Effective Volume Research Articles

Topological comparison of flexible and semiflexible chains in polymer melts with θ-chains.

A central paradigm of polymer physics states that chains in melts behave like random walks as intra- and interchain interactions effectively cancel each other out. Likewise, θ-chains, i.e., chains at the transition from a swollen coil to a globular phase, are also thought to behave like ideal chains, as attractive forces are counterbalanced by repulsive entropic contributions. While the simple mapping to an equivalent Kuhn chain works rather well in most scenarios with corrections to scaling, random walks do not accurately capture the topology and knots, particularly for flexible chains. In this paper, we demonstrate with Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations that chains in polymer melts and θ-chains not only agree on a structural level for a range of stiffnesses but also topologically. They exhibit similar knotting probabilities and knot sizes, both of which are not captured by ideal chain representations. This discrepancy comes from the suppression of small knots in real chains, which is strongest for very flexible chains because excluded volume effects are still active locally and become weaker with increasing semiflexibility. Our findings suggest that corrections to ideal behavior are indeed similar for the two scenarios of real chains and that the structure and topology of a chain in a melt can be approximately reproduced by a corresponding θ-chain.

A Comparative Study of Frontal and Cerebellar Lobe Volumes Between Patients With First-Episode Schizophrenia and Healthy Controls and Its Association With Psychopathology and Neurological Soft Signs in Patients.

Objectives Our study aimed to investigate the fronto-cerebellar volumes in both patients and controls, as well as explore their relationship with symptomatology. Our primary objectives were to compare the frontal and cerebellar lobe volumetric measurements between patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and healthy controlsand to assess the relationship of these volumes with psychopathology, cognition, and neurological soft signs in FES patients. The secondary objective was to explore the association of fronto-cerebellar lobe volumes with socio-demographic factors among patients and controls, as well as the duration of untreated illness (DUI) among patients. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional, case-control study involving 60 participants, including 30 antipsychotic-naïve FES patients and 30 healthy controls. Participants underwent MRI scanning to measure frontal and cerebellar lobe volumes using the volBrain platform. Additionally, FES patients were assessedusing the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B), and Brief Motor Scale (BMS). Pearson's correlation, independent sample t-tests, multivariate linear regression, and binomial logistic regression were used to analyze the relationships between brain volumes, clinical assessments, and socio-demographic factors. Results No significant differences in frontal volumes were found between the two groups, while cerebellar volumes were significantly smaller in FES patients (p=0.004), particularly in younger males (p=0.026). Frontal volumes were negatively correlated with age in both groups (p=0.012), which remained robust in patients even after controlling for their gender, education, and DUI (p=0.012, aR2=0.221). Cerebellar volume reduction was associated with a higher likelihood of being classified as a patient (p=0.029). BMS was significantly correlated with frontal lobe volumes, especially in motor sequencing (MoSe), after adjusting for age, gender, and education (p=0.009). BMS MoSe scores were also significantly positively correlated with the DUI (r=0.415, p=0.023) and PANSS-General Psychopathology (GP) (r=0.494, p=0.005). MoCA-B scores were significantly lower in females than males (p=0.016), while PANSS-GP was significantly negatively correlated with age (r=-0.432, p=0.017). Conclusion Frontal and cerebellar volumes were differentially impacted in FES, with cerebellar atrophy being a significant distinguishing feature of the disorder. Frontal atrophy was associated with motor dysfunction but did not appear to influence psychopathology or cognition significantly in the early stages. The independent effects of frontal and cerebellar volumes, as shown by the lack of correlation between them, may suggest that these brain regions undergo separate pathological processes in schizophrenia, with frontal functional changes impacting motor function and cerebellar structural changes contributing to broader psychiatric symptoms,thereby warranting further exploration involving larger sample size.

