bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the difference in perception of the Akinosi technique among dentistry students: A comparison between theoretical and practical learning
Authors: Yusifli Fatima , Işik Bozkurt Kubilay
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Effective pain control is crucial in dental practice; thus, local anesthetic techniques have been extensively taught. The Halstead technique is the most commonly used inferior alveolar nerve block despite its relatively high failure rate. On the other hand, the Vazirani‒Akinosi technique (VAT) is less commonly taught. This study evaluated changes in final‐year students’ perceptions of VAT after a period of active learning.

Methods

This prospective randomized study was performed in 2022 and included fifth‐year dental students (n = 91). The study group (n = 49) received practical VAT training during oral surgery internships, whereas the control group (n = 42) did not. A Likert‐scale questionnaire assessed students' perceptions, theoretical knowledge, and difficulty levels. An independent sample t‐test was used for comparison and the statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The survey response rate was 100%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the groups for seven of the 12 questionnaire statements (p < 0.05). Overall, perception scores favored the study group, indicating a more positive response. The statements related to theoretical knowledge, except for one statement, showed no significant differences (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Practical training significantly improved students' perceptions of VAT, demonstrating the importance of active learning in dental education. Faculties should integrate active learning methods to enhance students' clinical skills and prepare them for professional practice.
Reliability and responsiveness of the Swedish short Hip‐RSI
Authors: Wörner Tobias , Sansone Mikael , Stålman Anders , Eek Frida
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine test–retest reliability and responsiveness of the short version (6‐item) Hip Return to Sport after Injury (Hip‐RSI) scale in patients following hip arthroscopy.

Methods

The study included 100 hip arthroscopy patients responding to a digital survey including the short version (6‐item) Hip‐RSI, International Hip Outcome Tool (short version) (iHOT‐12) and RTS status 3, 6 and 9 months following surgery. The Hip‐RSI was administered twice at 3‐month follow‐up. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Responsiveness was tested by correlations between changes in Hip‐RSI and iHOT‐12 scores and by comparing change in Hip‐RSI scores of patients who progressed on the return to sport (RTS) continuum (from return to any sport to return to performance) to patients who did not, using independent samples t‐tests.

Results

Hip‐RSI was found to have excellent test–retest reliability on the individual (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.90 [0.83–0.94]) and group level (ICC [95% CI]: 0.95 [0.91–0.97]) with a standard error of measurement of 5.53 and smallest detectable change of 15.3 on the individual and 2.2 on the group level. Hip‐RSI was found responsive to change through positive correlations of changes in scores with changes in iHOT‐12 scores from 3 to 6 months (r [95% CI]: 0.51 [0.35–0.65]; p < 0.001) and from 3 to 9 months following arthroscopy (r [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.57–0.79); p < 0.001). Further responsiveness was shown by significant mean changes in scores among patients that progressed on the RTS‐continuum (3–6 months: 8.6 [95% CI: 3.8– 13.5); 3–9 months: 12.6 [5.6–19.7]).

Conclusion

The short version (6‐item) Hip‐RSI demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability and responsiveness to change in the evaluation of psychological readiness to RTS following hip arthroscopy.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Minimum‐degree conditions for rainbow triangles
Authors: Falgas‐Ravry Victor , Markström Klas , Räty Eero
Published: May 2024

Let be a triple of graphs on a common vertex set of size . A rainbow triangle in is a triple of edges with for each and forming a triangle in . In this paper we consider the following question: what triples of minimum‐degree conditions guarantee the existence of a rainbow triangle? This may be seen as a minimum‐degree version of a problem of Aharoni, DeVos, de la Maza, Montejano and Šámal on density conditions for rainbow triangles, which was recently resolved by the authors. We establish that the extremal behaviour in the minimum‐degree setting differs strikingly from that seen in the density setting, with discrete jumps as opposed to continuous transitions. Our work leaves a number of natural questions open, which we discuss.
Bounding the number of odd paths in planar graphs via convex optimization
Authors: Antonir Asaf Cohen , Shapira Asaf
Published: May 2024

Let denote the maximum number of copies of in an vertex planar graph. The problem of bounding this function for various graphs has been extensively studied since the 70's. A special case that received a lot of attention recently is when is the path on vertices, denoted . Our main result in this paper is that

This improves upon the previously best known bound by a factor , which is best possible up to the hidden constant, and makes a significant step toward resolving conjectures of Ghosh et al. and of Cox and Martin. The proof uses graph theoretic arguments together with (simple) arguments from the theory of convex optimization.
Investigating MRI‐Associated Biological Aspects of Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer for African American and White Men
Authors: Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Miao Qi , Naim Sohaib , Sonni Ida , Vangala Sitaram , Kim Harrison , Hsu William , Sisk Anthony , Reiter Robert , Raman Steven S. , Sung Kyunghyun
Published: May 2024

Background

Understanding the characteristics of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in patients from different racial/ethnic backgrounds is important for reducing the observed gaps in clinical outcomes.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic performance of mpMRI and quantitative MRI parameters of prostate cancer (PCa) in African American (AA) and matched White (W) men.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

