bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bony structure enhanced synthetic CT generation using Dixon sequences for pelvis MR‐only radiotherapy
Authors: Liang Xiao , Yen Allen , Bai Ti , Godley Andrew , Shen Chenyang , Wu Junjie , Meng Boyu , Lin Mu‐Han , Medin Paul , Yan Yulong , Owrangi Amir , Desai Neil , Hannan Raquibul , Garant Aurelie , Jiang Steve , Deng Jie
Published: June 2023

Background

MRI‐only radiotherapy planning (MROP) is beneficial to patients by avoiding MRI/CT registration errors, simplifying the radiation treatment simulation workflow and reducing exposure to ionizing radiation. MRI is the primary imaging modality for soft tissue delineation. Treatment planning CTs (i.e., CT simulation scan) are redundant if a synthetic CT (sCT) can be generated from the MRI to provide the patient positioning and electron density information. Unsupervised deep learning (DL) models like CycleGAN are widely used in MR‐to‐sCT conversion, when paired patient CT and MR image datasets are not available for model training. However, compared to supervised DL models, they cannot guarantee anatomic consistency, especially around bone.

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to improve the sCT accuracy generated from MRI around bone for MROP.

Methods

To generate more reliable bony structures on sCT images, we proposed to add bony structure constraints in the unsupervised CycleGAN model's loss function and leverage Dixon constructed fat and in‐phase (IP) MR images. Dixon images provide better bone contrast than T2‐weighted images as inputs to a modified multi‐channel CycleGAN. A private dataset with a total of 31 prostate cancer patients were used for training (20) and testing (11).

Results

We compared model performance with and without bony structure constraints using single‐ and multi‐channel inputs. Among all the models, multi‐channel CycleGAN with bony structure constraints had the lowest mean absolute error, both inside the bone and whole body (50.7 and 145.2 HU). This approach also resulted in the highest Dice similarity coefficient (0.88) of all bony structures compared with the planning CT.

Conclusion

Modified multi‐channel CycleGAN with bony structure constraints, taking Dixon‐constructed fat and IP images as inputs, can generate clinically suitable sCT images in both bone and soft tissue. The generated sCT images have the potential to be used for accurate dose calculation and patient positioning in MROP radiation therapy.
Prostate cancer detection and segmentation on MRI using non‐local mask R‐CNN with histopathological ground truth
Authors: Dai Zhenzhen , Jambor Ivan , Taimen Pekka , Pantelic Milan , Elshaikh Mohamed , Dabaja Ali , Rogers Craig , Ettala Otto , Boström Peter J. , Aronen Hannu J. , Merisaari Harri , Wen Ning
Published: June 2023

Background

Automatic detection and segmentation of intraprostatic lesions (ILs) on preoperative multiparametric‐magnetic resonance images (mp‐MRI) can improve clinical workflow efficiency and enhance the diagnostic accuracy of prostate cancer and is an essential step in dominant intraprostatic lesion boost.

Purpose

The goal is to improve the detection and segmentation accuracy of 3D ILs in MRI by a proposed a deep learning (DL)‐based algorithm with histopathological ground truth.

Methods

This retrospective study included 262 patients with in vivo prostate biparametric MRI (bp‐MRI) scans and were divided into three cohorts based on their data analysis and annotation. Histopathological ground truth was established by using histopathology images as delineation reference standard on cohort 1, which consisted of 64 patients and was randomly split into 20 training, 12 validation, and 32 testing patients. Cohort 2 consisted of 158 patients with bp‐MRI based lesion delineation, and was randomly split into 104 training, 15 validation, and 39 testing patients. Cohort 3 consisted of 40 unannotated patients, used in semi‐supervised learning. We proposed a non‐local Mask R‐CNN and boosted its performance by applying different training techniques. The performance of non‐local Mask R‐CNN was compared with baseline Mask R‐CNN, 3D U‐Net and an experienced radiologist's delineation and was evaluated by detection rate, dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, and Hausdorff Distance (HD).

Results

The independent testing set consists of 32 patients with histopathological ground truth. With the training technique maximizing detection rate, the non‐local Mask R‐CNN achieved 80.5% and 94.7% detection rate; 0.548 and 0.604 DSC; 5.72 and 6.36 95 HD (mm); 0.613 and 0.580 sensitivity for ILs of all Gleason Grade groups (GGGs) and clinically significant ILs (GGG > 2), which outperformed baseline Mask R‐CNN and 3D U‐Net. For clinically significant ILs, the model segmentation accuracy was significantly higher than that of the experienced radiologist involved in the study, who achieved 0.512 DSC (p = 0.04), 8.21 (p = 0.041) 95 HD (mm), and 0.398 (p = 0.001) sensitivity.

