bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appearance estimation and reconstruction of glossy object surfaces based on the dichromatic reflection model
Authors: Tominaga Shoji , Yong Roseline Kim Fong
Published: September 2022

We propose an approach for estimating and reconstructing the material appearance of objects based on the spectral image data acquired in complex illumination environments with multiple light sources. The object appearance can be constructed with various material properties such as spectral reflectance, glossiness, and matteness under different geometric and spectral illumination conditions. The objects are assumed to be made of an inhomogeneous dielectric material with gloss or specularity. The color signals from the object surface are described by the standard dichromatic reflection model, which consists of diffuse and specular reflections, where the specular component has the same spectral composition as the illuminant. The overall appearance of objects is determined by a combination of chromatic factors, based on the reflectance and illuminant spectra, and shading terms, which represent the surface geometries of the surface illumination. Therefore, the appearance of a novel object can be reconstructed by modifying the chromatic factors and shading terms. The method for appearance estimation and reconstruction comprises four steps: (1) illuminant estimation, (2) spectral reflectance estimation, (3) shading term estimation and region segmentation, and (4) appearance reconstruction based on the reflection model. The proposed approach is validated in an experiment in which objects of different materials are illuminated using different light sources. We demonstrate typical reconstruction results with novel object appearances.
Batch Crystallization of Uric Acid: Modeling, Simulation, and the Impact of 3,7 – dimethylxanthine
Authors: Pradhane Ashish P. , Methekar Ravi N. , Agrawal Shailesh G.
Published: September 2022

Crystallization of uric acid (UA) in the urine marks the beginning of UA urolithiasis. As previously reported, 3,7‐dimethylxanthine (DMX) has the capacity to impede the crystallization of UA. The main objective of the present study is to explore the impact of urinary pH and the addition of DMX as an inhibitor on the crystallization of UA. The presence of DMX results in a significant delay in the induction of UA crystallization. Also, a significant change in crystal habit and decrease in the crystal size is observed in the presence of DMX in synthetic urine. The UV spectrum of mother liquor and the FTIR spectra and PXRD patterns of UA crystals show that DMX does not get incorporated into the crystal lattice and impedes the process of crystallization being in the liquid phase. A mathematical model is also formulated by coupling the population balance equation with the mass balance. The kinetic parameters of growth and nucleation are estimated by fitting the model predictions with experimental values. A decrease in the mean value of nucleation and growth coefficient upon DMX addition also highlights the inhibition of UA crystallization.
A Room‐TemperatureChloride‐Conducting Metal–Organic Crystal [Al(DMSO)6]Cl3 for Potential Solid‐State Chloride‐Shuttle Batteries
Authors: Wu Bing , Luxa Jan , Šturala Jiří , Wei Shuangying , Děkanovský Lukáš , Parameswaran Abhilash Karuthedath , Li Min , Sofer Zdenek
Published: September 2022

The growing demand for substitutes of lithium chemistries in battery leads to a surge in budding novel anion‐based electrochemical energy storage, where the chloride ion batteries (CIBs) take over the role. The application of CIBs is limited by the dissolution and side reaction of chloride‐based electrode materials in a liquid electrolyte. On the flipside, its solid‐state electrolytes are scarcely reported due to the challenge in realizing fast Cl− conductivity. The present study reports [Al(DMSO)6]Cl3, a solid‐state metal–organic material, allows chloride ion transfer. The strong Al‐Cl bonds in AlCl3 are broken down after coordinating of Al3+ by ligand DMSO, and Cl− in the resulting compound is weakly bound to complexions [Al(DMSO)6]3+, which may facilitate Cl− migration. By partial replacement of Cl− with , the room‐temperature ionic conductivity of as‐prepared electrolyte is increased by one order of magnitude from 2.172 × 10−5 S cm−1 to 2.012 × 10−4 S cm−1. When they are assembled with Ag (anode)/Ag–AgCl (cathode) electrode system, reversible electrochemical redox reactions occur on both sides, demonstrating its potential for solid‐state chloride ion batteries. The strategy by weakening the bonding interaction using organic ligands between Cl− and central metallic ions may provide new ideas for developing solid chloride‐ion conductors.
Drosophila Relish‐mediated miR‐317 expression facilitates immune homeostasis restoration via inhibiting PGRP‐LC
Authors: Zhou Hongjian , Wu Shanshan , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqi , Lan Siyu , Jiang Jiajun , Yang Wan , Jin Ping , Xia Xinyi , Ma Fei
Published: September 2022