One hundred twenty‐nine patients (43 AA, 86 W) with histologically proven PCa who underwent mpMRI before radical prostatectomy.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, T2‐weighted turbo spin echo imaging, a single‐shot spin‐echo EPI sequence diffusion‐weighted imaging, and a gradient echo sequence dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with an ultrafast 3D spoiled gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

The diagnostic performance of mpMRI in AA and W men was assessed using detection rates (DRs) and positive predictive values (PPVs) in zones defined by the PI‐RADS v2.1 prostate sector map. Quantitative MRI parameters, including Ktrans and ve of clinically significant (cs) PCa (Gleason score ≥ 7) tumors were compared between AA and W sub‐cohorts after matching age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), and prostate volume.

Statistical Tests

Weighted Pearson's chi‐square and Mann–Whitney U tests with a statistically significant level of 0.05 were used to examine differences in DR and PPV and to compare parameters between AA and matched W men, respectively.

Results

A total number of 264 PCa lesions were identified in the study cohort. The PPVs in the peripheral zone (PZ) and posterior prostate of mpMRI for csPCa lesions were significantly higher in AA men than in matched W men (87.8% vs. 68.1% in PZ, and 89.3% vs. 69.6% in posterior prostate). The Ktrans of index csPCa lesions in AA men was significantly higher than in W men (0.25 ± 0.12 vs. 0.20 ± 0.08 min−1; P < 0.01).

Data Conclusion

This study demonstrated race‐related differences in the diagnostic performances and quantitative MRI measures of csPCa that were not reflected in age, PSA, and prostate volume.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Charge‐solvated versus protonated salt forms of cyclodepsipeptide toxins in electrospray: Dissociation of alkali‐cationized forms enables straightforward sequencing of cereulide
Authors: Liuu Sophie , Trinh Kam eng , Darii Ekaterina , Cao Chenqin , Damont Annelaure , Gimbert Yves , Fenaille François , Makni Yassine , Inthavong Chanthadary , Lavison‐Bompard Gwenaëlle , Hennekinne Jacques‐Antoine , Firmesse Olivier , Tabet Jean‐Claude
Published: May 2024

Bacillus cereus is responsible for foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Among the produced toxins, cereulide induces nausea and vomiting after 30 min to 6 h following the consumption of contaminated foods. Cereulide, a cyclodepsipeptide, is an ionophore selective to K+ in solution. In electrospray, the selectivity is reduced as [M + Li]+; [M + Na]+ and [M + NH4]+ can also be detected without adding corresponding salts. Two forms are possible for alkali‐cationized ions: charge‐solvated (CS) that exclusively dissociates by releasing a bare alkali ion and protonated salt (PS), yielding alkali product ions by covalent bond cleavages (CBC) promoted by mobile proton. Based on a modified peptide cleavage nomenclature, the PS product ion series (b, a, [b + H2O] and [b + CnH2nO] [n = 4, 5]) are produced by Na+/Li+/K+‐cationized cereulide species that specifically open at ester linkages followed by proton mobilization promoting competitive ester CBC as evidenced under resonant collision activation. What is more, unlike the sodiated or lithiated cereulide, which regenerates little or no alkali cation, the potassiated forms lead to an abundant K+ regeneration. This occurs by splitting of (i) the potassiated CS forms with an appearance threshold close to that of the PS first fragment ion generation and (ii) eight to four potassiated residue product ions from the PS forms. Since from Na+/Li+‐cationized cereulide, (i) the negligible Na+/Li+ regeneration results in a higher sensibility than that of potassiated forms that abundantly releasing K+, and (ii) a better sequence recovering, the use of Na+ (or Li+) should be more pertinent to sequence isocereulides and other cyclodepsipeptides.
Spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor R406 has both antiviral and anti‐inflammatory effects on severe influenza A infection
Authors: Luo Junhao , Gao Yongjun , Guo Wenhui , Zhao Song , Li Li , Zhang Zhuohan , Gao Rongbao
Published: May 2024

Death due to severe influenza is usually a fatal complication of a dysregulated immune response more than the acute virulence of an infectious agent. Although spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) as a critical immune signaling molecule and therapeutic target plays roles in airway inflammation and acute lung injury, the role of SYK in influenza virus infection is not clear. Here, we investigated the antiviral and anti‐inflammatory effects of SYK inhibitor R406 on influenza infection through a coculture model of human alveolar epithelial (A549) and macrophage (THP‐1) cell lines and mouse model. The results showed that R406 treatment increased the viability of A549 and decreased the pathogenicity and mortality of lethal influenza virus in mice with influenza A infection, decreased levels of intracellular signaling molecules under the condition of inflammation during influenza virus infection. Combination therapy with oseltamivir further ameliorated histopathological damage in the lungs of mice and further delayed the initial time to death compared with R406 treatment alone. This study demonstrated that phosphorylation of SYK is involved in the pathogenesis of influenza, and R406 has antiviral and anti‐inflammatory effects on the treatment of the disease, which may be realized through multiple pathways, including the already reported SYK/STAT/IFNs‐mediated antiviral pathway, as well as TNF‐α/SYK‐ and SYK/Akt‐based immunomodulation pathway.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances osteointegration of reimplanted cranial flap by regulating osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling
Authors: Pan Yonghao , Li Jiawei , Wu Jianqun , Yang Chengyu , Wu Siying , Yang Kunhua , Yang Xue , Chen Qian , Fu Guibing , Liu Chao
Published: May 2024