Water volumes and mulches affect plant growth, leaf nutrient status and orchard soil mineral content of sweet orange cv. Mosambi

Day-by-day increasing irrigation water scarcity requires the application of water-saving irrigation techniques to sustain agriculture production. A two-year field investigation was conducted during 2018 to 2020 to determine the effects of various mulches and irrigation volumes on the growth, leaf chemicals and soil properties of one-year-old sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi. The study included three irrigation schedules, viz.100% ETc (I1), 80% ETc (I2), and 60% ETc (I3), and five different mulches were used, viz. without mulch, white polythene, coriander straw, dry grass and black polythene mulches, replicated thrice. Results demonstrated that drip irrigation with 100% ETc and mulching with black polythene mulch significantly increase the plant growth attributes like height of the plant (28.64%) (30.31%), rootstock girth (36.61%) (37.90%), plant canopy spread (E-W and N-S) (EW- 63.82%, NS- 63.87%) (EW- 67.56%, NS- 67.90%) and leaf area (2.4%) (2.34%). Furthermore, plant leaf chlorophyll content (2.41 mg g-1) (2.41 mg g-1) and leaf mineral content such as N (2.39%) (2.40%), P (0.16%) (0.165%), K (1.57%) (1.59%), Ca (47.34 g kg-1) (47.80 g kg-1), Mg (4.54 g kg-1) (4.57 g kg-1), Fe (120.51 g kg-1) (123.15 g kg-1) and Zn (39.00 g kg-1) (37.84 g kg-1) were noted to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in plants that received 100% (were ETc (I1) and mulching with black polythene mulch (M1) treatment. Taken together, the results suggested that treatments I1 and M1 have the potential to maximize plant growth, leaf chemicals and soil nutrients of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi plants.

Adaptive stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral metastases of non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common cause of brain metastases (BM). Adaptive stereotactic radiosurgery (ASRS) may be a useful option in the treatment of patients with large unresectable brain metastases (BM), but to date there are only a limited number of studies evaluating the effectiveness of this method.OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of ASRS in patients with large BM NSCLC not subject to surgical resection.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 37 patients suffering from NSCLC with 45 large (>2 cm in diameter, volume >4 cm3) unresectable BM treated with the Gamma Knife Perfexion model using two- and three-fraction ASRS. Of these, 14 foci (31.1%) were metastases of squamous cell lung cancer, 31 (68.9%) were metastases of adenocarcinoma. The median volume of lesions treated with ASRS was 9.8 (range 4.6–30.6 cm3). The dynamics of volume changes between fractions and the cumulative incidence of local relapses (CILR) were studied, and ROC analysis was performed for the tumor volume parameter. Intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Statistics: To establish statistical significance of differences for related variables, the Wilcoxon test for pairwise comparisons and the Friedman test for three or more groups were used. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate local control, PFS, and OS rates. The log-rank test was used to compare survival data in two groups.RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 19.4 months. With two-fraction ASRS, the median volume of metastasis decreased by 28.6% by the second session, with three-fraction — by 40.0% by the third session. The 1-year and 2-year CILR rates were 8.6±6.1%, respectively; 26.1±12.3%. In ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for tumor volume was 0.80 (95% CI 0.6– 1.0) with an optimal cutoff of 18.5 cm3. The differences in CILR between the groups with metastasis volume <18.5 cm3 and ≥18.5 cm3 were statistically significant (p<0.001). Median iPFS was 8.3 (95% CI 5.9–10.7) months, 1-year iPFS was 33.5±8.1%;2-year — 7.8±5.2%. Median OS was 13.2 (95% CI 9.0–17.4) months; 1-year OS — 52.9±8.7%, 2-year — 22.4±8.8%.DISCUSSION: Using two- and three-fraction ASRS, we delivered doses to large BM sufficient for a high level of local control with an acceptable risk of neurotoxicity: 1-year local control was 91.4%; 2-year — 73.9%; the incidence of radionecrosis is 8.5%. A statistically significant effect of lesion volume ≥18.5 cm3 on the risk of local recurrence was found. The iPFS and OS indicators after ASRS can be considered satisfactory for this group of patients.CONCLUSION: ASRS is an effective and perhaps optimal strategy for the treatment of large unresectable BM in patients with NSCLC, but comparison with other modern radiotherapy modalities such as stereotactic hypofractionated radiotherapy and WBRT with simultaneous integrated boost is needed.

