction, and clinically relevant benefits. Trial registration NCT03757013.

Non‐fluorinated ion exchange membranes with high proton selectivity and conductivity are sought as separators for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) to substitute the typically used perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer membranes. Polybenzimidazole based membranes offer a promising non‐fluorinated alternative due to their excellent thermomechanical properties, low vanadium crossover, and ionic conductivity in acidic media. In this work, a series of polybenzimidazole‐polyvinylchloride polymer blends were cast and decorated with different quaternary ammonium functionalities. The polymer blends were systematically studied with respect to the blend composition and chemical structure of the quaternary ammonium groups. Assessment of relevant membrane properties for use in an aqueous acidic flow battery was conducted through a combination of VRFB single cell testing, permeability measurements, water/electrolyte uptake, and infrared spectroscopy. The blend with a polybenzimidazole content of 90 % decorated with DABCO (1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) was found to combine low polarization resistance with low swelling and high stability. The performance was found to be similar to that of a benchmark polybenzimidazole membrane despite being three times thicker. This led to the conclusion that quaternary ammonium functionalized polybenzimidazole‐polyvinylbenzylchloride systems is an excellent candidate for further modification or fabrication of thinner membranes to further reduce the membrane resistance without compromising on vanadium blocking properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gels formed using a perylene bisimide (PBI) as a low molecular weight gelator can show the photothermal effect. Formation of the PBI radical anion results in new absorption bands forming, meaning that subsequent irradiation with a wavelength of light overlapping with the new absorption band leads to heating of the gel. This approach can be used to heat the gel, as well as the surrounding milieu. We show how we can use electrochemical methods as well as multicomponent systems to form the radical anion without the need for UV light, and how we can use the photothermal effect to induce phase transitions in the solutions above the gels by exploiting photothermal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associations between subjective maternal bonding recalled from the first 16 years of life and current sleep indices were investigated in a clinical sample of 34 adults with major depressive disorder and 36 normal controls (n = 70) using the self-report parental bonding instrument and wrist actigraphy. Results of multiple linear regression analyses indicated that reports of maternal bonding indices were associated with several sleep indices in adulthood independent of depression status. Higher levels of maternal care were associated with greater time in bed and total sleep time. Higher levels of maternal overprotection were associated with fewer awakenings. Findings indicate that reported maternal bonding characteristics in childhood are related to objectively measured sleep characteristics in adulthood, independent of mood state.

The design of suitable and efficient membranes for fuel and electrolyzer cells has been a long standing problem that still seeks for technical improvements. The structural properties of proton conducting poly [2,2-(m-phenylene)-5,5-bibenzimidazole] (PBI) membranes doped with phosphoric acid as electrolyte have been investigated prior and after thermal treatment by small angle neutron scattering (SANS), neutron diffraction with polarization analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our observations indicate that during the first heating attempt stable crystalline domains in the PBI are formed and they persist in all further thermal cycles typical for electrolyte membrane operation. The combination of real space TEM picture under cryogenic conditions and reciprocal space scattering pattern with enhanced contrast by partial deuteration allows obtaining unique insight into the structure of proton conducting membranes, i.e., characteristic distances associated with irreversible changes as well as volume fraction of the different phases of the sample.

El artículo infiere cuáles fueron los factores que incidieron en la determinación del spread soberano del Perú durante el 2000-2018. La investigación asumió el diseño explicativo-retrospectivo mediante la aplicación de modelación y estimación econométrica a través de datos panel. Metodológicamente se utilizó la regresión agrupada con los modelos de efectos aleatorios y de efectos fijos, finalizando con la aplicación de las pruebas de Hausman, Wald y Wooldridge. Los resultados demuestran que el modelo que mejor se ajusta a la estimación del spread de los bonos soberanos del Perú, Chile y Colombia, es el modelo de datos Panel de Efectos Fijos, cuyas doce variables explicativas planteadas en el modelo, tan solo cuatro tuvieron resultados significativos y relevantes en el análisis estático y cinco variables en el análisis dinámico. Las variables que impactan positivamente en el spread de los bonos soberanos de los tres países son: la inflación, la Dummy de crisis financiera y el primer rezago de la variable endógena, mientras que las que impactan negativamente son: la razón Inversión Total a PBI y la Razón Saldo en la Cuenta Corriente a PBI.

