bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A literature review and update
Authors: Kuroshima Shinichiro , Al‐Omari Farah A. , Sasaki Muneteru , Sawase Takashi
Published: September 2022

Since the initial description of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) almost two decades ago, the potential pathophysiology and risk factors have been elaborated on in many investigations and guidelines. However, the definitive pathophysiology based on scientific evidence remains lacking. Consequently, the optimal clinical treatment and prevention strategies for MRONJ have not been established. Despite their different mechanisms of action, many drugs, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, angiogenesis inhibitors, and other medications, have been reported to be associated with MRONJ lesions in cancer and osteoporosis patients. Importantly, MRONJ occurs predominantly in the jawbones and other craniofacial regions, but not in the appendicular skeleton. In this up‐to‐date review, the currently available information and theories regarding MRONJ are presented from both clinical and basic science perspectives. The definition and epidemiology of MRONJ, triggering medication, and histopathology are comprehensively summarized. The immunopathology and the potential pathophysiology based on immune cells such as neutrophils, T and B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells are also discussed. In addition, antiangiogenesis, soft tissue toxicity, necrotic bone, osteocyte death, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms are examined. Moreover, other possible mechanisms of MRONJ development are considered based on the unique embryological characteristics, different cell behaviors between jawbones and appendicular skeleton, unique anatomical structures, and sustained bacterial exposure in the oral cavity as a basis for MRONJ site specificity. Based on the literature review, it was concluded that multiple factors may contribute to the development of MRONJ, although which one is the key player triggering MRONJ in the craniofacial region remains unknown.
Are we telling the same story? Comparing inferences made from camera trap and telemetry data for wildlife monitoring
Authors: Bassing Sarah B. , DeVivo Melia , Ganz Taylor R. , Kertson Brian N. , Prugh Laura R. , Roussin Trent , Satterfield Lauren , Windell Rebecca M. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Gardner Beth
Published: September 2022

Estimating habitat and spatial associations for wildlife is common across ecological studies and it is well known that individual traits can drive population dynamics and vice versa. Thus, it is commonly assumed that individual‐ and population‐level data should represent the same underlying processes, but few studies have directly compared contemporaneous data representing these different perspectives. We evaluated the circumstances under which data collected from Lagrangian (individual‐level) and Eulerian (population‐level) perspectives could yield comparable inference to understand how scalable information is from the individual to the population. We used Global Positioning System (GPS) collar (Lagrangian) and camera trap (Eulerian) data for seven species collected simultaneously in eastern Washington (2018–2020) to compare inferences made from different survey perspectives. We fit the respective data streams to resource selection functions (RSFs) and occupancy models and compared estimated habitat‐ and space‐use patterns for each species. Although previous studies have considered whether individual‐ and population‐level data generated comparable information, ours is the first to make this comparison for multiple species simultaneously and to specifically ask whether inferences from the two perspectives differed depending on the focal species. We found general agreement between the predicted spatial distributions for most paired analyses, although specific habitat relationships differed. We hypothesize the discrepancies arose due to differences in statistical power associated with camera and GPS‐collar sampling, as well as spatial mismatches in the data. Our research suggests data collected from individual‐based sampling methods can capture coarse population‐wide patterns for a diversity of species, but results differ when interpreting specific wildlife‐habitat relationships.
Return of the pika: American pikas re‐occupy long‐extirpated, warm locations
Authors: Millar Constance I. , Smith Andrew T.
Published: September 2022

American pikas (Ochotona princeps), small mammals related to rabbits, occur in mountainous regions of western North America, where they live in shattered‐rock habitats (talus). Aspects of their physiology and life history create situations that appear to put pikas at risk from warming climates. Some low‐elevation, warm sites that historically harbored pikas have become extirpated, and the assumption is that these will not be re‐colonized under current climate trends. Unexpectedly, in 2021, we found that pikas had re‐colonized two very warm, low‐elevation, dry sites in eastern California, USA, in the Bodie Mountains and Mono Craters. Resident pikas appear to have been absent at both sites for ≥10 years. These findings suggest that pikas, which are normally diurnally active, are able to overcome thermal dispersal barriers and re‐colonize long‐extirpated sites, perhaps by moving during cool nights. Our data also highlight the often unrecognized suitability of pika habitat in warm regions where the interiors of taluses can remain stably cool even when external air temperatures are hot.
Another one bites the plastics
Authors: Gallitelli Luca , Zauli Agnese , Scalici Massimiliano
Published: September 2022

