bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of environmental factors affecting nutritional status among students of primary schools at Ulanga district, Tanzania
Authors: Edward Majani M. , Elia Yeremia , Abel Harun , Gwanafyo Grace
Published: February 2023

Background

The prime concern of a society is to ensure healthy growth and development particularly of students of primary school because they are the future of the nation. Normal growth and development takes place only if there is optimum nutrition and safe environment to live in. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 178 million children that are malnourished across the globe and malnutrition contributes to the deaths of over one half of children in developing countries and Tanzania included.

Methodology

Analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted among 914 students in Ulanga district. A multistage cluster sampling technique was applied, then a school to school survey was performed for the selected school, anthropometric measurements of primary school students for sampled schools were done and the body mass index was calculated to assess the nutritional status of primary school students. Environmental factors were studied and correlated with nutritional status.

Results

A total of 82.7%, 16.7%, 0.3%, and 0.3% of students were found to be underweight, normal overweight and obese respectively. Significant association was observed between nutritional status and unsafe water, poor method of water purification specifically filtration, personal hygiene and high house status and majority of students were underweight.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Unsafe water, poor method of water purification, personal hygiene and high house status are related to nutritional status and majority of students were underweight. Proper sanitation of the drinking water should be promoted in the community to prevent water borne diseases in the children, mass education on person hygiene and proper method of water purification should be promoted.
A phase 1 trial of NY‐ESO‐1‐specific TCR‐engineered T‐cell therapy combined with a lymph node‐targeting nanoparticulate peptide vaccine for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Ishihara Mikiya , Nishida Yoshihiro , Kitano Shigehisa , Kawai Akira , Muraoka Daisuke , Momose Fumiyasu , Harada Naozumi , Miyahara Yoshihiro , Seo Naohiro , Hattori Hiroyoshi , Takada Kohichi , Emori Makoto , Kakunaga Shigeki , Endo Makoto , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Sasada Tetsuro , Sato Eiichi , Yamada Tomomi , Matsumine Akihiko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Watanabe Takashi , Kageyama Shinichi , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited in refractory solid tumors. T‐cell receptor gene‐modified T (TCR‐T)‐cell therapy has attracted attention as a new immunotherapy for refractory cold tumors. We first investigated the preclinical efficacy and mode of action of TCR‐T cells combined with the pullulan nanogel:long peptide antigen (LPA) vaccine in a mouse sarcoma model that is resistant to immune checkpoint inhibition. Without lymphodepletion, the pullulan nanogel:LPA vaccine markedly increased the number of TCR‐T cells in the draining lymph node and tumor tissue. This change was associated with enhanced CXCR3 expression in TCR‐T cells in the draining lymph node. In the phase 1 trial, autologous New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY‐ESO‐1)‐specific TCR‐T cells were infused twice into HLA‐matched patients with NY‐ESO‐1+ soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The pullulan nanogel:LPA vaccine contains an epitope recognized by TCR‐T cells, and it was subcutaneously injected 1 day before and 7 days after the infusion of TCR‐T cells. Lymphodepletion was not performed. Three patients with refractory synovial sarcoma (SS) were treated. Two out of the three patients developed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) with low‐to‐moderate cytokine level elevation. We found obvious tumor shrinkage lasting for more than 2 years by tumor imaging and long‐term persistence of TCR‐T cells in one patient. In conclusion, NY‐ESO‐1‐specific TCR‐T‐cell therapy plus vaccination with the pullulan nanogel carrying an LPA containing the NY‐ESO‐1 epitope without lymphodepletion is feasible and can induce promising long‐lasting therapeutic effects in refractory SS (Registration ID: JMA‐IIA00346).
Overall and age‐specific risk advancement periods of colorectal cancer for men vs women: Implications for gender‐sensitive screening offers?
Authors: Chen Xuechen , Heisser Thomas , Cardoso Rafael , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: February 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are higher among men than among women. We aimed to estimate overall and age‐specific risk advancement periods (RAPs) for men compared to women, which quantify how many years earlier comparable levels of risk are reached by men. RAPs were derived by Cox regression models among 331 224 participants aged 40 to 69 at baseline of the UK Biobank with no previous diagnosis of CRC and no previous CRC screening examination who were followed with respect to CRC incidence for up to 13 years. Men were at substantially higher risk of CRC than women in age groups 50 to 59 and 60 to 69, with RAPs (95% confidence intervals) as high as 8.7 (4.5‐13.0) and 6.2 (4.5‐7.9), respectively. These RAPs were higher than those for family history of CRC in these age groups. By contrast, no significant sex difference but a major impact of family history was seen in age group 40 to 49 (P‐value for interaction between sex and age = .00079). The observed patterns suggest that consideration of gender‐specific starting ages of screening might be warranted in countries in which screening offers start at ages above 50 years.
Association of maternal age 35 years and over and prenatal care utilization, preterm birth, and low birth weight, Mexico 2008–2019
Authors: Jacobson Laura E. , Fuentes‐Rivera Evelyn , Schiavon Raffaela , Darney Blair G.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate prenatal care utilization, low birth weight, and preterm birth among women aged 35 years and older in Mexico from 2008 to 2019.

