bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric impact of hollow intraoral stents for head and neck cancer radiotherapy: A phantom study
Authors: Song Hongbing , Hu Jian , He Junxiang , Ma Guangdong , Cheng Lan , Li Xiangpan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the dosimetric impact of the calculation boundaries and dose calculation algorithms of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients with an opened oral cavity connected to the exterior by a hollow intraoral positioning stent.

Methods and Materials

A homemade silicone phantom with an opened oral cavity was placed in a CIRS head phantom to model head and neck cancer patients with a hollow intraoral positioning stent. 3D‐CRT plans were designed on CT images of the phantom in Monaco and Pinnacle3 treatment planning systems (TPSs) with the same beam parameters. The default boundary and manually extrapolated boundary were both adopted in these two TPSs to explore the dosimetric impact on treatment plans. The nanoDot™ optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) were chosen to measure the planned dose surrounding the oral cavity of the head phantom after calibration.

Result

The doses in the air cavity and two measuring points at the joint area were dramatically changed from 0.0, 92.4 and 148.8 cGy to 177.8, 244.2 and 244.1 cGy in Monaco after adopting the extrapolated boundary. While the calculated doses at the same place were changed from 61.2, 143.7 and 198.3 cGy to 175.4, 234.7 and 233.2 cGy in Pinnacle3 with a similar calculation boundary. For the Monaco TPS, the relative errors compared to the OSLD measured doses were 2.94 ± 1.93%, 0.53 ± 8.64%, 2.65 ± 1.87% and 3.93 ± 1.69% at 4 measuring positions. In contrast, the relative errors 4.03 ± 1.93%, 4.85 ± 8.64%, 7.61 ± 1.87% and 5.61 ± 1.69% were observed in Pinnacle3.

Conclusion

The boundary setting of an opened oral cavity in TPSs has a significant dosimetric impact on head and neck cancer radiotherapy. An extrapolated boundary should be manually set up to include the whole oral cavity in the dose calculation domain to avoid major dose deviations.
Sizing Up Metal Halide Perovskite Photocatalysts: From Nano to Bulk
Authors: Weiss Rachel , Sullivan Colette M. , Nienhaus Lea
Published: July 2023

Photocatalysts are developed in the pursuit of enabling more efficient chemical processes. Perovskites are uniquely situated for the role of a photocatalyst given their favorable optoelectronic properties and tailorable energetic features. While perovskites can be synthesized in a wide range of sizes, from quantum‐confined nanocrystals to bulk single crystals, research to date has primarily focused on perovskite nanocrystals. In this review, recent advancements in perovskite photocatalysts throughout various size regimes are outlined and emerging developments in the field are highlighted. Future directions for perovskite photocatalytic research, including a focus on larger dimensions, with more efficient photocatalysis enabled by the improvements discussed herein are proposed.
Genomic analysis unveils reduced genetic variability but increased proportion of heterozygotic genotypes of the intensively managed mezcal agave, Agave angustifolia
Authors: Klimova Anastasia , Ruiz Mondragón Karen Y. , Aguirre‐Planter Erika , Valiente Alfonso , Lira Rafael , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: July 2023

Premise

The central Oaxaca Basin has a century‐long history of agave cultivation and is hypothesized to be the region of origin of other cultivated crops. Widely cultivated for mezcal production, the perennial crop known as “espadín” is putatively derived from wild Agave angustifolia. Nevertheless, little is known about its genetic relationship to the wild A. angustifolia or how the decades‐long clonal propagation has affected its genetics.

Methods

Using restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing and over 8000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, we studied aspects of the population genomics of wild and cultivated A. angustifolia in Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico. We assessed patterns of genetic diversity, inbreeding, distribution of genetic variation, and differentiation among and within wild populations and plantations.

Results

Genetic differentiation between wild and cultivated plants was strong, and both gene pools harbored multiple unique alleles. Nevertheless, we found several cultivated individuals with high genetic affinity with wild samples. Higher heterozygosity was observed in the cultivated individuals, while in total, they harbored considerably fewer alleles and presented higher linkage disequilibrium compared to the wild plants. Independently of geographic distance among sampled plantations, the genetic relatedness of the cultivated plants was high, suggesting a common origin and prevalent role of clonal propagation.