Conclusion

The proposed DL model achieved state‐of‐art performance and has the potential to help improve radiotherapy treatment planning and noninvasive prostate cancer diagnosis.
A mixed methods approach for measuring topic sensitivity in conservation
Authors: Ibbett Harriet , Jones Julia P. G. , Dorward Leejiah , Kohi Edward M. , Dwiyahreni Asri A. , Prayitno Karlina , Sankeni Stephen , Kaduma Joseph , Mchomvu Jesca , Wijaya Saputra Andie , Sabiladiyni Humairah , Supriatna Jatna , St John Freya A. V.
Published: June 2023

Conservationists increasingly aim to understand human behaviour to inform intervention design. However, obtaining information from people about their behaviour can be challenging, particularly if the research topic is considered sensitive. Topic sensitivity may raise methodological, ethical, political and legal concerns which, if poorly addressed, can have significant impacts on research participants, the research process, data quality and the success of conservation outcomes that are informed by research findings. While considerable effort has been invested in developing techniques for reducing bias when collecting data on sensitive topics, less attention has been focused on identifying if, and why, a topic is sensitive.

We use a mixed methods approach to explore how willing people are to discuss topics that could be considered sensitive (e.g. illegal wildlife hunting). Collecting data from people living near protected areas in Indonesia (n = 362) and Tanzania (n = 345), we developed and tested a psychometric scale to measure topic sensitivity at the respondent level and conducted group exercises (free‐lists and pile sorts) to gain a deeper understanding of peoples' willingness to discuss different topics.

The perceived sensitivity of topics varied both within and between the two focal contexts, with more topics being perceived as sensitive in Tanzania than Indonesia. Participants' knowledge of rules, and their experiences of living alongside protected areas affected how sensitive they considered topics to be.

Mixed methods approaches can provide holistic and nuanced understanding of topic sensitivity. However, recognising that in‐depth studies are not always feasible to implement, we demonstrate that methods, such as our Sensitivity Index, can easily be adapted for different contexts and deployed to rapidly obtain valuable insights on topic sensitivity, to help inform conservation research and practice.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Enhancement on the mechanical properties of 3D printing PEI composites via high thermal processing and fiber reinforcing
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Wu Jie , Jia Mengen , Chen Ye , Wang Huaping
Published: June 2023

Polyetherimide (PEI) is a high‐performance material that maintains good properties at high temperature. Combining PEI with 3D printing is helpful to broaden the application of PEI, but the printed PEI parts have poor mechanical properties due to its interlayer porous structure. Herein, high thermal processing (cavity and platform temperature) is utilized to improve the bonding of PEI filaments during 3D printing. After optimizing, the mechanical properties of printed PEI parts can reach to the performance of injected PEI. Moreover, carbon fiber (CF) is used to further enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of PEI. The results show that the mechanical enhancement of short length CF (0.15 mm) is less effective than the longer CF (3 mm‐CF). After the CF oxidation treatment, the tensile strength of printed PEI is increased by nearly 6.07% compared to the untreated CF/PEI. The work provides a novel approach for developing 3D printed CF/PEI composites for the further application.
Fused deposition modeling of carbon‐reinforced polymer matrix composites: A comprehensive review
Authors: Wei Qinghua , Yang Rongbin , Zhao Xudong , Zhou Jiayi , An Yalong , Yang Sheng
Published: June 2023

Carbon‐reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMCs) have been thoroughly applied in different fields because of their benefits, such as low specific gravity, corrosion resistance, good electrical conductivity, and robust mechanical properties. Especially, with the emergence of fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology has further promoted the application of such materials in complex structural components. Recently, FDM printing carbon‐reinforced PMCs have become a hot topic in composites research, and many promising results have been achieved around related research. In order to help readers have a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the latest research progress of FDM printing carbon‐reinforced PMCs in terms of material modification, processing, material properties, and application levels, this paper reviews the properties and processes of FDM printed carbon‐reinforced PMCs and their potential applications in aerospace, flexible sensing, electrochemistry, and biomedical fields. The effects of commonly used carbon reinforcing materials on the performance of FDM printed PMCs were contrasted and analyzed. Moreover, the process optimization of printing carbon‐reinforced PMCs was introduced and highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions of FDM printing carbon‐reinforced PMCs were analyzed and prospected.
Remorse‐related suicide attempts among young mothers after COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Otani Kyohei , Yoshikawa Ryohei , Naito Atsumi , Fukushima Haruko , Matsuishi Kunitaka
Published: June 2023

Background

In Japan, there is a tendency to view COVID‐19 infection as one's own responsibility, which may result in more feelings of guilt than in other countries. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the curfew imposed by COVID‐19 restricted social behavior and increased anxiety and loneliness, which may have increased the risk of suicide among young women, especially mothers who were highly stressed regarding COVID‐19 infection in their children.

Case Presentation

This is a case report of two Japanese mothers who developed feelings of guilt following infection with COVID‐19, leading to suicide attempts. They feared stigma or denial due to the infection, which they were unable to explain to others, leading to a heightened sense of self‐blame and suicide attempts. In addition, Japanese women have a heavy burden of housework, despite their dual roles at home and at work; the pandemic's behavioral restrictions led to increased time at home and stress. These women were also more affected by the economic crisis in the early stages of the pandemic than men. Relatedly, neuropsychiatric symptoms that persisted after recovering from COVID‐19, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain, namely postacute COVID‐19 syndrome or long COVID, may have precipitated the suicidal ideation in these cases. Moreover, the complication of bipolar disorder by COVID‐19 could have led to suicide attempts caused by infection‐related neuropsychiatric symptoms and the exacerbation of the bipolar disorder by restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Suicide prevention measures need to be taken more seriously among mothers during or after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Ictal hypersalivation as a prominent symptom in a girl with insulo‐opercular epilepsy
Authors: Sun Ke , Yang Dongju , Liang Shuli , Yuan Liu , Zhang Guojun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Hypersalivation has been associated with Rolandic epilepsy and other childhood epilepsy syndromes. However, pure salivatory seizures are a rare type of focal seizure in which ictal hypersalivation is the dominant feature throughout the seizures.