Methods

We conducted a historical cohort study of all singleton live births in Mexico from 2008 to 2019. Outcomes were inadequate prenatal care, preterm birth, and low birth weight. We compared outcomes among women aged 35–39, 40–44, and 45–49 years with births to women aged 20–34 years. We used logistic regression to account for individual, health system, and contextual confounders.

Results

We included a total of 19 526 922 births; 2 325 725 (11.9%) were to women aged 35 years and older. Women aged 45‐49 years had the lowest levels of education, were more likely to be uninsured, and came from highly marginalized municipalities while those aged 35‐39 years had the highest levels of education and insurance and came from the least marginalized municipalities. The odds of inadequate prenatal care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.15), preterm birth (aOR 2.05; 95% CI 1.97–2.13), and low birth weight (aOR 2.03; 95% CI 1.95–2.12) were highest for women aged 45–49 years, compared with women aged 20–34 years. The odds of adverse perinatal outcomes increased progressively with age, but the odds of inadequate prenatal care (aOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.76–0.77) were lowest for women aged 35–39 years, when compared with women aged 20–34 years.

Conclusion

Women who deliver at 35 years and over are a heterogeneous group in Mexico. Being 35 years old and older is associated with increases in preterm birth and low birth weight neonates. Women who give birth between 45 and 49 years may be especially vulnerable.
An atoms‐in‐molecules characterization of the nature of the OO bond in peroxides and nitroxide dimers
Authors: McCutcheon Jessica N. , Clabo D. Allen
Published: February 2023

The quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecules (QTAIM) method is used to examine the OO bond in peroxides (RO‐OR) and nitroxide dimers (R2NO‐ONR2), including Fremy's salt. The electron density (ρ), electron kinetic energy density [K(ρ)], and Laplacian of the electron density (∇2ρ) at bond critical points characterize the nature of the OO bond. The data distinguish OO bonding of two kinds. Large values of ρ and positive ∇2ρ and K(ρ) suggest that simple peroxides have charge‐shift bonds. Nitroxide dimers, with smaller ρ, positive ∇2ρ, and near‐zero K(ρ), show a lack of shared electron density, suggesting there is no conventional OO bonding in these molecules. QTAIM analysis at the B3LYP/6–311+G(d,p) level of theory gives results in agreement with valence‐bond theory and X‐ray diffraction characterizations of peroxide OO bonds as charge‐shift bonds. In contrast, CCSD/cc‐pVDZ calculations fail to agree with previous results because of an insufficient, single‐determinant treatment of the charge‐shift bond.
Searching for secrets, searching for self: Childhood adversity, self‐concept clarity, and the motivation to uncover family secrets through direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing
Authors: Morstead Talia , DeLongis Anita
Published: February 2023

Direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic tests have become an attractive product for those hoping to gain insight into their health, ancestry, and biological relatedness. In some cases, test results are unexpected, and lead to the revelation of previously undisclosed family secrets. A subset of individuals may pursue testing explicitly for this purpose; however, the psychosocial processes underlying this motivation remain unexamined. Grounded in the literature on family secrecy, trauma, and the development of self‐concept, we tested a hypothesized mediation model to provide insight into this motivation among a sample of 433 individuals in pursuit of DTC genetic testing. In line with the documented association between maladaptive family communication patterns and trauma exposure in childhood, we found that exposure to adverse childhood experiences was associated with the motivation to pursue DTC genetic testing for the purpose of uncovering family secrets. We also found evidence of an indirect effect through reduced self‐concept clarity. These findings suggest that impaired identity formation processes may have played a role in transmitting the effect. Furthermore, the findings highlight a novel way in which family histories may contribute to DTC genetic testing motivations. Future examination of these and other psychosocial phenomena that contribute to DTC genetic testing will be crucial to consider as the tests become increasingly accessible, and as the information they can provide becomes increasingly comprehensive. Findings from this line of research could help to identify for whom and under what conditions DTC genetic testing benefits well‐being, and the conditions under which the act of testing and receipt of results could have adverse psychosocial effects. These insights will be of interest to genetic counselors working in the field of DTC genetic testing, and those working with individuals and families affected by unexpected test results.
The crying boss: Activating “human resources” through sensitivity training in 1970s Sweden
Authors: Tillema Linnea
Published: February 2023