Conclusions

The considerable heterozygosity found in espadín is contained within a network of highly related individuals, displaying high linkage disequilibrium generated by decades of clonal propagation and possibly by the accumulation of somatic mutations. Wild A. angustifolia, on the other hand, represents a significant genetic diversity reservoir that should be carefully studied and conserved.
Boosting CO2 Hydrogenation to Formate over Edge‐Sulfur Vacancies of Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Wang Zifeng , Kang Yiran , Hu Jingting , Ji Qinqin , Lu Zhixuan , Xu Guilan , Qi Yutai , Zhang Mo , Zhang Wangwang , Huang Rui , Yu Liang , Tian Zhong‐qun , Deng Dehui
Published: July 2023

Synthesis of formate from hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) is an atom‐economic reaction but is confronted with challenges in developing high‐performance non‐precious metal catalysts for application of the process. Herein, we report a highly durable edge‐rich molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to formate at 200 °C, which delivers a high selectivity of over 99 % with a superior turnover frequency of 780.7 h−1 surpassing those of previously reported non‐precious metal catalysts. Multiple experimental characterization techniques combined with theoretical calculations reveal that sulfur vacancies at MoS2 edges are the active sites and the selective production of formate is enabled via a completely new water‐mediated hydrogenation mechanism, in which surface OH* and H* species in dynamic equilibrium with water serve as moderate hydrogenating agents for CO2 with residual O* reduced by hydrogen. This study provides a new route for developing low‐cost high‐performance catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to formate.
A research on milling fractions of biofortified and nonbiofortified hull‐less oats in terms of minerals, arabinoxylans, and other chemical properties
Authors: Acar Oguz , Izydorczyk Marta S. , McMillan Tricia , Yazici Mustafa Atilla , Imamoglu Aydin , Cakmak Ismail , Koksel Hamit
Published: July 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the arabinoxylan (AX) content, yield, recovery, and enrichment factors of milling fractions obtained from short‐ and long‐flow milling from biofortified (+) and nonbiofortified (−) oats cv. Haskara by determining the monosaccharide components besides dietary fiber and mineral contents.

Findings

Coarse brans (CB) obtained by short‐flow milling from Haskara (+) and (−) samples had around 3.3% AX contents and 1.5 enrichment factor while fine brans (FB) obtained by long‐flow milling had around 3.8% AX contents and enrichment factors higher than CB. The differences between bran samples of Haskara (+) and Haskara (−) were significant (p < .05) in terms of insoluble dietary fiber. CB of Haskara (+) had 1.5, 2.9, and 3.8 times higher Zn, I, and Se contents than those of whole grain Haskara (−) while FB of Haskara (+) had 1.7, 4.7, and 3.7 times higher Zn, I, and Se contents than those of whole grain Haskara (−), respectively.

Conclusions

Mineral/fiber‐rich fractions obtained by biofortification and milling applications can be used against mineral deficiency.

Significance and Novelty

This is a pioneering study on AX and mineral contents of fractions obtained by different milling flows from biofortified hull‐less oats.
Malignant, fungating giant‐cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCT‐TS) of the foot: A case report
Authors: Elbahri Hassan , Abd‐Elmaged Hozifa Mohammed Ali , Babiker Sawsan A. M. , Mohamed Alaa Hatim Ameer , Ahmed Mohammed Mubarak Mohammed , Abdulkarim Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Giant‐cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCT‐TS) are relatively common benign tumors that arise in close proximity to joints and tendons. Malignant GCT‐TS are extremely rare. Surgery with wide resection remains the cornerstone for treating malignant giant‐cell tumors of the tendon sheath especially in large tumor cases.
Spontaneous abortion as differential diagnosis of intermittent glomerular proteinuria in inactive systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ullrich Fabian T. H. , Skapenko Alla , Schulze‐Koops Hendrik
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

In women of childbearing age, severe proteinuria in systemic lupus erythematosus raises concern for renal involvement and pregnancy complications. While persisting renal loss of protein is known to culminate in extensive interventions, intermittent proteinuria in inactive disease requires an adjusted approach. Contextual awareness of this urinary finding is thus essential.
Au(III) π‐Allyl Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Reactivity, and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Vesseur David , Holmsen Marte S. M. , Bourissou Didier
Published: July 2023

π‐Allyl complexes of transition metals are key species in organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. Palladium(II) π‐allyl complexes in particular, have gained a lot of attention, but their isoelectronic gold(III) counterparts long remained elusive. However, this situation changed during the last few years. This concept article describes the preparative routes, characterization, structure and reactivity of such species, together with their catalytic applications. The influence of the ancillary ligand at gold, either (P,C)/(N,C)‐cyclometalated or (P,N)‐hemilabile, is analysed in detail. The Au(III) and Pd(II) π‐allyl complexes are also compared to highlight the similarities and differences.
Prospective view of nitride material synthesis
Authors: Stoddard Nathan , Pimputkar Siddha
Published: July 2023

