bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palmoplantar keratoderma climactericum successfully treated with topical oestrogen
Authors: Norman T. E. , Obed O. , Chen A. , Worswick S. D.
Published: October 2023

Keratoderma climactericum is characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis developing after the onset of menopause. Although rare, keratoderma climactericum can profoundly impact quality of life and may be refractory to prescription‐strength topical steroids and keratolytics. We report a 52‐year‐old female with a 1‐year history of palmoplantar keratoderma. She had a medical history of generalized anxiety disorder and had reached menopause 2 years before presentation. Previously failed treatments included clotrimazole 1% cream twice daily, triamcinolone 0.1% cream twice daily, and betamethasone 0.05% cream mixed with tazarotene 0.1% cream twice daily. She was diagnosed with keratoderma climactericum, and conjugated oestrogen 0.625 mg/g cream twice daily was initiated. After 4 weeks, she had dramatically reduced erythema and hyperkeratosis of her bilateral palms and soles. No adverse effects to treatment were reported. Although the utility of topical oestrogen for keratoderma climactericum has been debated, our case provides further evidence for its efficacy and safety.
Is it FOMO or is it ME? The influence of personality traits on cryptocurrency consumption
Authors: Anaza Nwamaka A. , Upadhyaya Bhaskar , Bennett Delancy , Ruvalcaba Cecilia
Published: October 2023

Why do consumers invest in cryptocurrency despite its sharp increases and decreases in value? While it seems rational that such volatility should increase consumers' fear of investment, we posit that the fear of missing out (FOMO) on the possible positive returns negates such. Further, this study explores the impact that consumers personality traits, using the big five model, has on FOMO when predicting consumers purchase intentions of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, while consumer behaviorists theorize that information search is an important aspect of the consumer decision making process, marketers have yet to integrate consumers degree of cryptocurrency knowledge as a conditional factor that influences their cryptocurrency purchase behavior. Grounded in trait and prospect theory, we employ a repeated cross‐sectional sampling design to investigate these relationships in a bear and bull market. An analysis of the data from 444 and 250 respondents suggests that FOMO predicts the likelihood of investing in cryptocurrencies for certain personality traits. The findings of this study are novel as we observe that FOMO is a driving force behind cryptocurrency's consumption for agreeable and neurotic consumers. However, FOMO negatively mediates cryptocurrency investment likelihood for consumers with high openness to experience and conscientiousness in a bear market, but not in a bull market.
LILAR, a novel long noncoding RNA regulating autophagy in the liver tissues of endotoxemic mice through a competing endogenous RNA mechanism
Authors: Tian Tian , Li Shan , Luo Haihua , Li Yijing , Chen Hanghang , Yang Ying , Chen Guangqin , Xie Bingyao , Yan Zhengzheng , Wang Zhenqi , Li Lei , Jiang Yong
Published: October 2023

Sepsis is an often‐deadly complication of infection that can lead to multiple organ failure. Previous studies have demonstrated that autophagy has a protective effect on liver injury in sepsis. Here, we report a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), named lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced liver autophagy regulator (LILAR), which was highly induced in the liver tissues of endotoxemic mice. LILAR deficiency significantly increased the susceptibility of mice to LPS. In contrast, LILAR overexpression rescued the liver injury mediated by LILAR deficiency and increased the survival of LILAR knockout mice with endotoxemia. Autophagy‐related protein 13 (Atg13) is a potential downstream target gene of LILAR. LILAR deficiency notably decreased Atg13 expression and suppressed autophagy in the livers of mice challenged with LPS. A reporter gene assay showed that LILAR competitively adsorbed miR‐705 to increase the expression of Atg13 in cultured cells, indicating that LILAR participates in the regulation of the autophagy in the liver tissues of endotoxemic mice through a competitive endogenous RNA mechanism. In summary, we identified a novel lncRNA, LILAR, as a hepatic autophagy regulator, which not only promotes our understanding of liver pathophysiology but also provides a potential therapeutic target and/or diagnostic biomarker for liver injury in endotoxemia.
Gonadoblastoma in Turner syndrome with puberty delay: A case report and literature review
Authors: Shen Wei , Li Ya
Published: October 2023

Background

Y chromosome material stands as an independent risk determinant for the onset of gonadoblastoma (GB) and subsequent gonadal germ cell tumours in individuals with Turner syndrome (TS). However, the delayed and underestimated identification of Y chromosome material through karyotyping within primary care settings exacerbates the intricacies of managing these patients over the long term.

Methods

We present a case involving TS accompanied by Y chromosome material, wherein puberty delay and GB were identified during prophylactic gonadectomy. Subsequently, we delve into the literature to explore the GB‐related malignancy risk in TS patients with Y chromosome material, the incidence of Y chromosome presence in TS patients using methodologies beyond routine chromosomal testing, and the diagnosis and treatment of puberty delay in TS patients, all based on our case.