Old‐growth forests host a rich diversity of invertebrate assemblages. Among them, saproxylic insects play a fundamental role in the nutrient cycle and ecosystem functioning. In these environments, coevolution between insect and plants have reached a stable equilibrium over millions of years. These delicate ecosystems are threatened mainly by habitat loss and fragmentation, and to date, they have to face the new “plastic threat.” Plastics are widespread in all biomes and ecosystems accumulating throughout the years due to their low degradation rate. Once accumulated, large pieces of plastics can be degraded into smaller particles, the latter representing a great threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health, producing detrimental effects on biota. Since the effects of plastics on terrestrial systems remain largely unexplored, this study aimed at contributing to increasing the knowledge on the interaction between plastics and terrestrial biota. We put our emphasis on the novel and broad topic of plastic degradation by saproxylic beetle larvae, describing how they fragmented macroplastics into microplastics. To investigate whether saproxylic cetonid larvae could degrade expanded polystyrene, we performed an experiment. Thus, we put larvae collected in the field in an expanded polystyrene box. We observed that larvae dug in the thickness of the box fragmenting macroplastics into microplastics and producing a total of 3441 particles. Then, we removed the larvae from the EPS box and isolated them in glass jars filled with natural substrate. The substrate was checked for EPS microplastics previously ingested and now egested by larvae. Additionally, we pointed out that plastics remained attached to cetonid larvae setae, with a mean number of 30.7 ± 12.5 items. Although preliminary, our results highlighted that microplastics attached to saproxylic cetonid larvae might be transported into habitats and transferred along the food web. In conclusion, plastic pollution might affect vulnerable species and ecosystem services representing a risk also for human health.
Food metabolomics: Latest hardware—developments for nontargeted food authenticity and food safety testing
Authors: Creydt Marina , Fischer Markus
Published: September 2022

The analytical requirements for food testing have increased significantly in recent years. On the one hand, because food fraud is becoming an ever‐greater challenge worldwide, and on the other hand because food safety is often difficult to monitor due to the far‐reaching trade chains. In addition, the expectations of consumers on the quality of food have increased, and they are demanding extensive information. Cutting‐edge analytical methods are required to meet these demands. In this context, non‐targeted metabolomics strategies using mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (mass spectrometry [MS]) have proven to be very suitable. MS‐based approaches are of particular importance as they provide a comparatively high analytical coverage of the metabolome. Accordingly, the efficiency to address even challenging issues is high. A variety of hardware developments, which are explained in this review, have contributed to these advances. In addition, the potential of future developments is highlighted, some of which are currently not yet commercially available or only used to a comparatively small extent but are expected to gain in importance in the coming years.
Experimental analysis of fluid‐assisted injection molding of pipe fittings with different angles by short‐shot method
Authors: Huang Shuhui , Wang Weiwei , Qi Fangwei , Lin Jun , Zhao Zhuyu , Lv Changfu
Published: September 2022

Based on the self‐assisted injection experimental platform, experimental studies on gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM), and water‐assisted injection molding (WAIM) of 2 curved pipe fittings by adopting short‐shot method were carried out. UDF model was constructed for numerical simulation analysis. The influence rules of auxiliary medium and bending angle on the terminal morphology, inner wall surface quality at bending angle, medial and lateral residual wall thickness, variation range, and residual wall thickness deviation rate of short‐shot fluid assisted injection molding (SSFAIM) bending samples were compared. Meanwhile, the influence mechanism was investigated. The following experimental findings were obtained. SSFAIM had secondary penetration, while water produced multiple penetrations. There are multiple vacuum shrinkage pores in the unpenetrated area at the end of the SSWAIM sample, as well as serious shrinkage depressions on the surface. The shape of the penetration front of water is arc‐shaped with many penetration holes. The shape of the penetration front of the gas at the end of the SSGAIM sample is “pointy.” Compared with the SSWAIM sample, the residual wall thickness of SSGAIM has a narrow distribution range when the bending angle is 0°. With the increase of the bending angle, the “foaming” phenomenon of the inner wall surface quality at the bending angle of the SSGAIM sample becomes less and less obvious. Moreover, the deviation of the inner and outer residual wall thickness of SSGAIM is more obvious than that of SSWAIM due to the increase of bending angle.
Dynamic bedrock channel width during knickpoint retreat enhances undercutting of coupled hillslopes
Authors: Baynes Edwin R.C. , Lague Dimitri , Steer Philippe , Davy Philippe
Published: September 2022