This article examines the introduction of “sensitivity training” to 1970s Swedish work life. Drawing upon a range of empirical materials, I explore the politics that were involved in the process of translating and adapting this group dynamic method to the Swedish context and consider how its proponents argued for its value. By approaching sensitivity training as an attempt to govern, shape, and regulate both human beings and the work organizations of which they were a part, I argue that sensitivity training presents an unexpectedly early example of a governing rationality that has elsewhere been described and theorized as “neoliberal.” The fact that sensitivity training was established in Swedish work life already in the early 1970s thus challenges the historiography of neoliberal modes of government, which have elsewhere been associated with a neoliberal shift in state policies occurring in the 1980s and 1990s. The article demonstrates how emotionally liberating practices in the late 1960s and early 1970s were embraced by some of the most politically influential actors in contemporary Swedish society, such as the corporate sector and the trade unions. As blue‐collar trade unions and social democrats voiced increasingly far‐reaching demands concerning workplace democracy and improved workplace conditions, advocates of sensitivity training presented their method as crucial to the process of “democratizing” and “humanizing” Swedish work life. Intimately associated with the new therapies of humanistic psychology, sensitivity training was used within the corporate sector to foster a more emotional and authentic leadership style that would embrace the values of emotional awareness, self‐expression, and self‐actualization. The crying boss emerged in this context as a key figure in the project of creating a “democratic” and psychologically satisfying organization. Yet, sensitivity training was also described as a means for companies to make better use of what was now asserted as their most important economic asset: the human being. From the outset, the idealistic vision of an emotionally liberated, democratic workplace was thus entangled with a specific kind of economic rationality, in which the emotionally liberated, self‐actualizing individual emerged as a capital or asset that would be better utilized if the organization allowed—even encouraged—employees to engage in their own well‐being and self‐optimization.
Impact of plasmonic substrate of different geometries on the enhancement factor of hyper‐Raman scattering process
Authors: Alsawafta Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Effective plasmonic heterotrimers of different geometry have been proposed as an active substrate to substantially enhance the scattered signal of hyper‐Raman scattering process. The three‐particle systems are constructed independently from asymmetric nanoparticles of spherical, cylindrical, and spheroidal shapes. The interacting metallic characters in each one of the three trimers are arranged collinearly in a J‐aggregate configuration and illuminated by a longitudinally polarized light. The finite‐difference time‐domain electrodynamic simulation tool is employed to simulate optical cross‐section and nearfield intensity associated with the excited plasmonic bands. The extinction profile of each one of the three trimers exhibits the excitation of two plasmonic modes. The first is a superradiant mode, which resulted from the in‐phase coupling between the dipole moments induced in each one of the three plasmonic elements. The second mode excited at a shorter wavelength, which is a combination between bright and dark modes (Fano interference). The resonance wavelength of the former mode matches the incident one; meanwhile, the resonance energy of the Fano profile is equivalent to the second‐order Stokes condition. From the values of the highly enhanced nearfield associated with the observation of these modes, the enhancement factor of the hyper‐Raman scattering process is calculated. The simulation results highlight the influence of the selected particle's geometry on both the quality of plasmonic coupling and calculated enhancement factor. The maximum value of the enhancement factor can reach as high as 3.83 × 1017 when the heterotrimer is constructed from spheroids. For nanoparticles of spherical shape, the calculated value of the factor is comparable to the maximum limit; meanwhile, the rod shape demonstrates the minimum limit of the enhancement factor.
Influence of vermifiltered wastewater on the morphological, physiological and biochemical developments of Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor seed germination
Authors: Nsiah‐Gyambibi Rapheal , Amponsah Theophilus Yaw , Kofi Ampomah‐Benefo
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Reclaimed wastewater is a potential source for irrigation, although its effect on seed germination and plant growth has not been widely investigated. The present study focused on treating wastewater by vermifiltration and investigating the effect on seed germination and seedling development of Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Sorghum bicolor and their morphological, physiological and biochemical developments. A filter bed was constructed using indigenous and improved materials. The constituents used to develop the filter bed consist of matrix of garden soil, lateritic hardpan gravels and coconut coir inoculated with Eisenia fetida.

RESULTS

The wastewater was obtained from a public septic tank toilet facility and contained 35–40% dry matter with high concentrations of total dissolve solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (Ntot) and phosphorus (Pavail). Portable water was used as the control. Vermifiltration of the wastewater was shown to be effective for the removal of 52–65% TDS, 56–62% TSS, 34–40% COD, 48–52% BOD, 56–62% Ntot and 53–58% Pavail. The results showed that the morphological, physiological and biochemical processes in Z. mays, T. aestivum and S. bicolor improved when seeds were subjected to treated wastewater.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that a potential reuse of vermifiltered wastewater as a source of irrigation water with continuous monitoring of the water quality is productive and sustainable. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating the effects of suicide exposure among a clinical sample of active duty service members
Authors: Schmied Emily A. , Jun Hee‐Jin , Glassman Lisa H. , Pippard Nicole , Walter Kristen H.
Published: February 2023