Results

A spectrum of more sensitive molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation, effectively augments the detection of Y chromosome material alongside karyotyping. In addition to gonadectomy, the implementation of appropriate oestrogen therapy and a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to care can enhance the quality of life, while mitigating the long‐term morbidity and mortality risks for TS patients harbouring Y chromosome material.

Conclusions

Beyond gonadectomy, adopting a multifaceted approach the Y chromosome material detection, prompt initiation of puberty, tailored oestrogen therapy, and coordinated multidisciplinary management significantly contributes to the comprehensive health oversight of TS patients with Y chromosome material.
Psychological predictors of adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms across one season in grassroots netball
Authors: Davies Lucy E. , Turner Martin , Hopley Rachel , Slater Matthew , Braithwaite Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2023

Much of our knowledge about the relationship between psychological variables related to sport and adolescent mental health is based on research from elite athletes. However, the vast majority of adolescents who engage in sports do so at the grassroots level. We therefore sought to understand how self‐reported psychological variables and sleep may be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety across one season in grassroots adolescent netball. We collected self‐report, paper‐based questionnaire data from adolescent netball players at one large netball club based in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom at the start of the season (timepoint 1, September 2018, N = 140) and end of the season (timepoint 2, March 2019, N = 132). Ages ranged from 11 to 19 (M = 13.54), which were categorized as under 14s (U14, ages 11–14) and under 19s (U19, ages 15–19). Participants self‐reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, basic psychological needs related to netball, demands and resources related to netball, and sleep quality at each time point. We used standardized residual change scores to test whether changes in the psychological variables related to their engagement in grassroots netball (basic psychological needs, demands and resources) and sleep quality were associated with changes in depression and anxiety symptoms over time. We report that increases in perceived sporting demands and reductions in sleep quality were associated with elevated symptoms of depression over the season. Reductions in perceptions of autonomy were associated with increases in symptoms of anxiety. We report novel evidence that self‐reported, malleable psychological variables related to sports participation, and sleep quality, are associated with mental health in youth female athletes competing at the grassroots level. It would be worthwhile to explore whether mental health interventions and/or education delivered via grassroots sports clubs may be an effective method for promoting mental health resilience in adolescent athletes.
A deep supervised transformer U‐shaped full‐resolution residual network for the segmentation of breast ultrasound image
Authors: Zhou Jiale , Hou Zuoxun , Lu Hongyan , Wang Wenhan , Zhao Wanchen , Wang Zenan , Zheng Dezhi , Wang Shuai , Tang Wenzhong , Qu Xiaolei
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Breast ultrasound (BUS) is an important breast imaging tool. Automatic BUS image segmentation can measure the breast tumor size objectively and reduce doctors’ workload. In this article, we proposed a deep supervised transformer U‐shaped full‐resolution residual network (DSTransUFRRN) to segment BUS images.

Methods

In the proposed method, a full‐resolution residual stream and a deep supervision mechanism were introduced into TransU‐Net. The residual stream can keep full resolution features from different levels and enhance features fusion. Then, the deep supervision can suppress gradient dispersion. Moreover, the transformer module can suppress irrelevant features and improve feature extraction process. Two datasets (dataset A and B) were used for training and evaluation. The dataset A included 980 BUS image samples and the dataset B had 163 BUS image samples.

Results

Cross‐validation was conducted. For the dataset A, the proposed DSTransUFRRN achieved significantly higher Dice (91.04 ± 0.86%) than all compared methods (p < 0.05). For the dataset B, the Dice was lower than that for the dataset A due to the small number of samples, but the Dice of DSTransUFRRN (88.15% ± 2.11%) was significantly higher than that of other compared methods (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In this study, we proposed DSTransUFRRN for BUS image segmentation. The proposed methods achieved significantly higher accuracy than the compared previous methods.
XRayWizard: Reconstructing 3‐D lung surfaces from a single 2‐D chest x‐ray image via Vision Transformer
Authors: Shi Zhiyi , Geng Kaiwen , Zhao Xiaoyan , Mahmoudi Farhad , Haas Christopher J , Leader Joseph K. , Duman Emrah , Pu Jiantao
Published: October 2023

Background

Chest x‐ray is widely utilized for the evaluation of pulmonary conditions due to its technical simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and portability. However, as a two‐dimensional (2‐D) imaging modality, chest x‐ray images depict limited anatomical details and are challenging to interpret.

Purpose

To validate the feasibility of reconstructing three‐dimensional (3‐D) lungs from a single 2‐D chest x‐ray image via Vision Transformer (ViT).

Methods

We created a cohort of 2525 paired chest x‐ray images (scout images) and computed tomography (CT) acquired on different subjects and we randomly partitioned them as follows: (1) 1800 ‐ training set, (2) 200 ‐ validation set, and (3) 525 ‐ testing set. The 3‐D lung volumes segmented from the chest CT scans were used as the ground truth for supervised learning. We developed a novel model termed XRayWizard that employed ViT blocks to encode the 2‐D chest x‐ray image. The aim is to capture global information and establish long‐range relationships, thereby improving the performance of 3‐D reconstruction. Additionally, a pooling layer at the end of each transformer block was introduced to extract feature information. To produce smoother and more realistic 3‐D models, a set of patch discriminators was incorporated. We also devised a novel method to incorporate subject demographics as an auxiliary input to further improve the accuracy of 3‐D lung reconstruction. Dice coefficient and mean volume error were used as performance metrics as the agreement between the computerized results and the ground truth.