Innate immunity is the first and essential line for resisting pathogens, and the immune intensity and duration need to be strictly regulated to balance excessive or insufficient immune response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of immune response in Drosophila, yet how immune‐related miRNAs are regulated remains poorly understood. Herein, we elucidated that the involvement of miR‐317 in NF‐κB transcription factor Relish mediated Drosophila Imd pathway in response to Gram‐negative (G‐) bacteria stimulation. Remarkably, the dynamic expression profiling for immune response indicated that Relish simultaneously enhances the expression of the effector antimicrobial peptide Dpt as well as miR‐317 post‐infection. Upregulation of miR‐317 could further down‐regulate the expression of PGRP‐LC, thereby forming a feedback in Drosophila Imd pathway to prevent over‐activation and restore immune homeostasis. Taken together, our study not only uncovers a novel Relish/miR‐317/PGRP‐LC regulatory axis to attenuate Drosophila Imd immune response and facilitate immune homeostasis restoration, but also provides vital insights into the complex mechanisms of animal innate immune regulation.
Contact with former adversaries through mass‐media is linked to forgiveness after dyadic and multi‐ethnic conflicts
Authors: Rupar Mirjana , Graf Sylvie , Voca Shpend
Published: September 2022

Four correlational studies (NAlbanians = 232, NSerbs = 129, NBosniaks = 147, NCroats = 367) and one experimental study (NBosniaks = 682), investigated the link between mass‐mediated contact (i.e., information about former adversaries from the mass media) and forgiveness towards former adversaries in post‐conflict societies. Specifically, we tested the association between positive and negative mass‐mediated contact with one former adversary and forgiveness towards this former adversary (i.e., a primary transfer effect, Studies 1–4) and another former adversary (i.e., a secondary transfer effect, Studies 2–4). Positive mass‐mediated contact with one former adversary was linked to greater forgiveness towards that former adversary and another former adversary. Intergroup trust mediated the primary transfer effect of positive mass‐mediated contact, whereas generalization of trust and forgiveness from one former adversary to another mediated the secondary transfer effect. Our results underline the important role of positive but not negative mass‐mediated contact with former adversaries in reconciliation.
Identification of a dysregulated ceRNA network modulated by copy number variation‐driven lncRNAs in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ding Jianyang , Huang Mingjiang , Huang Bin , Peng Xuyang , Wu Gongzhi , Peng Congxiong , Zhang Huaizhong , Mao Chaofan , Wu Xuhui
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is primarily responsive for cancer death, and its progression is aggressively affected by copy number variation (CNV). Through bioinformatics approach, a ceRNA network of CNV‐driven lncRNAs in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients was constructed. Data on normal and LUSC tumor tissue from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐LUSC dataset were subjected to differential analysis, and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs were obtained. Based on TCGA‐LUSC, CNVs of normal and tumor tissue samples were then compared using a Chi‐square test, and lncRNAs were intersected based on their CNVs and expression alternation. In combination with the Kruskal‐Wallis test, CNV‐driven lncRNAs were acquired. Afterwards, miRNAs and mRNAs that interacted with CNV‐driven lncRNAs were obtained based on databases (LncBase, starBase, miRDB, mirDIP and TargetScan), DElncRNAs, DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs, and correlation analysis. The acquired lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were subjected to Cytoscape software to construct a CNV‐driven ceRNA network, which involved 5 lncRNAs (MIR143HG, LINC00702, MIR22HG, RP11‐180 N14.1, RP11‐473 M20.9), 6 miRNAs (miR‐3200‐3p, miR‐1301‐3p, miR‐93‐3p, miR‐96‐5p, miR‐96‐5p, miR‐130b‐5p, miR‐205‐5p) and 80 mRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses indicated that downstream mRNAs were mainly correlated with blood vessel development and T cell‐mediated immunity. In summary, we devoted to analyzing CNV‐related lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs in LUSC, thus clarifying 5 lncRNAs that may influence the malignant progression of LUSC. The ceRNA network regulated by these lncRNAs may be the novel pathogenesis of LUSC.
A dependent Bayesian Dirichlet process model for source apportionment of particle number size distribution
Authors: Baerenbold Oliver , Meis Melanie , Martínez‐Hernández Israel , Euán Carolina , Burr Wesley S. , Tremper Anja , Fuller Gary , Pirani Monica , Blangiardo Marta
Published: September 2022

The relationship between particle exposure and health risks has been well established in recent years. Particulate matter (PM) is made up of different components coming from several sources, which might have different level of toxicity. Hence, identifying these sources is an important task in order to implement effective policies to improve air quality and population health. The problem of identifying sources of particulate pollution has already been studied in the literature. However, current methods require an a priori specification of the number of sources and do not include information on covariates in the source allocations. Here, we propose a novel Bayesian nonparametric approach to overcome these limitations. In particular, we model source contribution using a Dirichlet process as a prior for source profiles, which allows us to estimate the number of components that contribute to particle concentration rather than fixing this number beforehand. To better characterize them we also include meteorological variables (wind speed and direction) as covariates within the allocation process via a flexible Gaussian kernel. We apply the model to apportion particle number size distribution measured near London Gatwick Airport (UK) in 2019. When analyzing this data, we are able to identify the most common PM sources, as well as new sources that have not been identified with the commonly used methods.
A deforming‐mesh finite‐element approach applied to the large‐translation and free‐surface scenario of fused deposition modeling
Authors: González Felipe A. , Elgeti Stefanie , Behr Marek , Auricchio Ferdinando
Published: September 2022

