bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Reconstruction of the Anterior Skull Base Following Tumor Resection: Application of a Novel Bioabsorbable Plate
Authors: Piscopo Anthony J. , Dougherty Mark C. , Woodiwiss Timothy R. , Ankrah Nii‐Kwanchie , Hughes Tyler , Seaman Scott C. , Walsh Jarrett E. , Graham Scott M. , Greenlee Jeremy D. W.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Endoscopic repair of skull base defects is required following resection of intracranial pathology via the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Many closure techniques have been described, but choosing between techniques remains controversial. We report outcomes of 560 EEA procedures of skull base reconstruction performed on 508 patients over a 15‐year‐period. Halfway through this period, we adopted the use of a rigid, bioabsorbable extrasellar plate for reconstruction, enabling a comparison between this technique and those used previously.

Methods

All patients undergoing EEA from 2005 to 2019 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, surgical pathology, tumor dimensions and radiographic features, reconstructive technique, and patient‐related outcomes were collected and analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistical modeling.

Results

Five‐hundred sixty procedures were performed on 508 patients. The series complication rate was 8.2%. Overall, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate was 5.0% but varied significantly across closure techniques (p < 0.001). Critically, the CSF leak rate in the 272 cases prior to our 2013 adoption of the Resorb‐X Plate (RXP) was 8.5%, whereas leak rate in the subsequent 288 cases was 1.7%. RXP was protective against CSF leak (p = 0.001), whereas gross total resection (GTR) correlated with increased leak rate (p = 0.001). Patient BMI was significantly associated with risk of leak (p = 0.047). Other variables did not impact leak risk.

Conclusion

Reconstructive technique, extent of resection, and patient BMI significantly contributed to CSF leak rate. GTR was associated with increased leak risk while the RXP was protective. The bioabsorbable RXP is an effective option for rigid skull base repair with comparatively few complications.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1092–1098, 2023
Diversity and activity of soil biota at a post‐mining site highly contaminated with Zn and Cd are enhanced by metallicolous compared to non‐metallicolousArabidopsis halleriecotypes
Authors: Klimek Beata , Stępniewska Klaudia , Seget Barbara , Pandey Vimal Chandra , Babst‐Kostecka Alicja
Published: December 2022

Hyperaccumulators' ability to take up large quantities of harmful heavy metals from contaminated soils and store them in their foliage makes them promising organisms for bioremediation. Here we demonstrate that some ecotypes of the zinc hyperaccumulatorArabidopsis halleriare more suitable for bioremediation than others, because of their distinct influence on soil biota. In a field experiment, populations originating from metal‐polluted and unpolluted soils were transplanted to a highly contaminated metalliferous site in Southern Poland. Effects of plant ecotypes on soil biota were assessed by measurements of feeding activity of soil fauna (bait‐lamina test) and catabolic activity and functional diversity of soil bacteria underneathA. halleriplants (Biolog® ECO plates). Chemical soil properties, plant morphological parameters, and zinc concentration in shoots and roots were additionally evaluated. Higher soil fauna feeding activity and higher bacterial community functional diversity were found in soils affected byA. halleriplants originating from metallicolous compared to non‐metallicolous ecotypes. Differences in community‐level physiological profiles further evidenced changes in microbial communities in response to plant ecotype. These soil characteristics were positively correlated with plant size. No differences in zinc content in shoots and roots, zinc translocation ratio, and plant morphology were observed between metallicolous and non‐metallicolous plants. Our results indicate strong associations betweenA. halleriecotype and soil microbial community properties. In particular, the improvement of soil biological properties by metallicolous accessions should be further explored to optimize hyperaccumulator‐based bioremediation technologies.
Lentil (Lens culinarisMedik) as nutrient‐rich and versatile food legume: A review
Authors: Kaale Lilian D. , Siddiq Muhammad , Hooper Sharon
Published: December 2022

Lentil is one of the most important food legumes consumed widely throughout the world. Lentils are produced in diverse agroecological regions, such as Asia, North and South America, Africa, and Oceania. During the last two decades (2001–2020), world production of lentils increased by 107%, from 3.15 to 6.54 million metric tons. Canada leads lentil producing countries (with 44% share of the global output), followed by India and Australia having 18% and 8% share, respectively. Being a rich source of protein, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and folic acid, lentils are considered a healthy food nutritionally. Lentils also contain a number of bioactive phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, total phenolics, phytate, saponins, and tannins. Dehulling and splitting of lentils are the most‐commonly used basic processing methods. Additional value‐added operations include milling of whole or dehulled lentils and isolating fractions that are rich in protein and starch that can be used as ingredients in diverse food applications. Lentils are aligned well with the changing consumer trends towards meat alternatives, plant‐based diets, and healthy food options. Furthermore, due to increased environmental concerns for the production of meat, consumers are minimizing or even excluding meat consumption and opting for non‐meat foods produced in a sustainable manner. This review article provides an overview of lentil's production/trade, consumption trends, nutritional profile, value‐added processing, emerging research and development trends, and the role of lentil production in environmental sustainability.
TODAY’S MOST CRITICAL LEADERSHIP SKILL: NAVIGATING PARADOXES
Authors: Lewis Marianne W. , Smith Wendy K.
Published: December 2022

