bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inverse electron demand Diels–Alder cycloaddition with carbon‐11 and fluorine‐18: A gateway to pretargeted imaging across the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Zientek Simon H. , Thompson Stephen , Sephton Selena Milicevic , Aigbirhio Franklin I.
Published: May 2023

There is increased focus on developing tools to image large biomolecules, such as antibodies, within the brain using positron emission tomography (PET). The inverse electron demand Diels–Alder cycloaddition (IEDDA) reaction has offered the greatest prospect of achieving such a feat and has gained much interest over the past decade. The fast reaction kinetics of the IEDDA reaction opens up the possibility of utilising a pretargeted approach, whereby the subject is pretreated with a biomolecule that has high specificity for its target. A radiolabelled second component is then administered to the subject, enabling the biomolecule to be visualised by PET. However, for this to become common practice, there is a need for the development of either radiolabelled trans‐cyclooctenes (TCOs) or tetrazines that can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This review highlights the advancements in the development of both radiolabelled TCOs and tetrazines, which have been radiolabelled with either carbon‐11 or fluorine‐18 and show promise or have been evaluated for use in pretargeted PET imaging across the BBB.
Probabilistic assessment of concurrent tornado and storm‐related flash flood events
Authors: Ngui Yeu Deck , Najafi Mohammad Reza , de Souza Camila , Sills David M. L.
Published: May 2023

The concurrent occurrence of extreme events can significantly impact societies and infrastructure systems, especially when the instructions provided to the exposed communities demand conflicting responses. In this study, a probabilistic assessment of concurrent tornado and storm‐related flash flood (TORFF) events is performed across southern Canada. We quantify the interdependencies between tornadoes and flash floods (extreme precipitation as proxy) using ground‐based and reanalysis datasets. Windspeed values corresponding to tornado events, categorized based on the recorded Fujita rating, are derived through a resampling approach. The TORFF events are clustered and the corresponding bivariate probability distributions of the resampled windspeed and associated precipitation are characterized based on Copula framework. The individual and joint return periods of concurrent tornadoes and flash floods are then assessed under the AND (when both variables exceed predefined thresholds), OR (when either one of the two variables exceeds predefined thresholds), and conditional hazard scenarios across Canada. Results show positive strong dependencies between resampled windspeed and associated precipitation in Saskatchewan, and weaker dependencies followed by Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The Saskatchewan region shows the highest risk underestimation considering the independence scenario compared to the other regions. Higher precipitation is also expected during extreme windspeed, as observed in the conditional assessment of precipitation given windspeed. This study provides insights for more robust recurrence interval estimation for tornadoes and flash floods to aid in emergency planning of evacuation decision‐making process.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant radiation for trunk and extremity soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Tortorello Gabriella N. , Sharon Cimarron E. , Ma Kevin L. , Perry Nikhita , Shabason Jacob E. , Maki Robert G. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Many patients with high‐risk soft tissue sarcoma (STS) develop distant metastases. Meta‐analyses suggest that chemotherapy confers a small survival benefit, though few studies focus on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). There has been more frequent use of neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NRT) in STS, but the utility of NCT for these patients remains unclear.

Methods

Patients with stage II−III trunk/extremity STS who underwent NRT and resection were identified using the National Cancer Database (2006−2019). Predictors of NCT were analyzed using logistic regression. Change in rate of NCT use over time was assessed using log‐linear regression modeling. Survival was examined using Kaplan−Meier (KM) and Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Results

Of 5740 patients, 25% underwent NCT. The overall median age was 62, 55% of patients were male, and 67% had stage III disease. The most common histological subtypes were fibrosarcoma/myxofibrosarcoma (39%) and liposarcoma (16%). Use of NCT decreased by 4.0% per year throughout the study period (p < 0.01). Predictors of NCT included younger age (median 54, IQR 42−64 vs. median 65, IQR 53−75, p < 0.01), treatment at an academic center (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, p < 0.01), and stage III disease (OR 2.2, p < 0.01). Histologic predictors of NCT included synovial sarcoma (52%) and angiosarcoma (45%). With a median follow‐up time of 77 months, NCT was associated with improved 5‐year survival compared to NRT alone on KM analysis (70% vs. 63%, p < 0.01). This difference persisted on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.86, p = 0.027) and after propensity matching (70% vs. 65%, p = 0.0064).