Analysis Of The Influence Of Port Export And Import Volume On Economic Growth In North Sumatera And West Sumatera Provinces

Using a quantitative approach, this study investigates the effect of port export and import volumes on economic growth in North Sumatra and West Sumatra Provinces. Time series data from the World Bank and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) from 2006 to 2023 are used as secondary data. The analysis uses the ARDL Panel model, which allows for analysis of data dynamics across time and regions. The results show that the three main indicators that affect economic growth (GRDP) in both provinces, both in the short and long term, are export volume, inflation, and exchange rates. In North Sumatra, export volume has a positive impact on GRDP, while import volume has a negative impact, indicating a risk of dependence on imports. Controlled inflation also has a positive impact, while the exchange rate shows a diversion. Policy recommendations are expected to improve global competitiveness and exchange rate stability through coordination of fiscal and monetary policies, support for the Export Capacity Building Program and MSMEs through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Framework (RCEP), and export diversification to reduce dependence on certain commodities. This study emphasizes that policies that are responsive to changes in trade at the national to international levels are an important foundation for stabilizing sustainable economic growth.

Crowder Chain Length Variability and Excluded Volume Effect on the Phase Separation Behavior of Mucin.

Phase separation within cellular membranes, a critical process underpinning diverse cellular functions, is significantly influenced by transmembrane proteins. Therefore, elucidating the behavior of a transmembrane protein in its phase-separated state is of utmost importance. Our study explores mucin behavior in the cellular milieu, aiming to determine the role of crowder chain length and excluded volume in phase separation. Confocal microscopy images demonstrate the strong partitioning of mucin into the condensed phase influenced by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis revealed increased mobility in the presence of shorter chain length crowders, indicating the dynamic behavior of protein within condensed phases. Excluded volume calculation using the theoretical model emphasizes its importance in mucin phase separation under crowded conditions. Our findings underscore the ability of mucin to phase-separate under crowded conditions, highlighting the crucial role of excluded volume and enhancing our understanding of its involvement in cancer progression.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of branched-chain amino acids and their ketoacids from dried blood spot as secondary analytes for the detection of maple syrup urine disease

BackgroundMaple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an aminoacidopathy caused by a defective branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex, leading to the accumulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their respective keto acids (BCKAs). A comprehensive test was developed to measure BCAAs and BCKAs using LC-MS from dried blood spot (DBS) samples for the diagnosis and prevention of MSUD in newborns and infants. MethodsAnalytes were extracted from DBS using a methanol:0.1 % v/v formic acid solution (75:25) containing internal standards and analyzed on a Luna PFP column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 3 µm) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, carry-over, matrix effect, hematocrit, blood volume, and punch position effects. Biomarker stability in the matrix and stock solution was assessed. Correlation with the plasma method was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. The method established reference ranges for the Udupi district population in South India. ResultsThe method demonstrated linearity (r2 > 0.99), with a lower limit of detection at 2 µM (BCAA) and 1 µM (BCKA), and acceptable recovery of QC samples. Hematocrit, blood volume, punch position, and storage condition effects were within acceptable limits. Correlation and Bland-Altman analysis showed strong interconvertibility between plasma and DBS assays. Reference ranges for leucine, isoleucine, valine, KIC, KIV, and KMV were established. ConclusionThe developed DBS method, requiring no derivatization and involving simple sample preparation with short run times, is a cost-effective and reliable approach for the confirmatory diagnosis of MSUD.

Breast induration and irradiated volume in the DBCG HYPO trial: The impact of age, smoking, and boost

PurposeTo investigate the association between irradiated breast volume and grade 2–3 breast induration three years after radiotherapy in the phase III Danish Breast Cancer Group HYPO trial randomizing patients ≥ 41 years to whole breast irradiation (WBI) with 40 Gy/15fr versus 50 Gy/25fr. MethodsTreatment plans were available for all Danish patients. Associations between frequency of induration and irradiated volume, age, smoking status, and boost were assessed by logistic regression. A sequential boost was given to patients < 50 years or in case of a narrow (<2 mm) resection margin. ResultsRT plans from 1,333 patients were analyzed with 178 (13 %) having grade 2–3 induration. 1135 patients had only WBI. For this group, induration was correlated with irradiated breast volume for patients ≥ 65 years (n = 343, 10 %/22 % for small/large irradiated volumes, p = 0.005) but not for patients aged 50–64 years (n = 792, 11 % for both small and large volumes, p = 0.82). Smoking doubled the frequency irrespective of irradiated volume and age. All patients < 50 years (n = 156) had a boost. A volume effect was found for this group (5 %/21 % induration for small/large volume, p = 0.002). 42 patients ≥ 50 years had a boost and 14 (33 %) had grade 2–3 induration, however, with a p-value > 0.05 due to the few numbers of patients. ConclusionA relationship between irradiated breast volume and 3-year frequency of breast induration was found for patients ≥ 65 years, whilst not for patients aged 50–64 years. Smoking doubled the risk of induration irrespective of volume and age. A dose-induration relationship was seen for boost patients < 50 years.