The authors, well‐known for their research into the concept of paradox, explain that “It is one thing to label challenges as paradoxical and another to know what to do about them. In our own research, we have explored that question in depth over the last 25 years. We bring that research together into an integrated model.” Within Figure 1, “The Language of Tensions,” they make the following observations: ‘‘Tensions include all types of situations where alternative expectations and demands are in opposition… Dilemmas present opposing alternatives, each option offering a logical solution on its own. Leadership problems and challenges often show up for us as a dilemma, where we feel pressure to choose between alternative options… Paradoxes are interdependent, persistent contradictions that lurk within our presenting dilemmas. They note that in their research, they “identify four organizational challenges associated with underlying paradoxes. We describe them as obligation (performing paradoxes), innovation (learning paradoxes), globalization (belonging paradoxes) and coordination (organizing paradoxes).” They also describe ‘‘The Paradox System. These integrated sets of tools enable both/and thinking. As memory aid, think ABCD: tools that shift how we think (assumptions) and how we feel (comfort), as we build static structures (boundaries), while enabling adaptive practices (dynamics).
Polyimide/Silica Nanocomposites with Enhanced Tensile Strength: Size Effects and Covalently Bonded Interface
Authors: Wang Yu , Yang Wenlong , Lin Jiaqi , Liu Xinmei , Zuo Yuhang , Sun Hongguo , Yang Ying
Published: December 2022

In this work, the tensile strength of polyimide/silica composites with the covalently bonded interface (bonded PI/SiO2) is investigated by molecular dynamic simulation. It is found that the nanofiller with smaller size can bring out a larger number of hydrogen bonds and interfacial non‐bond energy in the composites, resulting in higher tensile strength. As the immobilization of the PI chains in the vicinity of SiO2, the covalently bonded interface is found to offer a greater reinforcing effect than the unbonded interface that is confirmed by the self‐diffusion coefficient. The tensile strength of 9 wt.% bonded PI/SiO2 composites is 11.34% higher than that of the unbounded composites. The tensile strength of PI/SiO2 composites is enhanced with the increase of SiO2 concentration up to critical mass percent (Xc), beyond which it will be decreased. To quantitatively predict Xc of PI/SiO2 composites, an empirical equation based on the non‐bond energy of the composites is proposed. The empirical equation showed that the Xc of PI/SiO2 composites ranged from 8.03 to 10.36 wt.%, which is consistent with experimental values. These results provided the understanding of size‐dependent covalently bonded interface structure, which would be beneficial to the design of nanocomposites with excellent mechanical performances.
Spectrum of Pediatric to Early Adulthood POLR3A‐Associated Movement Disorders
Authors: Zea Vera Alonso , Bruce Adrienne , Larsh Travis R. , Jordan Zachary , Brüggemann Norbert , Westenberger Ana , Espay Alberto J. , Gilbert Donald L. , Wu Steve W.
Published: December 2022

Background

POLR3A pathogenic variants are associated with hypomyelination, hypodontia, hypogonadism, and movement disorders.

Cases

We describe the range of movement disorders seen in six patients (four female, two male) with POLR3A variants [three novel (c.2214del, c.3775G>A, c.3905G>T) and six previously reported (c.760C>T, c.1771‐7C>G, c.1909+22G>A, c.2005C>T, c.2422C>T, c.3337‐11T>C)]. Patient 1 presented with a neonatal progeroid syndrome and developed parkinsonism, dystonia, ataxia, and spasticity. Patient 2 presented with infant‐onset rapidly progressive chorea, and dystonia. Three patients (patients 3, 5, 6) presented predominantly with ataxia in combination with spasticity and dystonia. Patient 4 developed segmental dystonia during adolescence and ataxia in early adulthood. Four patients had vertical gaze impairment. The most common brain MRI abnormality was T2‐weighted/FLAIR hyperintensity of the superior cerebellar peduncles and midbrain.

Conclusion

POLR3A‐related disorders exhibit significant phenotypic pleomorphism. Vertical gaze dysfunction and T2‐weighted/FLAIR hyperintensity of the superior cerebellar peduncles and midbrain may be useful signs suggestive of this condition.
Self‐calibration method of binocular vision based on conformal geometric algebra
Authors: Stodola Marek , Frolík Stanislav
Published: December 2022

We will study binocular vision for a 6‐DOF robotic manipulator in the conformal geometric algebra. We will focus on a case where some pieces of information, such as relative cameras positions, have been lost. In particular, we will use the construction of the manipulator to infer a self‐calibration method for cameras position based on binocular vision with incomplete information.
Physiologically‐Based Kinetic Modeling Predicts Similar In Vivo Relative Potency of Senecionine N‐Oxide for Rat and Human at Realistic Low Exposure Levels
Authors: Widjaja Frances , Alhejji Yasser , Yangchen Jamyang , Wesseling Sebastiaan , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: December 2022

Scope

This study aims to determine if previously developed physiologically‐based kinetic (PBK) model in rat can be modified for senecionine (SEN) and its N‐oxide (SENO), and be used to investigate potential species differences between rat and human in relative potency (REP) of the N‐oxide relative to the parent pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA).