Craniectomy is a lifesaving procedure to alleviate dangerously high intracranial pressure by removing a bone flap from the calvarium. However, the osteointegration of reimplanted bone flap with the existing bone tissue is still a clinical challenge. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has shown efficacy in promoting bone repair and could be a promising treatment for accelerating postoperative recovery. However, the specific cell types that are responsive to HBO treatment are not well understood. In this study, we created a murine model of craniectomy, with reimplantation of the cranial flap after 1 week. The effects of HBO treatment on bone formation and blood vessel formation around reimplanted bone were examined by micro‐computed tomography, histological staining, and immunofluorescence staining. Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) was utilized to identify key cell subtypes and signaling pathways after HBO treatment. We found that HBO treatment increased bone volume around reimplanted cranial flaps. HBO also increased the volume of Osterix‐expressing cells and type H vessels. scRNAseq data showed more mature osteoblasts and endothelial cells, with higher expressions of adhesion and migration‐related genes after HBO treatment. Cell–cell interaction analysis revealed a higher expression level of genes between mature osteoblasts and endothelial cells from the angiopoietin 2‐integrin α5β1 pathway. Taken together, HBO therapy promotes the healing process of craniectomy by regulating the crosstalk between vascular endothelial cells and osteogenic cells. These findings provide evidence in a preclinical model that HBO therapy enhances osteointegration by regulating angiogenesis–osteogenesis coupling, providing a scientific basis for utilizing HBO therapy for accelerating postoperative recovery after craniectomy.
Target NF‐κB p65 for preventing posttraumatic joint contracture in rats
Authors: Kong Lingpeng , Liang Yuqing , Hou Jing , Zhang Weiying , Jiang Shichao
Published: May 2024

RelA/p65 is as a crucial component of the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway that has a significant impact on various fibrotic diseases. However, its role in the fibrosis of tissues surrounding the joint after traumatic injury remains unclear. In this study, rats were divided into three groups: non‐operated control (NC) group, p65‐siRNA treated (siRNA‐p65) group, and negative siRNA treated (siRNA‐neg) group. Then, 10 μL (10 nmol) of p65‐siRNA was injected into the joint of the siRNA‐p65 group. Meanwhile, 10 μL of negative siRNA was administered to the knee joint of the operated siRNA‐neg group for comparison. The rats in the NC group did not receive surgery or drug intervention. After 4 weeks of right knee fixation in each group, X‐ray measurements revealed significantly reduced degree of knee flexion contracture following p65‐siRNA treatment (siRNA‐neg: 77.73° ± 2.799°; siRNA‐p65: 105.7° ± 2.629°, p < 0.0001). Histopathological examination revealed that the number of dense fibrous connective tissues decreased following p65‐siRNA inhibition. Western blot analysis revealed significantly different expression levels of fibrosis‐related proteins between the siRNA‐p65 and siRNA‐neg groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a reduction in the average number of myofibroblasts in the siRNA‐p65 group compared with that in the siRNA‐neg group. Thus, intra‐articular p65‐siRNA injection could attenuate fibroblast activation and fibrosis‐related protein production, suppress periarticular tissue fibrosis, and prevent joint contracture by downregulating the NF‐κB p65 pathway. Statement of clinical significance: Intra‐articular injection of p65‐siRNA could reduce myofibroblast proliferation and fibrosis‐related protein expression by downregulating the NF‐κB p65 pathway, inhibit periarticular tissue fibrosis, and prevent joint adhesion, which represents a potential therapy in the prevention of joint fibrosis following traumatic injury.
The preservation of storm events in the geologic record of New Jersey, USA
Authors: Joyse Kristen M. , Walker Jennifer S. , Godfrey Linda , Christie Margaret A. , Shaw Timothy A. , Corbett D. Reide , Kopp Robert E. , Horton Benjamin P.
Published: May 2024