Mountain landscapes respond to transient tectonic and climate forcing through a bottom‐up response of enhanced bedrock river incision that undermines adjoining hillslopes, thus propagating the signal from the valley bottom to the valley ridges. As a result, understanding the mechanisms that set the pace and pattern of bedrock river incision is a critical first step for predicting the wider mechanisms of landscape evolution. Typically, the focus has been on the impact of channel bed lowering by the upstream migration of knickpoints on the angle, length and relief of adjoining hillslopes, with limited attention on the role of dynamic channel width. Here, we present a suite of physical model experiments that show the direct impact of knickpoint retreat on the reach‐scale channel width, across a range of flow discharges (8.3 to 50 cm3 s−1) and two sediment discharges (0 and 0.00666 g cm−3). During knickpoint retreat, the channel width narrows to as little as 10% of the equilibrium channel width, while the bed shear stress is >100% higher immediately upstream of a knickpoint compared to equilibrium conditions. We show that only a fraction of the channel narrowing can be explained by existing hydraulic theory. Following the passage of a knickpoint, the channel width returns to equilibrium through lateral erosion and widening. For the tested knickpoint height, we demonstrate that the lateral adjustment process can be more significant for hillslope stability than the bed elevation change, highlighting the importance of considering both vertical and lateral incision in landscape evolution models. It is therefore important to understand the key processes that drive the migration of knickpoints, as the localized channel geometry response has ongoing implications for the stability of adjoining hillslopes and the supply of sediment to the channel network and export from landscapes onto neighbouring depositional plains.
Assessing performance of a “nature‐based” foredune restoration project, Oceano Dunes, California, USA
Authors: Walker Ian J. , Hilgendorf Zach , Gillies John A. , Turner Craig M. , Furtak‐Cole Eden , Nikolich George
Published: September 2022

The Oceano Dunes near Pismo Beach, California is part of a large transgressive dune system that extends up to 5 km inland and hosts a state park that has been managed for off‐highway vehicle recreation since 1982, although vehicle activity has existed in the dunes for almost 90 years. As a result, foredunes have been largely obliterated and sand surfaces in vehicle use areas are highly emissive of dust‐sized particles, causing frequent exceedances of state air quality standards. To reduce dust emissions from the dunes, a nature‐based foredune restoration strategy using five different treatments over a 20‐ha site was implemented in February 2020.

The research hypothesis is that treatments will differ in their ability to promote deposition and dune development and that more intensive planting‐based treatments will outperform simpler treatments. We test this using biannual high‐resolution uncrewed aerial system (UAS) surveys to quantify sediment budgets, sand exchanges between beach, foredune, and backdune components, changes in plant cover, and related dune development over a 2‐year period (October 2019–2021). After two full wind and plant‐growth seasons, results show that all treatments are maintaining a positive sediment budget (net accumulation), most are developing sizable nebkha dunes (an important stage in foredune development in this region), and some are increasing plant cover and species richness. There is no clear winner, yet two treatments (broadcast native plant and sterile grass seeds, and a high‐density straw planting node with native seedlings) are performing well toward developing an incipient foredune.

These results will inform an adaptive management process that could entail further modifications to enhance foredune development. Based on this experience, and with reference to other types of restoration projects, we refine existing criteria used to assess the performance of “dynamic” dune restoration efforts to include settings that involve revegetation (vs. devegetation) as a means for foredune re‐establishment.
Predicting post‐fire debris flow grain sizes and depositional volumes in the Intermountain West, United States
Authors: Wall Sara , Murphy Brendan P. , Belmont Patrick , Yocom Larissa
Published: September 2022

Post‐fire debris flows represent one of the most erosive consequences associated with increasing wildfire severity and investigations into their downstream impacts have been limited. Recent advances have linked existing hydrogeomorphic models to predict potential impacts of post‐fire erosion at watershed scales on downstream water resources. Here we address two key limitations in current models: (1) accurate predictions of post‐fire debris flow volumes in the absence of triggering storm rainfall intensities and (2) understanding controls on grain sizes produced by post‐fire debris flows. We compiled and analysed a novel dataset of depositional volumes and grain size distributions (GSDs) for 59 post‐fire debris flows across the Intermountain West (IMW) collected via fieldwork and from the literature. We first evaluated the utility of existing models for post‐fire debris flow volume prediction, which were largely developed for Southern California. We then constructed a new post‐fire debris flow volume prediction model for the IMW using a combination of Random Forest modelling and regression analysis. We found topography and burn severity to be important variables, and that the percentage of pre‐fire soil organic matter was an essential predictor variable. Our model was also capable of predicting debris flow volumes without data for the triggering storm, suggesting that rainfall may be more important as a presence/absence predictor, rather than a scaling variable. We also constructed the first models that predict the median, 16th percentile, and 84th percentile grain sizes, as well as boulder size, produced by post‐fire debris flows. These models demonstrate consistent landscape controls on debris flow GSDs that are related to land cover, physical and chemical weathering, and hillslope sediment transport processes. This work advances our ability to predict how post‐fire sediment pulses are transported through watersheds. Our models allow for improved pre‐ and post‐fire risk assessments across diverse ranges of watersheds in the IMW.
Active tectonics in the Main Boundary Thrust zone, Garhwal Himalaya, as evident from palaeoseismic signatures, morphotectonic features and PSI base ground deformation
Authors: Luirei Khayingshing , Ch. Kothyari Girish , Mehta Manish
Published: September 2022