Introduction: Real-world data on the needs of patients with psoriasis and patient-perceived benefits of apremilast are limited. We report such data from France. Methods: The multicenter, observational REALIZE study was conducted in real-life clinical practice in France and enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who had initiated apremilast per French reimbursement criteria in the 4 weeks preceding enrollment (September 2018–June 2020). Physician assessments and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected at enrollment, 6 months, and 12 months. PROs included the Patient Benefit Index for skin diseases (PBI-S), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and 9-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). The primary outcome was PBI-S ≥ 1 (minimum clinically relevant benefit) at month 6. Results: Of 379 enrolled patients who received ≥ 1 dose of apremilast, most [n = 270 (71.2%)] remained on apremilast at 6 months and over half [n = 200 (52.8%)] persisted at 12 months. Patients reported the following treatment goals as most important (≥ 70% reported goal as "very important" in the Patient Needs Questionnaire): get better skin quickly, regain disease control, be healed of skin alterations, and have confidence in the therapy. Most patients persisting on apremilast achieved a PBI-S ≥ 1 at months 6 and 12 (91.6% and 93.8%, respectively). Mean (SD) DLQI decreased from 11.75 (6.69) at enrollment to 5.17 (5.35) and 4.18 (4.39) at months 6 and 12, respectively. Most patients (72.3%) reported moderate-to-severe pruritus at enrollment and no/mild pruritus at months 6 and 12 (78.8% and 85.9%, respectively). Mean (SD) TSQM-9 Global Satisfaction scores were 68.4 (23.3) and 71.7 (21.5) at months 6 and 12, respectively. Apremilast was well tolerated; no new safety signals were identified. Conclusions: REALIZE provides insights regarding the needs of patients with psoriasis and the patient-perceived benefits of apremilast. Patients who persisted on apremilast reported improvements in quality of life, high treatment satisfaction, and clinically relevant benefits. Trial registration: NCT03757013. Plain Language Summary: Psoriasis is a chronic disease and can have a large impact on patients' quality of life. Patients often discontinue psoriasis treatments for a number of reasons, including side effects, ineffectiveness, and inconvenience. Apremilast (Otezla) is a twice-daily oral tablet for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Data on the needs of patients with psoriasis and the patient-perceived benefits of psoriasis treatments, including apremilast, are limited. The REALIZE (Real Life Data for OTEZLA Evidence) study collected data from 379 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving apremilast for up to 12 months in clinical practice across France. Patients completed questionnaires regarding their treatment goals, how well apremilast treatment met these goals, their quality of life, and their satisfaction with apremilast treatment. At the beginning of the study, patients reported getting better skin quickly, regaining control of their psoriasis, being healed of psoriatic lesions on their skin, and having confidence in their psoriasis treatment as their most important treatment goals. Over half of the patients continued apremilast for 12 months, with most reporting that apremilast successfully met their treatment needs. Patients also reported high satisfaction with apremilast and improved quality of life. The adverse events reported in the REALIZE study were similar to the known safety profile of apremilast. Our data show that apremilast is an effective, convenient, and well-tolerated treatment that improves the symptoms of psoriasis and meets patients' needs and expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of laser technology, there is an increasing demand for laser protective materials. Thus, the mechanical and ablation properties of composite materials need to be further enhanced. Herein, solution impregnation and hot-press molding were used to develop composites containing various mass ratios of ZrC to polybenzimidazole (PBI) resin (thickness = 3 mm) for laser ablation applications. The results showed that adding short carbon fiber (SCF) to ZrC/PBI composites improves the ablation and mechanical properties. The ZrC/PBI/SCF composites were ablated using a high-energy continuous laser (7 kW cm−2), and the composites did not burn through. The composites did not peel off or split as the ablation process progressed. With the increase in the ZrC content in the composites, dense oxide layers are formed, enhancing the ablation properties of the composites. The ZrC/PBI/SCF composite (the ZrC/PBI mass ratio = 2:1) exhibited the lowest mass loss (2.24%), mass ablation rate (0.119 mg s−1) and linear ablation rate (0.032 mm s−1). This indicates that ZrC/PBI/SCF composites can be used as protective materials in high-energy continuous laser applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Goals in epilepsy treatment differ across patients and should be assessed individually. • Patients report on a range of issues that are relevant to people with epilepsy in their treatment. • We newly developed the