Geologic reconstructions of overwash events can extend storm records beyond the brief instrumental record. However, the return periods of storms calculated from geologic records alone may underestimate the frequency of events given the preservation bias of geologic records. Here, we compare a geologic reconstruction of storm activity from a salt marsh in New Jersey to two neighboring instrumental records at the Sandy Hook and Battery tide gauges. Eight overwash deposits were identified within the marsh's stratigraphy by their fan‐shaped morphology and coarser mean grain size (3.6 ± 0.7 φ) compared to autochthonous sediments they were embedded in (5.6 ± 0.8 φ). We used an age–depth model based on modern chronohorizons and three radiocarbon dates to provide age constraints for the overwash deposits. Seven of the overwash deposits were attributed to historical storms, including the youngest overwash deposit from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The four youngest overwash deposits overlap with instrumental records. In contrast, the Sandy Hook and Battery tide gauges recorded eight and 11 extreme water levels above the 10% annual expected probability (AEP) of exceedance level, respectively, between 1932/1920 and the present. The geologic record in northern New Jersey, therefore, has a 36–50% preservation potential of capturing extreme water levels above the 10% AEP level.
Roads reduce breeding occupancy and productivity in barn owls
Authors: Busby Brian T. , Gordon Michael P. , Belthoff Jim
Published: May 2024

Urbanization and expanding road networks threaten some avian populations through habitat loss and degradation. Barn owls (Tyto alba) have been particularly affected through roadway mortality, loss of grassland, and conversion or destruction of nesting sites. To combat declines and bolster reproduction, and as part of integrated pest management to reduce crop damage, some land managers provide supplemental owl nesting sites via the installation of nest boxes. If nearby habitat and land cover characteristics are not considered when placing boxes, such as major roads or other anthropogenic features, owls could be attracted to locations that could hinder populations further. We investigated the effects of roads and urban areas on barn owl breeding occupancy and productivity to provide information to help guide the placement of nest boxes. We monitored >300 nest boxes over the 2020 and 2021 breeding seasons in southwestern Idaho, USA, where substantial roadway mortality of barn owls occurs. Barn owls occupied >60% of nest boxes, but the likelihood of breeding occupancy decreased with increasing proximity of nest boxes to roads. Boxes 500 m from roads had a predicted probability of occupancy of over 0.9, which was nearly double that of boxes within 100 m. Proximity to roads also was associated with reduced productivity such that boxes within 100 m of roads were predicted to produce approximately 1 fewer fledgling than those 500 m away. There was no evidence that the proportion of urban area surrounding nest boxes substantially influenced breeding occupancy or productivity. Thus, land managers can consider placing nest boxes for barn owls farther from roads when possible as a potential tactic to increase the probability of breeding occupancy and to foster higher productivity.
Smith machine squats pose high risk to ACL graft integrity after the ACL reconstruction and conventional squats are a safer alternative
Authors: Kotiuk Viktor , Ziółek Tomasz , Kostrub Oleksandr , Blonskyi Roman , Podik Volodymyr , Smirnov Dmytro
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of squats after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the ACL graft, considering new data on biomechanics, posterior tibial slope (PTS) and anterolateral ligament (ALL).

Methods

Utilising finite element analysis on the new 14‐component knee joint model, we have evaluated stresses on the knee elements separately for the knee with a native double‐bundle ACL and with a single‐bundle ACL graft for the 5° and 14° PTS variants during both conventional and Smith machine horizontal squats.

Results

Replacing a native ACL with a single‐bundle graft causes an overstrain on the graft compared to the intact ACL under all conditions. Stresses on the ACL, ACL graft and ALL are much higher during the Smith machine squats compared to the conventional ones. The stress on the menisci is 3.6–4.9 times higher with conventional squats. PTS at the squats' lowest point minimally affects ACL stress but impacts menisci.

Conclusions

The single‐bundle ACL reconstruction (ACLR) does not reproduce the biomechanics of the native ACL and increases stresses in most knee joint elements, according to the current study. Conventional squats are relatively safe for the ACL graft at their lowest point. Passing the half‐squat position is the most dangerous point. Smith machine horizontal squats produce stress on the ACL graft several times higher than its estimated breaking load and dangerous stress levels on the ALL. During the rehabilitation following ACLR, it is advisable to prioritise the conventional squats over Smith machine squats until ligamentisation is complete.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Granulomatous Inflammation of the Skull Base: A Rare Case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the United States
Authors: Kandahari Nazineen , Johnson Steven M. , Thorp Brian D.
Published: May 2024

The differential for an ill‐defined, bone‐destructive, granulomatous lesion of the skull base includes malignancy, as well as autoimmune and infectious processes. Suspicion for tuberculosis of the skull base in high‐risk patients is particularly necessary given the difficulty to culture on standard cultures, need for specific and prolonged antibiotic therapy, and dire morbidity if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Repeat biopsies and cultures were necessary to diagnose this case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis of the skull base after initial biopsy was non‐diagnostic. Laryngoscope, 134:4023–4027, 2024
Sight and blindness: The relationship between ostracod eyes, water depth, and light availability in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Yasuhara Moriaki , Wei Chih‐Lin , Tian Skye Yunshu , Aye Kyawt K. T. , Gemery Laura , Cronin Thomas M. , Frenzel Peter , Horne David J.
Published: May 2024