In the Garhwal Himalaya, the steeply inclined Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) is characterized by landforms that indicate towards tectonic activity in the recent past. Linear active fault trace, sub‐recent fault scarps, strath terrace, uplifted terraces, deflected drainage, and triangular facet cones are some of the morphotectonic evidences of recent tectonic activity along the MBT. The MBT is defined by active fault trace in the form of linear depression and shows a prominent slope break across it. Thrusting of the Lesser Himalayan bedrocks over the colluvial deposits and back tilting of the colluvial deposits are also observed in the MBT zone. The formation of the sag pond and the deposition of the Quaternary lacustrine sediments followed by the deformation of the lacustrine deposits indicate phases of tectonic activities along the MBT. The later phase of deformation is represented by the folded lacustrine and colluvial deposits, where the amplitude of the fold measures about 3 m‐high and the deformed section measures about 23 m in length. The ongoing deformation patterns of the MBT zone have also been monitored with the help of Synthetic Aperture Radar‐based time series analysis. We used Sentinel‐1C dataset in ascending direction with polarization of the VV+ VH acquired between December 2, 2017 to September 7, 2021 to identify phase changes caused by ongoing active deformation. The Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) result based on Sentinel‐1A suggests that the Dehradun–Mussoorie and adjoining region has undergone an average deformation of 5.5 to −11 mm/year and the ground displacement of 1.5 to −3.8 cm. The time series analysis reveals that the Mussoorie hills in the MBT zone have higher rate of deformation.
The higher education funding formula review process: Best practices
Authors: Pinkard Jim , Weeden Dustin , LaBruyere Matthew , Collins Crystal L.
Published: September 2022

This chapter describes a comprehensive set of best practices for the evaluation of state formula funding models and state higher education funding in general, based on existing practices within the United States. It represents a review of practices that lead to stakeholder engagement as an objective, collaborative process.
Comparing lateral flow testing with a rapid RT‐PCR method for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in the United Kingdom—A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Taylor Andrew , Calvez Ronan , Atkins Mark , Fink Colin G.
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in Wuhan, China. Rapid global spread led to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic. Accurate detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 has become a vitally important tool in controlling the spread of the virus. Lateral flow devices (LFDs) offer the potential advantage of speed and on‐site testing. The sensitivity of these devices compared to reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) has been questioned.

Methods

We compared the sensitivity of the Innova LFD, used widely in the United Kingdom, with our rapid RT‐PCR method using stored positive samples. Samples with a range of viral loads (original Ct values 18.9–36.5) were tested.

Results

The Innova LFD was found to be 6000–10,000 times less sensitive than RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection. Overall, the LFD detected 46.2% of the positives detected by RT‐PCR, with 50% of these observed to be weak LFD positives. At lower viral loads, such as 10,000–100,000 RNA copies/ml, the LFD detected 22.2% of positives. In addition, two strong positives (3 and 1.5 million RNA copies/ml) were not detected by the LFD.

Conclusion

The argument for use of LFD kits is that they detect infectious virus and hence contagious individuals. However, there is a lack of conclusive evidence supporting this claim. The Innova LFD has been subject to a Class I recall by the US Food and Drug Administration, but is still approved and widely used in the United Kingdom.
Benchmarking Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity Measurements ‐ Towards Meaningful Comparisons of Chiral Biomolecule Spin Polarizations
Authors: Clever Caleb , Wierzbinski Emil , Bloom Brian P. , Lu Yiyang , Grimm Haley M. , Rao Shilpa R. , Horne W. Seth , Waldeck David H.
Published: September 2022

This work presents new results and summarizes literature results on the chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect observed for amino acids, peptides, and DNA. To facilitate robust comparisons between measurements of different types and by different groups, we propose a convention for describing the spin‐dependent properties of chiral materials and apply it in the discussion. Different phenomena known to affect the sign and magnitude of the spin polarization are described and critically analyzed, including: the molecule's orientation, the molecule's dipole moment direction with respect to the electron propagation direction, the molecular length, the molecule/substrate interface, and the role of the molecule's secondary structure. Lastly, we identify open key questions about spin‐filtering by biomolecules at interfaces.
Abdominal wall abscess resembling urachal carcinoma caused by ileal diverticulitis
Authors: Imasato Naoki , Kijima Toshiki , Takada‐Owada Atsuko , Fujita Junki , Takei Kohei , Suzuki Issei , Nishihara Daisaku , Nakamura Takatoshi , Ishida Kazuyuki , Kamai Takao
Published: September 2022

Introduction

We report a rare case of abdominal wall abscess caused by ileal diverticulitis that developed along the midline below the umbilicus and resembled a urachal carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 76‐year‐old woman with diabetes presented with abdominal enlargement below the umbilicus. Computed tomography revealed a well‐enhanced mass, which was visualized on magnetic resonance imaging as a continuous mass connected to the restiform structure, extending from the umbilicus to the bladder. As the mass showed high uptake on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, urachal carcinoma was suspected, and surgery was subsequently performed. As the tumor adhered to the ileum, partial resection of the small intestine was required. The pathological diagnosis was abdominal wall abscess associated with ileal pseudodiverticulitis.

