Robust Basis Research Articles

Analysis of ultrasonic imaging changes and factors related to malignant transformation in postmenopausal patients with endometrial polyps.

To examine the ultrasonic changes in postmenopausal endometrial polyps and analyze factors related to their malignant transformation. This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 200 postmenopausal patients with endometrial polyps treated at Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital and Pingyin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2020 to December 2023. All patients underwent pathological biopsies to diagnose the nature of the endometrial polyps. This study compared the clinical and ultrasonic imaging features of these patients and analyzed factors influencing the malignant transformation of postmenopausal endometrial polyps. Pathological findings classified 160 patients (80.00%) into the benign group and 40 patients (20.00%) into the malignant group. Significant differences were noted in endometrial thickness, polyp diameter, heterogeneity of lesion echogenicity, and vascularization between the groups (all P<0.05). The malignant group exhibited notably higher blood flow (Grade II+III constituted 70.00% compared to 29.38% in the benign group, P<0.05). The time average velocity (TAV), pulse index (PI), and resistance index (RI) were significantly lower in the malignant group (all P<0.05). The area under curve (AUC) values for TAV, PI, and RI in diagnosing malignant endometrial polyps were 0.754, 0.713, and 0.771, respectively. Increased body mass index (BMI), irregular premenopausal menstruation, and ≥2 occurrences of postmenopausal bleeding were identified as risk factors for malignant transformation (all P<0.05). These six indicators were used to create a predictive model for malignant transformation, achieving an AUC of 0.942. Malignancy in postmenopausal endometrial polyps is uncommon, yet distinct differences exist in the transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound characteristics between benign and malignant cases. Factors such as increased BMI, irregular premenopausal menstruation, and ≥2 occurrences of postmenopausal bleeding significantly contribute to the risk of malignant transformation. These findings, combined with ultrasound features, provide a robust basis for screening and monitoring these patients.

The Roles of Strategic Leadership in Ensuring Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Empirical Evidence from Pharmaceutical Distribution in Emerging Markets

This research addresses the crucial yet underexplored area of strategic leadership roles in enhancing sustainable competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical distribution sector of emerging markets, particularly focusing on South Africa. The relevance of this study lies in its exploration of strategic leadership within a sector experiencing significant growth and global competition, specifically in the context of emerging markets where such investigations are scarce. The primary aim is to delineate strategic leadership roles crucial for fostering sustainable competitive advantage in this sector. The choice of the pharmaceutical distribution sector in South Africa as the research object is due to its dynamic nature and the unique challenges it presents in emerging markets. This study covers a significant period that reflects the evolving dynamics of the industry. Utilising a qualitative research methodology, the study involves in-depth interviews with 10 strategic leaders in South African pharmaceutical distribution firms. This approach provides a robust informational and statistical basis for the research. Through thematic analyses, the research uncovers five key strategic leadership roles: setting strategic direction, managing business complexity, promoting organisational structure, managing organisational culture, and developing human resources. These roles are pivotal in establishing and maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical distribution industry in emerging markets. The study confirms the hypothesis that effective strategic leadership is vital for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. It reveals specific trends and quantitative regularities in leadership strategies that contribute to this goal. This research offers substantial practical significance for managerial decision-making in the pharmaceutical distribution industry, particularly in emerging markets. Its insights are crucial for leaders aiming to create and sustain competitive advantage, thereby contributing to the industry’s growth and stability. Furthermore, it lays a foundation for future investigations across various contexts within the pharmaceutical sector and different leadership perspectives.