Eye loss has been a long‐standing interest in evolutionary biology. Many organisms that inhabit environments without light penetration, for example the deep sea, exhibit eye loss and thus become blind. However, water‐depth distribution of eyes in marine organisms is poorly understood. Ostracods are widely distributed crustaceans, and many sighted marine ostracods have eye tubercles (lenses) on their shells. Since eye tubercles are visible on the shells illustrated in much literature, it is easy to determine their presence or absence via a literature survey. Here, we used a large Arctic‐wide ostracod census dataset (Arctic Ostracode Database) to calculate the eye index (the percentage of species with eyes), and compare them with water depth and light availability. As water depth increases, eye index values decrease and become constantly zero in water deeper than 1000 m. Similar decline of sighted species with increasing depth is also known in isopods and amphipods, suggesting that it may be common in other crustaceans and perhaps in deep‐sea organisms in general. We also show that eye index values increase as light availability increases. This study is the first to quantify how distributions of sighted and blind species change with light availability, giving baseline information on vision in the deep sea.
Ultra‐Sparse Aperiodic Silicon Optical Phased Array Using High‐Performance Thermo‐Optic Phase Shifter
Authors: Qiu Huaqing , Liu Yong , Meng Xiansong , Guan Xiaowei , Ding Yunhong , Hu Hao
Published: May 2024

Integrated optical phased array (OPA) is evolving into a transformational technology for LiDAR and free‐space optical communication systems due to its distinctive qualities of compact size, rapid scanning, and low cost. When the integrated OPA is utilized for long‐range vehicle LiDAR (300 m range), a large emission aperture (mm‐cm length) is required. However, a large aperture typically necessitates thousands of phase‐controlled emitters and consumes tens of watts when utilizing traditional thermo‐optic phase shifters. Here, an easy‐to‐understand theory is proposed and an ultra‐sparse aperiodic OPA is experimentally demonstrated with a large aperture (6 mm 5 mm) using just 120 phase‐controlled emitters. In the azimuthal () direction, high resolvable points of 1300 have attained within a field of view (FOV) beam steering range of . The consumed electric power is only 0.47 W thanks to the ultra‐sparse aperiodic spacing (50 average pitch) and the high‐performance optical phase shifters. The fabrication‐robust thermo‐optic phase shifter achieved high performance in all relevant aspects including power consumption (3.1 mW/), driving voltage (1.1 V for 2), insertion loss (0.6 dB), modulation bandwidth (34 kHz), and footprint (42 42 ), acting as an ideal phase tuning component in large‐scale photonic integrated circuits.
Clinical and Biomedical Applications of Lensless Holographic Microscopy
Authors: Potter Colin J. , Xiong Zhen , McLeod Euan
Published: May 2024

Many clinical procedures and biomedical research workflows rely on microscopy, including diagnosis of cancer, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, infections, and quantification of cell culture. Despite its widespread use, traditional image acquisition and review by trained microscopists is often lengthy and expensive, limited to large hospitals or laboratories, precluding use in point‐of‐care settings. In contrast, lensless or lensfree holographic microscopy (LHM) is inexpensive and widely deployable because it can achieve performance comparable to expensive and bulky objective‐based benchtop microscopes while relying on components that cost only a few hundred dollars or less. Lab‐on‐a‐chip integration is practical and enables LHM to be combined with single‐cell isolation, sample mixing, and in‐incubator imaging. Additionally, many manual tasks in conventional microscopy are instead computational in LHM, including image focusing, stitching, and classification. Furthermore, LHM offers a field of view hundreds of times greater than that of conventional microscopy without sacrificing resolution. Here, the basic LHM principles are summarized, as well as recent advances in artificial intelligence integration and enhanced resolution. How LHM is applied to the above clinical and biomedical applications is discussed in detail. Finally, emerging clinical applications, high‐impact areas for future research, and some current challenges facing widespread adoption are identified.
Accessing Functionalized Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Poly(α‐olefin)s via Hafnium‐Mediated Highly Isospecific Copolymerization
Authors: Zhou Guanglin , Mu Hongliang , Jian Zhongbao
Published: May 2024

Inspired by the favorable impact of heteroatom‐containing groups in phenoxy‐imine titanium and late transition metal catalysts, a series of novel pyridylamido hafnium catalysts bearing ─OMe (Cat‐OMe), ─CF3 (Cat‐CF3), and ─C6F5 (Cat‐C6F5) substituents are designed and synthesized. Together with the established hafnium catalysts Cat‐H and Cat‐iPr by Dow/Symyx, these catalysts are applied in the polymerization of α‐olefins, including 1‐hexene, 1‐octene, and 4M1P, as well as in the copolymerization of these α‐olefins with a specifically designed polar monomer. The enhancement of polymer molecular weight derived from catalyst modification and the incorporation of polar monomers is discussed in detail. Notably, the new catalysts are all highly active for α‐olefins polymerization, with catalyst Cat‐CF3 producing isotactic polymers with the highest molecular weight (Mw = 1649 kg mol−1); in copolymerization with polar monomers, catalyst Cat‐OMe yields isotactic copolymer with the highest molecular weight (Mw = 2990 kg mol−1). Interestingly, catalyst Cat‐C6F5 bearing a ─C6F5 group in the N‐aryl moiety gives rise to poly(α‐olefin) with reduced stereoselectivity. The findings of this study underscore the potential of heteroatom‐containing groups in the development of early transition metal catalysts and the synthesis of polymer with novel structures.
The serine protease CORIN promotes progression of gastric cancer by mediating the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway
Authors: Hong Runqi , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Yi , Bei Lanxin , Yang Ju , Xia Jie , Hu Zhiqing , Cao Zhipeng , Chen Rui , Chen Liang , Niu Gengming , Ke Chongwei
Published: May 2024