Methods and results

In vitro derived kinetic parameters including the apparent maximum velocities (Vmax) and Michaelis–Menten constants (Km) for SENO reduction and SEN clearance are used to define the PBK models. The rat model is validated with published animal data, and the toxicokinetic profiles of SEN from either orally‐administered SENO or SEN are simulated. REP values of SENO relative to SEN amount to 0.84 and 0.89 in rat and human, respectively.

Conclusion

The REP value can be dose‐ and species‐dependent, with the values for rat and human being comparable at low realistic exposure scenarios. In summary, PBK modeling serves as a valuable New Approach Methodology (NAM) tool for predicting REP values of PA‐N‐oxides and may actually result in more accurate REP values for human risk assessment than what would be defined using in vivo animal experiments.
Harmonic‐tuned high‐efficiency GaN power amplifier with precise AM‐AM and AM‐PM characteristics
Authors: Haider Muhammad F. , Xiao Zehua , You Fei , He Songbai
Published: December 2022

An optimal balance between high efficiency and high linearity is one of the main performance metrics of modern base stations to handle the deep compression of the power amplifier (PA) module. In principle, the plethora of amplitude‐to‐amplitude (AM‐AM) and amplitude‐to‐phase (AM‐PM) distortions are issues worth exploring. Therefore, this paper presents a linearized harmonic‐tuned PA that operates at 2.4 GHz. The presented PA utilizes a compact input matching network (IMN) and output MN (OMN) with shunt‐connected tunable resonant circuits augmented by the stabilization network, whose presence greatly reduces the transistor parasitics and high‐order effects. Hence, a joint embodiment of each other gives optimal fundamental impedance matching alongside harmonic terminations and precise AM/PM waveform properties. The measurement results have shown that the fabricated PA exhibits peak saturated output power of 40.9 dBm and peak drain efficiency (DE) of 67%. In addition, the AM‐AM and AM‐PM curves under continuous‐wave excitation yield a gain flatness of 0.5 dB over a 37.5 dBm power range and ±3.5° phase distortion, respectively, when the input power level is swept up to the saturation level of 40 dBm. When driven with a 5 MHz 64‐QAM OFDM signal and 6.9 dB power back‐off, the manufactured PA meets the adjacent channel leakage ratio specification of −30 dBc at an average output power of 34.5 dBm.
Design of a wide beamwidth spherical conformal antenna array for ship‐borne applications
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhao Guangying , Yan Ningning , An Wenxing , Ma Kaixue , Meng Fanyi
Published: December 2022

This study presents the phase setting method for a spherical conformal antenna array to achieve a wide beamwidth circularly polarized radiation pattern. A dodecahedral spherical array was fabricated and measured to validate the phase setting method. The array adopts a regular dodecahedron spatial distribution structure composed of 11 dual‐polarization elements. By exciting 11 elements simultaneously with designed phase distributions, the proposed spherical array can achieve a wide beamwidth of more than 210° with circular polarization by selecting the radius of the dodecahedron. In addition, the power division network of the array is designed and processed, and the feed network is simplified by rotating the antenna element port to control the phase. Measurements agree well with the simulations. The measured results show that the proposed spherical antenna array achieves a half‐power beamwidth of more than 210° and an axial‐ratio beamwidth of larger than 240°.
Development of Myrcene‐Based Resins with Amine Ended Poly(Propylene Glycol) Side Chains Bonded Through Hydroxyurethane Linkages
Authors: Farkhondehnia Mohammad , Younes Georges R. , Maric Milan
Published: December 2022

Hybrid non‐isocyanate poly(urethanes) (HNIPUs) are designed from a precursor whose carbonate functionality is derived from epoxy‐functional statistical copolymers. Specifically, a bio‐based diene (β‐myrcene) is copolymerized via conventional free radical polymerization with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) at different molar ratios, producing flexible copolymers with epoxy pendant groups, which are then reacted with carbon dioxide to yield the precursors with cyclic carbonate functionality. Subsequent addition of an amine‐terminated telechelic poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) forms urethane linkages in the side chains, whose concentration is tuned by varying the GMA initial molar fraction. The NIPUs are end‐capped with silanes to enable moisture curing, resulting in HNIPUs with elongations at break up to 150%, and relatively low elastic moduli varying from 32 kPa to 50 kPa as the number of urethane side linkages increases from 6 to 22. The swelling ratio of the NIPUs is also measured in tetrahydrofuran (THF). As the number of urethane side chains increases, the swelling ratio of the NIPUs decreases (710% to 620%), indicating a higher crosslinking density. All samples have gel contents higher than 50% in THF, indicating non‐crosslinked species in the hybrid samples which confirms the relatively low reported tensile moduli.
Submillimeter T1 atlas for subject‐specific abnormality detection at 7T
Authors: Piredda Gian Franco , Caneschi Samuele , Hilbert Tom , Bonanno Gabriele , Joseph Arun , Egger Karl , Peter Jessica , Klöppel Stefan , Jehli Elisabeth , Grieder Matthias , Slotboom Johannes , Seiffge David , Goeldlin Martina , Hoepner Robert , Willems Tom , Vulliemoz Serge , Seeck Margitta , Venkategowda Punith B. , Corredor Jerez Ricardo A. , Maréchal Bénédicte , Thiran Jean‐Philippe , Wiest Roland , Kober Tobias , Radojewski Piotr
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Studies at 3T have shown that T1 relaxometry enables characterization of brain tissues at the single‐subject level by comparing individual physical properties to a normative atlas. In this work, an atlas of normative T1 values at 7T is introduced with 0.6 mm isotropic resolution and its clinical potential is explored in comparison to 3T.