Suicide exposure warrants further investigation as a risk factor for suicide among military service members. This study aimed to examine associations among suicide exposure, suicidal ideation (SI), and psychological symptoms in a clinical sample of service members (N = 1,565, 64.4% suicide‐exposed) and identify how one's relationship with the deceased impacts suicidality and psychological health in exposed individuals. A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data was conducted. Generalized linear regression analyses were used to identify associations between suicide exposure and both current SI and psychological symptoms among all participants; the associations between suicide exposure characteristics and psychological symptoms were only examined among exposed individuals. Exposure was not significantly associated with higher SI, β = .007, SE = .16, p = .965, but was associated with PTSD, β = 1.60, SE = 0.49, p = .001; anxiety, β = .68, SE = .31, p = .031; and insomnia symptoms, β = .98, SE = .25, p < .001. Among participants who had been exposed, high/long impact of exposure was positively associated with SI, β = 0.94, SE = .26, p < .001, and psychological symptoms, PTSD: β = 2.32, SE = .77, p = .002; anxiety: β = 1.39, SE = .50, p = .005; insomnia: β = .96, SE = .39, p = .015. Results illustrate the significant issue of suicide exposure within the military and show consideration of suicide exposure as a potential risk factor for adverse psychological outcomes is warranted.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Genotyping of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Rohlfing Matthew L. , Hillel Alexander T. , Wohler Elizabeth , Sobreira Nara , Phillips Elizabeth J , Mallal Simon A. , Gelbard Alexander
Published: February 2023

Objective

Despite recent scientific inquiry, idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) remains an enigmatic disease. The consistent demographics of the affected population suggest genetic factors may contribute to disease susceptibility. Given the inflammation observed in the affected proximal airway mucosa, we interrogated disease association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms. Polymorphisms in the HLA locus have previously been shown to influence individuals' susceptibility to distinct inflammatory diseases.

Methods

High‐resolution HLA typing of 37 iSGS patients was compared with 1,242,890 healthy Caucasian controls of European ancestry from the USA National Marrow Donor Program and 281 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

Results

Complete HLA genotyping of an iSGS population showed no significant associations when compared to a North American Caucasian control population. Unlike GPA patients, iSGS was not associated with allele DPB1*04:01 nor did allele homozygosity correlate with disease severity.

Conclusions

There was not a detectable HLA association observed in iSGS. These results support the concept that iSGS possesses a distinct genetic architecture from GPA. If genetic susceptibility exists in iSGS, it likely lies outside the HLA locus.

Level of Evidence

NA, basic science Laryngoscope, 133:2533–2539, 2023
Higher ingestion rates and importance of ciliates in the diet of a large, subarctic copepod revealed by larger volume incubations
Authors: Takahashi Kazutaka , Ichinomiya Mutsuo , Okazaki Yuji , Nishibe Yuichiro
Published: February 2023

Despite ecological importance, the feeding ecology of the large calanoid copepod, Neocalanus cristatus is little known, as its ingestion rate under experimental conditions consistently falls short of its metabolic demand. The conventional incubation bottle size (~ 2 liters) used in previous studies may have affected its feeding behavior. Here, we examined the effect of bottle size (2.4 vs. 13liters) and copepod density on the feeding of N. cristatus Stage C5. Under similar copepod density (0.4 ind. L−1) ingestion rates decreased significantly for tests conducted in small bottles and thus, small bottles inhibited copepod feeding. In experiments with large bottles, ingestion rates were highest in the single‐individual treatments (1 ind. 13 L−1), decreasing exponentially to < 1% of the maximum ingestion rate with increasing copepod densities (up to 20 ind. 13 L−1). Considerable food limitation occurred in the higher copepod density treatments with lower initial prey allocation per individual. Moreover, in the single‐individual treatments, clearance rates on naked ciliates (11–20 L ind.−1 d−1) were remarkably higher than in multiple‐individual treatments. Grazer–grazer interaction, thus, interfered with copepod feeding on microzooplankton in multiple‐individual treatments. The ingestion rate in the single‐individual treatments (62–102 μgC ind.−1 d−1) exceeded the daily metabolic requirement; feeding rates noted in previous studies were, thus, underestimations, affected by bottle size and copepod mutual interference. Efficient feeding by N. cristatus on naked ciliates emphasizes the importance of the ciliate‐copepod link in the grazing food chain in the subarctic Pacific.
A Review of Silicon‐Based Integrated Optical Switches
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Lin Jiao , Wang Ke
Published: February 2023

Recently, silicon‐integrated optical circuits have attracted intensive interests, thanks to the compatibility with the complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology that enables mass production at low cost. The optical switch is an essential part of optical integrated circuits, with broad applications in optical communications and networks, optical computing, and sensing such as LiDAR. In general, the silicon‐integrated optical switch adopts thermo‐optic or carrier dispersion effect to realize reconfigurable signal routing. However, the use of thermo‐optic effect leads to high power consumption, and the carrier dispersion effect has the disadvantage of small refractive index change. In addition, both effects are non‐latching, and hence, continuous power consumption is required even when switching is not needed. For overcoming these drawbacks, phase‐change materials (PCMs) have been introduced into silicon‐integrated optical switches. In this paper, silicon‐integrated optical switches are classified according to the underlying structure and recent research is reviewed. Recent studies on silicon‐integrated optical switches incorporating PCMs are also reviewed. Furthermore, the pros and cons of different types of integrated optical switches with and without PCMs are compared and discussed.
Formation of Supramolecular Gels from Host–Guest Interactions between PEGylated Chitosan andα‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Vandera Kalliopi‐Kelli A. , Pague Charlotte , Omar Jasmin , González‐Gaitano Gustavo , Ways Twana Mohammed M. , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V. , Dreiss Cécile A.
Published: February 2023