Conclusion

Despite risk of distant failure in high‐risk STS, use of NCT has decreased over time in patients receiving NRT. In this retrospective analysis, NCT was associated with a modestly improved overall survival.
A simple ion chromatography‐mass spectrometry method for amino acid analysis in beer
Authors: Schmitt Matthias , Fillsack Florian , Seubert Andreas
Published: May 2023

The amino acid footprint of different beer samples was analyzed using ion chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. A tailor‐made polymer‐based cation‐exchange resin was operated with a mass spectrometry‐compatible eluent under isocratic conditions on a standard high‐performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a single quadrupole mass spectrometer using formic acid as a volatile eluent ion source. The partially separated peaks of the isomeric pair isoleucine/leucine were processed according to their area response ratio using vertical peak splitting or Gaussian fit. Additionally, the chromatographic resolution of the isomers was optimized with an adjusted, solely aqueous mobile phase from 0.85 to 2.92. Ion suppression in the electrospray ion source was investigated for the derivatization‐free method and found to be insignificant (recovery value 100 ± 15%) for 15 out of the 20 analytes. Quantitative results for various beer and mixed‐beer beverages were found to be in high agreement with existing methods. Simultaneous photometric detection demonstrated the method's ability to successfully remove most of the interfering matrix compounds.
Van der Waals Materials for Applications in Nanophotonics
Authors: Zotev Panaiot G. , Wang Yue , Andres‐Penares Daniel , Severs‐Millard Toby , Randerson Sam , Hu Xuerong , Sortino Luca , Louca Charalambos , Brotons‐Gisbert Mauro , Huq Tahiyat , Vezzoli Stefano , Sapienza Riccardo , Krauss Thomas F. , Gerardot Brian D. , Tartakovskii Alexander I.
Published: May 2023

Numerous optical phenomena and applications have been enabled by nanophotonic structures. Their current fabrication from high refractive index dielectrics, such as silicon (Si) or gallium phosphide (GaP), pose restricting fabrication challenges while metals, relying on plasmons and thus exhibiting high ohmic losses, limit the achievable applications. An emerging class of layered, so‐called van der Waals (vdW), crystals is presented as a viable nanophotonics platform in this work. The dielectric response of 11 mechanically exfoliated thin‐film (20–200 nm) vdW crystals is extracted, revealing high refractive indices up to n = 5, pronounced birefringence up to Δn = 3, sharp absorption resonances, and a range of transparency windows from ultraviolet to near‐infrared. Nanoantennas are subsequently fabricated on silicon dioxide (SiO2) and gold, utilizing the compatibility of vdW thin films with a variety of substrates. Pronounced Mie resonances are observed due to the high refractive index contrast on SiO2, leading to a strong exciton‐photon coupling regime as well as largely unexplored high‐quality‐factor, hybrid Mie‐plasmon modes on gold. Additional vdW‐material‐specific degrees of freedom in fabrication are further demonstrated by realizing nanoantennas from stacked twisted crystalline thin‐films, enabling control of nonlinear optical properties, and post‐fabrication nanostructure transfer, important for nano‐optics with sensitive materials.
Pixelated NIR–VIS Spectral Routers Based on 2D Mie‐Type Metagratings
Authors: Shao Yifan , Guo Shuhan , Chen Rui , Dang Yongdi , Zhou Yi , Wang Yubo , Zhan Junjie , Yu Jiaqi , Ju Bing‐Feng , Ma Yungui
Published: May 2023

The out‐of‐band energy loss caused by in‐built color filters significantly degrades the signal‐to‐noise ratio and the dynamic range of conventional image sensors, which has restricted the attempt to develop ultrahigh‐density imaging devices by merely shrinking the pixel size. This issue will be more serious for security cameras, which need to collect both visible (VIS) and near‐infrared (NIR) light. The existing solutions mostly explore complex photonic nanostructures, which are often too complicated for production. In this work, a pixelated spectral router is demonstrated utilizing a 2D Si3N4 Mie‐type metagrating that can spatially divide NIR (850 nm) and VIS (400–700 nm) light to different pixels at high efficiencies. It has a minimum feature size larger than 360 nm, highly promising for massive production. Compared with the traditional filter design, this router can gain ≈42% and ≈30% signal enhancement for NIR and VIS bands, respectively. It is shown that it also has good polarization insensitivity and incident angle tolerance. The NIR–VIS simultaneous imaging is inspected without any complex reconstruction algorithm. Mode analysis indicates that the periodic interference of multipolar scattered fields caused by this metagrating provides the necessary degrees of freedom to spatially optimize the routing functions for broadband photons.
Let me take a #selfie #variety: How consumer selfie affects variety seeking
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Wang Chen , Suri Rajneesh
Published: May 2023

Given the proliferation of digital cameras on smartphones, selfies have become ubiquitous in consumers' daily lives, and many companies have employed consumer selfies in their marketing campaigns. However, research on selfies in the domain of consumer behavior is still lacking. This research investigates how consumer selfies, namely, self‐portrait photos featuring consumer faces and products, influence consumers' variety seeking. Through field, online, and laboratory studies and a content analysis of Instagram data, we show that if people will take a consumer selfie with the products they are going to purchase, their self‐presentational concern is heightened, which, in turn, increases their variety seeking in product choices. However, we also find that the consumer selfie effect on variety seeking diminishes when people will take a group (vs. an individual) consumer selfie. Finally, we also show that individual differences in self‐consciousness moderate the consumer selfie effect on variety seeking.
Defining Clinical Meaningfulness in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Hamilton Jamie L. , Mills James A. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Long Jeffrey D. , Fuller Rebecca L.M. , Sathe Swati , Roché Matt , Sampaio Cristina
Published: May 2023

Background

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) represents the smallest within‐person change on an outcome measure considered meaningful to the patient. Anchor‐based MCID methods evaluate the relationship between changes in an outcome measure and the patient‐reported clinical importance of that change.