A numerical study of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process using a boundary‐conforming free‐surface finite element approach is performed. Due to the complexity of the FDM process, among all of its parts, we focus on the deposition and spreading of an individual filament. The polymer behavior, that is, the shear rate dependent and temperature‐dependent viscosity, is included by the Cross‐WLF viscosity model. The moving domain is addressed by the virtual region mesh update method, which, in the present article, is extended to free‐surface problems. The particularity of dividing the mesh domain into an activated and a deactivated domain makes it possible to handle large translatory mesh deformation. In this work, we make use of the level of detail offered by a boundary‐conforming approach regarding both topology accuracy and the imposition of boundary conditions in order to study the deposition of a single filament at a small scale. Parameters with a direct impact on the mechanical properties of the final object can be straightforwardly computed by a boundary‐conforming approach, for instance, the cross‐section, the contact area, the temperature distribution, and the heat fluxes over the surfaces. The presented approach is validated by a two‐dimensional benchmark test case before the numerical results of the three‐dimensional simulation of the filament deposition are shown.
Reply to “successful early use of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal neutralizing antibodies in SARS‐CoV‐2 infected hematological patients—A Czech multicenter experience”: A case series of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection and aggressive lymphoma in the Sotrovimab era
Authors: Cassin Ramona , Rampi Nicolo , Anna Fidanza Cecilia , Muscatello Antonio , Mariani Bianca , Noto Alessandro , Rossi Francesca Gaia , Baldini Luca
Published: September 2022

A prospective multicentre experience of early administration of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MA) with efficacy among patients with hematological malignancies and early‐stage COVID‐ 19 was reported by Weinbergerová et al. The study validated the safety and efficacy of MA early use among hematological patients with newly diagnosed early‐stage COVID‐19 in terms of alleviating infection course and decreasing mortality. However no reference to new variant (Delta and Omicron) or other MA (e.g., Sotrovimab) has been reported. We reported our monocentric experience of 8 aggressive lymphoma patients with Omicron infection, 7 of whom treated with this MA in our Institution between December 2021 and February 2022. Among the patients treated with Sotrovimab nobody experienced neither SARS‐CoV2 reactivation, nor other infectious events. One patients on active lymphoma treatment was hospitalized for pneumonia and treated with remdesivir. In 4/8 patients negativization of molecular swab occurred concomitantly to symptoms resolution with a median of 5.25 days, while the other 4 patients remained persistently positive with a median of 26.3 days. In this group, in order to maintain the chemo/chemoimmunotherapy (CT/CIT) dose‐density, lymphoma treatment was reassumed independently on molecular swab analysis. SARS‐CoV‐2 negativization occurred with a median of 7.7 days after the resumption of CT/CIT. The one patient treated with remdesivir, although still positive to molecular swab, restarted R‐COMP regimen at symptoms resolution too, but experienced an Omicron pneumonia exacerbation. This is the first case series reported in literature of patients affected by Omicron variant in which Sotrovimab seems to provide a resolution of COVID‐19 disease, even in patient with molecular swab positive persistence too. Patients with aggressive lymphoma histologies should not be deprived of the best available treatment of their disease after sotrovimab administration, even in the presence of a still positive Omicron swab.
Stability analysis of MHD radiative mixed convective flow in vertical cylindrical annulus: Thermal nonequilibrium approach
Authors: Shilpa B. , Leela V. , Rani Hari Ponnamma
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the influence of the induced magnetic field on the MHD mixed convective electrically conducting fluid flow inside the vertical cylindrical annulus is analyzed numerically. The heat transfer is presumed to be due to a combination of mixed convection and radiation. The stability of the flow is examined when the solid and fluid phases are not in local thermal equilibrium. The governing equations are solved numerically by both finite difference and finite element methods. To control the flow formation rate more accurately the induced magnetic field is also considered in this study. As the magnetic Prandtl number (Pm) and Hartmann number (M) get enhanced, the velocity and induced magnetic fields get retarded in the annulus due to the presence of drag‐like force, namely, the Lorentz force. When there is an increase in the mixed convection parameter the induced magnetic field gets enhanced. An increase in radiation parameter tends to decline the fluid temperature and reverse the behavior of the solid temperature. Increment in Pm decreases the wall shear stress near the conducting cylinder. Increasing values of porous, magnetic, and radiation parameters lead to an unstable system with smaller heat transfer coefficient values but the system gets stabilized for larger values of heat transfer coefficient. The results could be used as first‐hand information for comprehending and developing the thermal flow phenomenon in porous media. The obtained numerical results are in good accordance with the existing results. Using an artificial neural network, heat transfer characteristics are analyzed through mean square error and regression analysis.
A triple‐blind, randomized controlled trial, comparing combined letrozole and clomiphene versus only letrozole for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Panda Soumya Ranjan , Sharmila Vijayan , Kalidoss Vinoth Kumar , Hota Smrutismita
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment of letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) in comparison to that of letrozole alone to induce ovulation in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

The current study was designed as a single‐center, double‐arm and triple‐blind, randomized, controlled trial. The study was prospectively registered with the clinical trials registry in India and was conducted after approval from the institutional ethics committee. Study patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either a combination of 2.5 mg of letrozole and placebo (n = 40) or a combination of 2.5 mg of letrozole and 50 mg of CC (n = 40) starting from cycle days 3 to 7 for a single treatment cycle.