PENGARUH VOLUME KENDARAAN TERHADAP KERUSAKAN JALAN PADA RUAS JALAN LEMBAR SELATAN - KEBUN AYU

Roads are an important factor in ensuring continued comfort and safety for all motorists, based on observations in the field, the condition of the South South Sheet crossing road to Kebun Ayu, which is approximately 5.7 km long, needs to be taken seriously and handled seriously by the government because the condition of the road has many potholes and bumps. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of vehicle volume on the level of road damage, and to determine the relationship between vehicle volume and the level of road damage on flexible pavement. This research is a case study research on the South South Sheet crossing road to Kebun Ayu. The data used in this research is secondary data such as road data and traffic volume data obtained from the West Lombok Regency Bina Marga service. Meanwhile, primary data obtained directly in the field includes vehicle volume data recorded during peak hours. The results of field data analysis showed that the road damage value (Nr) on the Southsheet – Kebun Ayu road was obtained with an average value (Nr) of 68.2; The traffic volume at peak hours based on passenger car units (pcu/hour) on the Kebun Ayu – South Sheet road is 560 pcu/hour, and in the South South Sheet - Kebun Ayu direction it is 546 pcu/hour. The equation for traffic volume analysis related to the value of road damage and time is Y = 0,025 X1 + 0,101 X2 + 25,74 with the magnitude of R2 or the correlation between variable x and variable y of 0.86 or 86%

Effect of clearance volume on the internal flow characteristics and output performance of oil-gas multiphase reciprocating pump

In the production of oil and natural gas, excessive clearance volume is an important factor affecting the normal operation of oil-gas multiphase pump. Currently, little research has been conducted on the effect of clearance volume on the output characteristics of multiphase pump at home and abroad, leading to extremely low efficiency in the field application of multiphase pump. Therefore, this study conducted numerical calculations on the internal flow characteristics and output performance of multiphase pump under different clearance volumes using FLUENT software. Results show that pressure and fluid velocity gradually decrease as the clearance volume increases. Simultaneously, the number and intensity of vortex flow gradually increase, media pressurization speed becomes slower, and the lag angle of the discharge valve opening becomes larger. Moreover, under conditions with a higher gas volume fraction, multiphase pump with larger clearance volumes experiences gas locking. Furthermore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable design of clearance volume for multiphase pump by drawing a relationship curve between gas volume fraction and clearance volume. These research findings can provide theoretical support for the performance optimization and design improvement of multiphase pumps.

ALS-Based, Automated, Single-Tree 3D Reconstruction and Parameter Extraction Modeling

The 3D reconstruction of point cloud trees and the acquisition of stand factors are key to supporting forestry regulation and urban planning. However, the two are usually independent modules in existing studies. In this work, we extended the AdTree method for 3D modeling of trees by adding a quantitative analysis capability to acquire stand factors. We used unmanned aircraft LiDAR (ALS) data as the raw data for this study. After denoising the data and segmenting the single trees, we obtained the single-tree samples needed for this study and produced our own single-tree sample dataset. The scanned tree point cloud was reconstructed in three dimensions in terms of geometry and topology, and important stand parameters in forestry were extracted. This improvement in the quantification of model parameters significantly improves the utility of the original point cloud tree reconstruction algorithm and increases its ability for quantitative analysis. The tree parameters obtained by this improved model were validated on 82 camphor pine trees sampled from the Northeast Forestry University forest. In a controlled experiment with the same field-measured parameters, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) and coefficients of determination (R2s) for diameters at breast height (DBHs) and crown widths (CWs) were 4.1 cm and 0.63, and 0.61 m and 0.74, and the RMSEs and coefficients of determination (R2s) for heights at tree height (THs) and crown base heights (CBHs) were 0.55 m and 0.85, and 1.02 m and 0.88, respectively. The overall effect of the canopy volume extracted based on the alpha shape is closest to the original point cloud and best estimated when alpha = 0.3.