Objective

This study aims to estimate longitudinal MCID for clinically relevant outcome measures for individuals who have Stages 2 or 3 disease as measured by the Huntington's Disease Integrated Staging System (HD‐ISS).

Methods

Data were drawn from Enroll‐HD, a large global longitudinal, observational study and clinical research platform for HD family members. We analyzed HD participants (N = 11,070) by staging group using time frames ranging from 12 to 36 months. The anchor was the physical component summary score of the 12‐item short‐form health survey. HD‐relevant motor, cognitive, and functional outcome measures were independent, external criterion outcomes. Complex analysis was conducted using multiple, independent, linear mixed effect regression models with decomposition to calculate MCID for each external criterion by group.

Results

MCID estimates varied by progression stage. MCID estimates increased as stage progression increased and as the time frame increased. MCID values for key HD measures are provided. For example, starting in HD‐ISS stage 2, meaningful group change over 24 months equals an average increase of 3.6 or more points on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale Total Motor Score.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine MCID estimation thresholds for HD. The results can be used to improve clinical interpretation of study outcomes and enable treatment recommendations to support clinical decision‐making and clinical trial methodology. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Low Specificity of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Questionnaires: Need for Better Screening Methods
Authors: Stefani Ambra , Serradell Monica , Holzknecht Evi , Gaig Carles , Ibrahim Abubaker , Marrero Paula , Cesari Matteo , Pérez‐Carbonell Laura , Brandauer Elisabeth , Fernández‐Arcos Ana , Bergmann Melanie , Matos Nuria , Santamaria Joan , Högl Birgit , Iranzo Alex ,   for the Sleep Innsbruck Barcelona (SINBAR) group
Published: May 2023

Background

Correct diagnosis of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is critical due to its link to α‐synucleinopathies and risk of injuries and requires video‐polysomnography (V‐PSG). Usefulness of screening questionnaires outside the context of validation studies is limited.

Objective

The aim was to assess the performance of three validated RBD screening questionnaires compared with gold‐standard V‐PSG.

Methods

In this bicentric prospective study, 400 consecutive subjects referred to a sleep center for the first time filled three RBD questionnaires (RBD Screening Questionnaire, RBD Single Question, and Innsbruck RBD Inventory) in random order before sleep experts' interview. Subjects positive for at least one questionnaire were invited to undergo V‐PSG. Data from patients negative for all questionnaires undergoing V‐PSG for other reasons were also evaluated. Questionnaire performances were compared to gold‐standard V‐PSG RBD diagnosis.

Results

Three hundred ninety‐nine patients (median age: 51 [interquartile range: 37–64] years, 54.9% men) participated. Two hundred thirty‐eight (59.6%) were positive for at least one questionnaire, and RBD was diagnosed using V‐PSG in 30 patients (7.5%). Questionnaire specificity was 48.1% to 67.4%, sensitivity 80% to 92%, accuracy 51% to 68.3%, negative predictive value 94.2% to 98%, and positive predictive value 14.1% to 20.7%, with no relevant differences in performances among the evaluated questionnaires.

Conclusions

RBD questionnaires have low specificity and low positive predictive value and should not be used as a standalone tool for the diagnosis of RBD. Further development of RBD screening methods is needed, particularly for upcoming neuroprotective trials. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
CAG Repeat Expansion in THAP11 Is Associated with a Novel Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Tan Dandan , Wei Cuijie , Chen Zhao , Huang Yu , Deng Jianwen , Li Jingjing , Liu Yidan , Bao Xinhua , Xu Jin , Hu Zhengmao , Wang Suxia , Fan Yanbin , Jiang Yizheng , Wu Ye , Wu Yuan , Wang Shuang , Liu Panyan , Zhang Yuehua , Yang Zhixian , Jiang Yuwu , Zhang Hong , Hong Daojun , Zhong Nanbert , Jiang Hong , Xiong Hui
Published: May 2023

Background

More than 50 loci are associated with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), and the most frequent subtypes share nucleotide repeats expansion, especially CAG expansion.

Objective

The objective of this study was to confirm a novel SCA subtype caused by CAG expansion.

Methods

We performed long‐read whole‐genome sequencing combined with linkage analysis in a five‐generation Chinese family, and the finding was validated in another pedigree. The three‐dimensional structure and function of THAP11 mutant protein were predicted. Polyglutamine (polyQ) toxicity of THAP11 gene with CAG expansion was assessed in skin fibroblasts of patients, human embryonic kidney 293 and Neuro‐2a cells.