The serine protease CORIN catalyzes pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (pro‐ANP) into an active ANP and maintains homeostasis of the internal environment. However, it is unclear whether CORIN participates in the regulation of tumor progression. We analyzed the expression profile of CORIN in gastric cancer tissues (GCs) and adjacent nontumoral tissues (NTs). We investigated the prognostic value of CORIN in GC patients. We characterized the in vitro and in vivo activity of CORIN in cultured GC cells with gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments. The underlying mechanism was explored by using bioinformatics, a signaling antibody array, and confirmative western blot analyses, as well as rescue experiments with highly selective small‐molecule inhibitors targeting the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway. CORIN was upregulated in GCs than in NTs. Overexpression of CORIN was correlated with unfavorable prognoses in patients with GC. Ectopic expression of CORIN was promoted, whereas silencing of CORIN suppressed proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of GC cells, and tumor growth in vivo. Overexpression of CORIN‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway, while silencing of CORIN yielded opposite results. The in vitro tumor‐promoting potency of CORIN could be antagonized by selective inhibitors targeting the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, CORIN is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC patients, which may promote tumor progression by mediating the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway and EMT in GC cells.
Intellectual property judicial protection, innovation factor input, and corporate innovation: Evidence from the establishment of intellectual property courts in China
Authors: Nie Changfei , Qi Ziyan , Feng Yuan
Published: May 2024

Based on the establishment of China's intellectual property (IP) courts, this article examines the impact of intellectual property judicial protection (IPJP) on corporate innovation using the sample of China's A‐shared listed firms from 2013 to 2021 by the time‐varying difference‐in‐differences (DID) model. The result shows that IP courts have a significant positive effect on corporate innovation, mainly by increasing innovation factor input, including expenditure of R&D funds and R&D personnel quantity. Additionally, the effect is stronger for invention patents and in non‐state‐owned firms, small firms, high‐tech firms, and firms with low financing constraints.
A compact ultra‐wide‐beam quasi‐coaxial‐structure fed crossed‐dipole
Authors: Shen Yufan , Yan Binyun , Gao Xiang , Sheng Weixing
Published: May 2024

A compact ultra‐wide‐beam crossed‐dipole antenna for K‐band phased arrays is proposed. The superior wide beamwidth is achieved by loading four vertical parasitic structures around the dipole patches. A quasi‐coaxial feeding structure is proposed as the antenna size is limited in K‐band, and it cannot be coaxially fed by the conventional feeding method. This structure is constructed by using PCB through‐plated vias, achieving a compact design. The antenna has a compact size of 0.37λ × 0.37λ × 0.35λ (λ is the free space wavelength). The simulated and measured results show that a half‐power beamwidth of more than 140° (from −71° to 72°) and an axial ratio beamwidth of 100° (from −51° to 49°) can be realized.
Design of compact low‐profile single‐layer filtering antenna based on half‐mode patches
Authors: Yan Dong , Tang Hao‐Chun , Xie Haofei , Li Dajiang , Hu Kun‐Zhi , Chen Zhiyuan
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a single‐layer filtering antenna based on half‐mode patches is proposed. It consists of a main driven patch and a parasitic patch. A U‐shaped slot is first etched on the main driven patch to generate a new resonant mode and a radiation null simultaneously. Four pairs of shorting pins are introduced on the main driven patch to raise its operating frequency to near that of the U‐shaped slot, thus broadening the impedance bandwidth (IBW). Additionally, a parasitic patch is introduced near the driven patch to introduce an extra half‐TM10 mode and an extra radiation null, significantly enhancing the IBW and the upper‐edge selectivity of the antenna. A prototype was fabricated and tested for validation. It achieves a peak realized gain of 6.55 dBi and −10‐dB IBW of 8.8%, and exhibits good out‐of‐band rejection performance while maintaining a low profile of 0.017 λ0 and a compact transverse size of 0.29 λ02.
An enhanced micromechanical rock–pile interface model with application to rock‐socketed pile modeling
Authors: Liang Rui , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Yin Jian‐Hua , Wu Pei‐Chen , Chen Ze‐Jian
Published: May 2024