Ethnic Minority Education in Myanmar

This observe explores ethnic minority education in Myanmar through a quantitative evaluation of demographic traits, academic overall performance, get entry to to instructional sources, and perceptions of the getting to know surroundings amongst three hundred participants. The findings reveal a balanced gender distribution and variations in ethnic illustration, emphasizing the want for focused interventions. Despite stereotypes, the moderately excessive imply GPA underscores educational achievements among ethnic minority students. Positive perceptions of library availability advise a robust basis, while demanding situations in computer get entry to factor to areas for development. The take a look at highlights the significance of fostering inclusive and culturally responsive mastering environments to address nuanced perspectives. As Myanmar ambitions for national harmony and sustainable improvement, those findings make a contribution to shaping rules and interventions for an equitable schooling device that embraces the wealthy diversity of its ethnic minority students.

LOW-CARBON INITIATIVES IN THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CARBON MARKET IN BRAZIL

Purpose: This paper analyzes the low-carbon initiatives of Brazilian pulp and paper companies, highlighting their relevance to the national carbon market.Methodology/Approach: The adopted method consists of documentary research, using secondary data from sustainability reports and institutional websites of the pulp and paper companies studied. The study analyzed the five largest companies in the sector in Brazil. Findings: The pulp and paper companies analyzed adopt low-carbon practices, such as emission inventory, eco-efficient operations, replacement of fossil fuel-based products, sustainable products, and biomass utilization. In the carbon market, they operate through certifications, carbon sequestration projects, and credit sales.Research, practical &amp; social implications: The study provides a detailed analysis of the decarbonization strategies adopted by companies in the pulp and paper sector, establishing a robust theoretical basis for understanding low-carbon economy practices.Originality/ Value: By demonstrating paths to sustainability, this work offers guidelines for companies within and outside the pulp and paper sector, driving the adoption of more environmentally friendly practices.Keywords: low-carbon economies; carbon-neutral companies; carbon market; net-zero emissions practices.

Social and Environmental Conflicts: Conservation Units as an Element Generating Conflicts Involving Traditional Peoples and Communities

Purpose: The Study aims to conceptualize what Conservation Units are within a look at the way they are constituted; also bringing the concept of Traditional Peoples and Communities, how they recognize themselves as culturally differentiated peoples. The Study is based on Conservation Units and sustainable development, with an analysis of territorial and social conflicts. Method: Methodologically, we analyze the relationship and the related conflicts, analyzing their legal structures and scientific articles. Such as the Federal Constitution, Scientific Studies of the Federal Public Ministry, Ongoing Federal Court Processes. Results and conclusion: The State and Society have the duty to raise awareness in a more emphatic and effective way by being a defender and propagator of knowledge among traditional peoples and communities, the importance of environmental preservation and sustainable development. Participatory management to bring balance between Traditionalists, the State, Large Companies, Investors, Loggers, Garimpeiros and Farmers so that the interests of the different branches of our society can be made compatible. The lack of resolution would imply an agreement to minimize the negative impacts on Traditional Peoples and Communities. Research implications: The proposed research has significant implications and offers substantial value for several reasons: Conceptualization and In-depth Analysis: Understanding Conservation Units: Detailed exploration of the formation and constitution of Conservation Units, offering a broad and conceptual view. Identification of Traditional Peoples: Addresses the identity and recognition of Traditional Peoples and Communities, highlighting their distinct cultural characteristics. Analysis of Relationships and Conflicts: Examination of the Relationship between Traditional Peoples and Conservation Units: Offers a critical analysis of the conflicts emerging from the overlap between the territories of Traditional Peoples and the areas of Conservation Units. Legal and Scientific Base: Solid foundation through the analysis of legal structures and review of scientific articles, offering a robust theoretical basis. Search for Solutions and Resolution of Conflicts: Focus on Conflict Resolution: Proposes the search for solutions that can harmonize the interests of Traditional Peoples and Conservation Units, aiming for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Emphasis on Dialogue and Harmonious Coexistence: Originality/value: Interdisciplinary Approach: The intersection between legal, environmental and social issues offers a unique perspective, adding value to the scientific field. Contribution to Public Policies: The results can guide more inclusive and sustainable policies, seeking to balance environmental conservation and the rights of traditional communities. The research seeks to transcend the simple description of conflicts, aiming to contribute to the resolution of these complex impasses, promoting harmonious and sustainable coexistence between Traditional Peoples and Conservation Units. Its originality and conceptual and practical breadth are key factors that add value and relevance to the study.

