bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditional Deletion of HIF-2α in Mouse Nucleus Pulposus Reduces Fibrosis and Provides Mild and Transient Protection From Age-Dependent Structural Changes in Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Johnston Shira N , Madhu Vedavathi , Shapiro Irving M , Risbud Makarand V
Published: September 2022

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are critical to the development and homeostasis of hypoxic tissues. Although HIF-2α, one of the main HIF-α isoforms, is expressed in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, its functions remain unknown. We deleted HIF-2α in the NP tissue using a notochord-specific FoxA2Cre allele to study HIF-2α function in the adult intervertebral disc. Unlike observations in HIF-1αcKO mice, fate mapping studies using Rosa26-mTmG reporter showed that HIF-2α loss in NP did not negatively impact cell survival or affect compartment development. Rather, loss of HIF-2α resulted in slightly better attributes of NP morphology in 14-month-old HIF-2αcKO mice as evident from lower scores of degeneration. These 14-month-old HIF-2αcKO mice also exhibited significant reduction in NP tissue fibrosis and lower collagen turnover in the annulus fibrosis (AF) compartment. Imaging-Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) analyses showed decreased collagen and protein content in the NP and maintained chondroitin sulfate levels in 14-month-old HIF-2αcKO. Mechanistically, global transcriptomic analysis showed enrichment of differentially expressed genes with Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to metabolic processes and cell development, molecular functions concerned with histone and protein binding, and associated pathways, including oxidative stress. Noteworthy, these morphological differences were not apparent in 24-month-old HIF-2αcKO, indicating that aging is the dominant factor in governing disc health. Together these data suggest that loss of HIF-2α in the NP compartment is not detrimental to the intervertebral disc development but rather mitigates NP tissue fibrosis and offers mild but transient protection from age-dependent early degenerative changes. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Cinnamic acid is beneficial to diabetic cardiomyopathy via its cardioprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐dyslipidemia, and antidiabetic properties
Authors: Nair Anupama , Preetha Rani M. R. , Salin Raj Palayyan , Ranjit S. , Rajankutty K. , Raghu K. G.
Published: September 2022

Diabetes‐related health issues are increasing day by day in public, and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one serious issue among them. There is a lack of proper strategy to control and manage DCM. Here we are attempting a nutraceutical‐based approach to protect the heart from DCM. The beneficial effect of cinnamic acid (CiA), was evaluated in an experimental model of diabetes. For this, diabetic model was created by feeding male Wistar rats with a high fat, high fructose diet for 6 months and a single dose of streptozotocin (25 mg/kg bwt). Metformin was used as the positive control. The diabetic rats showed insulin resistance, myocardial injury, and a significant increase of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Development of DCM was evident from the increased cardiac mass index, LDH, CKMB, ANP, and CRP levels in the diabetic group. There was a significant increase in the levels of cardiac hypertrophy markers like TGF‐β and β‐MHC in the hearts of diabetic rats revealing DCM. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6) and lipid peroxides were significantly elevated in the serum of diabetic rats. Histopathology revealed inflammation and necrosis in the heart of diabetic rats confirming DCM. Oral administration of CiA (5 and 10 mg/kg bwt) prevented the development of DCM via its cardioprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐dyslipidemia potential, and antidiabetic properties. Similarly, metformin (50 mg/kg bwt) has also shown protection against DCM. We conclude from this study that CiA is found to be beneficial against DCM and recommend more detailed preclinical and clinical studies to develop CiA‐based nutraceutical against DCM.
The effect of stiffness and hole size on nipple compression in infant suckling
Authors: Adjerid Khaled , Johnson Maxwell L. , Edmonds Chloe E. , Steer Kendall S. , Gould Francois D. H. , German Rebecca Z. , Mayerl Christopher J.
Published: September 2022

During infant feeding, the nipple is an important source of sensory information that affects motor outputs, including ones dealing with compression of the nipple, suction, milk bolus movement, and swallowing. Despite known differences in behavior across commercially available nipples, little is known about the in vivo effects of nipple property variation. Here we quantify the effect of differences in nipple stiffness and hole size on an easily measured metric representing infant feeding behavior: nipple compression. We bottle‐fed 7‐day old infant pigs (n = 6) on four custom fabricated silicone nipples. We recorded live X‐ray fluoroscopic imaging data of feeding on nipples of two levels of hardness/stiffness and two hole sizes. We tested for differences in nipple compression at the nipple's maximum compression across different nipple types using a mixed model analysis of variance. Stiffer nipples and those with smaller holes were compressed less than compliant nipples and nipples with larger holes (p < 0.001). We also estimated the force applied on the nipple during feeding and found that more force was applied to the compliant nipple with disproportionately larger strains. Our results suggest that infant pigs' nipple compression depends on material type and hole size, which is likely detected by the infant pigs' initial assessment of compressibility and flow. By isolating nipple properties, we demonstrated a relationship between properties and suckling behavior. Our results suggest that sensory information affects feeding behaviors and may also inform clinical treatment of poor feeding performance.
Digraph analogues for the Nine Dragon Tree Conjecture
Authors: Gao Hui , Yang Daqing
Published: September 2022

