bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultimate fate, transformation, and toxicological consequences of herbicide pretilachlor to biotic components and associated environment: An overview
Authors: Dhanda Vidhi , Kumar Ravi , Yadav Neelam , Sangwan Sarita , Duhan Anil
Published: June 2023

Herbicides are applied for effective weed management in order to increase the crop yield. In recent decades, the overuse of these chemicals has posed adverse effects on different biotic components of the environment. Pretilachlor has been widely used during last few decades for weed management in paddy crop. Its excessive use may prove fatal for environment, various organisms, and nontarget plants. Thus, it is pertinent to know the extent to which herbicide residues remain in environment. The potential mobility and the release rate of herbicide in the soil are important factors governing ecotoxicological impact and degradation rate. Therefore, several techniques are being investigated for its effective removal from the contaminated sites. Furthermore, efforts have also been made to study the degradation of pretilachlor by various physicochemical processes, resulting into the formation of different types of metabolites. This review summarizes the available information on environmental fate, various degradation processes, microbial biotransformation, metabolites formed, ecotoxicological effects, techniques for detection in environmental samples, effect of safener, and various control release formulations for sustained release of pretilachlor in applied fields. The information so obtained will be very advantageous in deciding the future policies for safe and judicious use of the herbicide by maintaining health and environmental sustainability.
Dynamics of Skeletal Status under Optimized Management during Subsequent Pregnancy in Three Women with a History of Pregnancy‐ and Lactation‐Associated Osteoporosis Carrying pathogenic Variants in WNT1 and LRP5
Authors: Stürznickel Julian , Butscheidt Sebastian , Amling Michael , Oheim Ralf
Published: June 2023

Pregnancy‐ and lactation‐associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare but clinically highly relevant condition, characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and acute onset of severe pain due to symptomatic bone marrow edema of the hip or vertebral and/or insufficiency fractures, among others. Previous reports showed a high frequency of hereditary bone disorders unmasked by PLO, predisposing for more severe forms. To date, no data on the risk for additional fractures during subsequent pregnancy in women with PLO and genetic bone disorder have been available. To address this question, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical, biochemical, and densitometric course of three women with a history of PLO and detected variants in WNT1 or LRP5 and subsequent pregnancies. Calcium homeostasis and bone turnover were optimized by basic treatment, and timely initiation of weaning was recommended. Teriparatide treatment for 12 months under strict contraception was initiated in one woman after the diagnosis of PLO. In none of the women did additional fractures or symptomatic bone marrow edemas occur, and BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry as bone microarchitecture by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography remained stable. In conclusion, this report expands the understanding of this rare but severe condition and helps to improve clinical counseling and management. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Melatonin attenuates monocrotaline‐induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in rats via activation of Sirtuin‐3
Authors: Ren Xiaofei , Xu Kui , Xu Jianming , Mei Qiao
Published: June 2023

Melatonin possesses potent hepatoprotective properties, but it remains to be elucidated whether melatonin has a therapeutic effect on monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS). In this study, male Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with melatonin or the same volume of vehicle at 0 and 24 h after MCT intragastric administration. Next, hematoxylin–eosin staining and electron microscopy were performed to evaluate the hepatic sinusoidal injury of rats. Endothelial cell marker RECA‐1 was observed by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic oxidative stress was analyzed by detecting malondialdehyde, glutathione S‐transferase, and reactive oxygen species. Assessment of liver function was carried out by analysis of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and albumin levels. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to identify liver Sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3) and active matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP‐9) expression. Besides, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were used for the in vitro functional verification experiment. Specifically, liver histology of the melatonin‐treated groups showed that the pathological damages caused by MCT were significantly attenuated, total HSOS scores were decreased, and the elevation of serum hyaluronic acid observed in the model group was also reduced. Moreover, melatonin treatment also improved the survival of rats after partial hepatectomy. Administration of melatonin ameliorated MCT‐induced LSECs injury, hepatic oxidative stress, and hepatic dysfunction. Furthermore, melatonin treatment increased SIRT3 expression while attenuating MMP‐9 activity in liver tissues. Cell experiment also demonstrated that SIRT3 might mediate the protective effect of melatonin on LSECs. Collectively, our study provided the potential rationale for the application of melatonin for the prevention of MCT‐induced HSOS.
C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) inhibits 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/Croton oil‐induced skin tumor growth by modulating inflammation in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Dhanusu Sivakalai Suresh , Sowndhar Rajan Boopathi , Vellaichamy Elangovan
Published: June 2023