Case presentation

We present a case of pure salivatory seizures originating from the right post‐central operculum cortex, confirmed by the favorable surgical outcome. We attempt to analyze the symptom from behavioral and neural network perspectives and propose a possible mechanism to generate ictal hypersalivation and pure salivatory seizures.

Conclusion

Based on previous reports in the literature and our case, we emphasize the importance of the operculum in patients with ictal hypersalivation, particularly in patients with pure salivatory seizures.
Thermal characterization of 3D printable multifunctional graphene‐reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composite filaments enabled for smart structural applications
Authors: Bedi Surjeet Singh , Mallesha Vasu , Mahesh Vinyas , Mahesh Vishwas , Mukunda Sriram , Negi Sushanth , Ponnusami Sathiskumar Anusuya
Published: June 2023

The focus on fillers' influence in high‐performance polymer composites has undergone a transformation. Additionally, the utilization of additive manufacturing (AM) in this venture has aroused the curiosity of investigators to empirically enumerate the characteristics of such composites for numerous applications. Consequently, this investigation aims to assess the thermal behavior of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) polymers reinforced with graphene flakes. As mentioned above, various weight ratios of the constituents are manufactured, blended, and extruded into six distinct varieties of 3D‐printable filaments utilizing a twin‐screw extruder. In accordance with the relevant American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, we perform the thermal characterization of the compounded PETG/graphene pellets using Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results reveal that enhancing the concentration of graphene augments the thermal properties of the composites. Furthermore, the FTIR investigation contributes to graphene's proficiency in absorbing infrared radiation and curbing micro‐vibrations. Additionally, the study highlights the way in which chemical interactions between graphene and PETG impact the general effectiveness of the composites.
Evidence of fruit syndromes in the recently diverged wild tomato clade opens new possibilities for the study of fleshy fruit evolution
Authors: Barnett Jacob R. , Sharma Rovin , Buonauro Gina , Gillis Ian M. , Rashidzade Maryam , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: June 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Fleshy fruits provide humans with many flavorful and nutritious crops. Understanding the diversity of these plants is fundamental to managing agriculture and food security in a changing world. This study surveyed fruit trait variation across species of tomato wild relatives and explored associations among color, size, shape, sugars, and acids. These wild tomato species native to South America can be interbred with the economically important cultivated tomato. Beyond its application to tomatoes, deepening our knowledge of how fruit traits evolve together is valuable to crop improvement efforts aimed at breeding more nutritious and appealing varieties of fruits.

Fleshy fruits display a striking diversity of traits, many of which are important for agriculture. The evolutionary drivers of this variation are not well understood, and most studies have relied on variation found in the wild. Few studies have explored this question on a fine‐grained scale with a group of recently diverged species while controlling for environmental effects.

We developed the tomato clade as a novel system for fruit trait evolution research by presenting the first common garden‐based systematic survey of variation and phylogenetic signal in color, nutrition, and morphology traits across all 13 species of tomato wild relatives (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon). We laid the groundwork for further testing of potential evolutionary drivers by assessing patterns of clustering and correlation among disperser‐relevant fruit traits as well as historical climate variables.

We found evidence of two distinct clusters of associated fruit traits defined by color, sugar type, and malic acid concentration. We also observed correlations between a fruit's external appearance and internal nutrient content that could function as honest signals to dispersers. Analyses of historical climate and soil variables revealed an association between red/orange/yellow fruits and high annual average temperature.

Our results establish the tomato clade as a promising system for testing hypotheses on the drivers of divergence behind early‐stage fleshy fruit evolution, particularly selective pressure from frugivores.
A review on the adsorption of diuron, carbaryl, and alachlor using natural and activated clays
Authors: Isak Nensi , Xhaxhiu Kledi
Published: June 2023

Pesticides are considered predominant organic pollutants because they are widespread in many ecosystems. Pesticide residues can degrade chemically, physically, and biochemically in nature, but, because of their high stability and, in some cases, water solubility, they continue to persist in the environment. Pesticides have been eliminated from contaminated waters using a variety of methods that fall under the categories of biological, chemical, physical, and physicochemical remediation processes from various types of matrices, including water and soil. Due to their excellent qualities as adsorbents and pesticide transporters, the use of natural soil components such as clays, iron oxides, or humic acid has recently attracted growing interest. Clays have several advantages over other adsorbents, including large specific surface areas due to their small particle size, low cost, and widespread availability. Clay minerals have a great capacity for adsorption due to Coulombic forces and, attributable to their large surface area, van der Waals forces. This review describes historical, current, and emerging techniques and materials to remove the pesticides diuron, carbaryl, and alachlor using clays as adsorbents.
Similarities and differences in placental development between humans and cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Matsumoto Shoma , Okamura Eiichi , Muto Masanaga , Ema Masatsugu
Published: June 2023

Background

The placenta is an extraembryonic organ, which is essential to maintain a normal pregnancy. However, placental development in humans is poorly understood because of technical and ethical reasons.