The fractional arboricity of a digraph , denoted by , is defined as . Frank proved that a digraph decomposes into branchings, if and only if and . In this paper, we study digraph analogues for the Nine Dragon Tree Conjecture. We conjecture that, for positive integers and , if is a digraph with and , then decomposes into branchings with . This conjecture, if true, is a refinement of Frank's characterization. A series of acyclic bipartite digraphs is also presented to show the bound of given in the conjecture is best possible. We prove our conjecture for the cases . As more evidence to support our conjecture, we prove that if is a digraph with the maximum average degree and , then decomposes into pseudo‐branchings with .
Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activity of targeted kinase inhibitors: Repurposing clinically available drugs for COVID‐19 therapy
Authors: Boytz RuthMabel , Słabicki Mikołaj , Ramaswamy Sita , Patten J. J. , Zou Charles , Meng Chengcheng , Hurst Brett L. , Wang Jinhua , Nowak Radosław P. , Yang Priscilla L. , Sattler Martin , Stone Richard M. , Griffin James D. , Gray Nathanael S. , Gummuluru Suryaram , Davey Robert A. , Weisberg Ellen
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) remains a major public health concern, and vaccine unavailability, hesitancy, or failure underscore the need for discovery of efficacious antiviral drug therapies. Numerous approved drugs target protein kinases associated with viral life cycle and symptoms of infection. Repurposing of kinase inhibitors is appealing as they have been vetted for safety and are more accessible for COVID‐19 treatment. However, an understanding of drug mechanism is needed to improve our understanding of the factors involved in pathogenesis. We tested the in vitro activity of three kinase inhibitors against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), including inhibitors of AXL kinase, a host cell factor that contributes to successful SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Using multiple cell‐based assays and approaches, gilteritinib, nintedanib, and imatinib were thoroughly evaluated for activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Each drug exhibited antiviral activity, but with stark differences in potency, suggesting differences in host dependency for kinase targets. Importantly, for gilteritinib, the amount of compound needed to achieve 90% infection inhibition, at least in part involving blockade of spike protein‐mediated viral entry and at concentrations not inducing phospholipidosis (PLD), approached a clinically achievable concentration. Knockout of AXL, a target of gilteritinib and nintedanib, impaired SARS‐CoV‐2 variant infectivity, supporting a role for AXL in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and supporting further investigation of drug‐mediated AXL inhibition as a COVID‐19 treatment. This study supports further evaluation of AXL‐targeting kinase inhibitors as potential antiviral agents and treatments for COVID‐19. Additional mechanistic studies are needed to determine underlying differences in virus response.
Identification of a new phytotoxic compound from culture filtrates of an aggressive Rhizoctonia solani AG 1A isolate inducing sheath blight of rice
Authors: Dauda Wadzani P. , Rana Virendra S. , Shanmugam Veerubommu
Published: September 2022

Phytotoxins produced by Rhizoctonia solani AG1–1A (Anastomosis Group 1 Subgroup 1A) play a significant role in developing sheath blight disease in rice. A phytotoxin in the partially purified ethyl acetate fraction from the culture filtrate of a highly aggressive R. solani (RIRS‐K) isolate, with Indian Type Culture Collection (ITCC) number 7479, infecting rice that could incite necrotic symptoms characteristic of the fungus was identified. The role of the crude toxin in the pathogenicity and virulence of the fungal pathogen on rice was first established by artificial inoculation assay under controlled conditions. The crude ethyl acetate extract obtained from the culture filtrate of RIRS‐K was first fractionated by column chromatography. Further purification of the bioactive fraction was carried out by using bioassay‐guided fractionation, and a toxic fraction was obtained. The most bioactive fraction was analyzed by GC‐MS analysis, and 3‐butylpyridine (3‐BP) was identified as a major compound in the active fraction by comparing its mass spectrum with NIST library and its standard. The purified bioactive fraction and standard (3‐BP) toxicity was further validated and compared at 1000 ppm. The result showed that both the bioactive fraction and the 3‐BP have caused necrosis, similar to the one incited by R. solani. This study showed that 3‐BP is one of the major compounds responsible for the necrosis development in the rice plant during ShB disease and is a hitherto unexplored toxin of R. solani in rice.
Socioeconomic and insurance‐related disparities in disease‐specific survival among patients with metastatic bone disease
Authors: Jawad Muhammad Umar , Pollock Brad H. , Wise Barton L. , Zeitlinger Lauren N. , O' Donnell Edmond F. , Carr‐Ascher Janai R. , Cizik Amy , Ferrell Betty , Thorpe Steven W. , Randall R. Lor
Published: September 2022

Background

Approximately 5% of cancer patients in the United States presented with metastatic bone disease (MBD) at diagnosis. Current study explores the disparities in survival for patients with MBD.

Methods

Patients with the diagnosis of MBD at presentation for the five most common primary anatomical sites were extracted from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Census tract–level dataset (2010–2016). Kaplan–Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard models were used to evaluate survival, and prognostic factors for each cohort. Prognostic significance of socioeconomic status (SES) and insurance status were ascertained.