Results

In the absence of subject demographics, the mean Dice coefficient for the generated 3‐D lung volumes achieved a value of 0.738 ± 0.091. When subject demographics were included as an auxiliary input, the mean Dice coefficient significantly improved to 0.769 ± 0.089 (p < 0.001), and the volume prediction error was reduced from 23.5 ± 2.7%. to 15.7 ± 2.9%.

Conclusion

Our experiment demonstrated the feasibility of reconstructing 3‐D lung volumes from 2‐D chest x‐ray images, and the inclusion of subject demographics as additional inputs can significantly improve the accuracy of 3‐D lung volume reconstruction.
Modeling the normal:abnormal spectrum of early childhood internalizing behaviors: A clinical‐developmental approach for the Multidimensional Assessment Profiles Internalizing Dimensions
Authors: Wakschlag Lauren S. , Sherlock Phillip , Blackwell Courtney K. , Burns James L. , Krogh‐Jespersen Sheila , Gershon Richard C. , Cella David , Buss Kristin A. , Luby Joan L.
Published: October 2023

Background

We expanded the Multidimensional Assessment Profiles (MAPS) Scales developmental specification model to characterize the normal:abnormal spectrum of internalizing (anxious and depressive) behaviors in early childhood via the MAPS‐Internalizing (MAPS‐INT) scale.

Methods

The MAPS‐INT item pool was generated based on clinical expertise and prior research. Analyses were conducted on a sub‐sample of families (n = 183) from the diverse When to Worry early childhood sample.

Results

Normal:abnormal descriptive patterns for both anxious and depressive behaviors were consistent with prior work: (1) extremes of normative variation are abnormal when very frequent; and (2) pathognomonic indicators that most children do not engage in and are abnormal, even if infrequent. Factor analysis revealed a two‐factor MAPS‐INT Anxious Behaviors structure (Fearful‐Worried and Separation Distress) and a unidimensional MAPS‐INT Depressive Behaviors factor with good fit and good‐to‐excellent test‐retest reliability and validity.

Conclusions

We characterized the normal:abnormal spectrum of internalizing behaviors in early childhood via the MAPS‐INT. Future research in larger representative samples can replicate and extend findings, including clinical thresholds and predictive utility. The MAPS‐INT helps lay the groundwork for dimensional characterization of the internalizing spectrum to advance neurodevelopmental approaches to emergent psychopathology and its earlier identification.
A 3D‐printed phantom for quality‐controlled reproducibility measurements of arterial spin labeled perfusion
Authors: Wang Yiming , Greer Joshua S. , Zhou Limin , Lin Sheng‐Qing , Hulsey Keith M. , Udayakumar Durga , Madhuranthakam Ananth J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To develop a portable MR perfusion phantom for quality‐controlled assessment and reproducibility of arterial spin labeled (ASL) perfusion measurement.

Methods

A 3D‐printed perfusion phantom was developed that mimics the branching of arterial vessels, capillaries, and a chamber containing cellulose sponge representing tissue characteristics. A peristaltic pump circulated distilled water through the phantom, and was first evaluated at 300, 400, and 500 mL/min. Longitudinal reproducibility of perfusion was performed using 2D pseudo‐continuous ASL at 20 post‐label delays (PLDs, ranging between 0.2 and 7.8 s at 0.4‐s intervals) over a period of 16 weeks, with three repetitions each week. Multi‐PLD data were fitted into a general kinetic model for perfusion quantification (f) and arterial transit time (ATT). Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess intersession reproducibility.

Results

MR perfusion signals acquired in the 3D‐printed perfusion phantom agreed well with the experimental conditions, with progressively increasing signal intensities and decreasing ATT for pump flow rates from 300 to 500 mL/min. The perfusion signal at 400 mL/min and the general kinetic model–derived f and ATT maps were similar across all PLDs for both intrasession and intersession reproducibility. Across all 48 experimental time points, the average f was 75.55 ± 3.83 × 10−3 mL/mL/s, the corresponding ATT was 2.10 ± 0.20 s, and the T1 was 1.84 ± 0.102 s. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.83–0.97) for f, 0.96 (0.91–0.99) for ATT, and 0.94 (0.88–0.98) for T1, demonstrating excellent reproducibility.

Conclusion

A simple, portable 3D‐printed perfusion phantom with excellent reproducibility of 2D pseudo‐continuous ASL measurements was demonstrated that can serve for quality‐controlled and reliable measurements of ASL perfusion.
U.S. hybrid Striped Bass and Red Drum farms: Economic effects of the U.S. regulatory framework
Authors: Engle Carole R. , Senten Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Objective

Hybrid Striped Bass (HSB) and Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus (known commercially as redfish) are important commercial sectors of foodfish production in the USA. The objective of this study was to measure the regulatory compliance burden on U.S. HSB and Red Drum farms.