Chitosan‐based hydrogels are prepared via the formation of polypseudorotaxanes (PPR), by selectively threadingα‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) macrocycles onto polymeric chains, which, through the formation of microcrystalline domains, act as junction points for the network. Specifically, host–guest inclusion complexes are formed betweenα‐CD and PEGylated chitosan (PEG‐Ch), resulting in the formation of supramolecular gels. PEG‐grafted chitosan is obtained with a reaction yield of 79.8%, a high degree of grafting (50.9% GW) and water solubility (≈16 mg mL−1), as assessed by turbidimetry. A range of compositions for mixtures of PEG‐Ch solutions (0.2–0.8% w/w) andα‐CD solutions (2−12% w/w, or 0.04–0.2% mol) are studied. Regardless of PEG content, gels are not formed at lowα‐CD concentrations (<4%). Dynamic rheology measurements reveal stiff gels (G’ above 15k) and a narrow linear viscoelastic region, reflecting their brittleness. The highest elastic modulus is obtained for a hydrogel composition of 0.4% PEG‐Ch and 6%α‐CD. Steady‐state measurements, cycling between low and high shear rates, confirm the thixotropic nature of the gels, demonstrating their capacity to fully recover their mechanical properties after being exposed to high stress, making them good candidates to use as in‐situ gel‐forming materials for drug delivery to topical or parenteral sites.
A Screening Tool to Quickly Identify Movement Disorders in Patients with Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Koens Lisette H. , Klamer Marrit R. , Sival Deborah A. , Balint Bettina , Bhatia Kailash P. , Contarino Maria Fiorella , van Egmond Martje E. , Erro Roberto , Friedman Jennifer , Fung Victor S.C. , Ganos Christos , Kurian Manju A. , Lang Anthony E. , McGovern Eavan M. , Roze Emmanuel , de Koning Tom J. , Tijssen Marina A.J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Movement disorders are frequent in patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) but poorly recognized, particularly by nonmovement disorder specialists. We propose an easy‐to‐use clinical screening tool to help recognize movement disorders.

Objective

The aim is to develop a user‐friendly rapid screening tool for nonmovement disorder specialists to detect moderate and severe movement disorders in patients aged ≥4 years with IEMs.

Methods

Videos of 55 patients with different IEMs were scored by experienced movement disorder specialists (n = 12). Inter‐rater agreements were determined on the presence and subtype of the movement disorder. Based on ranking and consensus, items were chosen to be incorporated into the screening tool.

Results

A movement disorder was rated as present in 80% of the patients, with a moderate inter‐rater agreement (κ =0.420, P < 0.001) on the presence of a movement disorder. When considering only moderate and severe movement disorders, the inter‐rater agreement increased to almost perfect (κ = 0.900, P < 0.001). Dystonia was most frequently scored (27.3%) as the dominant phenotype. Treatment was mainly suggested for patients with moderate or severe movement disorders. Walking, observations of the arms, and drawing a spiral were found to be the most informative tasks and were included in the screening tool.

Conclusions

We designed a screening tool to recognize movement disorders in patients with IEMs. We propose that this screening tool can contribute to select patients who should be referred to a movement disorder specialist for further evaluation and, if necessary, treatment of the movement disorder. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Long‐term stability of periodic smooth irrotational flows to the electrons Euler–Poisson system in three dimensions
Authors: Shiyu Li
Published: February 2023

We are concerned with the one‐fluid Euler–Poisson system for the electrons on the cubes in three dimensions. With the bootstrap estimates, we prove long‐term stability of periodic solutions of this system with small smooth irrotational perturbations of a constant background. Our main result is that the solutions are well‐posed for a time at least
, where
is the size of the initial data, the sufficiently large
is the side length of the cubes, and
is the index of the classical Sobolev spaces
.
A likelihood‐based particle imaging filter using prior information
Authors: Fullarton Ryan , Volz Lennart , Dikaios Nikolaos , Schulte Reinhard , Royle Gary , Evans Philip M. , Seco Joao , Collins‐Fekete Charles‐Antoine
Published: February 2023

Background

Particle imaging can increase precision in proton and ion therapy. Interactions with nuclei in the imaged object increase image noise and reduce image quality, especially for multinucleon ions that can fragment, such as helium.

Purpose

This work proposes a particle imaging filter, referred to as the Prior Filter, based on using prior information in the form of an estimated relative stopping power (RSP) map and the principles of electromagnetic interaction, to identify particles that have undergone nuclear interaction. The particles identified as having undergone nuclear interactions are then excluded from the image reconstruction, reducing the image noise.