Methods

We analyzed the anatomical localization of each trophoblastic subtype in the cynomolgus monkey placenta by immunohistochemistry in the early second trimester. Histological differences among the mouse, cynomolgus monkey, and human placenta were compared. The PubMed database was used to search for studies on placentation in rodents and primates.

Main findings

The anatomical structures and subtypes of the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys are highly similar to those in humans, with the exception of fewer interstitial extravillous trophoblasts in cynomolgus monkeys.

Conclusion

The cynomolgus monkey appears to be a good animal model to investigate human placentation.
Non‐Settling Super‐Strong Magnetorheological Fluids
Authors: Seo Yongsok
Published: June 2023

A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is generally called a suspension in which magnetic particles are dispersed in a non‐magnetic medium. When an external magnetic field is applied, a pseudo‐phase transition occurs within a short time to generate yield stress, and when the magnetic field is released, it returns to the suspended state. Due to these unique characteristics, it is classified as a smart material to be widely applied in various industries. High performance MR fluids require high yield stress and stability for long‐term use. However, it is very difficult to improve performance and stability simultaneously due to the limited amount of magnetic particles in the suspension and particle sedimentation caused by the density mismatch between the suspending particles and the liquid phase. In this study, an MR slurry is developed that is completely different from the MR suspension, starting from the opposite concept. An innovative non‐settling (i.e., permanently stable) magnetorheological slurry is successfully created that exhibits unprecedented ultra‐high yield stress. This result is expected to be a turning point for applying MR fluids to more diverse industries. In addition, a simple fitting equation expressing the yield stress as a function of the particle volume fraction is proposed.
Rational Engineering of p‐n Heterogeneous ZnS/SnO2 Quantum Dots with Fast Ion Kinetics for Superior Li/Na‐Ion Battery
Authors: Zhan Guang‐Hao , Liao Wen‐Hua , Hu Qian‐Qian , Wu Xiao‐Hui , Huang Xiao‐Ying
Published: June 2023

Constructing heterogeneous nanostructures is an efficient strategy to improve the electrical and ionic conductivity of metal chalcogenide‐based anodes. Herein, ZnS/SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) as p‐n heterojunctions that are uniformly anchored to reduced graphene oxides (ZnS‐SnO2@rGO) are designed and engineered. Combining the merits of fast electron transport via the internal electric field and a greatly shortened Li/Na ion diffusion pathway in the ZnS/SnO2 QDs (3–5 nm), along with the excellent electrical conductivity and good structural stability provided by the rGO matrix, the ZnS‐SnO2@rGO anode exhibits enhanced electronic and ionic conductivity, which can be proved by both experiments and theoretical calculations. Consequently, the ZnS‐SnO2@rGO anode shows a significantly improved rate performance that simple counterpart composite anodes cannot achieve. Specifically, high reversible specific capacities are achieved for both lithium‐ion battery (551 mA h g−1 at 5.0 A g−1, 670 mA h g−1 at 3.0 A g−1 after 1400 cycles) and sodium‐ion battery (334 mA h g−1 at 5.0 A g−1, 313 mA h g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 400 cycles). Thus, this strategy to build semiconductor metal sulfides/metal oxide heterostructures at the atomic scale may inspire the rational design of metal compounds for high‐performance battery applications.
Revisiting the Hetero‐Interface of Electrolyte/2D Materials in an Electric Double Layer Device
Authors: Hu Xin , Jiang Hao , Lu Liang‐Xing , Zhao Shou‐Xin , Li Yang , Zhen Liang , Xu Cheng‐Yan
Published: June 2023

Electric double layer (EDL) devices based on 2D materials have made great achievements for versatile electronic and opto‐electronic applications; however, the ion dynamics and electric field distribution of the EDL at the electrolyte/2D material interface and their influence on the physical properties of 2D materials have not been clearly clarified. In this work, by using Kelvin probe force microscope and steady/transient optical techniques, the character of the EDL and its influence on the optical properties of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are probed. The potential drop, unscreened EDL potential distribution, and accumulated carriers at the electrolyte/TMD interface are revealed, which can be explained by nonlinear Thomas–Fermi theory. By monitoring the potential distribution along the channel, the evolution of the electric field‐induced lateral junction in the TMD EDL transistor is accessed, giving rise to the better exploration of EDL device physics. More importantly, EDL gate‐dependent carrier recombination and exciton–exciton annihilation in monolayer TMDs on lithium‐ion solid state electrolyte (Li2Al2SiP2TiO13) are evaluated for the first time, benefiting from the understanding of the interaction between ions, carriers, and excitons. The work will deepen the understanding of the EDL for the exploitation of functional device applications.
Coherent Sub‐Nanometer Interface between Crystalline and Amorphous Materials Boosts Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Bao Zhikang , Yao Zihao , Zhu Chongzhi , Liu Yikuan , Zhang Shijie , Zhao Jinyan , Ding Lei , Xu Zaixiang , Zhong Xing , Zhu Yihan , Wang Jianguo
Published: June 2023