Methods

National surveys were conducted in 2021 of U.S. hybrid Striped Bass and Red Drum farmers with response rates of 35% and 89% and coverage rates of 37% and 99.8%, respectively.

Result

Results showed that the regulatory costs were one of the greatest costs of production, at 22% of total costs on HSB farms and 15% on Red Drum farms. Nationally, the total annual regulatory compliance cost burden was US$4.5 million for HSB and $2.2 million annually for Red Drum farms. Per-farm, the regulatory cost burden was $152,698 ($1.20/kg) on HSB farms and $274,746/farm ($1.44/kg) on Red Drum farms. In addition, lost sales revenue on HSB farms was found to equal 92% of total sales revenue, at $31.3 million, and 54% of total sales revenue on Red Drum farms, at $13.6 million. The regulatory categories of greatest cost were those related to water rights and access, predatory bird management, and effluent discharge regulations.

Conclusion

Regulatory constraints have likely contributed to the contraction of the HSB sector from 2012 to 2018 and likely dampened the sales growth observed in Red Drum farming over the same time period. Smarter and more cost-effective approaches to regulatory oversight of U.S. aquaculture are needed that allow for growth to meet increased demand for locally produced food and to remove the economic incentives to import seafood produced under less environmentally sustainable conditions than those in the USA.
Does release size into net-pens affect survival of captively reared juvenile endangered suckers in Upper Klamath Lake?
Authors: Caldwell John M. , Burdick Summer M. , Krause Jacob R. , Harris Alta C.
Published: October 2023

Objective

High juvenile mortality prevents recruitment into the adult populations of endangered Shortnose Sucker Chasmistes brevirostris and Lost River Sucker Deltistes luxatus in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. To address the lack of recruitment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented the Sucker Assisted Rearing Program (SARP). Managers developing the rearing program lack information about how length at release relates to survival. To determine how initial length affects survival of captively reared juvenile suckers, we introduced juvenile suckers from the SARP into three net-pens in Upper Klamath Lake.

Methods

The juvenile suckers ranged from 102 to 284 mm standard length, and each fish was tagged with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag. Fish were monitored continuously by PIT antennas and mortality was inferred when movements ceased.

Result

Estimated survival over 57 days was high in all net-pens (0.79–1.00) and remained high at two net-pens for 76 and 86 days. Adjusted survival curves resulting from a stratified Cox model with standard length as a covariate, indicated that length positively influenced predicted survival by as much as 41% at one site. During the study, pH and dissolved oxygen regularly exceeded no-effect thresholds at two sites and briefly reached lethal thresholds at the same two sites but did not coincide with the observed mortalities. Slower growth and the lowest survival were observed at the third site, where water quality never exceeded thresholds.

Conclusion

A larger release size and the location of the net-pen can improve the survivability of juvenile suckers in net-pens in Upper Klamath Lake.
Competencies expected of undergraduate nursing students: A scoping review
Authors: Purabdollah Majid , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghahramanian Akram , Valizadeh Leila , Mousavi Saeid , Ghasempour Mostafa
Published: October 2023

Aim

Nursing competencies are crucial indicators for providing quality and safe care. The lack of international agreement in this field has caused problems in the generalization and application of findings. The purpose of this review is to identify the core competencies necessary for undergraduate nursing students to enter nursing work.

Data Sources

We conducted a structured search using Scopus, MEDLINE (PubMed), Science Direct, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

We conducted a scoping review using the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute, supported by the PAGER framework, and guided by the PRISMA‐ScR Checklist. Inclusion criteria included full‐text articles in English, quantitative and qualitative research related to competencies for undergraduate students or newly graduated nurses, competency assessment, and tool development from 1970 to 2022. We excluded articles related to specific nursing roles, specific contexts, Master's and Ph.D. curricula, hospital work environment competencies, and editorial.

Results

Out of 15,875 articles, we selected 43 studies, and data analysis with summative content analysis identified five themes named individualized care, professional nursing process, nursing administration, readiness, and professional development.

Conclusion

Considering the dynamics of competencies and their change with time, experience, and setting, it is necessary to update, localize, and levelling of the proposed competencies based on the culture of each country.

Impact

These competencies provide a guide for undergraduate nursing curriculum development and offer a framework for both clinical instruction and the evaluation of nursing students.
Excess adiposity and iron‐deficient status in Colombian women of reproductive age
Authors: Suarez‐Ortegón Milton Fabián , Ordoñez‐Betancourth Jenny Elizabeth , Ortega‐Ávila José Guillermo , Yibby Forero Ana , Fernández‐Real José Manuel
Published: October 2023

Objective

Information about excess adiposity markers different from BMI and iron status is limited and more so about the shape of these associations. This study evaluated the relationship between three adiposity markers and iron‐deficient status in reproductive‐age women.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis in 6357 non‐pregnant women from the Colombian nutritional health survey (ENSIN) 2010. Exposures were the following: waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐height ratio (W‐HtR), BMI, and WC > 80 cm, W‐HtR > 0.5, and BMI ≥ 25 and ≥30. Outcomes were the following: iron deficiency (ID) as serum ferritin <15 μg/L, ID as ferritin <30 μg/L, anemia, and continuous values of ferritin and hemoglobin. Logistic and linear regressions adjusted for sociodemographic/inflammation covariates were conducted.