Methods

The Prior Filter uses Fermi–Eyges scattering and Tschalär straggling theories to determine the likelihood that a particle only interacts electromagnetically. A threshold is then set to reject those particles with a low likelihood. The filter was evaluated and compared with a filter that estimates this likelihood based on the measured distribution of energy and scattering angle within pixels, commonly implemented as the 3σ filter. Reconstructed radiographs from simulated data of a 20‐cm water cylinder and an anthropomorphic chest phantom were generated with both protons and helium ions to assess the effect of the filters on noise reduction. The simulation also allowed assessment of secondary particle removal through the particle histories. Experimental data were acquired of the Catphan CTP 404 Sensitometry phantom using the U.S. proton CT (pCT) collaboration prototype scanner. The proton and helium images were filtered with both the prior filtering method and a state‐of‐the‐art method including an implementation of the 3σ filter. For both cases, a dE‐E telescope filter, designed for this type of detector, was also applied.

Results

The proton radiographs showed a small reduction in noise (1 mm of water‐equivalent thickness [WET]) but a larger reduction in helium radiographs (up to 5–6 mm of WET) due to better secondary filtering. The proton and helium CT images reflected this, with similar noise at the center of the phantom (0.02 RSP) for the proton images and an RSP noise of 0.03 for the proposed filter and 0.06 for the 3σ filter in the helium images. Images reconstructed from data with a dose reduction, up to a factor of 9, maintained a lower noise level using the Prior Filter over the state‐of‐the‐art filtering method.

Conclusions

The proposed filter results in images with equal or reduced noise compared to those that have undergone a filtering method typical of current particle imaging studies. This work also demonstrates that the proposed filter maintains better performance against the state of the art with up to a nine‐fold dose reduction.
Utilization of an attentive map to preserve anatomical features for training convolutional neural‐network‐based low‐dose CT denoiser
Authors: Han Minah , Shim Hyunjung , Baek Jongduk
Published: February 2023

Background

The purpose of a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based denoiser is to increase the diagnostic accuracy of low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging. To increase diagnostic accuracy, there is a need for a method that reflects the features related to diagnosis during the denoising process.

Purpose

To provide a training strategy for LDCT denoisers that relies more on diagnostic task‐related features to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

An attentive map derived from a lesion classifier (i.e., determining lesion‐present or not) is created to represent the extent to which each pixel influences the decision by the lesion classifier. This is used as a weight to emphasize important parts of the image. The proposed training method consists of two steps. In the first one, the initial parameters of the CNN denoiser are trained using LDCT and normal‐dose CT image pairs via supervised learning. In the second one, the learned parameters are readjusted using the attentive map to restore the fine details of the image.

Results

Structural details and the contrast are better preserved in images generated by using the denoiser trained via the proposed method than in those generated by conventional denoisers. The proposed denoiser also yields higher lesion detectability and localization accuracy than conventional denoisers.

Conclusions

A denoiser trained using the proposed method preserves the small structures and the contrast in the denoised images better than without it. Specifically, using the attentive map improves the lesion detectability and localization accuracy of the denoiser.
Literature circles promote accountability and student engagement with assigned reading in a soil science class
Authors: Turk Judith K.
Published: February 2023

Literature circles are student‐led, small‐group discussions that promote active learning and engagement with literary texts. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of literature circles on student engagement and learning outcomes in a pedology course. For various reading assignments throughout the semester, students either participated in a literature circle or watched a lecture. The two class formats were compared in terms of subject matter covered, student attitudes on a survey, and students’ use of material from the readings on essay‐style exam questions. The study was repeated over two semesters, in an online format the first year and in‐person the second year. The lectures and student discussions often focused on somewhat different aspects of the readings. Students felt that they learned more from the literature circles compared to the lectures and did more reading when preparing for the literature circles. However, on the final exam, students more frequently cited materials taught in the lecture format, and there was no significant difference in essay scores between students who primarily used content from literature circles compared to those who primarily used content taught as lectures. The literature circle format actively engages students in reading, is preferred by most students, and is readily adapted for online learning, but does not differ from lectures in terms of learning outcomes measured on a final exam.
Pain Management and Work Capacity: Evidence From Workers’ Compensation and Marijuana Legalization
Authors: Abouk Rahi , Ghimire Keshar M. , Maclean Johanna Catherine , Powell David
Published: February 2023

We study whether the work capacity of the older working population responds to improved pain management therapy access. We use the adoption of state recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) as a large policy shock to access to a non‐pharmaceutical pain management option. We focus on workers’ compensation cash benefit receipt as a measure of work capacity, finding that receipt declines in response to RML adoption. Workers’ compensation cash benefits are awarded to workers who require time away from work to recover from an injury, which arguably captures a policy‐relevant aspect of work capacity. We observe similar shifts in complementary proxies for work capacity, including work‐limiting disability rates. After considering a range of alternative mechanisms, the evidence suggests that the primary driver of the reductions in workers’ compensation benefits is improvements in work capacity.
Effect of sumac powder on clinical symptoms, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, blood glucose, lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Afandak Fateme , Aryaeian Naheed , Kashanian Maryam , Janani Leila , Namizadeh Tandis , Karimi Mohammad Yahya , Morvaridi Mehrnaz
Published: February 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders associated with a high risk of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sumac powder on clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters in women with PCOS. The double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 88 women with PCOS randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received three capsules each containing 1 g of sumac powder for 12 weeks. All data and serum levels of sex hormone, hs‐CRP, glucose, and lipid profiles were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. The ANCOVA test results showed that hs‐CRP level was significantly reduced in the intervention group (p = .008). Blood glucose and lipid profiles in the intervention group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p < .05). Insulin sensitivity and HDL levels were increased significantly in the Sumac group after the intervention (p < .05). Sumac powder can reduce the inflammatory effects, and glycemic status and lipid profile of polycystic ovaries in affected women, but has no significant effect on anthropometric parameters and sex hormones.
Structural confirmation of synthetic cannabinoids in seized electronic cigarette oil: A combined mass spectrometric and computational study
Authors: Xu Yu , Xu Jiawei , Chen Xianxin , Fan Yi Lei , Wu Hao
Published: February 2023