C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity besides its natriuretic and diuretic functions. The present study aimed to determine the anticancer and synergistic therapeutic activity of CNP against a 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/Croton oil‐induced skin tumor mouse model. CNP (2.5 µg/kg body weight) was injected either alone and/or in combination with Cisplatin (CDDP) (2 mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks. The dorsal skin tumor incidences/growth and mortality rate were recorded during the experimental period of 16 weeks. The serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, infiltrating mast cells, and AgNORs proliferating cells count were analyzed in control and experimental mice. Further, the expression profile of marker genes of proliferation, inflammation, and progression molecules were analyzed using Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)/quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The DMBA/Croton oil‐induced mice exhibited 100% tumor incidence. Whereas, CNP alone, CDDP alone, and CNP+CDDP combination‐treated mice exhibited 58%, 46%, and 24% tumor incidence, respectively. Also, a marked reduction in the levels of serum CRP and LDH, the number of infiltrating mast cells count and AgNORs proliferating cells count were noticed in the mice skin sections. Further, a significant reduction in both mRNA and protein expression levels of proliferation, inflammation, and progression markers were noticed in CNP (p < 0.01), CDDP (p < 0.01), and CNP+CDDP combination (p < 0.001) treated mice, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that CNP has anticancer activity. Further, the CNP+CDDP treatment has more promising anticancer activity as compared with CNP or CDDP alone treatment, probably due to the synergistic antiproliferative and anti‐inflammatory activities of CNP and CDDP.
Upregulation of lncRNA PTOV1‐AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma contributes to disease progression and sorafenib resistance through regulating miR‐505
Authors: Chi Xiaobin , Chen Zhijian , Chen Yongbiao , Hong Hanyin , Yu Jianda , Lv Lizhi
Published: June 2023

Increasing evidence has displayed the vital influence of lncRNA in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance of cancer treatment. This study investigated the function of lncRNA PTOV1‐AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its role in sorafenib resistance. The relative expression of lncRNA and miRNA was measured by RT‐qPCR. The cellular activities including cell proliferation and invasion were explored by CCK‐8 and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were used to predict the targeting miRNA of PTOV1‐AS1. The expression levels of PTOV1‐AS1 were higher in HCC tissues than that in the normal tissues and associated with patients' overall survival. Knockdown of PTOV1‐AS1 decreased cell proliferation rate and invasion number. After treatment with different concentrations of sorafenib, the sorafenib‐resistant hepatoma cells were conducted. PTOV1‐AS1 expression levels were increased in HepG2‐SR and Huh7‐SR cells. PTOV1‐AS1 knockdown repressed the proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance of sorafenib‐resistant HCC cells by targeting the expression of miR‐505. In conclusion, the expression of PTOV1‐AS1 is increased in HCC and sorafenib‐resistance HCC cells, as well as is associated with patients' prognosis. Inhibition of PTOV1‐AS1 expression can reduce the resistance of sorafenib‐resistant HCC cells, which may play a role by targeting the negative regulation of miR‐505 expression.
Oxidative brain and cerebellum injury in diabetes and prostate cancer model: Protective effect of metformin
Authors: Dagsuyu Eda , Koroglu Pınar , Gul Ilknur B. , Bulan Omur K. , Yanardag Refiye
Published: June 2023

The body can host the spread of prostate cancer cells. Metastases from prostate cancer are more frequently seen in the brain, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. A well‐known antidiabetic drug, metformin, is also known to have antitumor effects. Our study focuses on the evaluation of potential metformin protective effects on brain and cerebellum damage in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic and Dunning prostate cancer models. In this investigation, six groups of male Copenhagen rats were created: control, diabetic (D), cancer (C), diabetic + cancer (DC), cancer + metformin, and diabetic + cancer + metformin. The brain and cerebellum tissues of the rats were taken after sacrifice. Oxidative stress markers including reduced glutathione level, lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant and total antioxidant status, lactate dehydrogenase, xanthine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase activities, protein carbonyl contents, nitric oxide and OH‐proline levels, sodium potassium ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activities; glycoprotein levels including hexose, hexosamine, fucose, and sialic acid levels; and histone deacetylase activity as a cancer marker were determined. Oxidative stress markers were impaired and glycoprotein levels and histone deacetylase activity were increased in the D, C, and DC groups. Metformin therapy reversed these effects. Metformin was found to protect the brain and cerebellum of STZ‐induced diabetic rats with Dunning prostate cancer from harm caused by MAT‐Lylu metastatic cells.
Cbl induced ubiquitination of HER2 mediate immune escape from HER2‐targeted CAR‐T
Authors: Yang Yanqiu , Sun Qingqing , Deng Zhiping , Shi Wencong , Cheng Hao
Published: June 2023