Conclusion

Although abdominal wall abscess caused by ileal diverticulitis is rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of urachal carcinoma.
Determining the dynamic responses of cotton root morphological characteristics under waterlogging stress using the minirhizotron technique
Authors: Qian Long , Huang Taoxing , Zeng Wenzhi , Chen Xiaohong , Wang Xiugui
Published: September 2022

Roots are important in plant adaption to waterlogging stress. Zero‐day (control), 8‐day (moderate) and 14‐day waterlogging (heavy) stresses were applied on lysimeter‐grown cotton plants at flowering. The dynamics of total root length, root surface area, root volume and root number were traced using the minirhizotron technique. The results showed that the rapid root morphological growth period of non‐stressed cotton occurred from the early squaring stage to the mid–late flowering stage. The two waterlogging treatments significantly stimulated root morphological growth compared with the control, but the stimulatory effect occurred more than 23 days after waterlogging termination. The stimulatory effect of heavy waterlogging stress was stronger and lasted longer than that of moderate waterlogging. The stressed cotton root system shifted its morphology centre from the upper soil layers (0–24 cm) to the deep layers (24–60 cm). Waterlogging stress obviously stimulated the morphological growth of roots with diameters <2.0 mm (especially those with diameters <1.0 mm) but had little impact on thicker roots. These results provide references for cotton adaptation under waterlogging stress.
Predicting Human Fetal Drug Exposure Through Maternal‐Fetal PBPK Modeling and In Vitro or Ex Vivo Studies
Authors: Balhara Ankit , Kumar Aditya R. , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: September 2022

Medication (drug) use in human pregnancy is prevalent. Determining fetal safety and efficacy of drugs is logistically challenging. However, predicting (not measuring) fetal drug exposure (systemic and tissue) throughout pregnancy is possible through maternal‐fetal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation. Such prediction can inform fetal drug safety and efficacy. Fetal drug exposure can be quantified in 2 complementary ways. First, the ratio of the steady‐state unbound plasma concentration in the fetal plasma (or area under the plasma concentration–time curve) to the corresponding maternal plasma concentration (ie, Kp,uu). Second, the maximum unbound peak (Cu,max,ss,f) and trough (Cu,min,ss,f) fetal steady‐state plasma concentrations. We (and others) have developed a maternal‐fetal PBPK model that can successfully predict maternal drug exposure. To predict fetal drug exposure, the model needs to be populated with drug specific parameters, of which transplacental clearances (active and/or passive) and placental/fetal metabolism of the drug are critical. Herein, we describe in vitro studies in cells/tissue fractions or the perfused human placenta that can be used to determine these drug‐specific parameters. In addition, we provide examples whereby this approach has successfully predicted systemic fetal exposure to drugs that passively or actively cross the placenta. Apart from maternal‐fetal PBPK models, animal studies also have the potential to estimate fetal drug exposure by allometric scaling. Whether such scaling will be successful is yet to be determined. Here, we review the above approaches to predict fetal drug exposure, outline gaps in our knowledge to make such predictions and map out future research directions that could fill these gaps.
Clinical Assessment of Fetal Well‐Being and Fetal Safety Indicators
Authors: David Anna L. , Spencer Rebecca N.
Published: September 2022

Delivering safe clinical trials of novel therapeutics is central to enable pregnant women and their babies to access medicines for better outcomes. This review describes clinical monitoring of fetal well‐being and safety. Current pregnancy surveillance includes regular antenatal checks of blood pressure and urine for signs of gestational hypertension. Fetal and placental development is assessed routinely using the first‐trimester “dating” and mid‐trimester “anomaly” ultrasound scans, but the detection of fetal anomalies can continue throughout pregnancy using targeted sonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serial sonography can be used to assess fetal size, well‐being, and placental function. Carefully defined reproducible imaging parameters, such as the head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL), are combined to calculate an estimate of the fetal weight. Doppler analysis of maternal uterine blood flow predicts placental insufficiency, which is associated with poor fetal growth. Fetal doppler analysis can indicate circulatory decompensation and fetal hypoxia, requiring delivery to be expedited. Novel ways to assess fetal well‐being and placental function using MRI, computerized cardiotocography (CTG), serum circulating fetoplacental proteins, and mRNA may improve the assessment of the safety and efficacy of maternal and fetal interventions. Progress has been made in how to define and grade clinical trial safety in pregnant women, the fetus, and neonate. A new system for improved safety monitoring for clinical trials in pregnancy, Maternal and Fetal Adverse Event Terminology (MFAET), describes 12 maternal and 18 fetal adverse event (AE) definitions and severity grading criteria developed through an international modified Delphi consensus process. This fills a vital gap in maternal and fetal translational medicine research.
Choice freedom
Authors: Botti Simona , Iyengar Sheena S. , McGill Ann L.
Published: September 2022