Rationale

Synthetic cannabinoids are some of the most used and abused new psychoactive substances, because they can produce a stronger intense pleasure than natural cannabis. Most of the new synthetic cannabinoids are structurally similar to existing synthetic cannabinoids and can be obtained by modifying partial structures of the latter without changing their effects. Therefore, the derivatization rules and common fragmentation patterns of synthetic cannabinoids could be used for rapid screening and structural identification of them.

Methods

The derivatization rules of synthetic cannabinoids are summarized, and the common fragmentation pattern of synthetic cannabinoids including three typical cleavage pathways was explored and extended in this work based on combined mass spectrometry (MS) and density functional theory studies. Five synthetic cannabinoids in electronic cigarette oil from a drug case were separated and characterized using gas chromatography with MS and liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution quadrupole Orbitrap MS.

Results

The structures of five synthetic cannabinoids in seized electronic cigarette oil were deduced from electron impact ion source (EI) MS and high‐resolution electrospray ionization (ESI) MSn data, along with the derivatization rules and common fragmentation pattern of synthetic cannabinoids. The proposed structures of these synthetic cannabinoids were further verified via reference substances. Computational study showed that selective cleavage of these compounds was mainly controlled by spin population in EI‐MS, but a tunneling effect arose from proton transfer in ESI‐MSn detection, which has been rarely reported in previous works.

Conclusions

Our results showed that EI‐MS was suitable for identifying synthetic cannabinoids with aromatic ketone structure, which could also be extended to adamantane linked group. Nevertheless, synthetic cannabinoids with carbamoyl linked group were better characterized by high‐resolution ESI‐MSn compared to EI‐MS. This study demonstrated a method with promising potential for rapid and reliable screening of synthetic cannabinoids in mixtures with enhanced detection throughput and operation simplicity.
Functional Graphene for Peritumoral Brain Microenvironment Modulation Therapy in Glioblastoma
Authors: Chin Shan Min , Reina Giacomo , Chau Ngoc Do Quyen , Chabrol Tanguy , Wion Didier , Bouamrani Ali , Gay Emmanuel , Nishina Yuta , Bianco Alberto , Berger François
Published: February 2023

Peritumoral brain invasion is the main target to cure glioblastoma. Chemoradiotherapy and targeted therapies fail to combat peritumoral relapse. Brain inaccessibility and tumor heterogeneity explain this failure, combined with overlooking the peritumor microenvironment. Reduce graphene oxide (rGO) provides a unique opportunity to modulate the local brain microenvironment. Multimodal graphene impacts are reported on glioblastoma cells in vitro but fail when translated in vivo because of low diffusion. This issue is solved by developing a new rGO formulation involving ultramixing during the functionalization with polyethyleneimine (PEI) leading to the formation of highly water‐stable rGO‐PEI. Wide mice brain diffusion and biocompatibility are demonstrated. Using an invasive GL261 model, an anti‐invasive effect is observed. A major unexpected modification of the peritumoral area is also observed with the neutralization of gliosis. In vitro, mechanistic investigations are performed using primary astrocytes and cytokine array. The result suggests that direct contact of rGO‐PEIUT neutralizes astrogliosis, decreasing several proinflammatory cytokines that would explain a bystander tumor anti‐invasive effect. rGO also significantly downregulates several proinvasive/protumoral cytokines at the tumor cell level. The results open the way to a new microenvironment anti‐invasive nanotherapy using a new graphene nanomaterial that is optimized for in vivo brain delivery.
A Surface Conformal Laser‐Assisted Alloying Reaction for 3D‐Printable Solid/Liquid Biphasic Conductors
Authors: Shim Jiyun , Kim Yeon Uk , Kim Young-Bin , Ji Seul Gi , Kim Yeon Ju , Jo Yejin , Lee Eun Jung , Yuk Do-Gyeong , Lee Su Yeon , Lee Sun Sook , Kim Sun-Kyung , Kim Hyung-Seok , Park Jung Hwan , Jeong Sunho
Published: February 2023