Results

Ovulation induction with combined letrozole and CC provided a higher ovulation rate, with a 35% absolute difference in its favor. The authors found an ovulation rate of 73% versus 38% (P = 0.003) for treatment with a combination drug and letrozole alone, respectively, while the ovulation rate ratio was 1.93 (95% CI, 1.24–3.01).

Conclusion

Combined treatment of letrozole and clomiphene may be considered as one of the first‐line ovulation induction agents for infertile women with PCOS because of its affordability and better safety profile.
Efficacy of combination therapy with pembrolizumab and axitinib for metastatic renal collecting duct cell carcinoma: A report on two cases
Authors: Tamada Shinji , Ikarashi Daiki , Tsuyukubo Takashi , Iwasaki Kazuhiro , Isurugi Kazumasa , Ono Sadahide , Takata Ryo , Fujisawa Hiromitsu , Obara Wataru
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Immunotherapy‐based combinations have become the standard first‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, combined immunotherapy for renal collecting duct carcinoma had been reported, but its therapeutic efficacy had been unclear.

Case presentation

The first case was a 62‐year‐old man treated with pembrolizumab and axitinib for renal collecting duct carcinoma with multiple bone metastases. After 7 months, the primary and metastatic lesions shrunk and were evaluated as a partial response. The second case was a 71‐year‐old man treated with pembrolizumab and axitinib for renal collecting duct carcinoma with lymph node and lung metastases. After 9 months, the primary and metastatic lesions shrunk and were evaluated as a partial response. In both cases, the tumor cell expression of programmed death ligand‐1 was negative, and CD4+ and CD8+ cells were observed in the tumor.

Conclusion

Combined immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and axitinib may be effective for metastatic renal collecting duct carcinoma.
Standards of identity and imitation milk labeling
Authors: McFadden Brandon R.
Published: September 2022

The stated motivation for identity standards is to protect consumers from misleading claims and reduce confusion. However, identity standards with little flexibility may increase consumer confusion while limiting the ability of firms to differentiate products. This study focuses on “imitation” labeling requirements for skim milk without added vitamins. Data were collected with two online surveys distributed to a population where litigation over the imitation labeling requirement occurred, Pennsylvania, and a more general population, U.S. Results indicate that labels with the word imitation would cause uncertainty or communicate that a product contains nondairy milk; labels that provided more context performed better.
Effects of variability requirements on difficult sequence learning
Authors: Ribeiro Lucas L. , Abreu‐Rodrigues Josele
Published: September 2022

The present study investigated the effects of variability requirements on learning difficult target sequences in humans. Twenty university students emitted five‐response sequences. For the experimental groups, 30 nontarget sequences were reinforced according to the Lag‐10 variation criterion or the Lag‐3 repetition criterion across conditions. For the control groups, the probability of reinforcers for nontarget sequences was yoked to that obtained by the experimental groups. In addition, for both groups, two difficult target sequences were continuously reinforced. U values were higher with the Lag‐10 variation criterion than with the Lag‐3 repetition criterion for the experimental groups and were unsystematic for the control groups. Higher U values ​​were accompanied by a random pattern in the emission of nontarget sequences for all groups. Higher levels of variability, regardless of whether they were directly produced by reinforcement or were contingency induced, facilitated learning of difficult target sequences.
What we talk about when we talk about trauma: Content overlap and heterogeneity in the assessment of trauma exposure
Authors: Karstoft Karen‐Inge , Armour Chérie
Published: September 2022

The accurate definition and assessment of trauma exposure is the foundation for replicable studies of mental health problems following trauma exposure. However, scales developed to assess trauma exposure might vary widely in terms of item content; overlap; and specifications of trauma intensity, frequency, duration, and timing. We compared eight frequently used self‐report measures of trauma exposure to address content overlap and measurement heterogeneity. Combined, these measures assess 44 disparate exposures. Mean overlap across scales was moderate (M = 0.41, range: 0.25–0.48 across scales). Pairwise overlap between scales ranged from .19 to .59. We found 18 exposures (40.9%) that were included in one scale and three exposures (6.8%) that were included in all eight scales. Four of the included scales assess trauma frequency, five assess intensity or perceived danger, two assess duration, and four assess timing. The implications of measurement heterogeneity for clinical research as well as for comparability and replication of trauma‐related research are discussed.
CircPTK2 accelerates tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer by upregulating AKT2 expression via miR‐506‐3p
Authors: Gong Shuang‐Xi , Yang Feng‐Shuai , Qiu Dong‐Da
Published: September 2022