PBI-Epilepsy. • Two versions exist: one for patients receiving medical treatment and one for those undergoing surgery. • The questionnaires asks about specific treatment goals and about achievement of these goals. Therapeutic goals in epilepsy treatment may be highly individual. The aim of the present study was to develop a questionnaire assessing patients' needs and benefits of epilepsy treatment, the Patient Benefit Index on Epilepsy (PBI-Epilepsy). We recruited adult patients during their stay at a university based epilepsy centre. Patients completed a survey asking about their burden and treatment goals. Data were categorised using qualitative content analysis. The final category system was discussed in an expert panel. The questionnaire was pre-tested using cognitive debriefing and adapted until no changes were required anymore. In the open survey, 25 people with epilepsy participated (60.0 % female, 33.2 years, 1–55 years epilepsy). The final category system included nine main categories (namely psyche, working life, seizures, therapy, leisure activities, social relationships, mobility, body, everyday life activities). From this, the expert panel developed a first draft of the PBI-Epilepsy. The questionnaire went through five rounds of cognitive debriefing with 29 patients (51.7 % female, 34.6 years, 2–37 years epilepsy). We decided to develop two versions of the questionnaire depending on the patient's treatment (medical or surgical). A bipolar response scale was used in the part asking about treatment benefits, as epilepsy treatment can lead to both improvement and deterioration. The final questionnaire consists of two parts (patient needs and treatment benefits) each encompassing 21 items. We aimed to reflect the wide range of issues that are relevant for people with epilepsy while developing a questionnaire that is short and easy for patients to understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a three-dimensional steady-state model was developed to analyze the performance of high-temperature direct ethanol fuel cell (HT-DEFC) based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) electrolytes. A non-isothermal model of a HT-DEFC setup using a PBI/H3PO4 membrane was employed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This work is aiming at a validation of experimental data of HT-DEFC prototypes based on the simulation of polarization curves. The model predicts the mole concentration of H3PO4, heat and current density distributions, as well as mass fraction ethanol during operation at 180 °C. The heat transfer model was coupled to the electrochemical and mass transport, allowing that a particular heating configuration was investigated considering the temperature distribution on the PBI membrane. We have found that temperature and relative humidity (RH) are mostly related to PBI properties resulting from H3PO4 lixiviation and conductivity decreasing as well as ethanol crossover strongly interferes on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) rate, leading to poor HT-DEFC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between flame, shock wave and obstacle is an important content in the study of fuel combustion and safety. In this paper, the performance difference between flexible and rigid obstacles in the process of explosion flame propagation was studied. Five barriers with different blocking rates（BR） were tested in the pipeline for methane premixed explosion. The high-speed photography system collects the flame image, the flame front velocity is calculated, and the dynamic pressure changes in the upstream and downstream pipelines during flame propagation are recorded by the high-frequency pressure acquisition system. The results show that the obstacle affects the unburned flow field and generates compression waves and shear layers. The explosion promotion degree of the two obstacles presents different trends, and the peak pressure decreases. At the same time, obstacles reflect pressure waves, causing instability in the front of the flame. With the increase of plugging rate, the difference of peak pressure rises to 30% at BR = 0.4. The flame velocity of flexible obstacles is also more flat, and the peak velocity at BR = 0.2 and BR = 0.4 is close to 43 m/s. During the study, it was found that the flexible material can effectively absorb the reflected wave, and the pressure oscillation is absorbed. The average amplitude of the rigid oscillation rises from 4 kPa to 10 kPa, and the flexible oscillation decreases to nearly zero. The difference of barrier materials makes the impact of shock wave on flame and primary explosive injury (PBI) lighter, which is more conducive to assessing the explosion risk of combustible gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tightly connected structure of polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane can be relaxed by solvent/nonsolvent solution to achieve a high proton conductivity for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). However, the nature behind the solvent/nonsolvent strategy is not unraveled. This work proposes a guideline to analyze the effect of PBI membrane relaxing formulas based on the interactions between different components in