There are enormous yet largely underexplored exotic phenomena and properties emerging from interfaces constructed by diverse types of components that may differ in composition, shape, or crystal structure. It remains poorly understood the unique properties a coherent interface between crystalline and amorphous materials may evoke, and there lacks a general strategy to fabricate such interfaces. It is demonstrated that by topotactic partial oxidation heterostructures composed of coherently registered crystalline and amorphous materials can be constructed. As a proof‐of‐concept study, heterostructures consisting of crystalline P3N5 and amorphous P3N5Ox can be synthesized by creating amorphous P3N5Ox from crystalline P3N5 without interrupting the covalent bonding across the coherent interface. The heterostructure is dictated by nanometer‐sized short‐range‐ordered P3N5 domains enclosed by amorphous P3N5Ox matrix, which entails simultaneously fast charge transfer across the interface and bicomponent synergistic effect in catalysis. Such a P3N5/P3N5Ox heterostructure attains an optimal adsorption energy for *OOH intermediates and exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance toward H2O2 production by adopting a selectivity of 96.68% at 0.4 VRHE and a production rate of 321.5 mmol h−1 gcatalyst−1 at −0.3 VRHE. The current study provides new insights into the synthetic strategy, chemical structure, and catalytic property of a sub‐nanometer coherent interface formed between crystalline and amorphous materials.
Recent Advances of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides‐Based Materials for Energy Storage Devices, in View of Monovalent to Divalent Ions
Authors: Ali Salamat , Ahmad Shah Syed Shoaib , Sufyan Javed Muhammad , Najam Tayyaba , Parkash Anand , Khan Shaukat , Bajaber Majed A. , Eldin Sayed M. M. , Tayeb Roaa A. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Qi Jing
Published: June 2023

The fast growth of electrochemical energy storage (EES) systems necessitates using innovative, high‐performance electrode materials. Among the various EES devices, rechargeable batteries (RBs) with potential features like high energy density and extensive lifetime are well suited to meet rapidly increasing energy demands. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), typical two dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, are considered auspicious materials for RBs because of their layered structures and large specific surface areas (SSA) that benefit quick ion transportation. This review summarizes and highlights recent advances in TMDs with improved performance for various RBs. Through novel engineering and functionalization used for high‐performance RBs, we briefly discuss the properties, characterizations, and electrochemistry phenomena of TMDs. We summarised that engineering with multiple techniques, like nanocomposites used for TMDs receives special attention. In conclusion, the recent issues and promising upcoming research openings for developing TMDs‐based electrodes for RBs are discussed.
Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Compounds Involving Indole Derivatives
Authors: Kee Cheng Jun , Tan Bin
Published: June 2023

Indoles are one of the most ubiquitous subclass of N‐heterocycles and are increasingly incorporated to design new axially chiral scaffolds. The rich profile of reactivity and N−H functionality allow chemical derivatization for enhanced medicinal, material and catalytic properties. Although asymmetric C−C coupling of two arenes gives the most direct access of axially chiral biaryl scaffolds, this chemistry has been the remit of metal catalysis and works efficiently on limited substrates. Our group has devoted special interest in devising novel organocatalytic arylation reactions to fabricate biaryl atropisomers. In this realm, indoles and derivatives have been reliably used as the arylation partners in combination with azoarenes, nitrosonapthalenes and quinone derivatives. Their efficient interaction with chiral phosphoric acid catalyst as well as the tunability of electronics and sterics have enabled excellent control of stereo‐, chemo‐ and regioselectivity to furnish diverse scaffolds. In addition, indoles could act as nucleophiles in desymmetrization of 1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐diones. This account provides a succinct illustration of these developments.
Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Borylation and Silylation Reactions
Authors: Biremond Tony , Riomet Margaux , Jubault Philippe , Poisson Thomas
Published: June 2023

Due to their high versatility borylated and silylated compounds are inevitable synthons for organic chemists. To escape the classical hydroboration/hydrosilylation paradigm, chemists turned their attention to more modern and green methods such as photoredox chemistry and electrosynthesis. This account focuses on novel methods for the generation of boryl and silyl radicals to forge C−B and C−Si bonds from our group.
Cadmium (Cd) and 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) co‐exposure induces acute kidney injury through oxidative stress and RIPK3‐dependent necroptosis
Authors: Tang Jie , Zhang Nenghua , Chen Shipiao , Hu Kewei , Li Yintao , Fang Yipeng , Wu Zhenqiang , Zhang Yi , Xu Long
Published: June 2023