Methods

T1 maps were acquired in two separate healthy cohorts scanned at 3T and 7T. Using transfer learning, a template‐based brain segmentation algorithm was adapted to ultra‐high field imaging data. After segmenting brain tissues, volumes were normalized into a common space, and an atlas of normative T1 values was established by modeling the T1 inter‐subject variability. A method for single‐subject comparisons restricted to white matter and subcortical structures was developed by computing Z‐scores. The comparison was applied to eight patients scanned at both field strengths for proof of concept.

Results

The proposed method for morphometry delivered segmentation masks without statistically significant differences from those derived with the original pipeline at 3T and achieved accurate segmentation at 7T. The established normative atlas allowed characterizing tissue alterations in single‐subject comparisons at 7T, and showed greater anatomical details compared with 3T results.

Conclusion

A high‐resolution quantitative atlas with an adapted pipeline was introduced and validated. Several case studies on different clinical conditions showed the feasibility, potential and limitations of high‐resolution single‐subject comparisons based on quantitative MRI atlases. This method in conjunction with 7T higher resolution broadens the range of potential applications of quantitative MRI in clinical practice.
Safety and immunogenicity of mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in inpatients with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Saito Tomoko , Saito Toshio , Hashimoto Hiroya , Ogata Katsuhisa , Kobayashi Michio , Takada Hiroto , Kuru Satoshi , Kimura Takashi , Nakamura Akinori , Matsumura Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2022

Introduction/Aims

Due to muscular weakness and cardiopulmonary dysfunction, patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) have an increased risk of serious complications from coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). Although vaccination is recommended, COVID‐19 vaccination safety and immunogenicity in these patients are unknown. We investigated reaction frequency, post‐vaccine antibody titers after two mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine doses, and clinical predictors of antibody response among patients with MD.

Methods

We recruited 171 inpatients with MD receiving two BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine doses from seven hospitals. Blood samples were obtained from 53 inpatients before the first dose and 28 to 30 days after the second dose, and antibody titers were measured.

Results

Overall, 104 (60.8%) and 115 (67.6%) patients had side effects after the first and second doses, respectively. These were generally mild and self‐limited. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a bedridden state was associated with reduced side effects (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 0.71). The antibody titers of all participants changed from negative to positive after two vaccine doses. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of the inpatients was 239 (95% CI, 159.3 to 358.7). Older age (relative risk [RR] = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.99) and bedridden state (RR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.51) were associated with a lower antibody titer. Patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) had a lower GMT than patients with other MDs (RR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.85).

Discussion

COVID‐19 vaccination is safe and immunogenic in inpatients with MD. Patients with DM1 appear to have a poorer COVID‐19 antibody response than those with other MDs.
The state of pelvic floor muscle dynamometry: A scoping review
Authors: El‐Sayegh Batoul , Cacciari Licia P. , Primeau Francois L. , Sawan Mohamad , Dumoulin Chantal
Published: December 2022

Aims

To discuss the advantages and limitation of the different pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dynamometers available, both in research and industry, and to present the extent of variation between them in terms of structure, functioning, psychometric properties, and assessment procedures.

Methods

We identified relevant studies from four databases (MEDLINE, Compendex, Web of Science, and Derwent Innovations Index) up to December 2020 using terms related to dynamometry and PFM. In addition, we conducted a hand search of the bibliographies of all relevant reports. Peer‐reviewed papers, conference proceedings, patents and user's manuals for commercial dynamometers were included and assessed by two independent reviewers.

Results

One hundred and one records were included and 23 PFM dynamometers from 15 research groups were identified. From these, 20 were considered as clinical dynamometers (meant for research settings) and three as personal dynamometers (developed by the industry). Overall, significant heterogeneity was found in their structure and functioning, which limits development of normative data for PFM force in women. Further research is needed to assess the psychometric properties of PFM dynamometers and to standardize assessment procedures.