Breast cancer (BC) with high HER2 expression has higher recurrence rate and worse prognosis, and its immunotherapy is promising. Based on the high expression of HER2, develop Chimeric Antigen Receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) and PDL‐1 immunotherapy, and study the molecular pathways of related immune cells and recurrence. HER2‐CAR‐T cells were constructed using retroviruses, and their specific recognition and immune effects on HER2+ BC cells were verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. PDL‐1 was used as adjuvant immunotherapy, knocking down PDL‐1 in tumor cells or dendritic cells, or depleted macrophages to study immune pathways. The negative regulation of HER2 by cbl was determined by IP, ubiquitination experiments, and segmented plasmids, elucidating the molecular mechanism of HER2+ BC recurrence after immunotherapy. HER2‐CAR‐T specifically recognizes HER2‐positive tumor cells and inhibits tumor growth in vivo and in vitro, and anti‐PDL1 treatment enhances the therapeutic effect of HER2‐CAR‐T on tumors. HER2‐CART therapy eradicated solid tumors after PDL1 knockdown in dendritic cells. Immunotherapy of relapsed tumors lost HER2 expression by upregulating cbl. HER2‐CAR‐T shows specific recognition of HER2+ cells and can mediate immune response therapy with the cooperation of PDL‐1.
Distinct responses of soil bacterial communities to N and P fertilization in a Tibetan alpine meadow of China
Authors: Zi Hongbiao , Hu Yigang , Hu Lei , Wang Changting
Published: June 2023

Increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability, due to fertilization and deposition, is expected to influence soil microbial community structure and function. However, little is known about the sensitivity and dependency of soil microbial structure on the levels of N and P, and on the integration of N and P inputs in alpine meadow ecosystems. Here, we implemented a 3‐year manipulative fertilization study with four levels (0, 10, 20, and 30 g m−2) of N fertilization, P fertilization, and NP fertilization (N and P fertilization at a ratio of 1:1) in a Tibetan alpine meadow. We examined how greater N and P availability affected bacterial community diversity, community structure in the top‐ (0–10 cm) and sub‐top (10–20 cm) soil, network topological properties, and the potential mechanisms behind them. Although the α and β diversities of bacteria within top‐ and sub‐topsoil were not significantly different from those in the control across N, P, and NP fertilization levels, the integration of NP fertilization significantly changed the relative abundances of more bacterial phyla than the N and P fertilization did separately. Furthermore, the N10 and N20 fertilization treatments strengthened bacterial interactions, whereas P and NP fertilization did not affect the complexity and connectivity of the soil bacterial co‐occurrence network. In addition, the mechanism of structuring the bacterial community for separate N and P fertilization differed from that for NP fertilization. The separate application of N and P fertilization affected the bacterial community composition mainly through changes in the total and available P levels in the soil, respectively, whereas NP fertilization shifted the bacterial community composition through decreasing plant species richness. These findings provide a quantification of the response of soil bacterial diversity and composition to different levels of N, P, and NP fertilization. It also suggests that in the Tibetan alpine meadow, soil bacterial communities may alter their fitness according to the relative abundances of oligotrophic/copiotrophic bacterial taxa, rather than through changing their diversity.
Invertebrate communities (Collembola and Acari) in soil cover treatments for mine tailings in a long‐term field experiment
Authors: Pelaez‐Sanchez Sara , Schmidt Olaf , Proto Mariagrazia , Courtney Ronan
Published: June 2023

Assessment of mine rehabilitation strategies including soil cover treatments rely mainly on soil physico‐chemical properties or plant performance indices, while much less is known about the response of biological soil properties. This field study evaluated the response of soil mesofauna (Collembola and Acari) in soil cover treatments (mainly subsoil and subsoil) on mine tailings, with or without organic amendments. The field experiment was conducted in large (1 m3) units rehabilitated in 2014, and mesofauna in soil cores was assessed 7 years later. The richness of Collembola and Acari as well as the density of Acari increased with organic amendments. Collembola community composition changed with the addition of soil cover and organic amendments. The density and community composition of Acari were strongly positively associated with organic carbon. The density of Euedaphic Collembola decreased, whereas Hemiedaphic and Epedaphic forms increased with soil cover. The contribution of generalist and metal‐tolerant species explained the high density of Euedaphic life forms in tailings. Species‐specific traits for Collembola and Acari could play an essential role in explaining the response of populations to treatments, such as affinity for C‐enriched habitats, food preferences, and sensitivity to heavy metals. Overall, it is recommended to use a multiple diversity indices approach, to collect data on the density and assemblage of mesofauna species to investigate the response of mesofauna communities to soil cover treatments. Mine tailings rehabilitation strategies should focus on improving the nutrient content of soil covers, since it benefits diversity and density of soil fauna.
A Novel Polymeric Substrate with Dual‐Porous Structures for High‐Performance Inkjet‐Printed Flexible Electronic Devices
Authors: Soum Veasna , Lehmann Viktor , Lee Huckjin , Khan Sovann , Kwon Oh‐Sun , Shin Kwanwoo
Published: June 2023