Results

All the adiposity markers, continuous or categorical, were inversely and significantly associated with both ID thresholds in fully adjusted models (p < 0.05). W‐HtR reported stronger effect estimates for ID (odds ratios < 0.5) and for prediction of log‐ferritin levels (fully adjusted β‐coefficient [95% CI] 0.61 [0.39–0.82],p < 0.01) and was also inversely associated with anemia (p < 0.05). In cubic splines analyses, W‐HtR, WC, and BMI were linearly associated with ID from values closer to international thresholds of general or central obesity, and the patterns of WC and BMI tended toward flatness. A significant decline in the likelihood of anemia was steeper by increasing W‐HtR than by increasing BMI. After exclusion of women with C reactive protein >  5 mg/L or adjustment for C reactive protein, adiposity markers remained significantly related to ferritin levels and W‐HtR with anemia.

Conclusions

Women with higher adiposity were less likely to have an iron‐deficient status. W‐HtR was the strongest and most consistently associated marker. Inflammation would not be involved in the associations found.
Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in Cancer Patients After Head and Neck Surgery: A Proportional Meta‐analysis
Authors: Ho Mu‐Hsing , Li Polly Wai Chi , Lin Yen‐Kuang , Lee Jung Jae , Lin Chia‐Chin
Published: October 2023

Objective

To summarize the incidence of postoperative delirium among cancer patients undergoing head and neck surgery and determine the differential incidence rates among patients undergoing different types of head and neck surgeries.

Data Sources

The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched from inception till February 2023. Keywords based on the condition (delirium), context (postoperative), and population (head and neck cancer) were used as search terms.

Review Methods

The PRISMA and MOOSE reporting guidelines were followed. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists for cohort studies, case‐control studies, and randomized controlled trials were used to evaluate the methodological quality. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model, and the incidence with 95% confidence intervals was evaluated using the exact binomial method and Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation of proportions. I2 was used to indicate heterogeneity. Predefined subgroup analysis and Meta‐regression, was performed to identify the factors affecting heterogeneity.

Results

The summary incidence of postoperative delirium was 18.95% [95% confidence interval, 14.36%‐24.00%] with between‐study heterogeneity (I2 = 95.46%). The incidence of postoperative delirium in patients who underwent free flap reconstruction was 22.13%, which was higher than those of other types of surgeries. Meta‐regression revealed that conducted in sample size (P = .007) of the included studies was the factors affecting heterogeneity.

Conclusions

The evidence on postoperative delirium incidence provided by the current Meta‐analysis enables effective treatment planning.
Detection and characterization of local nonlinearity in a clamped‐clamped beam with state space realization
Authors: Gogilan Umaaran , Oveisi Atta , Nestorović Tamara
Published: October 2023

The state space representation of linear and nonlinear systems is widely used in the literature for system characterization, system identification, and model‐based control synthesis. In the case of systems with local nonlinearity, the realization of a state space model where the states are physically interpretable as a requirement has been a challenging task. This requirement becomes more emphasized, especially in the scope of industrial high‐precision systems. Consequently, the class of black‐box system identification approaches becomes less attractive. In the scope of this paper, we are interested in modeling systems with dominant local nonlinearity where employing linear models can only cover a limited range of system dynamics. More specifically, geometric nonlinearities which are present in the joints (bolted) of structural interfaces are analyzed. The main goal is to provide systematical modeling of such systems without using a sparse nonlinear representation. Such a low‐order nonlinear model can improve the simplicity of analyzing the nonlinear system and can be used for structural vibration and noise control. In order not to neglect the sophisticated linear modeling technique, the linear model is proposed to be extended by means of smooth nonlinear terms. The systematic approach contains the modeling of the linear counterpart followed by the localization and characterization steps in the well‐known three‐step paradigm. For the characterization step, this work relies on the acceleration surface method (ASM). The experimental setup under study, as a benchmark, is a set of two beams of different lengths and thicknesses connected by a screw that is excited by a mechanical shaker. The axes are oriented in the transverse direction of the beams, while the boundaries are realized as imperfect clamped‐clamped boundary conditions at two ends in the model. Consequently, by selecting the excitation amplitude, we can control the dominant dynamics at lower excitation amplitudes and invoke the local nonlinearity at higher amplitudes. For higher excitation levels using sine sweep signals, the phase space information of the shaker and accelerometer sensors is used to detect the local nonlinearities along the clamped‐clamped beam. The detected and characterized nonlinearities are incorporated into the linear system as a systematic approach for modeling such a structurally nonlinear system.
A new approach for analysing motion and deformation of left ventricle: Post‐processing 3D echocardiography data with finite element method
Authors: Cansız Barış , Sveric Krunoslav , Linke Axel , Kaliske Michael
Published: October 2023