Conclusion

This review points up to the heterogeneity of existing dynamometers and methods of assessing PFM function. It highlights the need to better document their design and assessment protocol methods. Additionally, this review recommends standards for new dynamometers to allow the establishment of normalized data.
An update on gender‐affirming phallus construction using the radial forearm free‐flap
Authors: Gottlieb Lawrence , Cripps Courtney
Published: December 2022

Aims

The history of phallus construction parallels the advances made in plastic and reconstructive surgery whereby the era of microsurgery revolutionized numerous techniques. In 1993, we reported our early experience in phalloplasty. While the originally presented technique was a modification of the original design reported by Chang and Hwang, we now present further modifications of the past 30 years.

Methods

Through critical review of our technical modifications, as well as others', we present a comprehensive review of elements of the radial forearm free flap phallus construction.

Results

A radial forearm free flap is harvested and tubed to form the following components: urethra, shaft, and glans of the neophallus. When excess adipose tissue exists, the excess thickness is accommodated by increasing the proximal width of the flap. To optimize the venous drainage, the radial and ulnar superficial veins as well as the radial deep veins are included within the flap; however, venous flow is optimized through creation of an arteriovenous fistula within neo‐glans. To lengthen the native urethra, labia minora and vaginal mucosal flaps are employed at a preliminary stage during vaginectomy. New coronoplasty modifications offer esthetic refinements. Updates in scrotal reconstruction and implantation of erectile devices complete the total genitourinary reconstruction.

Conclusions

Phallus construction has evolved significantly over time. While numerous techniques exist, no standard of care has been identified. Continue surgical evolution will provide modern solutions for problems most often encountered to improve overall outcomes for transgender and gender‐diverse patients pursuing masculinizing genitourinary reconstruction.
Nursing outcomes in wound care management: A mixed method study
Authors: Lommi Marzia , Raffaele Barbara , Tolentino Diaz Maria Ymelda , Montini Graziella , Puleio Cinzia , Porcelli Barbara
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to analyse the management of chronic wound outcomes and the experience of patients with chronic ulcers.

Design

Explanatory mixed method.

Methods

This study consisted in a sequential explanatory mixed method with a quantitative and a qualitative phase. In the first phase, quantitative data were collected during a longitudinal study, in a convenience sample of 44 patients presenting at a nursing outpatients' clinic. Linear regression was conducted to evaluate the associations between variables. In phase two, 14 patients from the initial sample were interviewed, and the data were analysed using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method.

Results

The participants, mostly males, in conditions of comorbidity and polypharmacotherapy, were mainly affected by venous leg ulcers. An association between the quality of life of patients (both physical and mental) and some socio‐demographic and clinical factors has been confirmed. I Variance analysis showed a significant wound improvement across all the measurement times. The themes identified through the qualitative analysis were: “Cared by self,” “Cared by Healthcare Providers” and “Quality of life”.
Pseudo‐embryology and personhood: How embryological pseudoscience helps structure the American abortion debate
Authors: Gilbert Scott F.
Published: December 2022

There is a pseudo‐embryology flourishing today, well nourished by popular science, religious ideologies, and the public media. Just as eugenics was a pseudoscience that influenced (and still influences) American popular culture and which was responsible for racist anti‐immigration laws (such as the Immigration Restriction Act of 1924), pseudo‐embryology is also influencing popular culture and legislation. This new pseudoscience promotes the belief that science supports current zygotic and fetal personhood movements as well as anti‐abortion legislation. However, what often passes for science are actually ideological myths, often grounded in and supporting male superiority. Indeed, the first myth of pseudo‐embryology is that fertilization is a masculine act that can be viewed as a classical hero narrative. The second myth is that fertilization is ensoulment, allowing it to displace the feminine act of birth as to when life begins. Here, DNA is seen to play the secular analogue of soul. The third myth is that the fetus in the womb is an independent autonomous entity and that birth merely moves the fetus from the womb to the outside world. This expresses the "seed‐in‐the‐soil" myth that was also prevalent in ancient cultures. In this manner, masculine stories of fertilization are valorized while feminine narratives of birth are suppressed. So when public narratives discuss what "science" says about when human life begins, we are not really discussing science. Rather, we are allowing our discussions to fall back into tenacious ancient misogynist myths that have nothing to do with the conclusions of modern developmental biology.

Key points

There is no consensus among biologists as to when personhood begins.

Different biologists have proposed that personhood begins at such events as fertilization, gastrulation, the acquisition of an EEG pattern, and birth. Other scientists claim that the acquisition of personhood is gradual or that the question of personhood is not a biological one.

The “science” debated in public discussions is not the set of conclusions based on biological research. Political discussions of reproduction are often based on false culturally‐based stories.

Fertilization is falsely perceived as a race of sperm through a passive female, emphasizing male performance rather than interactions and mutual gamete maturation.

The genome is falsely depicted as one's soul, promoting the idea that fertilization is ensoulment. Genetic determinism is often assumed, and plasticity ignored.

The fetus is falsely depicted as a seed in nutritive soil, autonomous from the mother. The joint nature of maternal and fetal physiologies and anatomies are marginalized.