Environmental pollution is complex, and co‐exposure can accurately reflect the true environmental conditions that are important for assessment of human health. Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread toxicant that can cause acute kidney injury (AKI), while its combined effect with 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) is not fully understood. Thus, we used an in vivo model where C57BL/6J mice were treated with low dietary intake of Cd (5 mg/kg/day) and/or BDE‐47 (1 mg/kg/day) for 28 days to examine AKI, and in vitro experiments to investigate the possible mechanism. Results showed that Cd or BDE‐47 caused pathological kidney damage, accompanied by elevated urea nitrogen (BUN) and urinary creatinine, as well as increased interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and reduced IL‐10 in kidney tissues. In vitro Cd or BDE‐47 exposure decreased cell viability and induced cell swelling and blebbing of human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK‐293) and renal tubular epithelial cell lines (HKCs), and changes in co‐exposure was larger than that in Cd and BDE‐47 treatment. Oxidative stress indicators of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated, while the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased. Necrosis occurred with increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and propidium iodide (PI) staining, which was attenuated by the ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC). Furthermore, necroptotic genes of receptor‐interacting protein kinase‐3 (RIPK3), classical mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein‐dependent (MLKL), IL‐1β and TNF‐α were up‐regulated, whereas RIPK1 was down‐regulated, which was attenuated by the RIPK3 inhibitor GSK872. These findings demonstrate that Cd or BDE‐47 alone produces kidney toxicities, and co‐exposure poses an additive effect, resulting in AKI via inducing oxidative stress and regulating RIPK3‐dependent necroptosis, which offers a further mechanistic understanding for kidney damage, and the combined effect of environmental pollutants should be noticed.
Scaffolding Writing During an Inquiry Workshop
Authors: Spence Lucy K. , Mitra Ayan , Easterday Abby , Espinosa Celina‐Maria
Published: June 2023

Seven children ages five through nine engaged with two graduate student teachers after school in a university‐based literacy lab. Based on a home interest survey, the essential question, “What is movement?” was explored. The children generated further questions, read a variety of texts, and wrote about their experiences. The teachers focused on scaffolding the children's writing through demonstration, collaborative writing, and individualized instruction based on children's needs. This article describes two teachers' processes of scaffolding during an inquiry workshop. This is followed by suggestions and examples for implementing inquiry and scaffolded writing in school‐based classrooms.
Passive sweat wearable: A new paradigm in the wearable landscape toward enabling “detect to treat” opportunities
Authors: Greyling Cornelia Felicia , Ganguly Antra , Sardesai Abha Umesh , Churcher Nathan Kodjo Mintah , Lin Kai‐Chun , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: June 2023

Growing interest over recent years in personalized health monitoring coupled with the skyrocketing popularity of wearable smart devices has led to the increased relevance of wearable sweat‐based sensors for biomarker detection. From optimizing workouts to risk management of cardiovascular diseases and monitoring prediabetes, the ability of sweat sensors to continuously and noninvasively measure biomarkers in real‐time has a wide range of applications. Conventional sweat sensors utilize external stimulation of sweat glands to obtain samples, however; this stimulation influences the expression profile of the biomarkers and reduces the accuracy of the detection method. To address this limitation, our laboratory pioneered the development of the passive sweat sensor subfield, which allowed for our progress in developing a sweat chemistry panel. Passive sweat sensors utilize nanoporous structures to confine and detect biomarkers in ultra‐low sweat volumes. The ability of passive sweat sensors to use smaller samples than conventional sensors enable users with sedentary lifestyles who perspire less to benefit from sweat sensor technology not previously afforded to them. Herein, the mechanisms and strategies of current sweat sensors are summarized with an emphasis on the emerging subfield of passive sweat‐based diagnostics. Prospects for this technology include discovering new biomarkers expressed in sweat and expanding the list of relevant detectable biomarkers. Moreover, the accuracy of biomarker detection can be enhanced with machine learning using prediction algorithms trained on clinical data. Applying this machine learning in conjunction with multiplex biomarker detection will allow for a more holistic approach to trend predictions.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Differing SAGA module requirements for NCR‐sensitive gene transcription in yeast
Authors: Georis Isabelle , Ronsmans Aria , Vierendeels Fabienne , Dubois Evelyne
Published: June 2023

Nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) is a means for yeast to adapt its transcriptome to changing nitrogen sources in its environment. In conditions of derepression (under poor nitrogen conditions, upon rapamycin treatment, or when glutamine production is inhibited), two transcriptional activators of the GATA family are recruited to NCR‐sensitive promoters and activate transcription of NCR‐sensitive genes. Earlier observations have involved the Spt‐Ada‐Gcn5 acetyltransferase (SAGA) chromatin remodeling complex in these transcriptional regulations. In this report, we provide an illustration of the varying NCR‐sensitive responses and question whether differing SAGA recruitment could explain this diversity of responses.
Using scalarizations for the approximation of multiobjective optimization problems: towards a general theory
Authors: Helfrich Stephan , Herzel Arne , Ruzika Stefan , Thielen Clemens
Published: June 2023