In the medical community, it is common practice to examine segmental (regional) values. For instance, echocardiography data are analysed by dividing the left ventricle (LV) endocardial surface into 16 or 17 areas (segments), which actually consist of several nodes (vortices) and the nodal values are averaged over the segments. Although, the averaged segment values provide useful information and are widely used, looking at pointwise values might enable a more extensive LV assessment, which has not been attempted so far. For instance, averaging might be ruling out some unusual localized deformations, which can be only detected through a pointwise distribution. Therefore, in this contribution, we introduce a new methodology to analyse 3D echocardiography data from computational modelling perspective which eventually enables a pointwise distribution of deformation related quantities over the LV endocardial surface. To this end, we export the tracked LV endocardial surface from a dedicated software 4D LV‐analysis Tomtec, which enables to export the current coordinates of the nodes on the surface. The coordinates are then integrated into a finite element analysis program and, eventually, one can compute any deformation related quantity and obtain a pointwise distribution over the endocardial surface. To our best knowledge, such an approach has not been introduced before. In order to demonstrate the usability, we compare the pointwise value distribution to traditional averaged segmental values. Additionally, we calculate the stress distribution and the sphericity index in a pointwise manner, which are not provided by commercial LV analysis softwares.
Improving attitudes towards adders (Vipera berus) and nature connectedness in primary‐age group children
Authors: Kelly Sam J. , Kelly John S. , Gardner Emma , Baker John , Monk Chris , Julian Angela
Published: October 2023

Adder ( Vipera berus ) populations are experiencing declines in many countries, including the United Kingdom. Perceptions of adders and other venomous snakes are generally negative, making conservation of these species a challenge, and persecution remains within the top five perceived causes for adder declines in the United Kingdom. Improved understanding and attitudes are needed to support current conservation efforts. However, ensuring these positive attitudes continue into the future relies on addressing children's loss of connection to nature, and intervention at this early attitude‐formation stage can be crucial for traditionally ‘unpopular’ species, such as snakes.

An adder‐focussed public engagement project, Adders are Amazing !, was carried out in Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom, in 2018–19 to improve understanding and attitudes towards adders using a blended science‐creative arts approach. The project included half‐day primary school‐based workshops to inform 111 pupils aged 8–11 about adder ecology, alongside creative art experiences. Questionnaires were used to measure the children's attitudes towards adders and their nature connectedness both before and after the workshops and these were compared with equivalent questionnaires carried out at a control school (57 pupils) where no workshops were conducted.

The project demonstrated that engagement that blends both art and science can significantly change attitudes towards adders without any direct contact with the animals themselves; specifically, participants' scores for ‘Wonder’, ‘Learning Interest’ and ‘Conservation Concern’ increased. The workshops also significantly increased measures of the children's general connectedness to nature (specifically, ‘Enjoyment of Nature’ and ‘Responsibility for Nature’).

We recommend conservation bodies focus on, and not shy away from, so‐called ‘unpopular’ species, to promote understanding and acceptance of these species and support their conservation. Blended arts–science initiatives, which can be easily adapted to suit a wide range of species and the artistic practices of local communities, are an effective way to achieve this.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sarcopenia in long‐term survivors of cancer in childhood and adolescence: A cross‐sectional study of calf muscle mass by peripheral quantitative computed tomography with an examination of the muscle–bone unit
Authors: Guolla Louise , Barr Ronald , Jaworski Maciej , Farncombe Troy , Gordon Christopher
Published: October 2023

Background

Sarcopenia, a loss of systemic skeletal muscle mass (SMM), is prevalent in childhood cancer survivors and often accompanied by increased fat mass (sarcopenic obesity [SO]). We examined whether calf muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), can identify sarcopenia and SO in long‐term survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and explored its relationship with adjacent bone geometry.

Procedures

Calf muscle CSA and CSA Z scores at the 38% tibia in 70 subjects (median survival 15 years) were compared between sexes and ALL risk group, and their association with sarcopenia and SO evaluated. Relationships between bone strength and muscle mass were assessed further using linear regression and methods described by Schoenau et al. for evaluation of a functional muscle–bone unit.

Results

A calf muscle CSA Z score of less than or equal to zero is 73.81% sensitive and 84.62% specific for detecting sarcopenia defined by height‐adjusted appendicular lean mass measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. No significant difference in CSA Z scores was noted between sexes or ALL risk groups; however, Z scores were markedly higher in those without SO (adjusted odds ratio 0.529, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.340–0.824). Ratios of calf muscle mass to height and total bone mineral content at the 38% tibia are “sufficient” and consistent with estimated reference ranges for a healthy population.