Inkjet printing has emerged as a promising low‐cost and high‐performance method for manufacturing printing‐based devices. However, the development of optimized substrates for inkjet printing using novel materials is limited. In this study, a novel polymeric substrate optimized for flexible electronic devices is fabricated using thin‐film processing and phase inversion of polyethersulfone (PES). The PES film consists of two layers of pores; the upper layer has nano‐sized pores that filter the nanoparticles in the conductive ink and allow for high‐density aggregation on the substrate, while the lower layer contains micro‐scale pores that quickly absorb and drain the ink solvent. The two porous structures lead to higher conductivity and high‐resolution printed patterns by minimizing solvent lateral diffusion. Additionally, the PES printing substrate can undergo high‐temperature curing of metal nanoparticles, enabling high‐resolution pattern printing with low resistance. The PES substrate is highly transparent and flexible, allowing for the fabrication of various printed electronic patterns and the production of high‐performance flexible electronic devices.
Electrospun Nanofibrous Composite Membranes for Long‐Term Release of Celecoxib for Achilles Tendon Reconstruction Following Injury
Authors: Yu Yi‐Hsun , Lee Chen‐Hung , Hsu Yung‐Heng , Chou Ying‐Chao , Yu Ping‐Chun , Liu Shih‐Jung
Published: June 2023

Embedding multiple pharmaceutical drugs into poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers is known to improve the regeneration of the Achilles tendon upon implantation after injury and rapidly restore post‐surgery activity. In this study, an implantable material comprising celecoxib, collagen, bupivacaine, and PLGA (CCBP) is prepared by electrospinning. Its in vitro/vivo drug discharge behaviors are evaluated, and its efficacy in tendon regeneration is investigated in a rat model. The regeneration capacity of the wounded tendon is also compared with that of a doxycycline‐collagen‐bupivacaine‐PLGA (DCBP) combination. The results show that, relative to the primary PLGA nanofibers, the pharmaceutical‐embedded nanofibers have thinner fiber diameters and higher hydrophilicity. The drug‐eluting nanofibers also offer a sustained release of celecoxib for at least 30 d in vitro and 28 d in vivo. Achilles tendons regenerated using the CCBP combination nanofibers demonstrate a significantly higher maximum load‐to‐failure than normal tendons and those repaired using the DCBP combination. Additionally, the expression of growth factors and composition of collagen I induced by the CCBP combination are superior to those induced by the DCBP combination. The results suggest that the CCBP combination is a promising scaffold for the repair of ruptured Achilles tendons.
Do the same executive compensation strategies and policies fit all the firms in the banking industry? New empirical insights from the CEO pay–firm performance causal nexus
Authors: Olaniyi Clement Olalekan
Published: June 2023

This study introduces the roles of firms' intertwining and policy variations across firms in the CEO pay–bank performance causal relationships in Nigeria, using the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel Granger non‐causality test and second‐generation estimators. The findings reveal that banks' interdependence, diverse strategies, and policies vary across banks. In 11 banks, CEO pay is not a reward for bank performance or an incentive to perform. Meanwhile, two banks utilize performance‐based pay for their CEOs, while the remaining two adopt CEO pay as a performance motivator. The study concludes that firms' interdependence and policy variations across firms influence the CEO pay–bank performance nexus.
Diagnosis of Menke‐Hennekam syndrome by prenatal whole exome sequencing and review of prenatal signs
Authors: Cogan Guillaume , Bourgon Nicolas , Borghese Roxana , Julien Emmanuel , Jaquette Aurélia , Stos Bertrand , Achaiaa Amale , Chuon Sophie , Nitschke Patrick , Fourrage Cécile , Stirnemann Julien , Boutaud Lucile , Attie‐Bitach Tania
Published: June 2023

Introduction

CREBBP truncating mutations and deletions are responsible for the well‐known Rubinstein‐Taybi syndrome. Recently, a new, distinct CREBBP‐linked syndrome has been described: missense mutations located at the 3′ end of exon 30 and the 5′ portion of exon 31 induce Menke‐Hennekam syndrome. Patients with this syndrome present a recognizable facial dysmorphism, intellectual disability of variable severity, microcephaly, short stature, autism, epilepsy, visual and hearing impairments, feeding problems, upper airway infections, scoliosis, and/or kyphosis. To date, all diagnoses were made postnatally.

Method and Case Report

Trio‐whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in a fetus showing increased nuchal translucency persistence and aorta abnormalities at 28 weeks of gestation (WG).

Results

WES revealed a CREBBP de novo missense mutation (c.5602C>T; p.Arg1868Trp) in exon 31, previously reported as the cause of Menke‐Hennekam syndrome. Termination of pregnancy was performed at 32 WG. We further reviewed the prenatal signs of Menke‐Hennekam syndrome already reported. Among the 35 patients reported and diagnosed postnatally up to this day, 15 presented recognizable prenatal signs, the most frequent being intra‐uterine growth retardation, brain, and cardiovascular anomalies.