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemberian Tunjangan Karyawan Menggunakan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

This research aims to address the issues surrounding the allocation of employee benefits at TVRI Nusa Tenggara Timur. Currently, the decision-making process for benefits is solely based on recommendations from supervisors, without taking into consideration employee performance, potentially leading to social jealousy and suboptimal outcomes. In this study, we develop a Decision Support System (DSS) utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to assess employee performance. AHP allows for a hierarchical and objective breakdown of multi-factor problems. The criteria used for evaluation include attendance, behavior, length of service, and dependents. It is expected that the implementation of this DSS will enhance transparency and objectivity in decision-making, minimize employee dissatisfaction, and provide a more robust basis for benefit allocation decisions. This research offers practical contributions to human resource management and decision-making at TVRI Nusa Tenggara Timur.

On the use of property-oriented basis sets for the simulation of vibrational chiroptical spectroscopies

We computed vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra for a test set of six chiral compounds using two standard density-functionals and an array of basis sets. We analysed the performance of property-oriented basis sets using a quadruple-zeta basis as a reference against four key metrics. We find little qualitative difference between the spectra produced by the larger basis sets (ORP, LPolX, aug-cc-pVTZ, and aug-cc-pVQZ), though their quantitative metrics exhibit wide variations. The smaller basis sets (rDPS, augD-3-21G, augT3-3-21G, Sadlej-pVTZ, and aug-cc-pVDZ) performed better for VCD rotatory strengths than for the corresponding ROA circular intensity differences (CIDs). However, this trend diminishes as the basis-set size is increased, lending validity to the conclusion that more robust property-oriented basis sets are required for ROA spectral generation than that of VCD. We observed improved performance in the mid-infrared region compared to the high-frequency regime, as well as overestimation of VCD rotatory strengths in the latter region as compared to the reference. We conclude that the ORP and LPol-ds basis sets are the most efficient and effective choices of basis set for the prediction of VCD and ROA spectra, as they provide both highly accurate results at reduced computational expense.

Exploring Learning Autonomy: An Investigation into the Perceptions and Practices of ENCG Students in the Acquisition of English Language Skills

This study investigates the notion of learner autonomy in EFL in the Moroccan School of Business and Management (ENCG). The concept of autonomy aims to empower learners to possess the necessary life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and creativity to excel both personally and professionally. Learner autonomy was first introduced in the late 1970s and since then has been considered a learning goal in most educational curricula. In Morocco, all educational reforms, especially after 2000, have stressed the urgent need for key life skills to meet the requirements of the job market and globalised world. The present study examines the perceptions and practices of ENCG students towards learner autonomy in EFL. A sample of 662 ENCG students completed an online survey to gather quantitative data. Findings revealed that learners hold positive attitudes towards learner autonomy and they take part in activities depicting autonomous practices and behaviours. These students demonstrate a strong awareness of strategies that contribute to learner autonomy and exhibit motivation to independently acquire English language skills at ENCG. In summary, the research establishes a robust basis for the potential growth and expansion of learner autonomy across various universities in Morocco.

Fast 3D reconstruction via event-based structured light with spatio-temporal coding.