membranes. The supreme-efficient PBI membrane derived by the DMSO/formamide formula according to the guideline displays a marvelous performance for VRFB, with the proton conductivity boosted by 4300 % (from 1.93 to 83.33 mS cm -1 ), and VRFB assembled with this membrane achieves an outstanding energy efficiency of 82.5 % under 200 mA cm -2 . Moreover, this work profoundly unravels the structure, property and performance relationship of PBI membrane, which is of great value for the development of membranes., (© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Storage proteins are essential for seed germination and seedling growth, as they provide an indispensable nitrogen source and energy. Our previous report highlighted the defective endosperm development in the serine hydroxymethyltransferase 4 (OsSHMT4) gene mutant, floury endosperm20-1 (flo20-1). However, the alterations in storage protein content and distribution within the flo20-1 endosperm remained unclear. Here, the immunocytochemistry analyses revealed a deficiency in storage protein accumulation in flo20-1. Electron microscopic observation uncovered abnormal morphological structures in protein bodies (PBI and PBII) in flo20-1. Immunofluorescence labeling demonstrated that aberrant prolamin composition could lead to the subsequent formation and deposition of atypical structures in protein body I (PBI), and decreased levels of glutelins and globulin resulted in protein body II (PBII) malformation. Further RNA-seq data combined with qRT-PCR results indicated that altered transcription levels of storage protein structural genes were responsible for the abnormal synthesis and accumulation of storage protein, which further led to non-concentric ring structural PBIs and amorphous PBIIs. Collectively, our findings further underscored that OsSHMT4 is required for the synthesis and accumulation of storage proteins and storage organelle formation in endosperm cells.

This study was aimed at finding out the influence of genre-based instructional model in the teaching of writing skills viewed from students’ text exposition. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design. The samples consisted of two classes in which one class was treated by using genre-based instructional (GBI) model and the second class was subjected to the process-based instruction (PBI) model. The writing exposition text were functioned as research instruments to collect the data in both classes. The data were analyzed by using the multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA). The research finding informed that the GBI model was more influence than the PB model I. It was proved with the value of Process-Based Instruction (56) was lower than Genre Based Instruction (69). It means that the used of Genre Based instructional model have influence in writing skills exposition text. The finding indicates that there is significant interaction between instructional being applied in the teaching of writing skill exposition text.

Objetivo: Analizar cómo la actividad minera tiene impactos transversales en la economía, incluido el financiero. Método: Descriptivo, correlacional-causal, utilizando para ello información histórica, recopilada de fuentes oficiales, como el Banco Central de Reserva del Perú (BCRP), Comisión Chilena del Cobre (Cochilco), Bolsa de Valores de Lima (BVL). Resultados: El estudio evidencia que la minería ejerce influencia en el crecimiento económico (PBI), en la fortaleza tributaria, específicamente a través del impuesto a la renta que pagan las empresas mineras, dinamiza y profundiza el mercado de capitales a través de la negociación de acciones y las cotizaciones de estos activos financieros en el mercado bursátil, cuya volatilidad depende del comportamiento del precio de los commodities mineros. Conclusión: La minería, a pesar de los pasivos ambientales que genera, tiene efectos directos y transversales en la economía coadyuvando al proceso de crecimiento sostenido, resultado que se va a traducir en generar fortalezas en los mercados globalizados.

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación que existe entre la corrupción y el crecimiento económico del Perú, en el periodo 2010-2019. La metodología tuvo enfoque cuantitativo, tipo básico, diseño no experimental, de nivel relacional, ya que buscó analizar la relación que existe entre la corrupción y el crecimiento económico del Perú, 2010-2019. Fue transversal porque recogió datos en un período determinado; para ello, se aplicó el análisis documental, recogiendo información con el fin de relacionar y medir las variables de estudio, efectuar las regresiones y comparaciones correspondientes. Finalmente, se estableció que existe relación entre la corrupción y el crecimiento económico del Perú, en el periodo 2010-2019. Los resultados determinaron que en el Perú, el crecimiento económico ha descendido en términos de PBI (8.5 al 4.2 %). Se halló que el índice de puntuación de la corrupción del Perú en el periodo 2010-2019 tuvo un promedio del 2.2 al 2.8, situándose en el puesto 35 en el año 2010, y en el puesto 36 en el año 2019 (según el ranking mundial de Transparencia Internacional), evidenciándose una constante en el índice de la corrupción en el Perú.