We study the approximation of general multiobjective optimization problems with the help of scalarizations. Existing results state that multiobjective minimization problems can be approximated well by norm-based scalarizations. However, for multiobjective maximization problems, only impossibility results are known so far. Countering this, we show that all multiobjective optimization problems can, in principle, be approximated equally well by scalarizations. In this context, we introduce a transformation theory for scalarizations that establishes the following: Suppose there exists a scalarization that yields an approximation of a certain quality for arbitrary instances of multiobjective optimization problems with a given decomposition specifying which objective functions are to be minimized/maximized. Then, for each other decomposition, our transformation yields another scalarization that yields the same approximation quality for arbitrary instances of problems with this other decomposition. In this sense, the existing results about the approximation via scalarizations for minimization problems carry over to any other objective decomposition—in particular, to maximization problems—when suitably adapting the employed scalarization. We further provide necessary and sufficient conditions on a scalarization such that its optimal solutions achieve a constant approximation quality. We give an upper bound on the best achievable approximation quality that applies to general scalarizations and is tight for the majority of norm-based scalarizations applied in the context of multiobjective optimization. As a consequence, none of these norm-based scalarizations can induce approximation sets for optimization problems with maximization objectives, which unifies and generalizes the existing impossibility results concerning the approximation of maximization problems.
Living donor-gifted allograft lithiasis: surgical experience after bench surgery stone removal and follow-up
Authors: Sierra Alba , Castillo Carlos , Carbonell Enric , Muní Maria , Martinez Carmen , López Juan Manuel , Peri Lluís , Alcaraz Antonio , Luque Maria Pilar , Musquera Mireia
Published: June 2023

This study presents the surgical experience and long-term outcomes of living donor kidney transplantations involving asymptomatic kidney stones, using ex vivo flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) during bench surgery for stone removal. Out of 1743 living kidney donors assessed between January 2012 and October 2022, 18 (1%) were diagnosed with urolithiasis. Among them, 12 donors were rejected, and 6 were accepted for kidney donation. Stone removal was successfully performed using f-URS during bench surgery, with no immediate complications or acute rejections observed. The study analyzed six living kidney transplants, of which 4 (67%) donors and three recipients were female, and 4 (67%) donors were blood-related to the recipient. The median age for donors and recipients was 57.5 and 51.5 years, respectively. The stones, primarily located in the lower calyx, had a median size of 6 mm. The median cold ischemia time during surgery was 41.6 min, and ex vivo f-URS ensured complete stone removal in all cases. After a median follow-up of 120 months, the remaining grafts were functioning well, and no urinary stone recurrence was observed in either the recipients or living donors. The findings suggest that bench f-URS is a safe approach for managing urinary stones in kidney grafts, providing good functional outcomes without stone recurrence in selected cases.
Prognostic value of imaging-based ATN profiles in a memory clinic cohort
Authors: Peretti Débora E. , Ribaldi Federica , Scheffler Max , Chicherio Christian , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Garibotto Valentina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The ATN model represents a research framework used to classify subjects based on the presence or absence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology through biomarkers for amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between ATN profiles defined through imaging and cognitive decline in a memory clinic cohort.

Methods

One hundred-eight patients from the memory clinic of Geneva University Hospitals underwent complete clinical and neuropsychological evaluation at baseline and 23 ± 5 months after inclusion, magnetic resonance imaging, amyloid and tau PET scans. ATN profiles were divided into four groups: normal, AD pathological change (AD-PC: A + T-N-, A + T-N +), AD pathology (AD-P: A + T + N-, A + T + N +), and suspected non-AD pathology (SNAP: A-T + N-, A-T-N + , A-T + N +).

Results

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were significantly different among groups, both at baseline and follow-up, with the normal group having higher average MMSE scores than the other groups. MMSE scores changed significantly after 2 years only in AD-PC and AD-P groups. AD-P profile classification also had the largest number of decliners at follow-up (55%) and the steepest global cognitive decline compared to the normal group. Cox regression showed that participants within the AD-P group had a higher risk of cognitive decline (HR = 6.15, CI = 2.59–14.59), followed by AD-PC (HR = 3.16, CI = 1.17–8.52).

Conclusion

Of the different group classifications, AD-P was found to have the most significant effect on cognitive decline over a period of 2 years, highlighting the value of both amyloid and tau PET molecular imaging as prognostic imaging biomarkers in clinical practice.
Predicting response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer via visual morphologic assessment and staging on baseline MRI: a multicenter and multireader study
Authors: El Khababi Najim , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Tissier Renaud , Lahaye Max J. , Maas Monique , Curvo-Semedo Luís , Dresen Raphaëla C. , Nougaret Stephanie , Beets Geerard L. , Lambregts Doenja M. J. ,   on behalf of the rectal MRI study group, Bakers Frans C. H. , Barros Perla , Bauer Ferdinand , de Bie Shira H , Ballantyne Stuart , Dutra Joanna Brayner , Buskov Laura , Bogveradze Nino , Bosma Gerlof P. T. , Cappendijk Vincent C , Castagnoli Francesca , Charalampos Sotiriadis , Delli Pizzi Andrea , Digby Michael , Geenen Remy W. F. , van Griethuysen Joost J. M. , Lafrance Julie , Mahajan Vandana , Malekzadeh Sonaz , Neijenhuis Peter A , Peterson Gerald M , Pieters Indra , Schurink Niels W. , Smit Ruth , Veeken Cornelis J. , Vliegen Roy F. A. , Wray Andrew , Zeina Abdel-Rauf
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Pre-treatment knowledge of the anticipated response of rectal tumors to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) could help to further optimize the treatment. Van Griethuysen et al. proposed a visual 5-point confidence score to predict the likelihood of response on baseline MRI. Aim was to evaluate this score in a multicenter and multireader study setting and compare it to two simplified (4-point and 2-point) adaptations in terms of diagnostic performance, interobserver agreement (IOA), and reader preference.