Results

We identified THAP11 as the novel causative SCA gene with CAG repeats ranging from 45 to 100 in patients with ataxia and from 20 to 38 in healthy control subjects. Among the patients, the number of CAA interruptions within CAG repeats was decreased to 3 (up to 5–6 in controls), whereas the number of 3′ pure CAG repeats was up to 32 to 87 (4–16 in controls), suggesting that the toxicity of polyQ protein was length dependent on the pure CAG repeats. Intracellular aggregates were observed in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients. THAP11 polyQ protein was more intensely distributed in the cytoplasm of cultured skin fibroblasts from patients, which was replicated with in vitro cultured neuro‐2a transfected with 54 or 100 CAG repeats.

Conclusions

This study identified a novel SCA subtype caused by intragenic CAG repeat expansion in THAP11 with intracellular aggregation of THAP11 polyQ protein. Our findings extended the spectrum of polyQ diseases and offered a new perspective in understanding polyQ‐mediated toxic aggregation. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Validation of the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care Measurement Tool in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Valentijn Pim P. , Eggers Carsten , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Grimes David , Goldman Jennifer , McGinley Jennifer , Gardner Joan , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Dahodwala Nabila , Brennan Laura , Iansek Robert , Kovacs Norbert , Parashos Sotirios , Hilel Ariela , Rajan Roopa ,   the MDS Study Group on Management of Movement Disorders: Interdisciplinary and Integrated Care
Published: May 2023

Background

Integrated care is essential for improving the management and health outcomes for people with Parkinson's disease (PD); reliable and objective measures of care integration are few.

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care Measurement Tool (RMIC‐MT, provider version) for healthcare professionals involved in PD care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was administered online to an international network representing 95 neurology centers across 41 countries and 588 healthcare providers. Exploratory factor analysis with principal axis extraction method was used to assess construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate model fit of the RMIC‐MT provider version. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the internal consistency reliability.

Results

Overall, 371 care providers (62% response rate) participated in this study. No item had psychometric sensitivity problems. Nine factors (professional coordination, cultural competence, triple aims outcome, system coordination, clinical coordination, technical competence, community‐centeredness, person‐centeredness, and organizational coordination) with 42 items were determined by exploratory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.76 (clinical coordination) to 0.94 (system coordination) and showed significant correlation among all items in the scale (>0.4), indicating good internal consistency reliability. The confirmatory factor analysis model passed most goodness‐of‐fit tests, thereby confirming the factor structure of nine categories with a total of 40 items.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence for the construct validity and other psychometric properties of the provider version of the RMIC‐MT to measure integrated care in PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Gene Therapy for Dopamine Dyshomeostasis: From Parkinson's to Primary Neurotransmitter Diseases
Authors: Ng Joanne , Barral Serena , Waddington Simon N. , Kurian Manju A.
Published: May 2023

Neurological disorders encompass a broad range of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases that are complex and almost universally without disease modifying treatments. There is, therefore, significant unmet clinical need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for these patients. Viral gene therapies are a promising approach, where gene delivery is achieved through viral vectors such as adeno‐associated virus and lentivirus. The clinical efficacy of such gene therapies has already been observed in two neurological disorders of pediatric onset; for spinal muscular atrophy and aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, gene therapy has significantly modified the natural history of disease in these life‐limiting neurological disorders. Here, we review recent advances in gene therapy, focused on the targeted delivery of dopaminergic genes for Parkinson's disease and the primary neurotransmitter disorders, AADC deficiency and dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome (DTDS). Although recent European Medicines Agency and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approval of Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec) signifies an important landmark, numerous challenges remain. Future research will need to focus on defining the optimal therapeutic window for clinical intervention, better understanding of the duration of therapeutic efficacy, and improved brain targeting. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Potential Protective Link Between Type I Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease Risk and Progression
Authors: Senkevich Konstantin , Alipour Paria , Chernyavskaya Ekaterina , Yu Eric , Noyce Alastair J. , Gan‐Or Ziv
Published: May 2023

Background

Epidemiological studies suggested an association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes, but less is known about type 1 diabetes (T1D) and PD.

Objective

This study sought to explore the association between T1D and PD.

Methods

We used Mendelian randomization, linkage disequilibrium score regression, and multi‐tissue transcriptome‐wide analysis to examine the association between PD and T1D.

Results

Mendelian randomization showed a potentially protective role of T1D for PD risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–0.99; P = 0.039), as well as motor (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99; P = 0.044) and cognitive progression (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08–2.09; P = 0.015). We further found a negative genetic correlation between T1D and PD (rg = −0.17; P = 0.016), and we identified eight genes in cross‐tissue transcriptome‐wide analysis that were associated with both traits.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a potential genetic link between T1D and PD risk and progression. Larger comprehensive epidemiological and genetic studies are required to validate our findings. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Application Value of Serum Neurofilament Light Protein for Disease Staging in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Li Xiao‐Yan , Bao Yu‐Feng , Xie Juan‐Juan , Gao Bin , Qian Shu‐Xia , Dong Yi , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: May 2023

Background

Neurofilament light protein (NfL) has been proven to be a sensitive biomarker for Huntington's disease (HD). However, these studies did not include HD patients at advanced stages or with larger CAG repeats (>50), leading to a knowledge gap of the characteristics of NfL.