Conclusion

Menke‐Hennekam is a rare syndrome with unspecific, heterogeneous, and inconstant prenatal symptoms occurring most frequently with the c.5602C>T, p.(Arg1868Trp) mutation. Therefore, the prenatal diagnosis of Menke‐Hennekam syndrome is only possible by molecular investigation. Moreover, this case report and review reinforce the importance of performing prenatal WES when unspecific signs are present on imaging.
Simulating the dusty gas flow model via NHRS scheme
Authors: Mohamed Kamel , Omar Y. , Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E.
Published: June 2023

We introduce some vital solutions for the dusty gas flow. Specifically, we implement the nonhomogeneous Riemann solver (NHRS) scheme in order to investigate the unsteady planar flow of an isentropic, inviscid compressible fluid in the presence of dust particles. The principle of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy governs the dynamical behavior of a fluid. The Rusanov scheme is also implemented to examine the dusty gas flow model for comparison and validation. One of the important characteristics of the NHRS technique is its capability to compute the numerical flux corresponding to the real states of solution in the absence of a Riemann solution. The numerical results exhibit that the NHRS system outperforms the Rusanov scheme and validates the ability to simulate the dusty gas flow model with strong shocks and rarefaction waves accurately. Finally, more sophisticated models in applied science can be solved using the NHRS scheme.
A new design and analysis of optimal control problems arising from COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Butt Azhar Iqbal Kashif , Chamaleen Doremure Badalge Duresha , Imran Muhammad , Batool Saira , AL Nuwairan Muneerah
Published: June 2023

In this manuscript, we append the hospitalization, diagnosed and isolation compartments to the classic SEIR model to design a new COVID‐19 epidemic model. We further subdivide the isolation compartment into asymptomatic infected and symptomatic infected compartments. For validity of the purposed model, we prove the existence of a unique solution and prove the positivity and boundedness of the solution. To study disease dynamics, we compute equilibrium points and the reproduction number
. We also investigate the local and global stabilities at both of the equilibrium points. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to observe the effect of transmission parameters on
. For optimal control analysis, we design two different optimal control problems by taking different optimal control approaches. Firstly, we add an isolation compartment in the newly designed model, and secondly, three parameters describing non‐pharmaceutical behaviors such as educating people to take precautionary measures, providing intensive medical care with medication, and utilizing resources by government are added in the model. We set up optimality conditions by using Pontryagin's maximum principle and develop computing algorithms to solve the conditions numerically. At the end, numerical solutions will be displayed graphically with discussion.
Terahertz wideband wave plates designed by stacking multilayered metasurface with different geometries
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Gong Yandong , Pang Kai
Published: June 2023

The use of metamaterials in terahertz (THz) polarization wave plates is widespread. Metallic metamaterials, however, typically operate within a constrained bandwidth and have a large ohmic loss. All‐dielectric metamaterials could address these issues. To achieve an ultrawide‐band at THz frequencies, a multilayered silicon metasurface with elliptical or rectangular pillars has been employed. According to simulations, the achromatic relative bandwidth of the dielectric metamaterial can remain flat within a broadband with the appropriate structural parameters. Additionally, a scoring system with error analysis is added to help with choosing the geometry of terahertz polarization wave plates with various layers of metasurface. Due to its flexible polarization control capability, the proposed multilayer metasurface may open the door for arbitrary phase delays of incident waves.
Analysis of temporal encoding efficiency of MR fingerprinting sequences
Authors: Guenthner Christian , Stimm Johanna , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

MR Fingerprinting (MRF) relies on highly‐undersampled images to simultaneously estimate multiple tissue parameters of interest. While a good understanding of the encoding principle behind MRF exists, we want to shed light on the question of when parameters are encoded during an MRF acquisition.

Theory and Methods

We analyze the importance of each time point by leaving it out during matching (leave‐one‐out, LOO) assuming linear reconstruction is applied and study its influence on the reconstructed parameter map. To accelerate the analysis, we treat LOO as a small perturbation (LOOP) to the full matching problem and derive an analytical formula by leveraging Stolk and Sbrizzi's analysis on the interplay of k‐space sampling and transient state dynamics. To study the influence of geometry and parameter distribution, we deploy LOOP on randomly sliced 3D brain geometries with randomized T1/T2 values to identify primary encoding regions independent of geometry.

Results

LOOP can be evaluated orders of magnitude faster than conventional matching and visualizes temporal encoding efficiency. We use the findings to accelerate an MRF sequence by truncation as well as to remove undersampling artifacts through an iterative omission scheme in an ill‐working MRF sequence in both in‐silico and in‐vivo experiments.

Conclusion

LOOP is an analytical approach to quantify and visualize parameter encoding in MRF.
An improved intraoral transverse loop coil design for high‐resolution dental MRI
Authors: Özen Ali Caglar , Ilbey Serhat , Jia Feng , Idiyatullin Djaudat , Garwood Michael , Nixdorf Donald R. , Bock Michael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To improve intraoral transverse loop coil design for high‐resolution dental MRI.