Recently, electronics research has made major advances toward a new platform technology facilitating form factor‐free devices. 3D printing techniques have attracted significant attention in the context of fabricating arbitrarily shaped circuits. Herein, a 3D‐printable metallic ink comprising multidimensional eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn)/Ag hierarchical particles is proposed to fabricate arbitrarily designable solid/liquid biphasic conductors that can be inherently self‐healed/chip bonded and do not suffer from liquid flood out due to their liquid and solid nature, respectively. The EGaIn/Ag hierarchical particles are designed to have plasmonic optical absorption at the visible green–red wavelength regime, which is elucidated by an optical simulation study, and also enable the direct transfer of thermal energy, generated in the vicinity of the Ag nanoparticles, to the surface of the EGaIn particles. The 3D surface conformal green laser irradiation process activates the evolution of the biphasic conductive layer from the as‐printed insulating particulate one. The chemical/physical evolution is elucidated along with a photothermal simulation study for clarifying the suppression of undesirable side reactions. It is demonstrated that the biphasic conductors formed by successive 3D printing and the surface conformal green laser irradiation process exhibit electrical properties that have thus far been unexplored in solid metallic conductors.
Mesoporous Gold Film with Surface Sulfur Modification to Enable Dendrite‐Free Lithium Plating/Stripping for Long‐Life Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Na Zhaolin , Li Wenjing , Wang Xinran , Liu Dayong , Sun Jing , Lang Mingfei , Liu Wanqiang , Huang Gang
Published: February 2023

The formation of a lithiophilic phase is an effective method to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites and obtain high‐performance Li metal anodes (LMAs). Nonetheless, previous studies have overlooked the underlying mechanistic studies that modulate the structure of the lithiophilic phase as well as lithiophilicity. A self‐supporting sulfur‐modified mesoporous gold film on nickel foam (SMGF@NF) for LMAs is created with mesoporous structure, which can provide sufficient active sites for uniform lithium deposition. The synergistic promotion of lithiophilic gold and sulfur leads to uniform lithium nucleation and induces consistent lithium removal during lithium stripping. The doping of S promotes the decomposition of bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide lithium salt to generate lithium fluorde, thus forming a more stable solid electrolyte interface. Combining the multifaceted advantages of SMGF@NF, its lithium‐plated electrode can achieve ultralong cycle life in symmetrical batteries (over 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2) and ultralow overpotential (≈10 mV). Meanwhile, the Li‐SMGF@NF||LiFePO4 full cell achieves a high cycling performance and rate capability (92.4% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 C). The study probes into the composite electrode surface composition and structure, revealing the mechanism of high‐performance LMAs.
Smart Energy‐Absorbing Aerogel‐Based Honeycombs with Selectively Nanoconfined Shear‐Stiffening Gel
Authors: Cheng Qingqing , Lyu Jing , Shi Nan , Zhang Xuetong
Published: February 2023

Aerogels, shaped as fibers, films, as well as monoliths, have demonstrated a plethora of applications in both academia and industry due to charming properties including ultralow density, large specific surface area, high porosity, etc., however studies on more complicated aerogel forms (e.g., honeycombs) with more powerful applications have not been fully explored. Herein, the Kevlar aerogel honeycomb is firstly constructed through a dry ice‐assisted 3D printing method, where the Kevlar nanofiber ink is printed directly in dry ice freezing atmosphere, followed by supercritical fluid drying. The subsequent 3D Kevlar/shear‐stiffening gel (SSG) honeycomb (3D‐KSH) can be obtained by selective nanoconfining of SSG into nanopores of the aerogel skeleton wall (with the loading amount of 93 wt%) rather than into open honeycomb channels, solving the leakage, creep deformation, and shape design infeasibility of the SSG. Combining the advantages of Kevlar, honeycomb and SSG, the fabricated 3D‐KSH shows obvious smart responsive behavior to external stimulus. Additionally, the 3D‐KSH has high strain rate sensitivity (sensitivity factor of 4.16 × 10−4) and excellent impact protection performance (energy absorption value up to 176 J g−1 at the strain rate of 6300 s−1), which will significantly broaden application prospect in some intelligent protection fields.
A New Insight into the Flow and Pressure Behavior of a Stopper Rod Flow Control System
Authors: Liu Rui , Forman Bruce , Yin Hongbin , Lee Yong
Published: February 2023

A previously unnoticed anomaly is recently identified in a stopper rod flow control system for the continuous casting of steel by comparing full‐scale water model experiments with plant data. Despite extensive research previously done on the continuous casting fluid flow phenomena, this anomaly and its background physics are not well understood by researchers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the molten steel flow in the stopper rod system is performed with predictions matching closely with water model data but deviating from plant measurements. It is thus suggested by this comparison that certain aspects of the liquid steel flow and pressure behavior in the stopper rod system cannot be effectively described by traditional modeling techniques due to their embedded limitations. Through water modeling, CFD simulations, plant measurements, and theoretical analysis, the current study for the first time presents a thorough discussion of this observed anomaly, which brings new insights into understanding the complex fluid flow behavior and pressure distributions inside the stopper rod control system during the continuous casting process.