With the rapid increase in its incidence in the last decade, colorectal cancer (CRC) is becoming one of the most life‐threatening cancers. Circular RNA PTK2 (circPTK2) has multiple functions in oncogenesis, including in CRC. However, it remains elusive if circPTK2 also plays an important role in CRC malignancy. The levels of circPTK2, miR‐506‐3p, and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2) were measured by qPCR. The protein level of AKT2 was evaluated by western blotting assay. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cancer cells were evaluated by MTT, colony formation, wound‐healing, and transwell assays. The interaction between circPTK2 and miR‐506‐3p and between miR‐506‐3p and AKT2 mRNA were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of circPTK2 and AKT2 were elevated in CRC cells, with a concomitant reduction of miR‐506‐3p. The knockdown of circPTK2 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. CircPTK2 targeted miR‐506‐3p and negatively regulated its expression. Furthermore, miR‐506‐3p overexpression suppressed the CRC progression by downregulating the AKT2 expression. AKT2 overexpression or miR‐506‐3p inhibition restored the suppression of growth and invasiveness of CRC cancer cells caused by circPTK2 silencing. The circPTK2/miR‐506‐3p/AKT2 axis plays a novel and essential role in promoting CRC progression, providing potential targets for CRC therapeutic modality.
Reconstruction of the Obliterated Eustachian Tube: A Pilot Case Series
Authors: Toivonen Joonas , Poe Dennis
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the safety and early efficacy of a procedure for reconstruction of the obliterated Eustachian tube (ET).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Patients with total obliteration of the cartilaginous ET, with intractable mucoid effusion causing repeated occlusion of tympanostomy tubes were included. Patients underwent endoscopic transnasal/transoral reconstruction of the obliterated ET using transtympanic illuminated guidewire guidance. A temporary stent (angiocatheter filled with bonewax) was placed to maintain patency while healing. In four cases an additional steroid‐eluting propel stent was placed in the ET orifice. Main outcome measures were otomicroscopy results, absence of middle ear effusion, and nasopharyngoscopy showing patency of the ET orifice.

Results

Nine ETs (seven patients), ages 17–68 years (mean 37.9) underwent ET reconstruction. Follow‐up ranged from 4 to 56 months (mean 30.9 months). 89% of operated ears had no effusion at last follow‐up. Two patients (three Eustachian tubes) underwent successful reoperation. There were no complications directly related to the procedure. Etiologies of obliteration included scarring after sinus surgery, obstruction after maxillo‐mandibular advancement surgery (two patients), bullous pemphigus, gunshot trauma, and previous patulous obliteration (two patients).

Conclusions

Complete occlusion of the cartilaginous ET can be associated with intractable mucoid effusion; endoscopic examination should be considered in such cases. In this pilot study, ET reconstruction was found to be a safe and possibly effective procedure in patients with total obliteration of the ET from various etiologies. Larger studies with long term follow up are indicated.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1970–1975, 2023
The Protective Efficacy of Hesperidin and Thymol on Radiation‐Induced Submandibular Gland Damage
Authors: Sakat Muhammed Sedat , Kılıç Korhan , Sahin Abdulkadir , Kiziltunc Ozmen Hilal , Yıldırım Serkan , Egilmez Esra
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to employ biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical methods to reveal the effectiveness of hesperidin and thymol in preventing radiotherapy‐associated submandibular gland injury.

Methods

A total of 48 female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups of eight animals each. Group 1 represented the control group. Group 2 was regarded as hesperidin Group, and the rats received only hesperidin. Group 3 was regarded as thymol Group, and the rats received only thymol. Group 4 was regarded as a Radiotherapy Group, and the rats were exposed to radiotherapy at a dose of 15 Gy. Group 5 was regarded as hesperidin + Radiotherapy Group, and rats received hesperidin at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 1 week prior to radiotherapy exposition. Group 6 was regarded as thymol + Radiotherapy Group, and rats received thymol at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 1 week prior to radiotherapy exposition. Rats were sacrificed after radiotherapy and submandibular glands were dissected for biochemical and immunohistochemical evaluations.

Results

We have shown that, thanks to their strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, hesperidin and thymol minimize the damage caused by radiation toxicity by decreasing oxidant levels and increasing antioxidant enzyme levels in the submandibular gland. We found that thymol showed more protective activity than hesperidin in terms of effectiveness on radiation toxicity.

Conclusion

Hesperidin and thymol exhibit histopathological, immunochemical, and biochemical protection against radiation‐related submandibular gland injury. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature in this field.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 133:1885–1892, 2023
Flow‐dependent zinc corrosion in boric acid‐containing electrolytes
Authors: Harm Ulrich , Kryk Holger , Hampel Uwe
Published: September 2022