The false narratives combine to form a “pseudo‐embryology” that influences our thoughts and laws.
Weight changes during the COVID‐19 shutdown in older individuals with type 2 diabetes: the Look AHEAD Study
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Howard Marjorie J. , Olson KayLoni L. , Unick Jessica L. , Chao Ariana M. , Wadden Thomas A. , Wagenknecht Lynne E.
Published: December 2022

Objective

The aims of this study were as follows: 1) examine weight changes in older adults (mean age = 76 years) with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity during the COVID‐19 shutdown; and 2) compare the behavioral and psychosocial effects of the shutdown in those who had large weight losses (>5%), those who had small weight losses (2%‐5%), those who remained weight stable (±2%), or those who gained weight (>2%).

Methods

Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) participants (N = 2544) were surveyed during the COVID‐19 shutdown (2020), and they self‐reported their current weight, reasons for weight change, weight‐related behaviors, psychosocial measures, and negative and positive effects of the pandemic on their lives.

Results

Comparing self‐reported weight during the COVID‐19 shutdown with earlier measured weight, Look AHEAD participants lost, on average, 2.2 kg during the COVID‐19 shutdown: 47% lost >2%, and only 18% gained >2% (p < 0.0001). Decreases in physical activity and increases in screen time were reported frequently in all weight‐change categories. Similarly, there were few differences among the categories on standardized psychosocial measures or self‐reported effects of the shutdown on participants' lives. However, when differences were seen, the most negative impact was in those who gained weight.

Conclusions

Although weight loss appeared more common than weight gain during the shutdown, the weight‐change groups did not differ on most psychosocial and behavioral variables.
Additive manufacturing of polypropylene micro and nano composites through fused filament fabrication for automotive repair applications
Authors: Jahromi Fareed Tamaddoni , Nikzad Mostafa , Prasad Krishnamurthy , Norén Johan , Isaksson Mats , Arian Alaleh , Sbarski Igor
Published: December 2022

The emerging Additive manufacturing technologies are being adopted by different industries, which require developing new materials and procedures. Here we report the development of polypropylene (PP) based composite materials for fused filament fabrication (FFF) process with the aim of enabling fully automatic robotic repair application of plastic components in automotive industry. A key challenge in repair and joining of polyolefins, which are widely used in such applications, is understanding the interplay of microstructural features and the joining mechanisms employed to achieve a uniform and fully functional repaired components. Specifically, for components manufactured from polypropylene based material, we show that the addition of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyisobutylene (PIB) and carbon black (CB) successfully modifies its matrix and produces a composite material ideal for additively repairing of complex geometries found in the automotive applications. This was brought about by effective reduction of the crystallinity of the composite PP matrix from 46.2% to 34.4% and resulting in a net reduction in warpage of the FFF 3D printed samples. Further, the thermal stability of the developed composite was improved with the addition of a moderate amount of carbon filler, enabling an FFF process with higher hot‐end temperatures, which subsequently allowed for tuning of the raw material's viscosity, and hence ensuring consistent deposition of molten filaments for building successive layers. Mechanical properties' analysis revealed that the addition of 10 wt.% CB increased the true stiffness (storage modulus) by 20%, the impact strength by 62%, with the drop in ultimate tensile strength of 11%. The optimal elongation at break and toughness were achieved for the samples containing 2 wt.% CB increasing these key properties by 62% and 58%, respectively. In terms of the melt flow index (MFI), as a key rheological indicator, the measured value ranged between 12.5 and 19.0  for all compositions suitable for the FFF process. Morphological analysis of the extruded filaments and fracture surface of impact test samples showed a mesoscale interspersion of polymer phases and a proper filler dispersion in the matrix material with sizes ranging from hundreds of nanometers to hundreds of microns. The developed 3D‐printable PP composite filament was successfully used in a robotic cell to repair broken plastic lugs of a car headlight assembly.
Exploring and validating the metastasis mechanism of pathenolide interfering with cutaneous melanoma through ER stress‐dependent apoptosis based on the network pharmacology
Authors: Liu Li‐ping , Liu Ning , Zhang Han‐ni , Li Ding
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of parthenolide in inhibiting melanoma metastasis through network pharmacology and cell experiment.

Materials and Methods

This research obtained the targets of the drug from the HERB database and PubChem database, the differential expression gene of metastatic cutaneous melanoma was obtained by differentially expression gene analysis of four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. The intersection of drug targets and differentially expression genes were considered to be related to drugs that inhibit metastasis of cutaneous melanoma. The STRING database was used to construct the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, and cytohubba package in Cytoscape software was used to rank the PPI network targets. The enrichment analysis was used to screen out the relevance Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology to explain the underlying mechanism of drug inhibiting the cutaneous melanoma metastatic; cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration and protein levels were assessed using cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay, wound healing assay, respectively. Finally, combining pathway maps and literature, we detected ATF4 and proteins upstream and downstream of ATF4 through Western blot.