Event-based structured light (SL) systems leverage bio-inspired event cameras, which are renowned for their low latency and high dynamics, to drive progress in high-speed structured light systems. However, existing event-based structured light methods concentrate on the independent construction of either time-domain or space-domain features for stereo matching, ignoring the spatio-temporal consistency towards depth. In this work, we build an event-based SL system that consists of a laser point projector and an event camera, and we devise a spatial-temporal coding strategy that realizes depth encoding in dual domains through a single shot. To exploit the spatio-temporal synergy, we further present STEM, a novel Spatio-Temporal Enhanced Matching approach for 3D reconstruction. STEM is comprised of two parts, the spatio-temporal enhancing (STE) algorithm and the spatio-temporal matching (STM) algorithm. Specifically, STE integrates the dual-domain information to increase the saliency of the temporal coding, providing a more robust basis for matching. STM is a stereo matching algorithm explicitly tailored to the unique characteristics of event data modality, which computes the disparity via a meticulously designed hybrid cost function. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed method, achieving a reconstruction rate of 16 fps and a low root mean square error of 0.56 mm at a distance of 0.72 m.

A framework for national-scale predictions of forage dry mass in Senegal: UAVs as an intermediate step between field measurements and Sentinel-2 images

ABSTRACT Monitoring available feed for livestock is a key factor for developing pastoralism in the Sahel, and satellite images has proven useful in monitoring dry mass on large spatial scales. This approach requires field measurements of dry mass (herbaceous and woody plants) to calibrate such models based on Earth observation data. However, the need for representative field measurements can be a challenge when considering the low spatial resolution of available satellite data. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) can produce very high-resolution images, so we tested UAVs as an intermediate step between field measurements and satellite images, to bridge the difference in spatial scale. We used 43 orthomosaics from a red-green-blue (RGB) UAV sensor in combination with field measurements of herbaceous and woody dry biomass at sites located primarily in the northern/central and southernmost parts of Senegal. We developed a dry mass model trained with filed observed measurements to be applied on the UAV orthomosaics. The dry mass information obtained from these UAV maps was subsequently related to vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 data to produce a national-scale 10 m spatial resolution baseline map of herbaceous and woody dry mass for Senegal in 2020. We obtained a high correlation between dry mass derived from UAV and Sentinel-2 indices (R² = 0.91), suggesting a robust basis for national-scale mapping. Lastly, our map was compared with a state-of-the-art annual reference map based on satellite remote sensing. This comparison showed a difference of 21 million tons of dry mass at national level. We concluded that bridging the spatial gap between field and satellite observations using spatially representative UAV data collection is a cost-effective approach for accurate mapping of dry mass at national level using freely available Sentinel-2 satellite data.

Can central bank digital currencies help advance financial inclusion?

Central banks around the world are considering how retail central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) may help to advance financial inclusion. While CBDCs are not a magic bullet, they could be a further tool to promote universal access to payments and other financial services if this goal features prominently in the design from the get-go. In particular, central banks can consider design options to: (1) promote innovation in the two-tiered financial system (eg allowing for non-bank payment service providers); (2) offer a robust and low-cost public sector technological basis (with novel interfaces and offline payments); (3) facilitate enrolment (via simplified due diligence and electronic know-your-customer processes) and data portability; and (4) foster interoperability (both domestically and across borders). Together, these features can address a range of specific barriers to financial inclusion: geographic remoteness, institutional and regulatory factors, economic and market structure issues, characteristics of vulnerability, lack of financial literacy and low trust in existing financial institutions. This paper draws on interviews with nine central banks with advanced work on CBDCs and financial inclusion — the Central Bank of the Bahamas, Bank of Canada, People’s Bank of China, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Bank of Ghana, Central Bank of Malaysia, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Bank of Ukraine and Central Bank of Uruguay. It gives concrete examples from the central banks’ work and discusses challenges, risks and regulatory and legal implications. It argues that while CBDCs hold promise for furthering financial inclusion, CBDC issuance may also require new laws and regulations to be enacted, or existing laws to be revised.

Streptomyces koelreuteriae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Koelreuteria paniculata and healthy leaves of Xanthium sibiricum.