Individuals seek and value choice freedom, firms provide consumers ever‐increasing opportunities to exercise it, citizens worry about protecting their right to choose freely, and scholars across different disciplines study the topic around the globe. We adopt a consumer psychology perspective to systematize the vast literature on choice freedom, and we present a framework to examine the relationship between choice freedom and personal and societal well‐being. We begin by proposing choice freedom as an antecedent of autonomy and personal control and by clarifying the meaning of these interrelated constructs. We then use autonomy and personal control as separate processes to explain benefits and limits of choice freedom for well‐being, and we review interventions that mitigate the limits. Finally, we discuss future research questions related to autonomy and personal control. Whereas extant literature focuses on the presence of freedom and on the relationship between choice freedom and the individual, we reflect on the extent to which consumers actually have freedom of choice and on the role of others in the provision and exercise of choice freedom.
Defining and assessing immediacy in single‐case experimental designs
Authors: Manolov Rumen , Onghena Patrick
Published: September 2022

Immediacy is one of six data aspects (alongside level, trend, variability, overlap, and consistency) that has to be accounted for when visually analyzing single‐case data. Given that it is one of the aspects that has received considerably less attention than other data aspects, the current text offers a review of the proposed conceptual definitions of immediacy (i.e., what it refers to) and also of the suggested operational definitions (i.e., how exactly is it assessed and/or quantified). Provided that a variety of conceptual and operational definitions is identified, we propose following a sensitivity analysis using a randomization test for assessing immediate effects in single‐case experimental designs, by identifying when changes were most clear. In such a sensitivity analysis, the immediate effects are tested for multiple possible intervention points and for different possible operational definitions. Robust immediate effects can be detected if the results for the different operational definitions converge.
The effects of hive materials on phytochemical and biological properties of honeybee propolis
Authors: Kegode Timothy M. , Lattorff H. Michael G.
Published: September 2022

Background

Propolis has been of interest due to its indisputably rich chemical composition. It has gained attention in recent years because of its potential biological properties, such as antibacterial, cariostatic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective. Therefore, there has been an increased demand for ways to benefit from these potential impacts by enriching the nutritional value, quality, and functionality of food products. Propolis antioxidants, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it useful in food technology.

Our present study was conducted to investigate the effects of beehive material on the phytochemical and bio‐functional properties of propolis. In this study, propolis was obtained from three different hive types: concrete, mud, and wood. The phytochemical content and bioactivities of the samples were analysed. Total phenolic content (TPC), total terpenoid content (TTC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total alkaloid content (TAC), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity were determined.

Results

The highest phytochemical composition was determined in concrete beehives, followed by mud hives and wood hives in this study. Likewise, for bioactivities, concrete hives demonstrated a high level of both antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity for both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.

Conclusion

This suggests that the hive material shows a noticeable effect on propolis biochemical properties, apart from being influenced by climate and vegetation.
Current and Temporal Trends in Otolaryngology Department Chair Appointment
Authors: Nottoli Madeline , Tedesco Carina , Boladian Lana , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Verma Sunil
Published: September 2022

Objective

This cross‐sectional study aims to characterize current otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery department chairs and division chiefs and evaluate whether there have been significant changes in the occupants of these positions over time.

Methods

All permanent department chairs or division chiefs at allopathic ACGME‐accredited otolaryngology residency programs (n = 109) were identified and academic and professional information were collected using publicly available websites.

Results

After excluding 12 department chairs due to interim status, 97 chairs and chiefs (81 chairs and 16 chiefs) were included with mean and median current term length of 9 ± 8 and 7 ± 5 years, respectively (range = 0–35 years). The most commonly completed fellowship in the group was head and neck oncologic surgery (42%). Seventy‐seven percent of chairs previously held a faculty position within their institution. Seventy‐one percent did not complete residency or fellowship training at their current institution. The average time between completing training and being appointed chair was 15.5 ± 7.7 years. Those appointed within the last 6 years (n = 47) had more years of experience than those appointed previously (18.0 ± 7.2 vs. 13.1 ± 7.4 years, p = 0.002). The number of female chairs remains low (n = 9), and despite an increasing number of women being appointed in recent years, the most recent group of appointees did not demonstrate a significant increase in female appointment (4% vs. 15%, p = 0.065).