Conclusions

CSA Z scores may represent a useful clinical measure of SMM and are predictive of SO in this population. Our results are supportive of a functional muscle–bone unit in long‐term survivors of pediatric ALL.
Interface engineering of carbon fiber composites using CNT: A review
Authors: Sahu Renuka , Ponnusami Sathiskumar A. , Weimer Christian , Harursampath Dineshkumar
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to explore the potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in enhancing the structural capability and multifunctionality of carbon fiber composites in aerospace applications, primarily by focusing on interfacial applications. The conventional method of dispersing CNTs in a matrix is not fully efficient in exploiting the mechanical and multifunctional performance of CNTs. Hence, the use of CNTs at the interface or as a coating on the surface of carbon fibers has been suggested as a means of achieving multifunctionality, in addition to enhanced mechanical performance. The paper presents an overview of the various processes for growing CNTs on carbon fiber surfaces and examines the effects of CNT geometry and growth parameters on the properties of grafted fibers and their composites. Furthermore, it discusses the potential improvements in thermal and electrical conductivity achievable by incorporating CNTs at the interface, as well as the benefits of using CNTs as a sizing layer for carbon fibers, including enhanced fracture toughness and resistance to delamination.

Highlights

Comprehensive study of interface engineering in carbon fibers and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRPs) using carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Improved transverse mechanical properties and overall thermal and electrical properties.

Multifunctional applications possible with the use of CNT.

Both experimental and numerical studies reviewed.
Characterization of material degradation mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composites under ultraviolet radiation and salt‐fog synergistic environment
Authors: Deng Kelin , Luo Bin , Suo Haoyuan , Zhang Kaifu , Wang Linxuan , Cheng Hui , Liang Biao
Published: October 2023

The influence of harsh environment conditions on carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) restricts their popularization and usage in outdoor marine applications. Although many studies have been conducted on the service characteristics of CFRP under different conditions, the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and salt‐fog synergistic aging has not been researched in detail. The primary focus of this work is to understand the aging degradation mechanism and mechanical response of CFRP in this harsh environment. The test samples were exposed to UV and salt‐fog synergistic environment. Then the physicochemical properties, dynamic/static mechanical behavior of all samples were characterized. The results show that the CFRP exposed to UV and salt‐fog environment represent noticeable synergistic aging effects. The matrix plasticization and particle washing caused by UV radiation and water condensation will intensify the erosion effect of chloride ions, thus leading to significant deterioration of the fiber‐matrix interface and interlaminar bonding. After aging, the deformation resistance of the material reduces, the molecular chain movement intensifies, the cross‐linking density of the resin matrix decreases, and the maximum decline of glass transition temperature reaches 32.36%. Compared with the tensile performance, the degradation of interlaminar shear performance is more serious, of which the interlaminar shear performance are mainly determined by the matrix and interlaminar properties. Besides, for the aged samples, more serious irreversible deformation appears during the loading process.

Highlights

The CFRP shows noticeable synergistic aging effects under UV and salt‐fog aging, which the matrix plasticization and particle washing caused by ultraviolet radiation and water condensation will intensify the erosion effect of chloride ions.

The decrease of the cross‐linking density of CFRP materials is the primary cause for the deformation resistance reduction and properties degradation.

Compared with the tensile performance, the degradation of interlaminar shear performance is more serious.
High‐velocity impact resistance and energy absorption behavior of Carbon‐Kevlar hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Sun Jianbo , Wang Chao , Zhao Sai , Cao Junchao , Yin Liang , Liu Yongjiao , Yang Zhiyong , Yi Kai , Huang Jia , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the high‐velocity impact behavior of composite plates with different hybrid ratios and structural configurations through experimental and numerical simulation studies. The results showed that the critical penetration velocity of the composite plate generally increases with an increase in the volume fraction of aramid fibers. The high‐velocity impact finite element model developed in this study accurately simulated the high‐velocity impact behavior of laminated fiber composite plates with various hybrid ratios and different structures. The impact failure patterns of the plates were analyzed, and it was observed that the carbon fibers on the back face were prone to tensile fracture, followed by the gradual fracture of aramid fibers. The numerical simulation results show significant differences in residual impact velocity and energy absorption when impacted from different sides and the impact from the aramid side resulted in better energy absorption, which is contrary to the findings in many existing research papers. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact resistance of composite materials and can guide the design and development of high‐performance composite structures for aero‐engine case designing.

Highlights

The high‐velocity impact behavior of C/K fiber epoxy resin matrix composite laminates are studied.

The critical penetration velocity increases with the increase of aramid fiber volume fraction.

The laminate absorbs most of the impact energy during the instantaneous impact time.

Energy absorption ability is better when the impact surface is aramid fibers.