Results

The five most common anatomical‐sites with MBD at presentation included “lung” (n = 59 739), “prostate” (n = 19 732), “breast” (n = 16 244), “renal and urothelium” (n = 7718) and “colon” (n= 3068). Lower SES was an independent risk factor for worse disease‐specific survival (DSS) for patients with MBD originating from lung, prostate, breast and colon. Lack of insurance was an independent risk factor for worse DSS for MBD patients with primary tumors in lung and breast.

Conclusions

MBD patients from the five most common primary sites demonstrated SES and insurance‐related disparities in disease‐specific survival. This is the first and largest study to explore SES and insurance‐related disparities among patients specifically afflicted with MBD. Our findings highlight vulnerability of patients with MBD across multiple primary sites to financial toxicity.
Ultra‐High Frequency Ultrasound in Melanoma Management
Authors: Oranges Teresa , Janowska Agata , Scatena Cristian , Faita Francesco , Lascio Nicole Di , Izzetti Rossana , Fidanzi Cristian , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the correspondence between the ultrasonographic thickness and the Breslow thickness in melanoma using ultra‐high frequency ultrasound and the intra‐ and inter‐operator repeatability in the ultrasonographic measurements of melanoma depth. Moreover, we propose a new protocol based on a combined ultrasonographic–histopathological approach.

Methods

We analyzed 27 melanomas in a population consisted of 27 patients (mean age 57.6 years, 51.8% males), who came at the Department of Dermatology (University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy) from April 2016 to March 2018 and had an ultrasonographic examination of a suspected lesion before the surgical removal using ultra‐high frequency ultrasound (Vevo®MD, Fujifilm, Visualsonics, Toronto, Canada; 70 MHz probe). B‐mode images were analyzed by two skilled and blinded operators, and the maximum depth of the lesions was measured using a dedicated graphical user interface developed in Matlab R2016b (MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA), to obtain repetitive measurements.

Results

All melanomas appeared as band‐like or oval/fusiform shaped hypoechoic inhomogeneous lesions. We observed an excellent agreement between the Breslow thickness of melanomas and the ultrasonographic thickness, as well as a reduced intra‐ and inter‐operator variability in the ultrasonographic measurements of melanoma depth.

Conclusions

We propose a ultrasonographic–histopathological protocol which may help clinicians to reduce the diagnostic delay, improve prognosis and survival rates, perform a surgical excision with negative margins, and reduce the variability in the assessment of Breslow thickness.
MR‐lymphangiography identifies lymphatic pathologies in patients with idiopathic recurrent cervical swelling
Authors: Vach Marius , Wagenpfeil Julia , Henkel Andreas , Strieth Sebastian , Luetkens Julian Alexander , Ko Yon‐Dschun , Schild Hans Heinz , Attenberger Ulrike Irmgard , Pieper Claus Christian
Published: September 2022

Background

Idiopathic recurrent cervical swelling may be caused by lymphatic abnormalities.

Methods

Ten patients (9 females, mean age 51.2 ± 7) with idiopathic recurrent cervical swelling underwent MR‐lymphangiography (MRL). MR‐lymphangiograms were evaluated regarding lymphatic anatomy and flow. Individualized treatment was recommended according to MRL‐findings.

Results

8/10 patients presented with left‐sided, 2/10 with right‐sided swelling. Pathological lymph‐flow was identified in all cases: thoracic duct dilatation in patients with left‐sided and right lymphatic duct dilatation in right‐sided swelling, accessory thoracic lymphatics in 7/10 and reflux in 8/10 cases. In two cases, a lymphatic thrombus was identified.

After treatment, symptoms resolved completely in 6/10 cases and partially in 1/10 cases. The remaining three patients have intermittent swellings but have no treatment wish.

Conclusion

Idiopathic recurrent cervical swelling can be caused by lymphatic anomalies. MRL displays impaired lymphatic drainage, lymphatic vessel dilatation, and chylolymphatic reflux as hallmarks of this condition and may aid in targeted treatment planning.
Portopulmonary hypertension practice patterns after liver transplantation
Authors: Jose Arun , Kopras Elizabeth J. , Shah Shimul A. , Elwing Jean M.
Published: September 2022

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a type of pulmonary arterial hypertension occurring exclusively in those with portal hypertensive liver disease. Liver transplantation (LT) can significantly improve outcomes. Current guidelines counsel against immediate adjustments to targeted therapy after LT and suggest routine echocardiography as sufficiently informative to guide therapeutic adjustments. Current practice patterns for adjusting targeted therapy after LT in POPH, and how they compare with guidelines, are not well established. To answer this question, we performed an institutional review board–approved, cross‐sectional mixed‐methods survey‐based study of US POPH providers. Anonymized requests to complete the survey were sent through professional networks between January 20, 2022, and April 20, 2022. Responses were compared between cardiologists and pulmonologists using Fisher's exact tests, at a significance of 0.05. A total of 85 POPH physicians were included in the final analysis (66% pulmonologists and 34% cardiologists). Following LT, the majority of respondents routinely used a combination of standard cardiopulmonary assessment modalities to guide adjustment of targeted therapy following LT. Most respondents (69%) started by adjusting parenteral prostacyclins with small titrations and frequent reassessments within 3 months of LT, but some (19.7%) adjusted targeted therapy immediately after LT. Our results showed that the majority of respondents favored serial integrated cardiopulmonary testing (including routine right heart catheterization) to guide the adjustment of targeted therapy in POPH after LT, and almost one‐fifth of respondents weaned therapy immediately after LT. Our study demonstrates heterogeneity in POPH practice patterns after LT, highlights differences between current practice patterns and the most recent guidelines, emphasizes the need for additional research, and supports a team‐based approach to standardize care for these high‐risk patients and optimize post‐LT outcomes.
Blow‐up versus global well‐posedness for the focusing INLS with inverse‐square potential
Authors: Deng Mingming , Lu Jing , Meng Fanfei
Published: September 2022