Exploring non-thermal plasma technology for microalgae removal

The global population and economic development surge has substantially increased water demand, resulting in heightened sewage and pollutant generation, posing environmental hazards. Addressing this challenge necessitates the implementation of efficient and cost-effective water reclamation methods. Non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) has emerged as a promising solution, garnering attention for its superior efficiency compared to alternatives. While existing studies have predominantly focused on energy efficiency and pollutant removal, limited research has delved into the biological removal aspect, particularly concerning algae. This study utilized a dielectric barrier plasma diffuser to eliminate Spirulina microalgae (Spirulina platensis) from wastewater solutions, demonstrating higher algae removal and superior mass transfer compared to alternative plasma methods. The effect of sample volume, input voltage and power, flow rate, and initial solution concentration on the algae removal was investigated. Investigation of operational parameters revealed the best condition resulting in a 98 % removal rate and 20 g/kWh energy efficiency. The best conditions for the removal of Spirulina microalgae were considered in a sample volume of 50 mL, a voltage of 7.6 kV, a flow rate of 700 mL/min, and an initial solution concentration of 1280 mg/liter. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images illustrated the impact of active species on cell structure, leading to the destruction of spiral form and loss of reproductive ability. The study underscores the potential of NTP for efficient algae removal and identifies key active species involved in the process. The removal of Spirulina microalgae was attributed to a combination of singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radicals, and ozone.

Evaluation of the prognostic effectiveness of liver metastasis volume by volumetric measurement in colorectal cancer.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between liver metastasis volume and survival in colorectal cancer patients using the volumetric measurement method.Methods: 114 colorectal cancer patients with isolated liver metastases were included in the study. Liver tumor volume, total liver volume were calculated from the patients images at the time of diagnosis. Vitrea 7.14 imaging software was used for liver volume analysis and volume analysis of each metastasis.Results: Median overall survival(OS) in the group with tumor volume <42ml3 was 30.98months In the group with tumor volume ≥42ml3, median OS was 16.36months (p: 0.001). In patients who underwent metastasectomy, the median OS in the group with a tumor volume <42ml3 was 52.3months, the median OS in the group with a tumor volume ≥42ml3 was 22.2months. In patients who did not undergo metastasectomy, the median OS in the <42ml3 group was 20.23months, the median OS in the ≥42ml3 group was 15.63months.Conclusion: In our study, we found that liver metastasis volume was prognostic for OS. It is argued that tumor volume measurement by volumetric measurement is a widely used method in the decision for metastasectomy in liver metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Assessment of the Volume Effect and Application of an Improved Tracer in Physical Model of a Single-Strand Bare Tundish

Assessment of the Volume Effect and Application of an Improved Tracer in Physical Model of a Single-Strand Bare Tundish

The effects of the traffic signs information volume on the visual characteristics and workload of novice and experienced drivers.

The effects of traffic sign information volume (TSIV) on the visual characteristics and workload of novice and experienced drivers were investigated in this study. TSIV plays a crucial role in road traffic safety, and understanding its impact on drivers is essential for designing effective traffic sign systems. This research aimed to compare the visual characteristics and workload of novice and experienced drivers under varying TSIV doses through simulated driving tests. The objective was to provide insights for optimizing the design of road TSIV. Six TSIV levels were considered: S0, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, representing different workload levels. Participants, including both novice and experienced drivers, were involved in simulated driving scenarios with varying TSIV levels. Eye movement data was collected using an eye tracker device. The study was conducted in China, and appropriate driving simulators and equipment were utilized. The findings revealed several valuable results. Experienced drivers exhibited a higher proportion of saccade behavior in the 30-90 ms time period and did not show rapid saccade behavior during the 0-30 ms period, indicating superior visual search strategies. Both novice and experienced drivers demonstrated improved visual cognitive abilities at the S3 level of TSIV, which corresponds to normal and safe driving conditions. Furthermore, a majority of both groups had saccade amplitudes in the range of 0°-4°, with experienced drivers showing a slightly higher proportion. About 82% of experienced drivers had saccade behavior within the range of 0°-2°, compared to 75% of novice drivers. The study concludes that the S3 level of TSIV, corresponding to 30 bits/km, is optimal for both novice and experienced drivers. This level promotes better visual performance and reduces visual workload, indicating that drivers' information acquisition capacity and visual search strategies are maximized while keeping the workload associated with driving at a minimum. These findings have significant implications for enhancing driving safety.