Keisuke Noto,1 Akihito Suzuki,1 Toshinori Shirata,1 Yoshihiko Matsumoto,1 Nana Takahashi,1 Kaoru Goto,2 Koichi Otani1 1Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; 2Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, JapanCorrespondence: Toshinori Shirata Email white_gregory000@yahoo.co.jpPurpose: Attachment research shows that attachment experiences with parents in childhood influence the characterization of personality traits. Meanwhile, it is known that mu-opioid receptor function is involved in human attachment. Furthermore, a few studies suggest that the A118G polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) is associated with altered mu-opioid receptor function. Thus, we examined if the OPRM1 polymorphism moderates the sensitivity to parental behaviors and thereby contributes to the characterization of personality traits.Materials and Methods: Participants were 725 healthy Japanese. Parenting practices of their parents were evaluated by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) with the care and protection subscales. Personality was evaluated using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The OPRM1 A118G polymorphism was detected by a PCR method.Results: Multiple regression analyses revealed significant effects of the interaction between the OPRM1 genotype and maternal protection on scores of the self-directedness and cooperativeness dimensions, while significant main effects of the OPRM1 genotype on scores of the TCI were not found. Further analyses showed that there were significant negative correlations between maternal protection scores and the two dimensional scores in the A/A and A/G genotypes with higher correlation coefficients in the former, but not in the G/G genotype.Conclusion: The present study suggests that the OPRM1 polymorphism contributes to the characterization of personality traits by moderating the sensitivity to parental behaviors, especially maternal protection.Keywords: OPRM1, attachment, personality, PBI, TCI, gene–environment interaction

The tightly bonded structure of polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane is the origin of its poor proton conductivity, which severely hinders achieving a cost-effective membrane for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). It desires a strategy to relax the membrane structure to significantly improve the proton conductivity and maintain its structure stability. Therefore, this work proposes a novel strategy through regulating molecular interactions within PBI membrane to loosen up the structure of PBI membrane and dramatically enhance the proton conductivity. The interactions in PBI membrane are switched by DMSO/water and acid through sequentially treating membrane with these solutions. The efficient PBI membrane prepared using this strategy demonstrates an outstanding performance for VRFB, with the proton conductivity enhanced by 3850 % (from 1.9 to 76.3 mS cm -1 ), and VRFB achieves a high energy efficiency of 80.5 % under 200 mA cm -2 . More importantly, this work shed lights on the structure-property relationship of PBI membrane, and the mechanism in enhancing proton conductivity is unraveled, which is of great significance for the development of VRFB membranes., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The objective of this work is to examine the polybenzimidazole (PBI)/sulfonated graphene oxide (sGO) membranes as alternative materials for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). PBI/sGO composite membranes were characterized by TGA, FTIR, SEM analysis, acid doping&acid leaching tests, mechanical analysis, and proton conductivity measurements. The proton conductivity of composite membranes was considerably enhanced by the existence of sGO filler. The enhancement of these properties is related to the increased content of –SO 3 H groups in the PBI/sGO composite membrane, increasing the channel availability required for the proton transport. The PBI/sGO membranes were tested in a single HT-PEMFC to evaluate high-temperature fuel cell performance. Amongst the PBI/sGO composite membranes, the membrane containing 5 wt. % GO (PBI/sGO-2) showed the highest HT-PEMFC performance. The maximum power density of 364 mW/cm2 was yielded by PBI/sGO-2 membrane when operating the cell at 160 °C under non humidified conditions. In comparison, a maximum power density of 235 mW/cm2 was determined by the PBI membrane under the same operating conditions. To investigate the HT-PEMFC stability, long-term stability tests were performed in comparison with the PBI membrane. After a long-term performance test for 200 h, the HT-PEMFC performance loss was obtained as 9% and 13% for PBI/sGO-2 and PBI membranes, respectively. The improved HT-PEMFC performance of PBI/sGO composite membranes suggests that PBI/sGO composites are feasible candidates for HT-PEMFC applications. [Display omitted] • This study proposes PBI/sGO as an alternative membrane for HT-PEMFC application. • SGO was revealed as an effective filler for a PBI composite membrane for HT-PEMFC. • PBI/sGO membranes possess high proton conductivity. • PBI/sGO membrane with 5% GO content is a potential electrolyte for HT-PEMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The experimental work has been carried out at the PBI to determine the plasma parameters in the periphery using an automated system for diagnostics and control of the plasma in the hydrogen environment developed by us. • Developed