We study the focusing inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger equation with inverse‐square potential

where
and
in dimension three. We extend the results of Campos and Cardoso to inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger equation (INLS) with inverse‐square potential, and the proof is based on the method from Duyckaerts and Roudenko. Furthermore, our result compensates for the one of Campos and Guzmán, obtaining blow‐up versus global existence dichotomy for solutions beyond the threshold.
Tissue equivalence of 3D printing materials with respect to attenuation and absorption of X‐rays used for diagnostic and interventional imaging
Authors: Kunert Patrizia , Trinkl Sebastian , Giussani Augusto , Reichert Detlef , Brix Gunnar
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Three‐dimensional printing is a promising technology to produce phantoms for quality assurance and dosimetry in X‐ray imaging. Crucial to this, however, is the use of tissue equivalent printing materials. It was thus the aim of this study to evaluate the properties of a larger number of commercially available printing filaments with respect to their attenuation and absorption of X‐rays.

Materials and methods

Apparent kerma attenuation coefficients (AKACs) and absorbed doses for different X‐ray spectra (tube voltages, 70–140 kV) were measured and simulated by Monte‐Carlo computations for a larger number of fused‐deposition‐modeling (FDM) materials. The results were compared with the respective values simulated for reference body tissues. In addition, the properties of polylactide acid samples printed with reduced infill densities were investigated.

Results

Measured and simulated AKACs and absorbed doses agreed well with each other and in case of AKACs also with attenuation coefficients derived from the reference database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). For lung, adipose, muscle, and bulk soft tissue as well as for spongiosa (cancellous bone), printed materials with equivalent attenuation as well as absorption properties could be identified. In contrast, none of the considered printed materials was equivalent to cortical bone.

Conclusion

Several FDM materials have been identified as well‐suited substitutes for body tissues in terms of the investigated material characteristics. They can therefore be used for in‐house production of individualized and task‐specific phantoms for image quality assessment and dose measurements in X‐ray imaging.
Contemporary Growth and Survival of Stocked and Wild Lake Trout in Lake Champlain Evaluated Using Maxillary Age Estimates
Authors: Hemmelgarn Grace L. , Marcy-Quay Benjamin , Marsden J. Ellen
Published: September 2022

The population of Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush in Lake Champlain has been sustained by stocking since 1973, but natural recruitment of wild fish has been observed since 2012. By 2020, continued recruitment and maturation of wild year-classes indicated that updated population parameters were needed to assess and adjust management practices. Age estimation from historical methods (fin clips and scales) was undependable due to crowding of annuli in older fish and the inability to verify uncertain age estimates using a 5-year fin clip rotation for older fish. We used maxillary bones to obtain precise and accurate age estimates for adult wild and stocked fish. In combination with preadult ages derived from fin clips and length–frequency analysis, we estimated the contemporary survival and growth of juvenile (age 2–3), early-adult (age 3–4), and adult (age 5+) Lake Trout in Lake Champlain. The precision and accuracy of our maxillary age estimates were greater than or comparable to the precision and accuracy of otolith and maxillary age estimates of Lake Trout populations in the Great Lakes. Estimates of Lake Trout growth suggested that stocked and wild fish grew at different rates, with stocked fish having an early size advantage but ultimately reaching a similar maximum size. There were no significant differences in length–weight relationships between stocked and wild fish. Estimates of adult survival were slightly greater than range-wide averages and well above recent estimates for stocked populations in the Great Lakes. Juvenile and early-adult survival estimates were similar to each other and both far lower than adult estimates. Stocked and wild fish had similar survival rates in all age-classes. Ultimately, the use of maxillary bones allowed us to make better estimates of contemporary population parameters necessary for informing management decisions.
Effects of Length and Bag Limits on Largemouth Bass Tournament Capture and Mortality
Authors: Maahs Brandon , Sylvia Andrea , Weber Michael J.
Published: September 2022