Results

A total of 87 targets were screened out from the drug databases, and a total of 1635 differentially expression genes was obtained from the differentially expression genes analysis of GEO datasets, a total of nine targets (VEGFA, ANXA5, ICAM1, SELE, NFKBIA, ATF4, CTNNB1, SELP and HPGDS) were considered to be related to drugs that inhibit metastasis of cutaneous melanoma. The result of enrichment analysis showed that the drug inhibits the metastatic of cutaneous melanoma through multiple pathways such as TNF signalling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, relevance multiple biological processes, cellular components and molecular function; cell experiments showed that parthenolide could inhibit tumour cell migration and induce a decrease of cell viability. Flow cytometry results showed that parthenolide induced tumour cell apoptosis. Western blot results suggested that parthenolide exerted therapeutic effects by regulating ATF4 protein and its upstream and downstream proteins, namely endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signalling pathway.

Conclusion

Parthenolide induces ER stress‐dependent apoptosis in melanoma cells.
In‐depth analysis of the Sirtuin 5‐regulated mouse brain malonylome and succinylome using library‐free data‐independent acquisitions
Authors: Bons Joanna , Rose Jacob , Zhang Ran , Burton Jordan B , Carrico Christopher , Verdin Eric , Schilling Birgit
Published: December 2022

Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) dynamically regulate proteins and biological pathways, typically through the combined effects of multiple PTMs. Lysine residues are targeted for various PTMs, including malonylation and succinylation. However, PTMs offer specific challenges to mass spectrometry‐based proteomics during data acquisition and processing. Thus, novel and innovative workflows using data‐independent acquisition (DIA) ensure confident PTM identification, precise site localization, and accurate and robust label‐free quantification. In this study, we present a powerful approach that combines antibody‐based enrichment with comprehensive DIA acquisitions and spectral library‐free data processing using directDIA (Spectronaut). Identical DIA data can be used to generate spectral libraries and comprehensively identify and quantify PTMs, reducing the amount of enriched sample and acquisition time needed, while offering a fully automated workflow. We analyzed brains from wild‐type and Sirtuin 5 (SIRT5)‐knock‐out mice, and discovered and quantified 466 malonylated and 2211 succinylated peptides. SIRT5 regulation remodeled the acylomes by targeting 164 malonylated and 578 succinylated sites. Affected pathways included carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, synaptic vesicle cycle, and neurodegenerative diseases. We found 48 common SIRT5‐regulated malonylation and succinylation sites, suggesting potential PTM crosstalk. This innovative and efficient workflow offers deeper insights into the mouse brain lysine malonylome and succinylome.
Impact of molecular weight on the solubility parameters of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: Spann Rashawn , Boucher David
Published: December 2022

The solubilities of three P3HT samples of similar regioregularity (rr ≈ 96%) but varying molecular weight (Mn = 14 kDa, 32 kDa, and 49 kDa) are measured in 23 organic solvents. The solubility data is used to calculate the partial solubility parameters (δD, δP, δH) using the functional solubility parameter (FSP) method. The results reveal a monotonic decrease in the polar and hydrogen‐bonding parameters, δP and δH, respectively, with increasing molecular weight of the polymer. The observed trends are consistent with recent experimental and computational results and are rationalized in terms of increasing torsional and conformational disorder of higher molecular weight P3HT following dissolution in solvents of decreasing P3HT solubility. The results indicate that the structural attributes of the P3HT chains in the solutions impact the nature and strength of the polymer‐solvent interactions, and that these structural effects are registered by the observed solubility parameters.
TEMAS: A Flexible Non‐AI Algorithm for Metrology of Single‐Core and Core‐Shell Nanoparticles from TEM Images
Authors: Noval Jorge J. Sáenz , Gómez‐Merchán Rubén , Leñero‐Bardallo Juan A. , Gontard Lionel C.
Published: December 2022

An essential application of electron microscopy is to provide feedback to tune the fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs). Real samples tend to follow a size distribution commonly linked to the synthesis process used and in turn to their functional properties. This study presents an algorithm for measuring particle size distributions in electron microscopy images. State‐of‐the‐art methods based on Artificial Intelligence (e.g., Deep Learning) require extensive datasets of labeled images similar to those expected to be analyzed, and extensive supervised re‐training is often required for cross‐domain application. In contrast, the non‐AI algorithm described in this study is accurate and can be quickly set up for measuring new experimental images in different domains. The accuracy of the method is validated quantitatively and comparing graphical and descriptive statistics. Different size distributions are measured on images of platinum and gold nanocatalysts supported on carbon black, amorphous carbon, and titanium dioxide crystals. Also, images of platinum‐iron core‐shell NPs supported on thin amorphous carbon film are successfully analyzed. The limitation of evaluating different algorithms for NPs metrology is the lack of standards that different researchers can use as ground truth. In order to overcome this limitation, the images and the ground truth measurements presented here are shared as an open dataset.
Evaluation of AlphaFold2 structures as docking targets
Authors: Holcomb Matthew , Chang Ya‐Ting , Goodsell David S. , Forli Stefano
Published: December 2022