In recent research concerning zinc dissolution studies in boric acid electrolytes, it was shown that moderate variations of the fluid temperatures or the boric acid concentration only cause small changes (<10%) in resulting initial zinc corrosion rates. A stronger dependency was found, however, on the fluid flow. Thus, a series of electrochemical measurements were carried out using a rotating disc electrode (zinc) in boric acid electrolytes for a better understanding of influencing parameters on the zinc corrosion rates. The main results of these electrochemical polarization experiments (e.g., Tafel plots) showed similar dependencies of the zinc corrosion rates as described in the aforementioned zinc dissolution experiments. The zinc corrosion process strongly depends on the mass transfer limitation of the dissolved oxygen to the zinc surface (cathodic process). Increased rotation speeds (higher flow rates) lead to extensively enhanced current densities (corrosion rates) and the extrapolation to infinite high rotation speeds (Levich extrapolation) was used to describe the corresponding corrosion process without transfer limitations.
Materials and Manufacturing Methods for EWOD Devices: Current Status and Sustainability Challenges
Authors: Caro‐Pérez Oriol , Casals‐Terré Jasmina , Roncero Maria Blanca
Published: September 2022

Electrowetting‐on‐dielectric (EWOD) devices have proven to be effective tools for precise microfluidic manipulation or in liquid lenses that surpass conventional solid lenses in versatility. However, the fabrication of these devices presents many challenges, such as their scalability or the growing concern on their environmental impact due to materials used in their fabrication. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the materials currently used in the fabrication of EWOD devices and the characteristics they must meet. In addition, a discussion of future challenges in the fabrication of EWOD devices is presented, in particular the environmental problems presented by some of the materials currently in use.
Inferring kinase activity from phosphoproteomic data: Tool comparison and recent applications
Authors: Piersma Sander R. , Valles‐Marti Andrea , Rolfs Frank , Pham Thang V. , Henneman Alex A. , Jiménez Connie R.
Published: September 2022

Aberrant cellular signaling pathways are a hallmark of cancer and other diseases. One of the most important signaling mechanisms involves protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Protein phosphorylation is catalyzed by protein kinases, and over 530 protein kinases have been identified in the human genome. Aberrant kinase activity is one of the drivers of tumorigenesis and cancer progression and results in altered phosphorylation abundance of downstream substrates. Upstream kinase activity can be inferred from the global collection of phosphorylated substrates. Mass spectrometry‐based phosphoproteomic experiments nowadays routinely allow identification and quantitation of >10k phosphosites per biological sample. This substrate phosphorylation footprint can be used to infer upstream kinase activities using tools like Kinase Substrate Enrichment Analysis (KSEA), Posttranslational Modification Substrate Enrichment Analysis (PTM‐SEA), and Integrative Inferred Kinase Activity Analysis (INKA). Since the topic of kinase activity inference is very active with many new approaches reported in the past 3 years, we would like to give an overview of the field. In this review, an inventory of kinase activity inference tools, their underlying algorithms, statistical frameworks, kinase‐substrate databases, and user‐friendliness is presented. The most widely‐used tools are compared in‐depth. Subsequently, recent applications of the tools are described focusing on clinical tissues and hematological samples. Two main application areas for kinase activity inference tools can be discerned. (1) Maximal biological insights can be obtained from large data sets with group comparisons using multiple complementary tools (e.g., PTM‐SEA and KSEA or INKA). (2) In the oncology context where personalized treatment requires analysis of single samples, INKA for example, has emerged as tool that can prioritize actionable kinases for targeted inhibition.
Development of mass spectrometric glycan characterization tags using acid‐base chemistry and/or free radical chemistry
Authors: Murtada Rayan , Finn Shane , Gao Jinshan
Published: September 2022

Despite recent advances in glycomics, glycan characterization still remains an analytical challenge. Accordingly, numerous glycan‐tagging reagents with different chemistries were developed, including those involving acid‐base chemistry and/or free radical chemistry. Acid‐base chemistry excels at dissociating glycans into their constituent components in a systematic and predictable manner to generate cleavages at glycosidic bonds. Glycans are also highly susceptible to depolymerization by free radical processes, which is supported by results observed from electron‐activated dissociation techniques. Therefore, the free radical activated glycan sequencing (FRAGS) reagent was developed so as to possess the characteristics of both acid‐base and free radical chemistry, thus generating information‐rich glycosidic bond and cross‐ring cleavages. Alternatively, the free radical processes can be induced via photodissociation of the specific carbon‐iodine bond which gives birth to similar fragmentation patterns as the FRAGS reagent. Furthermore, the methylated‐FRAGS (Me‐FRAGS) reagent was developed to eliminate glycan rearrangements by way of a fixed charged as opposed to a labile proton, which would otherwise yield additional, yet unpredictable, fragmentations including internal residue losses or multiple external residue losses. Lastly, to further enhance glycan enrichment and characterization, solid‐support FRAGS was developed.
Solver‐free optimal control for linear dynamical switched system by means of geometric algebra
Authors: Derevianko Anna , Vašík Petr
Published: September 2022