Tournament mortality of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides can be a major source of population mortality. Tournament captures and mortality may be reduced through restrictive harvest regulations (bag and length limits), but these approaches for mitigating tournament mortality have not been assessed. We assessed the effects of bass tournament angler bag and minimum length limits on the number of bass weighed in, bass tournament weigh-in probability, and the reduction in tournament mortality. We tagged nearly 4,000 Largemouth Bass during 205 tournaments and electrofishing events at Brushy Creek Lake, Iowa, from 2015 to 2019. We then used a before–after–control–impact analysis to evaluate the effect of tournament regulations (bag limit: either three or five bass; minimum length limit: no minimum or 305, 330, 356, or 381 mm) on bass monthly catch rates and a capture–recapture model to assess tournament weigh-in probability among regulation types. Number of bass per tournament angler-hour was similar among a three-bass, ≥381-mm length limit and more liberalized regulations (mean = 0.26 bass/angler/h). Length and bag limits had little effect on bass weigh-in probability. We estimated that reducing the bag limit from five to three bass would have little effect, while a reduction from three to two bass would reduce the number of bass weighed in by 35% and a bag limit of one bass would result in a 62% reduction. Alternatively, a minimum length limit of ≥381 mm could reduce the number of bass weighed in by over 40%. Tournament mortality was greatest in July and August, but low catch rates during these months resulted in little mortality. Although current length and bag limits did not affect bass weigh-in probability, the number of bass weighed in and associated tournament mortality may be reduced if bag and length limits are very restrictive (≤2 bass/angler or minimum length ≥381 mm). However, restrictive tournament regulations may not be biologically necessary or socially acceptable.
Variation in Prairie Chub hatch relationships across wet and dry years in the upper Red River basin
Authors: Wedgeworth Maeghen , Mollenhauer Robert , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The Prairie Chub Macrhybopsis australis is a poorly studied minnow species endemic to the upper Red River basin and is of both state and federal conservation interest due to uncertainty about its life history and potential listing status. The upper Red River basin of Oklahoma and Texas is a harsh environment where drought and extreme flow events are exacerbated by human alterations. As an assumed pelagic-broadcast-spawning minnow, the Prairie Chub is capable of a protracted spawning season and larval fish survival is assumed to be linked to discharge and streamflow variability.

Methods

We systematically collected 2,017 age-0 Prairie Chub from seven sites (North Fork Red River, Salt Fork Red River, Pease River, Red River, Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, North Wichita River, and South Wichita River) with variable flow patterns during April–September 2019 and May–August 2020. We used otolith age estimates and back calculations to determine successful spawning dates. We used a hurdle model framework to examine relationships between hatch probability and hatch frequency.

Result

Hatch probability had a negative relationship with calendar day and declined as calendar day increased. Hatch counts peaked in late June and early July and declined thereafter in 2019 but showed no discernible peak during the spawning season in 2020. Hatch probability during the spawning season increased with relative flow and air temperature. Increased hatch counts were also positively related to discharge variability (CV) for the 10 d prior to hatch dates.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that successful hatches had considerable spatial and temporal variability, with some sites contributing minimally to the population during some years. Spatial and temporal variability of hatch probability and hatch frequencies pose a variety of considerations for future conservation and management efforts, particularly given the pending federal listing status of the species.
Collocation‐based harmonic balance framework for highly accurate periodic solution of nonlinear dynamical system
Authors: Dai Honghua , Yan Zipu , Wang Xuechuan , Yue Xiaokui , Atluri Satya N.
Published: September 2022

Periodic dynamical systems ubiquitously exist in science and engineering. The harmonic balance (HB) method and its variants have been the most widely‐used approaches for such systems, but are either confined to low‐order approximations or impaired by aliasing and improper‐sampling problems. Here we propose a collocation‐based harmonic balance framework to successfully unify and reconstruct the HB‐like methods. Under this framework a new conditional identity, which exactly bridges the gap between frequency‐domain and time‐domain harmonic analyses, is discovered by introducing a novel aliasing matrix. Upon enforcing the aliasing matrix to vanish, we propose a powerful reconstruction harmonic balance (RHB) method that obtains extremely high‐order (>100) nonaliasing solutions, previously deemed out‐of‐reach, for a range of complex nonlinear systems including the cavitation bubble dynamics, the three‐body problem and the two dimensional airfoil dynamics. We show that the present method is 2–3 orders of magnitude more accurate and simultaneously much faster than the state‐of‐the‐art method. Hence, it has immediate applications in multidisciplinary problems where highly accurate periodic solutions are sought.
Association of dietary antioxidant index with body mass index in adolescents
Authors: Aminnejad Bahareh , Roumi Zahra , Hasanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Vahid Farhad , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Kalantari Naser , Ataei Asal , Doaei Saeid
Published: September 2022

Background

Dietary antioxidants may decrease body fat through reduction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and body mass index (BMI) in adolescent boys.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 593 adolescent boys aged 12–16 years were randomly selected and were divided into two groups of overweight and non‐overweight individuals. Data on physical activity and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dietary intake was assessed using 168‐item semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the DAI score was calculated to measure the antioxidant capacity of the diet.

Results

The overweight adolescents had higher intake of energy (2490.55 ± 632.49 vs. 2354.33 ± 632.64 kcal/d, p = 0.01), carbohydrate (290.21 ± 71.41 vs. 272.93 ± 79.22 g/d, p = 0.01), fat (111.51 ± 40.76 vs. 104.51 ± 35.56 g/d, p = 0.04), calcium (811.70 ± 283.70 vs. 741.06 ± 251.17 g/d, p = 0.003), and vitamin D (1.41 ± 1.17 vs. 1.18 ± 1.19 μg/d, p = 0.031) in comparison with normal weight adolescents. The DAI had an inverse association with BMI after adjustment for age and caloric intake (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76–0.96, p = 0.009). Additional adjustment for dietary intake of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, manganese, and selenium did not change the results.