algorithm for calculating automatically the measured I-U curve of the probe into the physical values of the plasma main characteristics and the software for the real-time data output on the basis of the literature analysis. • The nature of changes in electron temperature (Te) and plasma concentration (ne) has been established. When studying the processes of plasma interaction with the surface, there is a need to determine the exposure parameters and the installation operating modes. The goal of this work is to measure the plasma parameters on a plasma beam installation (PBI) using an automated probe diagnostics system developed by us. The plasma diagnostic and monitoring system at PBI is based on the use of a cylindrical Langmuir probe. The software has been developed for measuring, recording and processing the probe voltage characteristic (I-U curve) in real time and a movable probe input for measuring the radial distribution of the plasma parameters (plasma concentration, electronic temperature). The measurements were carried out under different operating modes of the PBI with a variation in the parameters of the accelerating voltage of the electron beam and the pressure of the working gas. The nature of changes in the plasma parameters in the radial direction in a hydrogen medium has been established. The obtained results are in good agreement with the similar work in the study of the plasma parameters in the radial direction at the linear plasma installations. The got dependences make it possible to analyze and establish a correspondence between the parameters of plasma action on materials and the nature of processes on their surface and in volume. The presented engineering idea will be proposed to complement the diagnostic complex of the plasma KTM tokamak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We appreciate Chang JS.'s interest in the article: "Benefit of respiratory gating in the Danish Breast Cancer Group partial breast irradiation trial". The author's response corroborates the statements and comments of Chang JS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is aimed at evaluating whether radiation therapy (RT) can be omitted in older adult early-stage low-risk breast cancer (BC) patients. The published data are particularly relevant at present, during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, to define a treatment strategy and to prioritize essential therapy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMED were systematically researched from outset through April 2020 using Mesh terms. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT), with one arm without adjuvant whole-breast irradiation (WBI), were included in the analysis. Recent literature regarding the COVID pandemic and BC RT was assessed. The reported RCTs identified a group of BC patients (pT1-2N0M0 R0, grade 1–2, estrogen receptor (ER) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative tumours) in which the absolute risk of local recurrence (LR) was considered low enough to omit RT. The most common risk factors were tumor diameter, nodal and receptor status. Adjuvant RT had a significant impact on LR but not on distant metastasis (DM) or death. During the COVID 19 pandemic, results from RTCs were re-considered to define treatment recommendations for BC patients. International scientific societies and radiation oncology experts suggested RT omission, whenever possible, in older adult early-stage BC patients. Adjuvant RT might be omitted in a highly selected group of older adult early-stage BC patients with favourable prognostic factors. Hypofractionated regimens should be the standard. RT omission, partial breast irradiation (PBI), and ultra- hypofractionated regimens could be considered in selected cases due to the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐situ measurements in the magnetotail are sparse and limited to single points. On the other hand, there is a broad range of observations, including magnetometers, aurora imagers, and radars, in the ionosphere. Since the nightside ionosphere resembles the magnetotail plasma sheet dynamics projection, it can be used to monitor the tail's dynamics. A proper interpretation of the ionosphere and ground observations necessitates understanding the coupling processes between the ionosphere and the magnetosphere. Here, we use the global magnetohydrodynamic simulation model, OpenGGCM‐CTIM‐RCM, to investigate these coupling processes during periods when the magnetic flux is transported through the tail via narrow fast flow channels, typically called bursty bulk flows (BBFs). We consider three relevant states of the magnetotail: immediately before the substorm's onset, during the expansion of the substorm, and during a steady magnetic convection (SMC) event. The number of flow channels increases, and they penetrate closer to the Earth during SMC. The IMF By direction influences fast flows' location but not their orientation in the plasma sheet during this event. However, the dimension of fast flows and streamers do not depend on the IMF conditions and state of the magnetosphere. Key Points: Mapped fast flows from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere resemble auroral streamers in the simulationThe number of fast flows and streamer increases during substorm expansion and SMC, and they penetrate closer to the Earth during SMCThe location of BBFs is controlled by the state of the magnetosphere