An algorithm for finding a control of a linear switched system by means of Geometric Algebra is designed. More precisely, we develop a switching path searching algorithm for a two‐dimensional linear dynamical switched system with a non‐singular matrix whose integral curves are formed by two sets of centralized ellipses. It is natural to represent them as elements of Geometric Algebra for Conics and construct the switching path by calculating switching points, i.e., intersections and contact points. For this, we use symbolic algebra operations or, more precisely, the wedge and inner products that are realizable by sums of products in the coordinate form. Therefore, no numerical solver to the system of equations is needed. Indeed, the only operation that may bring in an inaccuracy is vector normalization, i.e., square root calculation. The resulting switching path is formed by pieces of ellipses that are chosen, respectively, from the two sets of integral curves. The switching points are either intersections in the first or final step of our algorithm, or contact points. This choice guarantees the optimality of the switching path with respect to the number of switches. Two examples are provided to demonstrate the search for the intersections of the conics and, consequently, a description is presented of the construction of a switching path in both cases.
Iron‐based coupling media for MRI‐guided ultrasound surgery
Authors: Allen Steven P. , Fergusson Austin , Edsall Connor , Chen Sheng , Moore David , Vlaisavljevich Eli , Davis Richey M. , Meyer Craig H.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In this study, we examine the effects of a recently developed, iron‐based coupling medium (IBCM) on guidance magnetic resonance (MR) scans during transcranial, magnetic‐resonance‐guided, focused ultrasound surgery (tMRgFUS) procedures. More specifically, this study tests the hypotheses that the use of the IBCM will (a) not adversely affect image quality, (b) remove aliasing from small field‐of‐view scans, and (c) decouple image quality from the motion state of the coupling fluid.

Methods

An IBCM, whose chemical synthesis and characterization are reported elsewhere, was used as a coupling medium during tMRgFUS procedures on gel phantoms. Guidance magnetization‐prepared rapid‐gradient‐echo (MP‐RAGE), TSE, and GRE scans were acquired with fields of view of 28 and 18 cm. Experiments were repeated with the IBCM in several distinct flow states. GRE scans were used to estimate temperature time courses as a gel target was insonated. IBCM performance was measured by computing (i) the root mean square difference (RMSD) of TSE and GRE pixel values acquired using water and the IBCM, relative to the use of water; (ii) through‐time temperature uncertainty for GRE scans; and (iii) Bland–Altman analysis of the temperature time courses. Finally, guidance TSE and GRE scans of a human volunteer were acquired during a separate sham tMRgFUS procedure. As a control, all experiments were repeated using a water coupling medium.

Results

Use of the IBCM reduced RMSD in TSE scans by a factor of 4 or more for all fields of view and nonstationary motion states, but did not reduce RMSD estimates in MP‐RAGE scans. With the coupling media in a stationary state, the IBCM altered estimates of temperature uncertainty relative to the use of water by less than 0.2°C. However, with a high flow state, the IBCM reduced temperature uncertainties by the statistically significant amounts (at the 0.01 level) of 0.5°C (28 cm field of view) and 5°C (18 cm field of view). Bland–Altman analyses found a 0.1°C ± 0.5°C difference between temperature estimates acquired using water and the IBCM as coupling media. Finally, scans of a human volunteer using the IBCM indicate more conspicuous grey/white matter contrast, a reduction in aliasing, and a less than 0.2°C change in temperature uncertainty.

Conclusions

The use of an IBCM during tMRgFUS procedures does not adversely affect image quality for TSE and GRE scans, can decouple image quality from the motion state of the coupling fluid, and can remove aliasing from scans where the field of view is set to be much smaller than the spatial extent of the coupling fluid.
Mitigating the impact of flip angle and orientation dependence in single compartment R2* estimates via 2‐pool modeling
Authors: Milotta Giorgia , Corbin Nadège , Lambert Christian , Lutti Antoine , Mohammadi Siawoosh , Callaghan Martina F.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The effective transverse relaxation rate () is influenced by biological features that make it a useful means of probing brain microstructure. However, confounding factors such as dependence on flip angle (α) and fiber orientation with respect to the main field () complicate interpretation. The α‐ and ‐dependence stem from the existence of multiple sub‐voxel micro‐environments (e.g., myelin and non‐myelin water compartments). Ordinarily, it is challenging to quantify these sub‐compartments; therefore, neuroscientific studies commonly make the simplifying assumption of a mono‐exponential decay obtaining a single estimate per voxel. In this work, we investigated how the multi‐compartment nature of tissue microstructure affects single compartment estimates.

Methods

We used 2‐pool (myelin and non‐myelin water) simulations to characterize the bias in single compartment estimates. Based on our numeric observations, we introduced a linear model that partitions into α‐dependent and α‐independent components and validated this in vivo at 7T. We investigated the dependence of both components on the sub‐compartment properties and assessed their robustness, orientation dependence, and reproducibility empirically.

Results

increased with myelin water fraction and residency time leading to a linear dependence on α. We observed excellent agreement between our numeric and empirical results. Furthermore, the α‐independent component of the proposed linear model was robust to the choice of α and reduced dependence on fiber orientation, although it suffered from marginally higher noise sensitivity.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated and validated a simple approach that mitigates flip angle and orientation biases in single‐compartment estimates.
Ultra‐short T2 components imaging of the whole brain using 3D dual‐echo UTE MRI with rosette k‐space pattern
Authors: Shen Xin , Özen Ali Caglar , Sunjar Antonia , Ilbey Serhat , Sawiak Stephen , Shi Riyi , Chiew Mark , Emir Uzay
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a new 3D dual‐echo rosette k‐space trajectory, specifically designed for UTE MRI applications. The imaging of the ultra‐short transverse relaxation time (uT2) of brain was acquired to test the performance of the proposed UTE sequence.