Two actinomycete strains, designated MG62T and CRLD-Y-1, were isolated from rhizosphere soil of Koelreuteria paniculata and healthy leaves of Xanthium sibiricum, respectively, in Hunan province, PR China. They could produce abundant aerial mycelia that generated rod-shaped spores with spiny surfaces. Morphological features of the two strains are typical of the genus Streptomyces. Strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 exhibited 99.93 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between them were 99.99 and 100 %, respectively, suggesting that they belonged to the same species. 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis revealed that the two strains belonged to the genus Streptomyces and showed highest similarities to Streptomyces violarus NBRC 13104T (99.07-99.29 %) and Streptomyces arenae ISP 5293T (99.21-99.35 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 were closely related to S. violarus NBRC 13104T and S. arenae ISP 5293T. However, the ANI, dDDH and multilocus sequence analysis evolutionary distance values between the two strains and their relatives provide a robust basis upon which to verify strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 as representing a novel species. Moreover, a comprehensive comparison of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics further confirmed that the two strains were distinct from their relatives. Based on all these data above, strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 should represent a novel Streptomyces species, for which the name Streptomyces koelreuteriae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MG62T (=JCM 34747T=MCCC 1K06175T).

Roles of Price on Rebates and Implication to Customer Product Choice

A comprehensive comprehension of the various factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions is crucial for success in the highly competitive business environment. The findings of this study examine the significant role that price and discounts (rebates) play in consumer decision-making. The study's findings emphasize the considerable influence of price on consumers' decision-making regarding product selection. Consumers tend to seek out more affordable alternative options when there is an increase in the price of a product. Nevertheless, in the event of a compelling discount, consumers tend to transition and opt for the alternative product swiftly. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that individuals' financial capabilities impact their decision-making process when it comes to selecting products. Consumers exhibiting elevated financial capacities are inclined to prioritize personal preferences when making product selections rather than solely focusing on price considerations. This observation indicates that individuals with greater purchasing power are afforded a more comprehensive range of options when selecting products. However, it is imperative to exercise caution as price similarity assumes a significant role in consumers' decision-making process. Consumers tend to favor products that align with the price they have paid. Nevertheless, the analysis findings suggest the necessity for additional research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this correlation. In addition, the discounts provided by companies also impact consumers' perceptions of prices and their financial capacities. Discounts can significantly impact consumers' perceptions of product prices, enabling them to select items previously perceived as unaffordable. This study offers significant insights into the impact of price, discounts, and financial capabilities on consumer purchasing preferences. The findings of this study establish a robust basis for corporations to develop enhanced marketing strategies, considering the significant influence these variables exert on consumer decision-making processes. Enhanced comprehension of consumer behavior enables companies to attain heightened levels of success within a fiercely competitive market

Role of atomistic modeling in bioinspired materials design: A review

Biological materials have consistently intrigued researchers due to their remarkable properties and intricate structure–property-function relationships. Deciphering the pathways through which nature has bestowed its exceptional properties represents a complex challenge. The hierarchical architectures of biomaterials are recognized as the basis for mechanical robustness. Moreover, it is well-established that the intriguing properties of biomaterials arise primarily from the architecture at the nanoscale, particularly the abundant carefully designed interfaces. Driven by the diverse functionality and the increasing comprehension of the underlying design mechanisms in biomaterials, substantial endeavors have been directed toward emulating the architectures and interactions in synthetic materials. By reviewing atomistic modeling of nacre, wood, and coconut endocarp, in this work, we aim at highlighting the significant role of atomistic modeling in revealing nanoscale strengthening and toughening mechanisms of biomaterials, subsequently advancing the development of bioinspired material.

Simulating Microscale Urban Airflow and Pollutant Distributions Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics Model: A Review.