Methods

Serum NfL (sNfL) levels were quantified using an ultrasensitive immunoassay. Participants were assessed by clinical scales and 7.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. Longitudinal samples and clinical data were obtained.

Results

Baseline samples were available from 110 controls, 90 premanifest HD (pre‐HD) and 137 HD individuals. We found levels of sNfL significantly increased in HD compared to pre‐HD and controls (both P < 0.0001). The increase rates of sNfL were differed by CAG repeat lengths. However, there was no difference in sNfL levels in manifest HD from early to late stages. In addition, sNfL levels were associated with cognitive measures in pre‐HD and manifest HD group, respectively. The increased levels of sNfL were also closely related to microstructural changes in white matter. In the longitudinal analysis, baseline sNfL did not correlate with subsequent clinical function decline. Random forest analysis revealed that sNfL had good power for predicting disease onset.

Conclusions

Although sNfL levels are independent of disease stages in manifest HD, it is still an optimal indicator for predicting disease onset and has potential use as a surrogate biomarker of treatment effect in clinical trials. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The role of flavonoids in the regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in cancer: A review on targeting signaling pathways and metastasis
Authors: Proença Carina , Freitas Marisa , Ribeiro Daniela , Rufino Ana T. , Fernandes Eduarda , Ferreira de Oliveira José Miguel P.
Published: May 2023

One of the hallmarks of cancer is metastasis, a process that entails the spread of cancer cells to distant regions in the body, culminating in tumor formation in secondary organs. Importantly, the proinflammatory environment surrounding cancer cells further contributes to cancer cell transformation and extracellular matrix destruction. During metastasis, front‐rear polarity and emergence of migratory and invasive features are manifestations of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). A variety of transcription factors (TFs) are implicated in the execution of EMT, the most prominent belonging to the Snail Family Transcriptional Repressor (SNAI) and Zinc Finger E‐Box Binding Homeobox (ZEB) families of TFs. These TFs are regulated by interaction with specific microRNAs (miRNAs), as miR34 and miR200. Among the several secondary metabolites produced in plants, flavonoids constitute a major group of bioactive molecules, with several described effects including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesogenic, and anticancer effects. This review scrutinizes the modulatory role of flavonoids on the activity of SNAI/ZEB TFs and on their regulatory miRNAs, miR‐34, and miR‐200. The modulatory role of flavonoids can attenuate mesenchymal features and stimulate epithelial features, thereby inhibiting and reversing EMT. Moreover, this modulation is concomitant with the attenuation of signaling pathways involved in diverse processes as cell proliferation, cell growth, cell cycle progression, apoptosis inhibition, morphogenesis, cell fate, cell migration, cell polarity, and wound healing. The antimetastatic potential of these versatile compounds is emerging and represents an opportunity for the synthesis of more specific and potent agents.
Existence and multiplicity of solutions for (p,q)$$ \left(p,q\right) $$‐Laplacian Kirchhoff‐type fractional differential equations with impulses
Authors: Wang Yi , Tian Lixin
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we investigate the existence and multiplicity of solutions for a class of
‐Laplacian Kirchhoff‐type impulsive fractional differential equations. First, under a weaker condition than the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition and the Miyagaki–Souto condition, the existence of an unbounded sequence of nontrivial solutions follows from the fountain theorem. Then, some new criteria are given to guarantee that the fractional differential equation has at least two nontrivial solutions using the Nehari manifold method combined with the fibering map.
Generation of Escher‐like spiral drawings in a modified hyperbolic space
Authors: Chung Kwok Wai , Ouyang Peichang , Nicolas Alain , Cao Shiyun , Bailey David , Gdawiec Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher created many famous drawings with a deep mathematical background based on wallpaper symmetry, hyperbolic geometry, spirals, and regular polyhedra. However, he did not attempt any spiral drawings in hyperbolic space. In this paper, we consider a modified hyperbolic geometry by removing the condition that a geodesic is orthogonal to the unit circle in the Poincaré model. We show that spiral symmetry and the similarity property exist in this modified geometry so that the creation of uncommon hyperbolic spiral drawings is possible. To this end, we first establish the theoretical foundation for the proposed method by deriving a contraction mapping and a rotation for constructing modified hyperbolic spiral tilings (MHSTs) and introduce symmetry groups to analyze the structure of MHSTs. Then, to embed a pre‐designed wallpaper template into the tiles, we derive a one‐to‐one mapping between a tile of MHST and a rectangle. Finally, we specify some technical implementation details and give a gallery of the resulting MHST drawings. Using existing wallpaper templates, the proposed method is able to generate a great variety of exotic Escher‐like drawings.
Error estimates of Hermite‐Hadamard type inequalities with respect to a monotonically increasing function
Authors: Samraiz Muhammad , Malik Maria , Naheed Saima , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak
Published: May 2023