Theory and Methods

The rosette trajectory was developed based on rotations of a “petal‐like” pattern in the kx–ky plane, with oscillated extensions in the kz‐direction for 3D coverage. Five healthy volunteers underwent 10 dual‐echo 3D rosette UTE scans with various TEs. Dual‐exponential complex model fitting was performed on the magnitude data to separate uT2 signals, with the output of uT2 fraction, uT2 value, and long‐T2 value.

Results

The 3D rosette dual‐echo UTE sequence showed better performance than a 3D radial UTE acquisition. More significant signal intensity decay in white matter than gray matter was observed along with the TEs. The white matter regions had higher uT2 fraction values than gray matter (10.9% ± 1.9% vs. 5.7% ± 2.4%). The uT2 value was approximately 0.10 ms in white matter .

Conclusion

The higher uT2 fraction value in white matter compared to gray matter demonstrated the ability of the proposed sequence to capture rapidly decaying signals.
Model‐based determination of the synchronization delay between MRI and trajectory data
Authors: Dubovan Paul Ioan , Baron Corey Allan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Real‐time monitoring of dynamic magnetic fields has recently become a commercially available option for measuring MRI k‐space trajectories and magnetic fields induced by eddy currents in real time. However, for accurate image reconstructions, sub‐microsecond synchronization between the MRI data and field dynamics (ie, k‐space trajectory plus other spatially varying fields) is required. In this work, we introduce a new model‐based algorithm to automatically perform this synchronization using only the MRI data and field dynamics.

Methods

The algorithm works by enforcing consistency among the MRI data, field dynamics, and receiver sensitivity profiles by iteratively alternating between convex optimizations for (a) the image and (b) the synchronization delay. A healthy human subject was scanned at 7 T using a transmit‐receive coil with integrated field probes using both single‐shot spiral and EPI, and reconstructions with various synchronization delays were compared with the result of the proposed algorithm. The accuracy of the algorithm was also investigated using simulations, in which the acquisition delays for simulated acquisitions were determined using the proposed algorithm and compared with the known ground truth.

Results

In the in vivo scans, the proposed algorithm minimized artifacts related to synchronization delay for both spiral and EPI acquisitions, and the computation time required was less than 30 s. The simulations demonstrated accuracy to within tens of nanoseconds.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm can automatically determine synchronization delays between MRI data and field dynamics measured using a field probe system.
Actual experience of the training effect of Baduanjin on patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction: A qualitative study
Authors: Liao Yan‐tan , Zheng Qing‐Xiang , Huang Ping‐ping , Xie Qiu‐lin , Wang Guan‐dong , Lai Yu‐ting , Jiang Xin‐yong , Ge Li
Published: September 2022

Aim

To explore the actual experience of training effect of Baduanjin on patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction through semistructured interviews and promote Baduanjin training application in clinical and community settings.

Design

This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction were recruited as participants by applying purposive sampling method between September 2017–December 2020 in the physical therapy department of a rehabilitation hospital affiliated with Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Semistructured interviews were conducted after patients participated in Baduanjin training for 6 weeks. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

Three major themes were identified after analysis, namely improving functions of hemiplegic limbs, improving the condition of the entire body and the feelings of practice. The participants indicated that Baduanjin could improve the limb functions and general conditions of hemiplegic patients. Their experience in practicing Baduanjin was generally positive, and they were willing to continue practicing.
Impact of refitted race‐free eGFR formula on obesity pharmacotherapy options
Authors: Orandi Babak J. , McLeod Chandler , Reed Rhiannon D. , Kumar Vineeta , Igel Leon I. , Aronne Louis J. , Cannon Robert M. , Lewis Cora E. , Locke Jayme E.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Recent changes to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formula (2021 CKD‐EPI) removed race from the 2009 formula, increasing the number of Black people classified as having CKD, but these changes may impact eligibility and/or dosing for antiobesity medications. This study estimated the number of people with obesity nationwide who might have pharmacotherapy options impacted by the new formula.

Methods

Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort study data, the number of people eligible for antiobesity medication was estimated, and the number who would require a dosage reduction or would no longer be eligible for specific medications based on the new eGFR formula was also estimated.

Results

Among 16,412,571 Black and 109,654,751 non‐Black people eligible for antiobesity medication, 911,336 (6.1%) Black and 6,925,492 (6.6%) non‐Black people had ≥CKD stage 3 by the 2009 CKD‐EPI formula. Applying the 2021 CKD‐EPI formula, 1,260,969 (8.5%) Black people and 4,989,919 (4.7%) non‐Black people had ≥CKD stage 3. For medications requiring renal adjustment, the number of Black people who would require a lower dose or be precluded from using a medication increased by 24.7% to 50.2%.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of measuring—rather than estimating—GFR in Black people with CKD when considering many antiobesity pharmacotherapy options.