and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, and adjuvant radiotherapy is an integral part of curative treatment in most patients. The recent decades have witnessed several advances in radiation therapy delivery. Several advances in radiation oncology have been identified which include technological advances, change in fractionation used, use of cardiac-sparing radiotherapy as well as efforts to personalize radiotherapy using accelerated partial breast irradiation or avoidance of radiotherapy in certain subpopulations. Indian data are available in most areas which have been summarized. However, increasing emphasis on research in these areas is needed so that effectiveness and safety in our setting can be established. Advances in breast cancer radiotherapy have resulted in improved outcomes. Data published from India suggest that these improved outcomes can be replicated in patients when appropriate treatment protocols are followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete non-isothermal model of a HT-PEMFC setup using a PBI/ H3PO4 membrane was developed, modeled, and solved using COMSOL Multiphysics. Polarization curves were simulated and compared to the corresponding experimental data. In this work, a serpentine flow field and an active area of 5 cm2 have been implemented in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) application. The model predicts water vapor transport, mass concentration of H3PO4, temperature, and membrane current density distribution. In this model, the anode feed is pure hydrogen, and oxygen is introduced at the cathode side. The heat transfer model was coupled with the electrochemical and mass transport; a particular heating configuration is investigated for temperature distribution, emphasizing the membrane. The models showed consistency and were used to investigate the behavior of H3PO4 concentration and all transport characteristics. The concentration of phosphoric acid decreases with increasing temperature and relative humidity and the diffusive flux of water vapor increases with the decrease of the operating voltage. Two different configurations of inlet and outlet flow channels were analyzed and the results were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast conservative surgery is the standard of care in early breast cancer. Although, conventional fractionation whole breast irradiation followed by cavity boost is the current standard of practice; limiting the volumes to the cavity alone with additional margins with hypofractionation has yielded comparable results with local control. However, question of late toxicities is not addressed. The objective of the study was to evaluate and assess the late toxicities and cosmetic outcome of hypofractionated partial breast irradiation in early breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Twenty histologically proven early breast cancer patients underwent breast conservation surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy. They received adjuvant radiation of 40Gy in 15fraction via 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3DCRT) or Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) technique. Post radiotherapy they were followed up for assessment of late toxicities-breast cosmesis-reported by patient and radiation oncologist. Results: At the end of three years 70% of the patients had excellent cosmesis. There was no difference between the radiation oncologist and patient assessment of cosmesis. Patients with resected specimen of < 220 cc, breast separation of = 21cm had better cosmesis (p=0.024) and with whole breast V20%(8 Gy) = 474.582 cc had better cosmesis (p=0.05). Conclusion: Hypofractionated PBI without acceleration is a safe alternative for WBI preserving the cosmesis of the irradiated breast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De acuerdo a los estudios realizado sobre la crisis financiera internacional del 2008 – 2009 se reabrió el debate sobre la “Hipótesis de desacople”. Esta hipótesis refleja la escasa transmisión de los shocks negativos producidos economías industrializadas hacia países emergentes. En la recopilación de estudios sobre el desacople, se encuentra lecturas sobre la sincronización del ciclo económico entre países, siendo la variable de estudio el PBI. En esta investigación se va analizar la relación comercial de EE.UU. con respecto al Perú con el objetivo de identificar la dependencia de la economía real con su socio comercial y de esta forma de poder prevenir futuros cambios negativos externos. Para verificar el cumplimiento de la hipótesis de desacople se utilizan el modelo econométrico: rolling analysis siendo un modelo nuevo para el Perú.

El presente artículo pretende contribuir al debate en torno al desempeño de la economía argentina en el largo plazo. Para ello, analizaremos el devenir del producto social tanto respecto de su carácter de valor como respecto de su carácter de valor de uso. A su vez, presentaremos estimaciones de la participación asalariada y del ingreso laboral no asalariado en el producto, a los fines de indagar sobre la evolución de su apropiación a lo largo del período estudiado. A tales fines, previamente, proponemos detenernos en lo ocurrido durante la posconvertibilidad a partir de un análisis comparado de las distintas series oficiales de cuentas nacionales publicadas por el INDEC para los años posteriores al nuevo año base 2004, conjuntamente con una propuesta de empalme con los datos históricos.