Methods

Twenty-two radiologists from 14 countries (5 MRI-experts,17 general/abdominal radiologists) retrospectively reviewed 90 baseline MRIs to estimate if patients would likely achieve a (near-)complete response (nCR); first using the 5-point score by van Griethuysen (1=highly unlikely to 5=highly likely to achieve nCR), second using a 4-point adaptation (with 1-point each for high-risk T-stage, obvious mesorectal fascia invasion, nodal involvement, and extramural vascular invasion), and third using a 2-point score (unlikely/likely to achieve nCR). Diagnostic performance was calculated using ROC curves and IOA using Krippendorf’s alpha (α).

Results

Areas under the ROC curve to predict the likelihood of a nCR were similar for the three methods (0.71–0.74). IOA was higher for the 5- and 4-point scores (α=0.55 and 0.57 versus 0.46 for the 2-point score) with best results for the MRI-experts (α=0.64-0.65). Most readers (55%) favored the 4-point score.

Conclusions

Visual morphologic assessment and staging methods can predict neoadjuvant treatment response with moderate–good performance. Compared to a previously published confidence-based scoring system, study readers preferred a simplified 4-point risk score based on high-risk T-stage, MRF involvement, nodal involvement, and EMVI.

Graphical abstract
Combined volume and surface rendering with global illumination caching
Authors: Šmajdek Uroš , Lesar Žiga , Marolt Matija , Bohak Ciril
Published: June 2023

We present a combined volume and surface rendering technique with global illumination caching. Our approach uses volumetric path tracing to compute the global illumination volume and local shading models for rendering the isosurface. By joining both visualization approaches, we have enhanced the display and illumination of the surfaces while preserving physically realistic illumination of the participating media. To achieve real-time performance and avoid recomputing the image when the camera view changes, we compute the global illumination volume incrementally and defer the projection to a later step. We evaluated our technique by comparing different local shading models for isosurface rendering with the result of full volumetric path tracing and with the non-caching variant of our technique. Results show that the caching and non-caching variants perform comparably well, while the caching variant has the added benefit of being camera-view-independent. Additionally, we show that our approach emphasizes the surfaces within volumes better than volumetric path tracing.
Geriatrisches Assessment in der Zahnmedizin
Authors: Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie , Schmidt Alexander , Gäbler Clara Sophie , Kolb Gerald , Wöstmann Bernd
Published: June 2023

Durch die steigende Lebenserwartung und den damit verbundenen demografischen Wandel sind immer mehr Menschen auf Pflege angewiesen. Um erste Hinweise auf einen möglichen notwendigen zahnärztlichen Behandlungsbedarf zu geben, haben sich im zahnmedizinischen Bereich Kaufunktionstests als Assessmentinstrumente bewährt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird dem Leser eine Übersicht über vorhandene Kaufunktionstests und deren Durchführung gegeben. An dieser Stelle ist darauf hinzuweisen, dass ein Patient mit Schmerzen unabhängig von einem Kaufunktionstest unverzüglich einer Zahnärztin/einem Zahnarzt vorgestellt werden sollte. Weiterhin ersetzen Kaufunktionstests keine zahnärztlichen Routineuntersuchungen, könnten jedoch auch (zahn-)medizinischen Laien Hinweise darauf geben, ob ein Termin in einer Zahnarztpraxis vereinbart werden sollte oder ein zahnärztliches Konsil notwendig ist.
Evaluation of outcome of acoustic reflex tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Praneetha Puvvula , Dosemane Deviprasad , Khadilkar Meera Niranjan , Kumar Kaushlendra , Ebenezer Anupriya
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may induce micro-vascular and macro-vascular changes that can lead to neuropathic changes which may affect the auditory pathway resulting in hearing loss. The study aims to evaluate the outcome of ipsilateral and contralateral acoustic reflex (AR) parameters and reflex decay tests (RDT) in patients with T2DM, and the relationship between average AR parameters, and duration and control of T2DM.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care setup in 126 subjects which included 42 subjects with T2DM between 30 and 60 years of age, age-matched with 84 non-diabetic subjects. The subjects were evaluated for pure tone average (PTA), speech identification score (SIS), AR parameters [acoustic reflex threshold (ART), acoustic reflex amplitude (ARA), acoustic reflex latency (ARL)] and RDT.

Results

The subjects with T2DM showed increased PTA in both ears when compared to the subjects with no disease. No significant difference was found in the SIS between both groups. There was no significant difference in the ART and ARL between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the ipsilateral and contralateral ARA at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and broadband noise (BBN) when compared between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. No significant difference was found between average AR parameters and duration and control of T2DM.

Conclusion

T2DM increases hearing thresholds and reduces ipsilateral and contralateral AR at lower frequencies and BBN. Duration and control of T2DM do not affect the AR parameters.