AlphaFold2 is a promising new tool for researchers to predict protein structures and generate high‐quality models, with low backbone and global root‐mean‐square deviation (RMSD) when compared with experimental structures. However, it is unclear if the structures predicted by AlphaFold2 will be valuable targets of docking. To address this question, we redocked ligands in the PDBbind datasets against the experimental co‐crystallized receptor structures and against the AlphaFold2 structures using AutoDock‐GPU. We find that the quality measure provided during structure prediction is not a good predictor of docking performance, despite accurately reflecting the quality of the alpha carbon alignment with experimental structures. Removing low‐confidence regions of the predicted structure and making side chains flexible improves the docking outcomes. Overall, despite high‐quality prediction of backbone conformation, fine structural details limit the naive application of AlphaFold2 models as docking targets.
New technologies and machines for stereotactic radiation therapy
Authors: Wang Brian , Yang Jun
Published: December 2022

Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy have been increasingly utilized in radiation oncology to treat early stage tumors, metastatic targets, and retreatment of relapsed diseases due to their efficiency, treatment effect, and cost effectiveness over the past two decades. Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy both demand high specifications for their delivery machines, as they deliver radiation doses with fewer treatment fractions and higher doses per fraction. Manufacturers have either invented specialized technologies solely or customized their existing machines for this purpose. In this paper, we review the major technologies and treatment machines for stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy, describe their main features, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
In‐Plane Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect in Ferromagnetic Type‐I Nodal Line Semimetal of Monolayer YbN
Authors: Liu Ze , Li Jia , Li Linyang , Mao Xiujuan , Wang Guang , Zhang Qian , Jin Yuming
Published: December 2022

The monolayer YbN is predicted to be a 2D nodal line semimetal with full spin polarization in the absence of spin–orbit coupling as well as an intrinsic ferromagnet with an easy magnetic xy plane and T
c = 85 K. Considering the spin–orbit coupling with magnetic moments along z direction, the band crossings near Fermi level around Γ points are still preserved and robust against spin–orbit coupling. On the contrary, when the spin–orbit coupling is considered with magnetic moments oriented in‐plane along x and y directions, the band crossings are broken, and the bandgap of the magnetic moment along the y direction is larger than that in the x direction, which results in topologically nontrivial insulating property. The anomalous Hall conductivity calculations show the Chern number C = −1, implying the existence of one edge state in the finite‐width nanoribbon. The findings provide ideal candidates for investigating the design of electronic devices related to 2D nontrivial magnetic materials.
Effect of bridged spacers and auxiliary acceptors on Dye Sensitized Solar Cell sensitizers: A density functional theory‐based investigation
Authors: Shukla Vandana Kumari , Sharma Suryapratap J. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: December 2022

Four donor‐pi‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) type sensitizers containing coumarin as the donor unit and cyanoacrylic acid as the acceptor unit are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent‐DFT methods. The effect of introducing auxiliary acceptor like benzothiadiazole and spacer bridge like 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) is analyzed. The EDOT bridge leads to increase in band gap whereas the introduction of benzothiadiazole lessens the band gap. The frontier molecular orbital diagram also shows an efficient intramolecular charge transfer for non‐EDOT based sensitizers. For benzothiadiazole‐based sensitizers, the electrophilicity index was higher and hyperhardness was lower in the estimated reactivity descriptors. The experimentally determined light harvesting efficiency (LHE) of the sensitizers is correlated with the calculated global descriptors. A direct relation of LHE is obtained with electrophilicity index and an inverse relation for hyperhardness. A reverse trend is seen on comparing these descriptors with the band gap of the sensitizers. The computed non‐linear optical (NLO) characteristics show that the benzothiadiazole acceptor increases NLO response, while EDOT‐based sensitizers show a reduced NLO response. The NLO properties also give a direct relation with the LHE and electrophilicity index. The hyperpolarizability exhibits an inverse relation with the transition energy which is in accordance with the Ouder's model.
Adapting an elemental analyser to perform high‐temperature catalytic oxidation for dissolved organic carbon measurements in water
Authors: Carvalho Matheus C.
Published: December 2022

Rationale

Many laboratories employ elemental analyzers (EAs) coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMSs) to measure carbon stable isotope ratios (δ13C) in solid samples. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in most natural water samples cannot be analyzed using this approach unless time‐consuming preconcentration is employed.

Methods

An EA‐IRMS can be used to measure DOC δ13C in natural waters without the need for sample preconcentration by employing high‐temperature catalytic oxidation. An autosampler injects water into the EA reactor at 680°C filled with platinum catalyst beads, where all carbon is converted to CO2. Remaining water and halides are removed, while CO2 is trapped in a cryotrap and later released to the IRMS.

Results

Measurements were accurate (deviation <0.3‰ compared to solid sample measurements) and precise (error of 0.3‰ for concentrations ≥46 μM). Blanks were present and accounted for. Salinity up to seawater level did not affect accuracy or precision, but limited the number of samples that could be run before cleaning of the reactor was needed. DOC δ13C in a river/estuary varied between −25.7 and −23.2‰, with higher values for waters with higher salinity, as expected. Deep‐sea water reference material had a value of −22.9 ± 0.5‰, very similar to those found in recent reports employing similar techniques.

Conclusion

Adapting an EA is a feasible approach for the measurement of DOC δ13C in natural waters. The low cost and simplicity of the system allow its use in any laboratory already equipped with EA‐IRMS.