Conclusion

The results of the study showed that following a diet rich in antioxidants may be effective in preventing obesity in adolescent boys. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these finding and to determine the underlying mechanisms.
Simultaneously improve the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness, flexural properties, and impact strength of CFRP composites with short aramid fiber interlaminar toughening
Authors: Wang Yongan , Liu Xi , Chen Lifeng , Shen Wei , Zhu Lvtao
Published: September 2022

This work mainly focuses on the mode II interlaminar fracture behavior of carbon fiber composite that was interlaminar toughened by short aramid fiber modified epoxy resin. The short fibers were first dispersed in the epoxy matrix and then in the laminate interlayer area during the lamination process. The ENF test evaluated the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of laminates. The results show that mode II interlaminar fracture toughness increases with the addition of short fibers. When the fiber content is 10 g/m2, the toughening effect is the best at 2437.72 J/m2, which is about 61.8% higher than the untoughened sample. The toughening mechanism of CFRP laminates by adding short fibers was observed by mode II fracture surface SEM images. In addition, flexural properties and Charpy impact properties of short fiber modified resin interlayer toughened laminates were also studied. The results showed that with this method, flexural properties and impact strength were improved to a certain extent, proving that this method is an effective interlaminar toughening method.
Blockchain technology andAI‐facilitated polymers recycling: Utilization, realities, and sustainability
Authors: Verma Deepak , Okhawilai Manunya , Dalapati Goutam Kumar , Ramakrishna Seeram , Sharma Abhishek , Sonar Prashant , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Biring Sajal , Sharma Mohit
Published: September 2022

From the environmental perspective, efficient plastic utilization and its recyclability become significant issues that need to be resolved for deploying urban and sustainable technologies. It is estimated that approximately 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year for different applications. This number will be doubled by 2050, which is a serious problem. The primary issue that arises in a recycling process is associated with optimum supply chain management. The comprehensive and transparent supply chain methodologies will help stockholders to make conclusive policies and precise strategies. Transparency in supply chain management assists in captivating planning, pricing, purchasing, and inventory management decisions. Environmental sustainability requires recycling, which should have innovative concepts like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Block‐chain Technology. Manual methods of sorting and segregating the waste have outdated and not much efficient. The inclusion of AI and Blockchain Technology brought a revolution by increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the recycling process. This critical review focused on recycling plastics and plastic waste using AI and Blockchain Technology. Various plastic regulation policies and AI utilization for plastic recycling are discussed. An overview of the blockchain and its classification for waste management or plastic recycling has been discussed. The utilization of Blockchain Technology for a plastic circular economy, its types, and critical benefits has also been systematically demonstrated.
Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals with spinal cord injury: Mental health and use of telehealth
Authors: Mesa Adam , Grasdal Mark , Leong Sarah , Dean Nikolaus A. , Marwaha Arshdeep , Lee Amanda , Berger Michael J. , Bundon Andrea , Krassioukov Andrei V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Limited access to health care services and the self‐isolation measures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may have had additional unintended negative effects, affecting the health of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objectives

To examine the perceived influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals with SCI. First, this study looked to understand how the pandemic affected the use and perception of telehealth services for these individuals. Second, it investigated the effect of COVID‐19 on mental health.

Design

Cross‐sectional online survey.

Setting

Individuals with SCI living in the community in British Columbia, Canada.

Patients

This survey was offered to individuals with SCI and had 71 respondents, with 34% living in a rural setting and 66% in an urban setting.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Telehealth utility, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD‐7), Fear of COVID‐19 scale (FCV‐19S), and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD).

Results

Telehealth use in the SCI population has increased from 9.9% to 25.4% over the pandemic, with rates of telehealth use in urban centers nearing those of rural participants. Thirty‐one percent of respondents had probable depression and 7.0% had probable generalized anxiety disorder as measured by a score of ≥10 on the PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively. The mean scores on FCV‐19S and PVD were 17.0 (6.6 SD) and 4.29 (1.02 SD), respectively.

Conclusion

Telehealth use during COVID‐19 has more than doubled. It is generally well regarded by respondents, although only a fourth of the SCI population has reported its use. With this in mind, it is important to understand the barriers to further adoption. In addition, higher rates of probable depression were seen than those estimated by pre‐pandemic studies in other countries.
IgG4 related pleural disease: Recurrent pleural effusion after COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Tasnim Saria , Al‐Jobory Ola , Hallak Ahmad , Bharadwaj Taru , Patel Manish
Published: September 2022

IgG4‐related disease is characterized by a systemic fibroinflammatory process associated with substantial infiltration by plasma cells with IgG4 in the organs. Our patient presented with pleural effusion, and was diagnosed with IgG4‐related lung disease (IgG4‐RLD) after he received two doses of the Pfizer COVID‐19 vaccine. The patient developed dyspnea and hypoxia 2 weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer COVID‐19 vaccine. CT scan revealed left pleural effusion which was drained. However, the effusion recurred requiring thoracoscopic drainage, placement of an indwelling catheter, and decortication with biopsy. IgG4 serum level was 268 mg/dl and pathology revealed pleural fibrosis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, and increased IgG4‐positive plasma cells with no malignant cells leading to a diagnosis of IgG4‐RLD. Although COVID vaccine‐related IgG4‐RLD is a novel finding, having a high degree of suspicion following vaccination is always important for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
A new judgment theorem for predefined‐time stability and its application in the synchronization analysis of neural networks
Authors: Chen Chuan , Mi Ling , Zhao Dawei , Guan Hongjiao , Li Lixiang , Zhao Hui
Published: September 2022