Investigating the distribution of a unique crustacean microendemic to tree hollows.

Water-filled tree hollows constitute phytotelmata that harbor specialized organisms. One striking example of extreme adaptation to these microhabitats is the case of the microcrustacean Micromoina arboricola, which has been found inhabiting the hollow of a single tree individual in the Atlantic Forest. We investigated the spatial distribution and influence of microhabitat characteristics such as hollow volume and height from the ground in the occurrence of M. arboricola. We surveyed all the trunks present in ca. 5000 m2 of an Atlantic old-growth forest area. We found M. arboricola individuals in 75% of the hollows, thus expanding the known distribution of the species. Spatial analysis suggested a clustered pattern of population densities across hollows, indicating that the dispersal capacity to new microhabitat patches may vary in space. Although we did not find an effect of hollow volume, population density was negatively related to hollow height. This suggests that more restrictive abiotic conditions at greater heights limit the occurrence of the species, emphasizing its vulnerability to environmental changes. Hollow-mediated ecosystem engineering depends on the occasional formation of cavities that require time and ancient trees. Preserving old forests with hollows under varying conditions tends to maintain ecosystem functionality and the conservation of this unique microendemic species.

Effect of reverberation chamber volume on result of qualification procedure for loudspeaker and loudspeaker positions for airborne sound insulation measurements

Measurement of sound insulation from airborne sound is carried out by determining the level of sound power radiated by the test item. In laboratory practice, this translates into measuring the sound level in the transmitting and receiving chambers and measuring the reverberation time in the receiving chamber. When performing these measurements, significant fluctuations in the sound level for low frequencies can be observed, which is related to the occurrence of standing waves inside the chambers. To ensure proper level averaging, as well as repeatability and reproducibility of measurements ISO 10140-5 describes a qualification procedure for sources and source positions. This article presents the effect of increasing the volume of the source chamber on the results of the qualification procedure for sources and source positions for floor airborne sound insulation measurements.

Benefit of Whole-Pelvis Radiation for Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Inverse Probability Treatment Weighted Analysis.

The value of pelvic lymph node irradiation is debated for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing curative-intent radiation therapy (RT). We sought to compare the oncological outcomes between bladder-only (BO)-RT and whole-pelvis (WP)-RT using a large Canadian multicenter collaborative database. The study cohort consisted of 809 patients with MIBC (cT2-4aN0-2M0) who underwent curative RT at academic centers across Canada. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the RT volume: WP-RT versus BO-RT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and absolute standardized differences (ASDs) were used to balance covariates across treatment groups. Regression models were used to assess the effect of the RT volume on the rates of complete response (CR), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). After exclusion criteria, 599 patients were included, of whom 369 (61.6%) underwent WP-RT. Patients receiving WP-RT were younger (ASD, 0.41) and more likely to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1 (ASD, 0.21), clinical node-positive disease (ASD, 0.40), and lymphovascular invasion (ASD, 0.25). In addition, WP-RT patients were more commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ASD, 0.29) and concurrent chemotherapy (ASD, 0.44). In the IPTW cohort, BO-RT and WP-RT groups were well balanced (all pretreatment parameters with an ASD <0.10). In multivariable analysis, WP-RT was not associated with CR rates post-RT (odds ratio, 1.14 [95 CI, 0.76 to 1.72]; P = .526) but was associated with both CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.47 to 0.93]; P = .016) and OS (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.87]; P = .002), independent of other prognostic factors. Our study demonstrated that WP radiation was associated with better survival compared with bladder radiation alone after adjusted analysis. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Assessment of dissociation enthalpies of methane hydrates in the absence and presence of ionic liquids using the Clausius-Clapeyron approach