Methods

The transverse intraoral loop coil (tLoop) was modified (mtLoop) by overlapping the feed port conductors, bending the posterior section, introducing a parallel plate capacitor, optimizing the insulation thickness, and using it in receive‐only mode. In addition, an MR‐silent insulation was introduced. The performances of the mtLoop and tLoop coils were compared in terms of sensitivity, image SNR, and eddy currents using electromagnetic simulations and MRI measurements at 3T.

Results

The receive‐only mode of the mtLoop increases the sensitivity at the apices of the roots, and the overlapped feed port design eliminated signal voids along the incisors. The bent posterior section with the parallel plate capacitor reduced the unwanted signal of the tongue by a factor of 2.3 in the selected region off interest and lowered the eddy currents by 10%. The proposed new coil provided higher SNR by elevenfold and 2.5‐fold at the incisors and apices of the molar roots within the selected regions of interest, respectively, in the experiments, as well as improved comfort. Optimal insulation thickness was determined as 1 mm. With the mtLoop, a (250 μm)3 isotropic resolution of the dental arch could be realized using a UTE sequence within 2 min total acquisition time. A T2‐SPACE protocol with (350 μm)2 in‐plane resolution was also demonstrated.

Conclusion

The proposed new coil offers higher SNR at the incisors and apices of the molar roots, less unwanted signals from tongue, lower eddy currents, and improved patient comfort.
Implementing lifestyle‐related treatment modalities in osteoarthritis care: Identification of implementation strategies using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research‐Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool
Authors: Bouma Sjoukje , van den Akker‐Scheek Inge , Schiphof Dieuwke , van der Woude Lucas , Diercks Ron , Stevens Martin
Published: June 2023

Aims

Despite recommendations in international clinical guidelines, lifestyle‐related treatment modalities (LRTMs) are currently underutilised in the conservative treatment of patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to identify implementation strategies in order to address barriers to implementing LRTMs from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)‐Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Implementation Strategy Matching Tool was applied. First, previously identified influencing factors among primary and secondary HCPs were mapped onto the corresponding CFIR constructs/subconstructs by two researchers. Second, the CFIR‐based barriers relevant for all HCPs were entered into the tool. Third, the CFIR‐based barriers specific to one or more subgroups of HCPs served as additional input for the tool. Finally, a selection of ERIC implementation strategies was made based on the tool's output.

Results

Fourteen implementation strategies were selected. The strategy most endorsed by the tool was ‘build a coalition’. Eight of the selected strategies belonged to the ERIC cluster ‘develop stakeholder interrelationships’. Other strategies were part of the clusters ‘use evaluative and iterative strategies’ (n = 3), ‘utilise financial strategies’ (n = 2), and ‘engage consumers’ (n = 1).

Conclusions

The findings emphasise the importance of an interdisciplinary approach when addressing the implementation of LRTMs in osteoarthritis care. The final selection of implementation strategies forms the basis for a tailored implementation plan. Future work should focus on further operationalising the implementation strategies and evaluating the effectiveness of the resulting implementation plan.
Isogeometric gradient‐free proportional topology optimization (IGA‐PTO) for compliance problem
Authors: Vo Duy , Nguyen Minh Ngoc , Bui Tinh Quoc , Suttakul Pana , Rungamornrat Jaroon
Published: June 2023

This study presents the incorporation of the effective gradient‐free proportional topology optimization algorithm into the framework of isogeometric analysis. The minimization of the compliance is considered, and the solid isotropic material with penalization method is used. The geometry, displacements, and density are all described by non‐uniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) basis functions. The density at an integration point is determined proportionally to its compliance. Then, the NURBS description of the density is constructed elementwise by deriving a relation between densities assigned to integration points and control points. The global NURBS description of the density for the whole domain is a blend of those from elements. Furthermore, a multiresolution scheme is presented by means of ‐refinement technique to enable the efficient performance for large‐scale problems. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach are assessed through six numerical examples, including two‐ and three‐dimensional structures, with several rigorous tests and comparisons with the gradient‐based optimality criteria algorithm.
Stable isotopes and paleodiet of the ancient inhabitants of Nueva Esperanza: A late Holocene site from Sabana de Bogotá (Colombia)
Authors: Rivas Sebastián , Calderón Diana , Marulanda Catherine , Mendoza Luisa Fernanda , Scott G. Richard , Poulson Simon R. , Delgado Miguel
Published: June 2023