Compared with finite‐time/fixed‐time stability, predefined‐time (PDT) stability has some obvious advantages, so it is expected to be the next hot topic. The study of PDT stability depends heavily on the judgment theorems for PDT stability. However, all the existing judgment theorems for PDT stability have several drawbacks, such as complicated judging conditions and strict parameter selection. In this article, a new judgment theorem for PDT stability is proposed to fill the gap, and it is based on a very concise judging condition. To verify the usability of the new judgment theorem, we devise a matching PDT controller, and analyze the PDT synchronization of neural networks by means of the novel judgment theorem. We derive several PDT synchronization criteria, which guarantee the considered neural networks can reach PDT synchronization within an arbitrary preassigned time. The preassigned time can be set as a specific parameter in the devised controller, and the other controller parameters can also be selected easily. Lastly, we provide some confirmatory numerical simulations.
A camera trap‐based assessment of climate‐driven phenotypic plasticity of seasonal moulting in an endangered carnivore
Authors: Laporte‐Devylder Lucie , Ulvund Kristine R. , Rød‐Eriksen Lars , Olsson Ola , Flagstad Øystein , Landa Arild , Eide Nina E. , Jackson Craig R.
Published: September 2022

For many species, the ability to rapidly adapt to changes in seasonality is essential for long‐term survival. In the Arctic, seasonal moulting is a key life‐history event that provides year‐round camouflage and thermal protection. However, increased climatic variability of seasonal events can lead to phenological mismatch. In this study, we investigated whether winter‐white (white morph) and winter‐brown (blue morph) Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) could adjust their winter‐to‐summer moult to match local environmental conditions. We used camera trap images spanning an eight‐year period to quantify the timing and rate of fur change in a polymorphic subpopulation in south‐central Norway. Seasonal snow cover duration and temperature governed the phenology of the spring moult. We observed a later onset and longer moulting duration with decreasing temperature and longer snow season. Additionally, white foxes moulted earlier than blue in years with shorter periods of snow cover and warmer temperatures. These results suggest that phenotypic plasticity allows Arctic foxes to modulate the timing and rate of their spring moult as snow conditions and temperatures fluctuate. With the Arctic warming at an unprecedented rate, understanding the capacity of polar species to physiologically adapt to a changing environment is urgently needed in order to develop adaptive conservation efforts. Moreover, we provide the first evidence for variations in the moulting phenology of blue and white Arctic foxes. Our study underlines the different intraspecific selective pressures that can exist in populations where several morphs co‐occur, and illustrates the importance of integrating morph‐based differences in future management strategies of such polymorphic species.
Create a caring, responsive environment for students with childhood trauma
Authors: Shapley Derrick
Published: September 2022

Working at a historically Black college, I have seen the impact of childhood trauma on a person's development and college success. In a survey of our college campus, we found that 82% of students experienced either food or housing insecurity or both in the past year. The presence of poverty and trauma has been a continuing presence throughout many of their lives. We discovered that 35% of students had experienced homelessness at some point. Fifty percent of students surveyed had a family member who had been a victim of physical violence.
Understanding Micro and Atomic Structures of Secondary Phases in Cu‐Doped SnTe
Authors: Kawami Youichirou , Tran Xuan Quy , Aso Kohei , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Wang Yuan , Li Meng , Yago Anya , Matsumura Syo , Nogita Kazuhiro , Zou Jin
Published: September 2022

Highly efficient thermoelectric materials require, including point defects within the host matrix, secondary phases generating positive effects on lowering lattice thermal conductivity (κL). Amongst effective dopants for a functional thermoelectric material, SnTe, Cu doping realizes the ultra‐low κL approaching the SnTe amorphous limit. Such effective κL reduction is first attributed to strong phonon scattering by substitutional Cu atoms at Sn sites and interstitial defects in the host SnTe. However, other crystallographic defects in secondary phases have been unfocused. Here, this work reports micro‐ to atomic‐scale characterization on secondary phases of Cu‐doped SnTe using advanced microscopes. It is found that Cu‐rich secondary phases begin precipitation ≈1.7 at% Cu (x = 0.034 where Sn1−xCuxTe). The Cu‐rich secondary phases encapsulate two distinct solids: Cu2SnTe3 () has semi‐coherent interfaces with SnTe () such that they minimize lattice mismatch to favor the thermoelectric transport; the other resembles a stoichiometric Cu2Te model, yet is so meta‐stable that it demonstrates not only various defects such as dislocation cores and ordered/disordered Cu vacancies, but also dynamic grain‐boundary migration with heating and a subsequent phase transition ≈350 °C. The atomic‐scale analysis on the Cu‐rich secondary phases offers viable strategies for reducing κL through Cu addition to SnTe.
Exploring Multicultural Picturebooks With Social–Emotional Themes
Authors: Gunn AnnMarie Alberton , Bennett Susan V. , Peterson Barbara J.
Published: September 2022