The increasing use of rock‐socketed piles highlights the importance of developing a suitable design method for their bearing capacity. This study quantifies the shear behavior of the rock–pile interface, which generally dominates the bearing capacity of rock‐socketed piles under service load. A micromechanics‐based rock–pile interface model with idealized nonuniform profile is proposed with two enhancements: (1) the slip line method together with nonlinear Hoek–Brown failure criteria is integrated to identify the critical shear displacement of rock asperity; and (2) the residual stage of shear behavior is properly considered with the rounding progress of sheared rubbles. The enhanced interface model is first validated by the direct shear test results under constant normal stiffness. Then, the interface model is implemented via user‐defined FRIC into the finite element code ABAQUS without the need of explicitly building the rock–pile interface profile. Accordingly, the model is applied to simulate and analyze two field cases involving rock‐socketed piles. Comparison between the predictions and field observed results shows this method can well capture the axial load transfer behavior of pile socket into weak rock.
Comparison between supervised and physics‐informed unsupervised deep neural networks for estimating cerebral perfusion using multi‐delay arterial spin labeling MRI
Authors: Ishida Shota , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Takei Naoyuki , Kimura Hirohiko , Tsujikawa Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to implement a physics‐informed unsupervised deep neural network (DNN) to estimate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) from multi‐delay arterial spin labeling (ASL), and compare its performance with that of a supervised DNN and the conventional method. Supervised and unsupervised DNNs were trained using simulation data. The accuracy and noise immunity of the three methods were compared using simulations and in vivo data. The simulation study investigated the differences between the predicted and ground‐truth values and their variations with the noise level. The in vivo study evaluated the predicted values from the original images and noise‐induced variations in the predicted values from the synthesized noisy images by adding Rician noise to the original images. The simulation study showed that CBF estimated using the supervised DNN was not biased by noise, whereas that estimated using other methods had a positive bias. Although the ATT with all methods exhibited a similar behavior with noise increase, the ATT with the supervised DNN was less biased. The in vivo study showed that CBF and ATT with the supervised DNN were the most accurate and that the supervised and unsupervised DNNs had the highest noise immunity in CBF and ATT estimations, respectively. Physics‐informed unsupervised learning can estimate CBF and ATT from multi‐delay ASL signals, and its performance is superior to that of the conventional method. Although noise immunity in ATT estimation was superior with unsupervised learning, other performances were superior with supervised learning.
Quantifying human activity intensity in the Qinling‐Daba Mountains
Authors: Xie Wenqi , Yao Yonghui
Published: May 2024

Human activities profoundly impact the Earth system such as climate change, biodiversity, disease transmission. Accurately acquiring and assessing the human activity intensity (HAI) is crucial to exploring human‐nature relationships. However, the mismatch of geospatial data products between humans and natural environmental factors is a data bottleneck that restricts the innovation and development of regional human‐Earth systems. Nowadays, some HAI data products exist, such as the global human footprint map and the cumulative human modification map, but their spatial resolution is still too coarse (1 km) for regional research. Importantly, there are limitations to the method of mapping HAI: an incomplete indicator system that ignores the natural dimension makes the assessment of HAI less accurate and comprehensive; ignoring correlations among indicators, subjective weighting method and overlapping indicators lead to potential overestimation of HAI.

Here, a new approach to improve the quantification of HAI at the regional scale was presented and the HAI of the Qinling‐Daba Mountains (QinBa) was mapped and analysed as a case study. First. an improved indicator system was constructed from two dimensions: natural environment and resources (including topography and river density), social and economics (including population density, degree of land modification, remoteness from roads/railways, remoteness from settlements and road density). The models for scoring the indicators were then improved. Additionally, principal component analysis was adopted to transform seven indicators into four independent principal components (PCs). The four PCs were combined based on their variance contribution to generate the HAI map, effectively eliminating redundancy and correlation among the indicators.

The results showed that the improved method solved the problem of overestimation in previous studies and objectively mapped the HAI of QinBa. We found that although QinBa's HAI was moderate (MHAI = 0.48), places with low HAI were isolated as ‘islands’ by places with high HAI, indicating that the scope of human activities in this area is extensive.

This study not only provides novel insights into quantifying HAI but also provides high‐resolution HAI data (100 m) and priority attention zones for human‐nature interaction studies in QinBa, which can help guide policy‐making for management and conservation efforts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Synergistic fabrication, characterization, and prospective optoelectronic applications of DES grafted activated charcoal dispersed PVA films
Authors: Lokesh Kumar S. , Binish C. J. , Rajprasad J. , Tabassum Sumaiya , Sadaiyandi Vivekananthan , Ramaraj Sankar Ganesh , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , Govindaraju Santhosh , Vijayasankar A. V.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the synthesis, analysis, and utility of films comprising deep eutectic solvent (DES) grafted activated charcoal (AC) within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix for optoelectronic device applications. The fabrication process involves the dispersion of DES functionalization AC into the PVA solution, followed by casting onto substrates with controlled drying. Comprehensive characterization encompassing X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and impedance spectroscopy which discerns the films microstructure, morphology, conductance, band‐gap, and optical traits. The DES grafted AC infusion with variable concentration has significantly influenced optical absorbance and reduced the band gap indicating efficient charge mobility. Furthermore, the impedance analysis has revealed the electrical conduction of the film to be 1.8 × 10−6 Ω−1 m−1. In summary, the dispersion of DES modified AC in the PVA matrix have converted the insulating PVA to a semiconducting polymeric film with reduced band‐gap and increased absorption, which present a propitious avenue for wide array of optoelectronic devices, such as thin film transistors, photovoltaics, LEDs, photodetectors, and many such applications.
Biogenic synthesis of Psidium guajava‐mediated silver nanoparticles: A comprehensive antibiofilm and antivirulence study
Authors: Chmagh Aalaa A. , Alown Fadaa , Khan Mo Ahamad , Shafiq Anam , Kumar Sachin , Ameen Fuad , Khan Afroz
Published: May 2024