Conclusions

A very large proportion of otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery department chairs are internally recruited from their home institution. Most chairs are male, and head and neck oncologic surgery is the most common subspecialty.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1356–1360, 2023
Wavelength Selective Multi‐Material 3D Printing of Soft Active Devices Using Orthogonal Photoreactions
Authors: Rossegger Elisabeth , Strasser Jakob , Höller Rita , Fleisch Mathias , Berer Michael , Schlögl Sandra
Published: September 2022

Orthogonal photoreactions provide a unique way to locally and independently control (thermo)mechanical properties and functionality of polymer networks simply by choice of the wavelength. Herein, a library of acrylate functional coumarin monomers is synthesized, which are cured by sequence‐dependent wavelength orthogonality. In the presence of a long wavelength absorbing photoinitiator, the monomers undergo rapid curing by visible light induced radical chain growth polymerization. Subsequent irradiation with light in the UV‐A region selectively initiates the [2+2] photocycloaddition of the coumarin chromophores, which is confirmed by FTIR and UV–vis experiments. Through a well‐targeted design, acrylate‐based and thiol‐acrylate resin formulations are prepared, whose fast curing rate, low viscosity, and prolonged storage stability enable the one‐step fabrication of multi‐material structures by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. By using a dual‐wavelength printer, which operates at two different wavelengths (405 and 365 nm), objects comprising soft (ε = 22%, σ = 7.5 MPa) and stiff (ε = 2%, σ = 8.3 MPa) domains are printed with a single resin vat. Along with tensile properties, the wavelength selective change in the network structure features a local control of the glass transition temperature (ΔTg = 17 °C) in the 3D‐printed objects. Soft active devices are fabricated by dual‐wavelength DLP 3D printing, with distinct domains having a higher Tg and the local programming of multi shapes is demonstrated.
Sport tickets pricing strategy with home team's crowd effect
Authors: Meng Xin , Tang Zilin , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the impact of the crowd effect and financing constraints on pricing strategy by constructing an intertemporal model and introducing the crowd effect into a monopolistic home team's decision‐making framework. The results demonstrate that a stronger crowd effect and a larger depreciation rate are always beneficial to the expected profits of the home team and the home team may price along the inelastic portion of the static demand curve in periods 1–3, as long as the expected deferred marginal revenue and the additive price from the performance of the preceding match are sufficiently large.
A novel, likely pathogenic variant in UBTF‐related neurodegeneration with brain atrophy is associated with a severe divergent neurodevelopmental phenotype
Authors: Tinker Rory J. , Guess Tiffany , Rinker David C. , Sheehan Jonathan H. , Lubarsky Daniel , Porath Binu , Mosera Mackenzie , Mayo Ping , Solem Emily , Lee Laura A. , Sarma Asha , Brault Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Background

A de novo, pathogenic, missense variant in UBTF, c.628G>A p.Glu210Lys, has been described as the cause of an emerging neurodegenerative disorder, Childhood‐Onset Neurodegeneration with Brain Atrophy (CONDBA). The p.Glu210Lys alteration yields a positively charged stretch of three lysine residues. Functional studies confirmed this change results in a stronger interaction with negatively charged DNA and gain‐of‐function activity when compared to the wild‐type sequence. The CONDBA phenotype reported in association with p.Glu210Lys consists of normal early‐neurodevelopment followed by progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral regression in early‐to‐middle childhood.

Methods and Results

The current proband presented at 9 months of age with baseline developmental delay and more extensive neuroradiological findings, including pontine hypoplasia, thalamic volume loss and signal abnormality, and hypomyelination. Like the recurrent CONDBA p.Glu210Lys variant, this novel variant, c.608A>G p.(Gln203Arg) lies within the highly conserved second HMG‐box homology domain and involves the replacement of the wild‐type residue with a positively charged residue, arginine. Computational structural modeling demonstrates that this amino acid substitution potentiates the interaction between UBTF and DNA, likely resulting in a gain‐of‐function effect for the UBTF protein, UBF.

Conclusion

Here we present a new divergent phenotype associated with a novel, likely pathogenic, missense variant at a different position in the UBTF gene, c.608A>G p.(Gln203Arg).
An optimized Chebyshev–Halley type family of multiple solvers: Extensive analysis and applications
Authors: Rani Litika , Soleymani Fazlollah , Kansal Munish , Kumar Nashine Hemant
Published: September 2022

In this manuscript, we introduce a higher‐order optimal family of Chebyshev–Halley type methods to solve a univariate nonlinear equation having multiple roots. The proposed scheme considers weight functions that are selected adequately to optimize the convergence order and demands only four functional evaluations at each iteration. An extensive convergence analysis is also provided that demonstrates the establishment of eighth‐order convergence of the developed scheme. As a result, the efficiency index of our scheme is optimal according to the Kung–Traub conjecture. Numerical experiments are performed on some real‐life as well as nonlinear academic problems. In addition, the dynamical study of iterative schemes reflects the good overview of their stability, convergence properties, and graphical aspects by drawing attraction basins in the complex plane. Numerical findings indicate that the proposed methods outperform the existing ones with similar characteristics.
Covariance‐invariant mapping of data points to nonlinear models
Authors: Grimm Wolfgang Michael
Published: September 2022