Stable isotope‐based dietary reconstructions of late Holocene agriculturalists from Sabana de Bogotá (Colombia) are limited to the late Muisca period. Accordingly, the dietary patterns and feeding behaviors of people living during the Herrera and Early Muisca periods remain largely unknown. This study aims to present new stable isotope data to discuss the dietary patterns of agriculturalists inhabiting Nueva Esperanza (Sabana de Bogota) during the last 2300 years B.P. In addition, we present the radiocarbon chronology of the site to assess dietary change during the site occupation phases. Data for δ13Ccol and δ15Ncol were obtained from bone/dentine collagen and dental calculus from humans (n = 71) and faunal (n = 20) skeletal remains. The local isotopic ecology was investigated, and the human data were assessed by age, sex, and time period. Humans presented mostly mixed diets with a predominance of maize, supplemented by C3 resources (plants and animals), although some individuals exhibited distinct trends across the C3–C4 range. According to isotopic ecology and other lines of archaeological evidence, maize and C3 resources (plants and animals) mostly contributed to the human diets, whereas C4‐feeding animals were less important resources. Bone/dentine collagen and calculus isotope data revealed only minor differences among age groups, sexes, and periods suggesting relatively homogeneous diets at the NE society throughout the late Holocene. Likewise, both kinds of isotopic data display distinct dietary trends suggesting the effect of postmortem processes in the isotopic composition of dental calculus. The isotopic evidence for the NE site suggests similar diachronic trajectories of dietary specializations at the regional level and minor differences regarding maize incorporation into the diet and its standardized use and consumption. These results suggest at the regional level similar patterns of dietary change at the Sabana de Bogotá during the late Holocene.
Interpretable Computer Vision to Detect and Classify Structural Laryngeal Lesions in Digital Flexible Laryngoscopic Images
Authors: Bur Andrés M. , Zhang Tianxiao , Chen Xiangyu , Kavookjian Hannah , Kraft Shannon , Karadaghy Omar , Farrokhian Nathan , Mussatto Caroline , Penn Joseph , Wang Guanghui
Published: June 2023

Objective

To localize structural laryngeal lesions within digital flexible laryngoscopic images and to classify them as benign or suspicious for malignancy using state‐of‐the‐art computer vision detection models.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional diagnostic study

Setting

Tertiary care voice clinic

Methods

Digital stroboscopic videos, demographic and clinical data were collected from patients evaluated for a structural laryngeal lesion. Laryngoscopic images were extracted from videos and manually labeled with bounding boxes encompassing the lesion. Four detection models were employed to simultaneously localize and classify structural laryngeal lesions in laryngoscopic images. Classification accuracy, intersection over union (IoU) and mean average precision (mAP) were evaluated as measures of classification, localization, and overall performance, respectively.

Results

In total, 8,172 images from 147 patients were included in the laryngeal image dataset. Classification accuracy was 88.5 for individual laryngeal images and increased to 92.0 when all images belonging to the same sequence (video) were considered. Mean average precision across all four detection models was 50.1 using an IoU threshold of 0.5 to determine successful localization.

Conclusion

Results of this study showed that deep neural network‐based detection models trained using a labeled dataset of digital laryngeal images have the potential to classify structural laryngeal lesions as benign or suspicious for malignancy and to localize them within an image. This approach provides valuable insight into which part of the image was used by the model to determine a diagnosis, allowing clinicians to independently evaluate models' predictions.
How can we tackle interruptions to human–wildlife feeding management? Adding media campaigns to the wildlife manager's toolbox
Authors: Griffin Laura L. , Nolan Grace , Haigh Amy , Condon Hannah , O'Hagan Ellen , McDonnell Paul , Kane Adam , Ciuti Simone
Published: June 2023

In recent years, wildlife managers have been seeking ways to reduce the occurrence of independent, recreational human–wildlife feeding interactions, which continue to gain global popularity and may have negative effects for the humans and wildlife involved. Current popular methods, such as signage and posters, have yielded mixed results and their application is often interrupted, although the effects of these interruptions on feeding levels are currently unknown. This has led to calls to both identify a management option that can be applied successfully from a distance and to determine whether this action may assist in recovering long‐term programmes from the potential effects of interruptions. Marketing and media tools have been shown to successfully change human behaviours in conservation campaigns, flagging them as a potential tool that could be applied to human–wildlife feeding management.

Here, we performed a 4‐year study using a wild fallow deer population in a popular urban green space as our model system. We tracked changes in human feeding behaviours across four different management stages. These included premanagement (stage 1), during traditional management (i.e. ‘don't feed the deer’ signage, stage 2), mid‐interruption (i.e. COVID‐19 pandemic, stage 3) and during the application of a structured media campaign (stage 4).

We found that feeding by visitors decreased during traditional management (stage 2), but rapidly returned to premanagement levels during the interruption (stage 3) despite traditional controls still being in place. However, we discovered that feeding dropped significantly after the release of a media campaign (stage 4), despite the audience and conditions being unchanged. We also identified which imagery and educational messages resonated with viewers; information that can be applied to future campaigns in other locations.