In this study, at sub‐MIC, the efficacy of green synthesized Psidium guajava‐mediated silver nanoparticles (Pg@AgNPs) in inhibiting quorum sensing facilitated virulence factors and suppressing biofilm formation was evaluated against clinical multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates, specifically Chromobacterium violaceum MCC‐2290 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The AgNPs were synthesized by adding the leaf extract to a solution of silver nitrate, and the reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0 was confirmed by the appearance of brown color. The Pg@AgNPs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV/Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and XRD. The UV/Vis spectrum showed the characteristic absorption peak of Pg@AgNPs in the range of 350–480 nm. FTIR analysis substantiated the existence of functional groups implicated in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. The XRD analysis elucidated the crystalline characteristics of the nanoparticles. The TEM images further confirmed the spherical shape and size of the nanoparticles, which ranged between 5 and 25 nm. The AgNPs demonstrated notable antibacterial efficacy against C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the Pg@AgNPs effectively suppressed both biofilm formation and the production of quorum sensing‐mediated virulence factors such as pyoverdin (77.2%), pyocyanin (78.12%), and violacein (83.4%). Additionally, the Pg@AgNPs demonstrated broad‐spectrum activity against biofilm formation, showing the biofilm inhibition in C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa by 81.86% and 87.89%, respectively. Under light microscopy, it is also observed that Pg@AgNPs reduce the formation of biofilm in both tested bacteria. The present finding highlights the potential of green‐synthesized AgNPs using P. guajava leaf extract as antimicrobial agents with potential applications in combating bacterial infections and biofilm‐related diseases.
Examination of associations between psychopathy and neural reinforcement sensitivity theory constructs
Authors: Dickison Ella M. , Neo Phoebe S.‐H. , McNaughton Neil , Sellbom Martin
Published: May 2024

We investigated psychopathy from the neurobiological perspective of reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST). In contrast to previous semantically derived self‐report scales, we operationalised RST systems neurally with evoked electroencephalography (EEG). Participants were from a community sample weighted towards externalising psychopathology. We compared the Carver & White Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS)/Behavioural Approach System (BAS) scales with EEG responses associated with RST's systems of goal conflict (aka ‘behavioural inhibition’), repulsion/outcome conflict (aka ‘fight/flight/freeze’) and attraction (aka ‘approach’). Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analysis yielded results generally consistent with past literature for associations between psychopathy and the self‐report BIS/BAS scales. There were some differences from self‐report associations with neural measures of RST. With EEG measures, (1) no meaningful associations were observed between any psychopathy scales and the attraction system; (2) affective‐interpersonal traits of psychopathy were negatively associated with goal conflict; (3) disinhibition‐behavioural traits of psychopathy were negatively associated with goal conflict but, unexpectedly, positively associated with outcome conflict. These results indicate frontal‐temporal‐limbic circuit dysfunction in psychopathy as specific domains were linked to neural deficits in goal conflict processing, but there was no evidence for deficits in attraction‐related processes.
Lived experiences of caregivers with infants treated at home with continuous invasive or noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Maniaci Jon , Kearney Matthew D. , DeMauro Sara B. , Panitch Howard
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Caring for children dependent upon continuous invasive ventilation in the home setting requires extensive expertise, coordination, and can result in impaired caregiver quality of life. Less is known regarding the experiences of caregivers with children requiring continuous noninvasive ventilation.

Objectives

To evaluate caregiver experiences with invasive and noninvasive home mechanical ventilation, and to compare parental quality of life based on the child's mode of ventilation.

Methods

Caregivers of infants who were discharged home with continuous ventilatory support were recruited to complete semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Interviews explored their decision‐making process, the transition to home, and health related quality of life.

Results

Caregivers of 16 children were interviewed, of whom eight were treated with continuous invasive ventilation, and eight with continuous noninvasive ventilation. The decision to pursue home ventilation in both groups was greatly influenced by the desire to be discharged and reunite the family at home. Following the transition to home, caregivers from both groups described high rates of insomnia, emotional distress, work disruption and familial hardship. Despite this, parents were overwhelmingly pleased with the decision to proceed with home ventilation and perceived their children to be living enriched lives outside of the hospital. Factors associated with easing the transition to home were in‐hospital training and the presence of a robust support system.

Conclusions

Lives of families with children dependent on continuous mechanical ventilation are characterized by isolation, lifestyle disruption, adverse mental and physical health consequences, and impaired interpersonal relationships, irrespective of the mode of ventilation.