Fractional calculus is used to examine and enhance the concept of calculus in diverse fields of science. In this paper, we establish Hermite‐Hadamard inequalities for composite ‐convex function. The generalized identities are established for Riemann‐type fractional integrals. The explored identities are used to examine error estimates of Hermite‐Hadamard inequalities for ‐convex function concerning a strictly monotone function. Some results that exist in literature are obtained as special cases to our general results. The conclusions of this article may be useful in determining the uniqueness of partial differential equations and fractional boundary value problems.
Intermittent Fasting Alleviates Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism and Promoting Fecal Bile Acid Excretion in High‐Fat and High‐Cholesterol Diet Fed Mice
Authors: Lin Xiaozhuan , Zhu Xuan , Xin Yan , Zhang Peiwen , Xiao Yunjun , He Taiping , Guo Honghui
Published: May 2023

Scope

Intermittent fasting (IF) has a protective role across a wide range of chronic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but its protection against non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is still lacking. This study seeks to investigate how IF alleviates NASH by regulating gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) composition.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6 mice are fed a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 16 weeks to establish a NASH model. Mice then continued HFHC feeding and are treated with or without every other day fasting for 10 weeks. Hepatic pathology is assessed using hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Gut microbiota of the cecum are profiled using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and the levels of BAs in serum, colon contents, and feces are measured using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Results indicate that IF significantly decreases murine body weight, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. IF reshapes the gut microbiota, reduces the accumulation of serum BAs, and increases total colonic and fecal BAs. Moreover, IF increases the expression of cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase 1 in liver, but decreases the expressions of both farnesoid‐X‐receptor and fibroblast growth factor 15 in the ileum.

Conclusion

IF alleviates NASH by regulating bile acid metabolism and promoting fecal bile acid excretion.
A 3D grain‐based reconstruction method from a 2D surface image for the Distinct Lattice Spring Model
Authors: Wei Xin‐Dong , Deng Zhi‐Qiang , Li Qin , Huang Yan , Zhao Gao‐Feng
Published: May 2023

In this work, a surface image‐based 3D grain‐based model (GBM) reconstruction method based on the digital image processing (DIP) technique, periodic random packing and the simulated annealing algorithm is proposed. Taking a surface digital image of Beishan granite as an example, a K‐means clustering algorithm is employed to extract the mineral compositions, the distribution of which is quantified by the two‐point probability function (TPPF). Given the 3D volume fraction of each mineral composition, their corresponding 3D two‐point probability functions can be evaluated from their 2D forms by the linear interpolation method. The 3D GBM reconstruction is generated by a simulated annealing algorithm, with the Monte Carlo algorithm extending the calculation of the two‐point probability function as the target function to the random particle model. To improve the computational efficiency, the periodic boundary condition is applied to both the random particle generator and the evaluation of the two‐point probability function, allowing large‐scale GBM to be generated for the Distinct Lattice Spring Model (DLSM). The elastic response and advantages of the random particle model for the DLSM are investigated. Finally, the DLSM is further enriched with a tension‐cutoff Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion, and the GBM reconstruction method is successfully tested for reproducing the mechanical behaviours of granite and interpreting the failure mechanism at the mesoscale under different loading conditions.
A treatment prediction strategy for overactive bladder using a machine learning algorithm that utilized data from the FAITH study
Authors: Hadi Farid , Sumarsono Budiwan , Lee Kyu‐Sung , Oh Seung‐June , Cho Sung Tae , Hsu Yu‐Chao , Rasner Paul , Jenkins Cerys , Fisher Harry
Published: May 2023

Aims

To use machine learning algorithms to develop a model to accurately predict treatment responses to mirabegron or antimuscarinic agents in patients with overactive bladder (OAB), using real‐world data from the FAITH registry (NCT03572231).

Methods

The FAITH registry data included patients who had been diagnosed with OAB symptoms for at least 3 months and were due to initiate monotherapy with mirabegron or any antimuscarinic. For the development of the machine learning model, data from patients were included if they had completed the 183‐day study period, had data for all timepoints and had completed the overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSS) at baseline and end of study. The primary outcome of the study was a composite outcome combining efficacy, persistence, and safety outcomes. Treatment was deemed “more effective” if the composite outcome criteria for “successful,” “no treatment change,” and “safe” were met, otherwise treatment was deemed “less effective.” To explore the composite algorithm, a total of 14 clinical risk factors were included in the initial data set and a 10‐fold cross‐validation procedure was performed. A range of machine learning models were evaluated to determine the most effective algorithm.

Results

In total, data from 396 patients were included (266 [67.2%] treated with mirabegron and 130 [32.8%] treated with an antimuscarinic). Of these, 138 (34.8%) were in the “more effective” group and 258 (65.2%) were in the “less effective” group. The groups were comparable in terms of their characteristic distributions across patient age, sex, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Of the six models initially selected and tested, the decision tree (C5.0) model was chosen for further optimization, and the receiver operating characteristic of the final optimized model had an area under the curve result of 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.54−0.85) when 15 was used for the min n parameter.