Integration of social‐emotional learning (SEL) content and vocabulary within read‐alouds of multicultural literature provides powerful learning contexts for enhancing young children's social problem‐solving, language development, and comprehension. Multicultural literature allows children to gain greater understanding of themselves and others through exploration of lives, realities and experiences of characters within texts. In this article, we offer a culturally sustaining pedagogical and social‐emotional learning framework, and criteria to guide educators' selection of multicultural picturebooks with social‐emotional learning themes for read‐alouds. We describe key features of recommended picturebooks and teaching suggestions for promoting vocabulary and social‐emotional learning through read‐alouds with young children.
An assessment of observed wind speed and wind power density over China for 1980–2021
Authors: Li Muyuan , Shen Yanbo , Yao Jinfeng , Ye Dong , Fan Jing , Simmonds Ian
Published: September 2022

The spatiotemporal characteristics of the near‐surface wind speed (NWS), wind speed at 100 m hub height (HWS), and wind power density (WPD) over China are assessed during 1980–2021. A homogenization process is applied to NWS at 292 basic meteorological stations. A total of 336 breakpoints are recognized, with 122 associated with instrument replacement, 113 attributed to station relocation, and 101 due to unrecorded reasons. The homogenization method does not alter the spatial patterns or seasonal variations of NWS, but it does boost the mean NWS over China annually and seasonally, while also strengthening the long‐term decreasing trends. As for the temporal standard deviation (STD) for NWS, high values are primarily found over Inner Mongolia and Northeast China, with the seasonal maximum occurring in spring. After homogenization, the STD of NWS over China is reduced annually and seasonally, and the long‐term decreasing trends are somewhat weaker. The results for HWS are comparable to those for NWS. Notably, the lower mean state and weaker fluctuation of wind speed in recent years have two opposing implications for wind power production. Similar to the NWS mean state, the annual mean WPD over China is largely increased after homogenization with a faster decreasing trend.
Identification and prioritization of indicators of hospital bed allocation in Iran
Authors: Najibi Seyedeh M. , Lotfi Farhad , Kharazmi Erfan , Farhadi Payam , Shojaei Payam , Bastani Peivand , Kavosi Zahra
Published: September 2022

The distribution of hospital beds can be used as an indicator to assess the distribution of health services. This study aimed to determine and prioritize indicators of hospital bed allocation in Iran. In the first phase of the study, we used a scoping review to identify criteria affecting hospital bed allocation. Then, we applied an expert panel and the Delphi method to localize the criteria. Finally, we carried out Analytic Network Process method based on Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique (DANP), to determine the weight and importance of indicators and to evaluate the causal relationship between them. Based on the scoping review, we identified 75 criteria that influence bed allocation. In 2 Delphi cycles, 28 criteria were selected and included in the DANP phase. The population, the presence of a reference hospital in the region, the type of hospital, the common diseases in the region, and the presence of home care services were the variables that had the most interaction with other variables. The variable of home care services was at the highest level of the causal chain. Bed occupancy rate, average length of stay, waiting list, as well as type and level of the hospital had the highest priority in the allocation of hospital beds. Furthermore, given the importance of home care services, policies should be adopted to expand these services nationwide. The indicators identified in this study will be useful for the development of policies aimed at an equitable allocation of hospital beds.
Phase formation studies and crystal structure refinements in the MnII/TeIV/O/(H) system
Authors: Eder Felix , Weil Matthias
Published: September 2022

Systematic phase formation studies in the system MnII/TeIV/O/‐(H) using either solid‐state reactions between stoichiometric MnO:TeO2 mixtures or hydrothermal reactions under basic conditions led to crystal growth of two polymorphs (α‐, γ‐) of MnTeO3, Mn6Te5O16, Mn15(TeO3)14(OH)2 and Mn3(TeO3)2(OH)2. Although α‐MnTeO3 and Mn6Te5O16 have been reported previously, crystal structure refinements were missing so far. Whereas α‐MnTeO3 crystallizes in a unique structure (space group Pbca, Z=16), Mn6Te5O16 (Pnma, Z=4) is isotypic with its Co‐homologue. The previously unknown phases γ‐MnTeO3 (Pbca, Z=8), Mn15(TeO3)14(OH)2 (
, Z=3) and Mn3(TeO3)2(OH)2 (P63mc, Z=4) all have isotypic relationships, namely with ZnTeO3, Co15(TeO3)14F2 and M3(TeO3)2(OH)2 (M=Ni, Co), respectively. Common to all crystal structures of the five manganese(II) oxidotellurate(IV) phases is the presence of [MnO5] or [MnO6] polyhedra and isolated trigonal‐pyramidal [TeO3] groups (except for one of the TeIV atoms in Mn6Te5O16 [TeO4] bisphenoids) as principal building units, which share corners and edges with the [MnO5/6] groups. The resulting three‐dimensional frameworks are dominated by the influence of the stereochemically active 5 s2 electron lone pair situated at the TeIV atom, leading to the formation of channels or interstices. Quantitative comparisons between the corresponding isotypic crystal structures are given.