Urban surfaces exert profound influences on local wind patterns, turbulence dynamics, and the dispersion of air pollutants, underscoring the critical need for a thorough understanding of these processes in the realms of urban planning, design, construction, and air quality management. The advent of advanced computational capabilities has propelled the computational fluid dynamics model (CFD) into becoming a mature and widely adopted tool to investigate microscale meteorological phenomena in urban settings. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of CFD-based microscale meteorological simulations, offering insights into their applications, influential factors, and challenges. Significant variables such as the aspect ratio of street canyons, building geometries, ambient wind directions, atmospheric boundary layer stabilities, and street tree configurations play crucial roles in influencing microscale physical processes and the dispersion of air pollutants. The integration of CFD with mesoscale meteorological models and cutting-edge machine learning techniques empowers high-resolution, precise simulations of urban meteorology, establishing a robust scientific basis for sustainable urban development, the mitigation of air pollution, and emergency response planning for hazardous substances. Nonetheless, the broader application of CFD in this domain introduces challenges in grid optimization, enhancing integration with mesoscale models, addressing data limitations, and simulating diverse weather conditions.

Snag dynamics and surface fuel loads in the Sierra Nevada: Predicting the impact of the 2012–2016 drought

Forest die-backs linked to extreme droughts are expected to increase as the climate dries and warms. An example is the 2012–2016 hotter drought in California that induced widespread tree mortality in the Sierra Nevada, California. The sudden increase in snags (i.e., standing dead trees) raised immediate concerns about their impact on wildfire hazard and longer-term questions about their effect on ecosystem structure and function. We quantified the likely progression of snag fall and fuel succession following the recent extensive mortality event in the southern Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest. Our results used data from a long-term demography study to project trends in surface fuel loads at three study sites in Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. In the short term (2017–2021), fine woody debris and litter + duff significantly increased across all three sites (>145 % and >55 %, respectively); coarse woody debris increased significantly at one site (48.6 %); and total fuel loads increased significantly at two of the three sites (38 % and 69 %). Snag longevity increased with size, with the relationship varying by species. Yellow pine was a notable outlier: size played a small role in influencing its fall rates. Overall, species-specific snag fall rates in the southern Sierra Nevada were 20 % to 40 % slower than previously reported. By 2040, projected median cumulative inputs of biomass from future snag fall range from 49.4 Mg ha−1 to 136.1 Mg ha-1across our three sites, which exceeds the amounts currently present (47.17–89.97 Mg ha−1) and is well above estimates of historical coarse woody debris amounts in the Sierra Nevada (17.7 Mg ha -1). These results provide a robust empirical basis to refine the snag fall algorithm in vegetation simulation models. Options to manage the impact of extreme number of snags and their large surface combustible biomass include salvage operations and prescribed burning, with both methods having operational, financial, and legal limitations that need to be considered.

Time Series Prediction for Energy Consumption of Computer Numerical Control Axes Using Hybrid Machine Learning Models

The prediction of energy-related time series for computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool axes is an essential enabler for the shift towards autonomous and intelligent production. In particular, a precise prediction of energy consumption is needed to determine the environmental impact of a product and the optimization of its production. For this purpose, a novel approach for predicting high-frequency time series of numerically controlled axes based on the program code to be executed is presented. The method involves simulative preprocessing of the input NC code to determine each axis’s acceleration, velocity, and process force. Combined with the material removal rate, these variables are input for a machine learning (ML) model that delivers axis-specific high-frequency time series predictions. Compared to common approaches, it is thus possible to make predictions for the variable energy consumption of machine tools for any tool path or target resolution in the time domain. Experiments show that this approach achieves a high precision when a robust learning data basis is available. For the X-, Y-, and Z-axis, errors of 0.2%, −1.09%, and 0.09% for aircut and of 0.15%, −3.55%, and 0.08% for material removal can be achieved. The potentials for further improvement are identified systematically.