Conclusions

This study successfully created a simple, rapid, and easy‐to‐use interface that could be further refined to produce a valuable educational or clinical decision‐making aid.
Assessment of the sensitivity of 2H MR spectroscopy measurements of [2,3‐2H2]fumarate metabolism for detecting tumor cell death
Authors: Hesse Friederike , Wright Alan , Bulat Flaviu , Kreis Felix , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: May 2023

Imaging the metabolism of [2,3‐2H2]fumarate to produce malate can be used to detect tumor cell death post‐treatment. Here, we assess the sensitivity of the technique for detecting cell death by lowering the concentration of injected [2,3‐2H2]fumarate and by varying the extent of tumor cell death through changes in drug concentration. Mice were implanted subcutaneously with human triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231) and injected with 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 g/kg [2,3‐2H2]fumarate before and after treatment with a multivalent TRAlL‐R2 agonist (MEDI3039) at 0.1, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/kg. Tumor conversion of [2,3‐2H2]fumarate to [2,3‐2H2]malate was assessed from a series of 13 spatially localized 2H MR spectra acquired over 65 min using a pulse‐acquire sequence with a 2‐ms BIR4 adiabatic excitation pulse. Tumors were then excised and stained for histopathological markers of cell death: cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) and DNA damage (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL]). The rate of malate production and the malate/fumarate ratio plateaued at tumor fumarate concentrations of 2 mM, which were obtained with injected [2,3‐2H2]fumarate concentrations of 0.3 g/kg and above. Tumor malate concentration and the malate/fumarate ratio increased linearly with the extent of cell death determined histologically. At an injected [2,3‐2H2]fumarate concentration of 0.3 g/kg, 20% CC3 staining corresponded to a malate concentration of 0.62 mM and a malate/fumarate ratio of 0.21. Extrapolation indicated that there would be no detectable malate at 0% CC3 staining. The use of low and nontoxic fumarate concentrations and the production of [2,3‐2H2]malate at concentrations that are within the range that can be detected clinically suggest this technique could translate to the clinic.
Paternal perinatal depression: A concept analysis
Authors: Chen Jianfei , Zhao Jing , Chen Xiaoli , Zou Zhijie , Ni Zhao
Published: May 2023

Aim

Our aim is to clarify the concept of paternal perinatal depression including its definition, attributes, antecedents and consequences.

Design

A concept analysis.

Methods

To obtain relevant evidence, several databases were searched systematically including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Qualitative or quantitative articles published in English that focused on paternal perinatal depression were included. After the literature quality assessment, Walker and Avant's concept analysis strategy was used.

Results

Five defining attributes (i.e. symptoms occur during the partner's pregnancy or 1‐year postpartum and last at least 2 weeks, emotional symptoms, somatic symptoms, negative parenting behaviours and ‘masked’ symptoms), four antecedents (i.e. personal issues, pregnancy‐related issues, infant‐related issues, social issues) and three consequences (i.e. offspring outcomes, marital relationship, maternal negative emotions) were identified.
Nonlinear analysis and dynamics of COVID‐19 mathematical model with optimal control strategies
Authors: Muthukumar Sumathi , Myilsamy Kalaiselvi , Balakumar Abilasha , Chinnadurai Veeramani
Published: May 2023

Efficacy of the healthcare system and illumination (awareness) activities control COVID‐19. To defend public health, the spreading pandemic of COVID‐19 disease necessitates social distancing, wearing masks, personal cleanliness, and precautions. Due to inadequate awareness programs, COVID‐19 rapidly increases in India. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the spreading behavior of the COVID‐19 virus in India when people are aware of the disease. We find the optimum value of disease transmission rate and detection of the unidentified asymptomatic and symptomatic populations. An optimal control problem is designed with limited resource allocation to improve the recovered individuals. A stability analysis presents for emphasizes the relevance of disease awareness in preventing the spread of the disease. The control parameters are used to explore the increase and decrease of the infected individual with and without control in optimal control analysis. The model is simulated using the Hattaf‐fractional derivative to study the memory effect in the epidemic. To adapt the model to the total number of reported COVID‐19 cases in India, we collected data from March 20, 2021 to September 30, 2021. According to the simulation results, the pandemic would spread faster if awareness campaigns were improperly carried out.
In situ emulsion polymerization of poly (vinyl acetate) and asparagus racemosus biopolymer composites for flexible energy storage applications
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Sameela T. P. , Meera K. , Bahuleyan B. K. , Verma Meenakshi
Published: May 2023