We, therefore, recommend that wildlife managers both investigate and be prepared for the negative effects that interruptions of any type (e.g. the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, other interruptions to funding) may have on ongoing management campaigns of this ilk. We recommend that media campaigns be explored as a potential tool to reduce the occurrence of the unregulated feeding of wildlife by humans in these sites, thereby promoting better human–wildlife coexistence.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Investigations of aryl substituents electronic effects in the catalytic behavior of thermostable α‐diimine nickel (II) catalyst on ethylene polymerization
Authors: Issaabadi Zahra , Arabi Hassan , Karimi Majid
Published: June 2023

In α‐diimine‐based catalytic systems, it is highly challenging to increase the thermal stability of the α‐diimine Ni(II) catalyst. In this work, we are focused on examining the polymerization of ethylene by a number of α‐diimine Ni(II) complexes with camphyl backbone and various electron‐donating and withdrawing substituents as catalysts. The synthesized camphyl‐based ligands were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, HH correlation spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), and elemental analysis. The formation of the Ni(II) complexes was approved by the far infrared (Far‐IR) and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The Box–Behnken method was used to select the optimal polymerization conditions. The ligand electronic effect on the catalytic activity of Ni(II) complexes in ethylene polymerization was systematically investigated. All of the synthesized complexes were active in ethylene polymerization with activities at 105 g of polyethylenes (PE) (mol of Ni h)−1. The electron‐withdrawing substituent catalyst exhibited high activity in ethylene polymerization.
Enhanced interlaminar mechanical behavior of advanced fiber metal laminates via nano Al2O3‐IPN formation and surface pre‐treatments
Authors: Gupta K B. N. V. S. Ganesh , Patnaik Satyaroop , Dasari Srinivasu , Ray Bankim Chandra , Prusty Rajesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

The inferior delamination resistance and out‐of‐plane performance of fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are of serious concerns. This work employs two modification methods, namely metal surface's chemical pre‐treatment and nano Al2O3 embedded interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) formation for improving the delamination resistance of aluminum and glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite‐based FMLs. The synergetic effect of the two modification techniques resulted in high degrees of improvement in delamination resistance that were ~28% for critical strain energy release rate during mode‐I interlaminar fracture toughness (ILFT), that is (GIC) and ~37% for GIIC. Simultaneously, the flexural strength, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength improved by ~23%, ~17%, and ~24%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface energy measurement studies showed that the chemical pre‐treatment significantly influenced the surface morphology, surface roughness, and surface energy responses of aluminum, respectively. Fractographic study validated the effect of modification methods on the failure behavior under various testing modes.
Augmenting the flexural strength of polymer composites for stronger and more durable prosthetic sockets
Authors: Tyagi Bobby , Sahai Ankit , Sharma Rahul Swarup
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to develop a novel approach to enhance the flexural strength of polymer composites used in the fabrication of prosthetic sockets. The effects of control factors such as nozzle hole diameter and internal filling pattern on the flexural behavior of three distinct composite materials were examined: poly lactic acid reinforced with carbon fiber (PLA‐CF), polyethylene terephthalate glycol reinforced with carbon fiber (PETG‐CF), and PLA reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PLA‐MWCNTs), fabricated through fused filament fabrication. During study, samples of each composite material were created using 3D printing technology and underwent flexural testing. Fractography was then performed on the samples, and statistical analysis techniques, including Taguchi's method and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to analyze the results. The study found that the flexural behavior of the prosthetic socket materials varied significantly based on the control factors used. Specifically, a nozzle hole diameter of 0.6 mm and a rectilinear internal filling pattern with PLA‐MWCNTs composite material had the highest flexural strength among the three materials tested. Through this study, the authors demonstrated the potential to improve the design and manufacture of prosthetic sockets, which can lead to better functionality and comfort for the user. The low‐cost transtibial prosthetic socket developed in this study using the optimized composite material and 3D printing technology shows promise as an application in the field of prosthetics. This research can pave the way for the development of even stronger and more durable prosthetic sockets in the future.
Development and preliminary validation of the parent version of the Social Emotional Health Survey‐Secondary
Authors: Branscum Ann M. , Park Anna E. , Bihm Elson M. , Murphy John J. , Furlong Michael J.
Published: June 2023

The Social and Emotional Health Survey‐Secondary (SEHS‐S) is a widely used self‐report measure of adolescents' strengths and positive mental health. However, the SEHS‐S does not have a proxy (i.e., parent) informant version. A parent form of the SEHS‐S could allow school psychologists to gather additional information about students' strengths for intervention and assessment purposes. The development of this measure included three phases. First, we generated items and refined them in a preliminary study. Next, a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (N = 613) identified the highest‐loading items for scale construction. Finally, a validation study (N = 319) asked parents and their children to complete respective versions of the survey. The final 36‐item parent measure had strong loadings and adequate model fit matching the factor structure of the self‐report version. The SEHS‐S‐Parent also demonstrated good reliability and correlations with the self‐report version, including predicting child well‐being as measured by life satisfaction and emotional functioning. The finding that the child and parent self‐report measures were highly correlated suggests that parents might provide helpful information about adolescents' strengths, especially when a self‐report is unavailable. Limitations regarding the scale's interpretability and implications of a multi‐informant approach are considered.