Lack of association between XRCC1 SNPs and acute radiation‑induced injury or prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The response to radiation therapy (RT) is closely associated with DNA damage repair. X-ray repair cross-complementing group-1 (XRCC1) is a key gene in the DNA damage repair pathway, and SNPs in this gene alter the expression and activity of its effector protein, which may in turn affect sensitivity to RT. Therefore, the course of tumor treatment and local control rate can be influenced. In the present study, a group of 158 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who received intensity-modulated RT at Fujian Cancer Hospital (Fuzhou, China) between July 2012 and October 2013 were included in retrospective chart review and followed up. Plasma was collected before treatment for genotype analysis of the three SNPs of XRCC1, namely Arg194Trp, Arg280His and Arg399Gln. Acute radiation-induced injuries sustained during treatment was graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria. Post-treatment follow-up was performed until August 2020. In the 158 cases of NPC, no statistically significant association was observed between the three SNPs of the XRCC1 gene and the severity of acute radiation-induced injury or prognosis. However, the AA genotype of XRCC1-Arg399Gln tended to be associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) compared with the GA + GG genotype, although this was not significant (P=0.069). In addition, multivariate logistic analysis showed that nodal stage was significantly associated with the occurrence of acute severe radiation-induced oral mucositis (P=0.018), and there was also a trend towards an association between nodal stage and the incidence of acute severe radiation-induced pharyngitis; however, this was not statistically significant (P=0.061). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that older age, distant metastasis and higher clinical stage were independent risk factors for PFS in patients with NPC. In conclusion, relying solely on the aforementioned SNPs of the XRCC1 gene may not provide a robust enough basis to predict the response to RT or prognosis in patients with NPC.

The EU’s Turn to ‘Strategic Autonomy’: Leeway for Policy Action and Points of Conflict

Abstract In a world marked by intensifying geopolitical rivalries, supply chain vulnerabilities and disruptive technological change, ensuring ‘strategic autonomy’ is now an avowed goal of numerous European Union (EU) policy initiatives. This article seeks to facilitate an assessment of this ‘policy turn’ by developing a taxonomy of associated objectives and by illuminating points of conformance and conflict with EU and international law. The EU Treaties offer a robust legal basis for a stronger-values orientation in external relations, for policies designed to rebalance reciprocity in pursuit of geo-economic ambition and for the pursuit of technological leadership within the EU Treaties’ level-playing-field legal foundation. Yet there is a thin line to collisions with international (trade and investment) law, notably where value prioritization, technological preferences or geopolitical concerns are tantamount to discrimination or invite protectionist policy choices. Employment of coercive tools in a unilateral fashion questions the legal default of multilateralism and openness. Persistent strategic diversity within the Union hinders ‘institutional autonomy’, particularly where unanimity voting makes intergovernmentalism the predominant mode of cooperation. The findings shed light on how the evolving geopolitical environment leads to a recalibration of EU external relations between protection and openness, independence and interdependence, unilateralism and multilateralism and power and rules.

Overcoming phenotypic switching: targeting protein-protein interactions in cancer.

Alternative protein-protein interactions (PPIs) arising from mutations or post-translational modifications (PTMs), termed phenotypic switching (PS), are critical for the transmission of alternative pathogenic signals and are particularly significant in cancer. In recent years, PPIs have emerged as promising targets for rational drug design, primarily because their high specificity facilitates targeting of disease-related signaling pathways. However, obstacles exist at the molecular level that arise from the properties of the interaction interfaces and the propensity of small molecule drugs to interact with more than one cleft surface. The difficulty in identifying small molecules that act as activators or inhibitors to counteract the biological effects of mutations raises issues that have not been encountered before. For example, small molecules can bind tightly but may not act as drugs or bind to multiple sites (interaction promiscuity). Another reason is the absence of significant clefts on protein surfaces; if a pocket is present, it may be too small, or its geometry may prevent binding. PS, which arises from oncogenic (alternative) signaling, causes drug resistance and forms the basis for the systemic robustness of tumors. In this review, the properties of PPI interfaces relevant to the design and development of targeting drugs are examined. In addition, the interactions between three tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) employed as drugs are discussed. Finally, potential novel targets of one of these drugs were identified in silico.