A centroid‐ and covariance‐invariant deterministic mapping of sets of discrete data points to nonlinear models is introduced. Conditions for bijectivity of this mapping are developed. Since it can be accomplished by look‐up tables for the special case of equally spaced data, the resulting mapping algorithm is considered computationally fast. This is attractive for real‐time parameter estimation without the need of iterations and initial guesses of parameter values. Examples show that model parameter identification is easier to apply than by nonlinear least squares regression. Further, the approach is superior to log‐linear regression since it may allow to handle nonpositive observations without any transformations.
On a nonlinear boundary problem for thermoelastic coupled beam equations with memory term
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Phuong , Khanh Pham Nguyen Nhat , Nhan Nguyen Huu , Long Nguyen Thanh
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study a one‐dimension nonlinear problem for thermoelastic coupled beam equations with memory term. Using the Faedo–Galerkin method and the linearization method for nonlinear terms, we first prove the local existence and the uniqueness of a weak solution. Next, by establishing assumptions and constructing energy functionals suitably, we consider the global existence and general decay behavior of the solution. Finally, the blow‐up property in the special case of this problem is also given.
Maximum principles involving the uniformly elliptic nonlocal operator
Authors: Jiayan Wu , Qu Meng , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Ting
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider equations involving a uniformly elliptic nonlocal operator

where the function
is uniformly bounded and radial decreasing. We establish some maximum principles for
in bounded and unbounded domains. Since there is no decay condition in the unbounded domain, we make use of an approximate method to estimate the singular integral to get the maximum principle. As applications of these principles, by carrying out the method of moving planes, we give the monotonicity of solutions to the semilinear equation in the coercive epigraph, which extends the result of Dipierro‐Soave‐Valdinoci [Math. Ann.2017, 369(3‐4): 1283–1326]. Moreover, we obtain the radial symmetry and monotonicity of solutions to the generalized Schrödinger equation in a weaker condition, which is the improvement of the result of Tang [Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 2017, 40(7): 2596–2609]. In addition, the maximum principle also plays an important role in acquiring monotonicity of solutions and a Liouville theorem.
The exponential decay of solutions to the nonstationary magneto‐hydrodynamic equations
Authors: Liu Zhaoxia
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the decay properties for solutions to the 2D incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamic (MHD) equations are considered. If the size of the Fourier transform of the initial data near the origin vanishes, by using energy method and theory of the Fourier transform, we establish some exponential decay rates for the 2D nonstationary radially symmetric MHD flows.
Improving image quality and reducing dose with 2.5 MV diamond target volume‐of‐interest cone beam CT imaging
Authors: Borsavage Jennifer M. , Cherpak Amanda J. , Robar James L.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Over the past decades, continuous efforts have been made to improve megavoltage (MV) image quality versus dose characteristics, including the implementation of low atomic number (Z) targets in MV beamlines and the development of more efficient detectors. Recently, a diamond target beam within a commercial radiotherapy treatment platform demonstrated improved planar contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio (CNR) per unit dose using a novel 2.5 MV sintered diamond target beam, which enabled image acquisition on the order of mGy. The present work assesses cone beam CT (CBCT) image quality characteristics for the novel 2.5 MV diamond target beam and the effects of volume‐of‐interest (VOI) collimation on the image quality and imaging dose distribution.

Methods

A sintered diamond target was incorporated into the target arm of the linear accelerator, replacing the 2.5 MV commercial copper imaging target. CBCT image quality was evaluated against the commercial imaging beam with regard to spatial resolution and CNR versus dose. In addition to full‐field acquisitions, we investigated VOI techniques that collimate the imaging beam to preselected anatomy, to determine potential image quality improvements and dose sparing capacity. Using an anthropomorphic phantom, VOI regions were defined to encompass the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses and ranged in dimension from 3 cm to 4.85 cm equivalent radius. The MLC was fit to each VOI structure throughout a full CBCT arc and the corresponding MLC sequences were produced as XML scripts for acquisition. Calibrated radiochromic film was used in phantom to measure cumulative axial dose distributions during each CBCT acquisition.

Results

In full‐field CBCT, the 2.5 MV diamond target beam demonstrated improved CNR versus dose compared to the commercial imaging beam, by factors of up to 1.7. The calculated modulation transfer function (MTF) displayed an increase of nearly 30% in f50 for the 2.5 MV diamond target beam compared to the commercial beam. Using VOI techniques, CNR increased monotonically as a function of equivalent radius at the bone–tissue interface. At the bone–sinus interface, the CNR for the full‐field case was slightly decreased compared to the largest VOI case. Imaging dose in the anteroposterior direction increased with increasing VOI equivalent radius.

Conclusion

The novel 2.5 MV sintered diamond target beam presents a simple modification to the commercial imaging beam which provides improved image quality in full‐field CBCT and the potential for simultaneous dose sparing and CNR improvement at high‐contrast interfaces using VOI acquisition techniques.