The Clausius-Clapeyron (CC) equation is generally preferred to obtain dissociation enthalpies (ΔH) of hydrate-forming systems due to its ease of use. The application of other direct and indirect methods becomes more problematic if complex additives such as ionic liquids (ILs) are also present in the system. In this work, around 400 equilibrium data points for methane hydrates in the presence of over 80 ILs were collected from the literature in the temperature and pressure ranges of (272.10 – 306.07) K and (2.48 – 100.34) MPa, respectively. The ΔH of methane hydrates in the absence and presence of ionic liquids (ILs) have been calculated using the CC equation. The compressibility factor (z), required to calculate ΔH at each phase equilibrium condition has been obtained from three different approaches viz., Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state, Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) equation of state and Pitzer (Pz) correlation. The results were compared to the experimentally reported dissociation enthalpy (54.5 ± 1.5 kJ.mol−1) of methane hydrates. The role of the compressibility factor along with the slope of the equilibrium data set and the temperature/pressure range in determining the outcome of the CC equation has been discussed. The effect of molar mass, molar volume, and hydrate suppression temperature of the ILs on the ΔH of methane hydrates has been explored. The tested ILs do not show a systematic and significant influence on enthalpies, rather they show a large scattering in the ΔH values, which might mask any existing subtle effect of the ILs on the dissociation enthalpies. Therefore, this approach should be dealt with care to obtain molecular-level insights.

Advantages, disadvantages and optimization of organ-sparing methods for uterine fibroids treatment

Introduction. Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign monoclonal hormone-depended tumors originating from smooth myocytes of cervix or body uterus affecting up to 29 % of women aged 15–45 years worldwide. Taking into account the current demographic situation and annually increasing tendency for pregnancy planning at older reproductive age, an organ-sparing strategy is becoming a first-priority approach for UF treatment.Aim: to investigate efficiency of selective progesterone receptors modulators (SPRM) for UF treatment in women of reproductive age.Materials and Methods. A prospective cohort study involved 40 patients with UF at average age of 39.3 ± 5.8 years. Using simple randomization, the patients were divided into 2 groups per 20 subjects in each. The average age of the patients was comparable and comprised 38.15 ± 5.65 and 40.5 ± 5.8 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.203). In both groups, after assessing liver function tests in accordance with the instructions, a treatment course with SPRM group drug (ulipristal acetate) was used at a daily dose of 5 mg for 84 days (1 course) with an interval until the onset of second menstruation after drug withdrawal. Group 1 and group 2 subjects received 2 and 3 therapy courses, respectively. After each course, patients underwent control ultrasound examinations (UE) by analyzing uterus volume and diameter of dominant myomatous node along with liver tests. A temporal quantitation of the difference between UF and dominant node two sizes as well as the maximum uterine volume size and effect size assessment was expressed as the difference of means (Δ) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI).Results. Based on UE data, the uterus size in group 1 was enlarged to an average of 129.49 ± 75.57 cm3, the maximum size of dominant node was 38.9 ± 17.38 mm; in group 2, the uterus was as large as 294.83 ± 161.37 cm3 with maximum size of the dominant node of 53.33 ± 25.48 mm. After therapy in group 1, dominant node size was significant regressed: after therapy course 1 an effect size of quantitated difference between UF two sizes and the dominant node (Δ) was 8.70 (4.11; 13.29) mm (p &lt; 0.001). After therapy course 2 vs. therapy course 1, a size stabilization (Δ) was noted comprising 1.00 (–1.39; 3.39) mm (p = 0.390); the total effect (Δ) was 9.67 (–14.59; –4.75) mm (p &lt;0.001). In group 2, after therapy course 1, the dominant node also regressed, with effect size (Δ) of 9.49 (7.08; 11.89) mm (p = 0.001). The effect (Δ) after therapy course 2 vs. therapy course 1 in group 2 was more prominent reaching 10.74 (5.86; 15.61) mm (p = 0.001). However, after therapy course 3, a larger node size was observed compared to therapy course 2 – (Δ) 8.25 (0.67; 15.83) mm (p = 0.329). Despite the lack of pronounced negative dynamics, based on medical indications 9 patients in group 2 underwent uterine artery embolization to prevent disease relapse.Conclusion. SPRM therapy can be used both as an independent means for MM therapy and in combination with surgical interventions. Such an approach allows for some women to become pregnant without preceding myomectomy, whereas for those approaching age-related menopause to avoid surgical treatment and gently enter natural postmenopause. Currently, conservative and surgical treatment methods for leiomyomas should complement each other to achieve the best clinical outcomes.