Polymer composites reinforced with synthetic materials are losing acceptability due to significant environmental concerns and high costs. Natural fillers are becoming increasingly popular due to their non‐toxicity, lightweight, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness. In the present work, poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and asparagus racemosus (AR) bio‐composites have been prepared by an in‐situ emulsion polymerization method. The composite films were subsequently examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), optical microscope, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis. The formation of AR in PVAc composite was confirmed by the characteristic AR band at 3300 cm−1 in FT‐IR spectra. X‐ray diffraction studies showed a shift in the amorphous peak of PVAc/AR composites compared to pure PVAc. The AFM, FE‐SEM, and optical microscopic results revealed the uniform distribution of AR in the polymer matrix. DSC and TGA measurements showed that the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of PVAc increased with the inclusion of bio‐filler. The tensile strength, hardness, dielectric constant and AC conductivity of PVAc were observed to increases with boehmite inclusion, whereas elongation at break is reduced. As a result, environmentally friendly PVAc/AR composites with good mechanical, thermal and electrical properties could be a viable green substitute for energy storage, flexible electronic, and other electrochemical devices.
A bio‐based multifunctional composite material: Boron nitride and wood fiber to construct thermally conductive cross network
Authors: Zuo Shida , Li Suiyi , Wu Yingji , Li Xiaona , Yuan Yan , Yang Rui , Li Jianzhang , Xia Changlei
Published: May 2023

The high demand for thermally conductive materials in the housing and packaging industry of electronic device highlights the necessity for the development of novel thermal conductivity materials. In this study, waste poplar wood was delignified and combined with boron nitride (hBN) to establish a blend system with a cross thermally conductive network. Using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding process, a biobased composite material was prepared with high thermal conductivity (1.41 W m−1 K−1), mechanical strength (flexural strength of 100.7 MPa and tensile strength of 40.0 MPa), flame retardancy, and water resistance. Compared with raw wood, the incorporation of hBN increased the thermal conductivity of the prepared material by 1324.2%. The high thermal conductivity performance surpassed that of most polymers and elastomers commonly used in electronic component heat dissipation materials, indicating the enormous potential of the prepared composite material in the field of heat dissipation materials.
Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite membrane for the efficient adsorption of Congo red anionic dye
Authors: Zeynali Vahid , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Saljoughi Ehsan , Kiani Shirin , Sillanpää Mika
Published: May 2023

This work focused on fabricating a novel chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/ hydroxyapatite (CPH) nanocomposite membrane and its application in removing the Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions. After proper characterization of the chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite adsorptive membrane, adsorption tests were carried out on the optimum nanocomposite membrane containing 1 wt% hydroxyapatite. The impact of temperature, contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and pH was investigated. Results of isotherm and kinetic investigation revealed that Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second order kinetics best fitted experimental results with R2 values of 0.995. A relatively high adsorption capacity of 491 mg/g, higher than that of activated carbon, was achieved.
Effects of check‐in/check‐out on the behavior of students with autism spectrum disorder who have extensive support needs
Authors: Carpenter Megan E. , Lo Ya‐yu , Walker Virginia L. , Masud Andy B. , Tapp Melissa C.
Published: May 2023

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have extensive support needs (ESN) may require support to develop appropriate social behavior. School‐wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is an evidence‐based framework to support the social and behavioral needs of all students. As an evidence‐based practice commonly used as a Tier 2 support within SWPBIS, check‐in/check‐out (CICO) has improved social behavior among students with and without disabilities. However, the literature on the efficacy of CICO does not include students with ASD who have ESN. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of traditional and adapted CICO as a Tier 2 support within the SWPBIS framework on the adherence to school‐wide expectations and challenging behavior of four elementary students with ASD who have ESN. Results of this multiple baseline across participants design study were inconclusive regarding challenging behavior and adherence to school‐wide expectations across participants. Further, social validity data collected from all participants indicated the intervention was feasible and an overall positive experience.
Triphenylamine‐ and triazine‐based conjugated microporous polymers constructing from triphenylamine and its derivatives with nitrogen as core for fluorescence sensing o‐nitrophenol
Authors: Li Qian‐Qian , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Geng Tong‐Mou , Ren Li‐Ying
Published: May 2023

Three triphenylamine‐ and s‐triazine‐based conjugated microporous polymers (TTPA, TTDATA, and TTMDATA) were prepared via the Friedel−Crafts arylation reactions under the catalytic action of CH3SO3H. In virtue of containing rich nitrogen atoms in their porous frameworks, the obtained TTPA, TTDATA, and TTMDATA possess good fluorescence sensing property for o‐nitrophenol (o‐NP) with high quenching coefficients of 1.54 × 104, 1.32 × 104, 1.33 × 103 L mol−1 and low limits of detection (LODs) of 2.44 × 10−9, 1.14 × 10−11, and 1.35 × 10−8 mol L−1, respectively. The fluorescent quenching mechanism of TTPA for selective sensing o‐NP is the photo‐induced charge‐transfer mechanism. However, the fluorescent quenching mechanisms of TTDATA and TTMDATA for selective sensing o‐NP have both the photo‐induced charge‐transfer mechanism and the resonant energy transfer mechanism.