Carbon fibers on the back side of the laminate are more prone to tensile fracture.
Hydrophilic silica transformed silicone rubber into Superhydrophobic composites
Authors: Han Ruijie , Han Zhijing , Song Xudong , Cui Wei , Peng Jin , Dong Guangshuai , Niu Kangmin
Published: October 2023

Silicone rubber is widely used in medical and equipment manufacturing fields due to its excellent sealing and solvent resistance. However, the hydrophobicity of silicone rubber was unsatisfactory for many advanced engineering structures and applications. Generally, the preparation of artificial superhydrophobic materials suffered from either complicated in process or poor in environmental protection. Here, we reported a simple method to prepare silicone rubber composites with excellent superhydrophobic properties (water contact angle [WCA] = 155.2°) from low‐cost hydrophilic silica. Tests showed that the uniform micro‐nano structures were the key to the superhydrophobic properties of silicone rubber composites. The bounce test observed the rebound of water droplets with different initial velocities (0.77, 1, and 2 m/s) impacting silicone rubber surface, and verified the great advantages of silicone rubber modified by silica in hydrophobic. The modification method shown in this work provides a simple way to manufacture non‐fluorinated, robustness superhydrophobic surfaces for a wide range of potential applications.

Highlights

Based on the improvement of micro‐nano structure of the matrix surface by industrial silica, the preparation of superhydrophobic silicone rubber composites was realized.

A process method for preparing fluorine‐free superhydrophobic silicone rubber composites from hydrophilic silica was proposed.

Stretchability and robustness were the key factors for successful superhydrophobic modification of silicone rubber elastomers.
Effect of waste toner powder on the performance of microcrystalline cellulose‐talc reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites
Authors: Cavdar Ayfer Donmez , Peşman Emrah , Torun Sevda Boran
Published: October 2023

This study examines reducing the environmental hazards of toner waste and producing low‐cost: high‐performance value‐added hybrid polypropylene‐PP‐composites. The incorporation of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and inorganic filler(s) into a polymer matrix leads to superior performance and environmental advantage compared to inorganic‐filled polymer composites. Waste toner (WT) was used up to 2% by weight with increments of 0.5 and the other fillers: MCC/talc/polypropylene carbonate loading ratios were kept constant as 5/10/3 wt% in this study. The production process of hybrid PP composites was carried out with single‐screw extrusion and molding. Chemical and thermal characterization of the filler and the hybrid PP composites were performed by FTIR and it was revealed that the main resin of WT consists of polystyrene co‐acrylate. In DSC analysis, the highest crystallinity value was calculated as 52.36% in the composite containing 1.5% waste toner. SEM micrographs proved the PPC prompts the dispersion quality of MCC and talc in the PP matrix. Mechanical, water absorption and surface properties of the hybrid composites were enhanced by adding WT at 1 and 1.5 wt%. Above this ratio, all properties of the hybrid composites moderately decreased. In light of the results, the WT could be utilized as a filler up to 1.5% in the PP‐matrix.

Highlights

TS of the composites increased by increasing the waste toner content to 1.5%.

PP‐based hybrid composites had higher flexural properties than unfilled PP.

The crystallinity increased up to the addition of 1.5% wt.

PPC‐coupling agent promoted the interaction between talc/MCC and PP matrix.
Piezoelectric nanocomposite films based on anionic waterborne polyurethane and barium titanate nanoparticle: Fabrication, microstructure, and property characterization
Authors: Seo Minyoung , Tang Feng , Kim Seok‐Ju , Eom Tae‐Gyeong , Song Young‐Gi , Park Jin‐Hyeok , Jeong Young Gyu
Published: October 2023

We report the fabrication, microstructure, thermal property, and piezoelectric performance of flexible waterborne polyurethane (WPU) nanocomposite films reinforced with barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles with ~50 nm diameter. An anionic segmented WPU was synthesized via bulk polymerization, and its nanocomposite films containing 10–40 wt% BT were fabricated via aqueous dispersion casting and hot pressing. Although the BT nanoparticles interacted with the urethane groups of the WPU hard segment by inducing the separation of the semicrystalline soft segment, they were aggregated in the WPU matrix. Accordingly, the glass transition temperature of the WPU matrix decreased with BT content, but the melting temperature increased. As the BT content increased in the nanocomposite films, the thermal decomposition temperature of the WPU soft segment showed a slight decrease, while the decomposition temperature of the hard segment increased. Additionally, the residue at 600°C increased significantly from 2.0% for neat WPU film to 36.3% for the nanocomposite film containing 40 wt% BT. The piezoelectric outputs attained by the nanocomposite films increased with BT content. Under compressive stress of 23 kPa, the nanocomposite film containing 40 wt% BT was able to achieve the highest piezoelectric voltage of ~0.51 V, a current of ~43.0 nA, and an electric power of ~21.9 nW. For the nanocomposite film, a linear relationship between the piezoelectric out voltage and the applied compressive stress with a slope of ~0.0253 was also observed.

Highlights

Anionic waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with hard/soft segments is synthesized.

Barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles are adopted as a piezoelectric nanofiller.

WPU/BT nanocomposites are manufactured by dispersion casting and hot pressing.

Specific interactions between BT nanoparticles and WPU hard segments exist.

Piezoelectric outputs of nanocomposites increase with BT content and stress.