The field of nitride‐based materials is producing some of the most promising and interesting candidates for advanced technology applications. Novel formulations and polymorphs are of interest for applications requiring one or more of: high hardness, high oxygen resistance at elevated temperatures, catalytic action, semiconductor light sources, and (ultra‐)wide band gap electronics. The synthesis of nitrides with excellent single crystal structural quality of an appreciable size is challenging whether working in solution growth techniques like ammonothermal and flux growth, or in vapor deposition techniques. This paper presents a perspective on recent developments in equipment and techniques for single crystal nitride synthesis with a view toward progress anticipated in the next 5–10 years.
Regularity for convex viscosity solutions of special Lagrangian equation
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Shankar Ravi , Yuan Yu
Published: July 2023

We establish interior regularity for convex viscosity solutions of the special Lagrangian equation. Our result states that all such solutions are real analytic in the interior of the domain.
Solvent Dependency of Catalyst‐Substrate Aggregation Through π‐π Stacking in Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Wylie Luke , Barham Joshua P. , Kirchner Barbara
Published: July 2023

Assemblies of photoredox catalysts and their target substrates prior to photoexcitation is a phenomenon naïvely overlooked by the majority of synthetic chemists, but can have profound influences on reactivity and selectivity in photocatalytic reactions. In this study, we determine the aggregation states of triarylamine radical cationic photocatalysts with various target arene substrates in different solvents by specifically parameterized polarizable molecular dynamics simulations. A π‐stacking interaction previously implicated by more expensive, less‐representative quantum calculations is confirmed. Critically, this study presents new insights on: i) the ability of solvents (MeCN vs DMF) to make or break a photocatalytic reaction by promoting (MeCN) or demoting (DMF) its catalyst‐substrate assemblies, which is a determining factor for reactivity, ii) the average “lifetimes” of assemblies in solution from a dynamic simulation. We find that both in the ground state and the photoexcited state, the cationic radical assemblies remain intact for periods often higher than 60 ps, rendering them ideally suitable to undergo intra‐assembly electron transfer reactions upon photoexcitation. Such aspects have not addressed by previous studies on synthetic photocatalytic reactions involving non‐covalent assemblies.
Performing prepurchase examinations of sport horses
Authors: Elliott Christopher , Milligan Peter ‘Spike’
Published: July 2023

Background: The sport horse industry is growing exponentially worldwide. Alongside this there is an increasing demand for veterinary prepurchase examinations. It's important for all equine veterinarians to be familiar with how to perform these examinations in order to best advise their clients.

Aim of the article: This article is primarily intended to assist British veterinarians perform prepurchase examinations (PPEs) of sport horses. The information provided here is based on our experience and opinions. Veterinarians must have comprehensive understanding of the British Equine Veterinary Association's and RCVS's guidance notes on this topic before undertaking PPEs.
Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa exhibit different structural orders in crystal topography
Authors: Chen Shu‐wen W. , Teulon Jean‐Marie , Pellequer Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2023

Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa are two pesticidal toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. To improve our understanding of the nature of their oligomers in the toxic actions and synergistic effects, we performed the atomic force microscopy to probe the surfaces of their natively grown crystals, and used the L‐weight filter to enhance the structural features. By L‐weight filtering, molecular sizes of the Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa monomers obtained are in excellent agreement with the three‐dimensional structures determined by x‐ray crystallography. Moreover, our results show that the layered feature of a structural element distinguishes the topographic characteristics of Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa crystals, suggesting that the Cry11Aa toxin has a better chance than Cyt1Aa for multimerization and therefore cooperativeness of the toxic actions.
Youth with eating disorders more likely use MH, HC services
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2023

Children and adolescents with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder and anorexia nervosa are more likely to use most health care services, including mental health services, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
Non degradation of chitosan and initial degradation of collagen nerve conduits used for protection of nerve coaptations
Authors: Rein Susanne , Schober Ralf , Poetschke Julian , Kremer Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background

Nerve conduits are either used to bridge nerve gaps of up to 3 cm or to protect nerve coaptations. Biodegradable nerve conduits, which are currently commercially available, include Chitosan or collagen‐based ones. As histological aspects of their degradation are highly relevant for the progress of neuronal regeneration, the aim of this study was to report the histopathological signs of such nerve conduits, which were removed during revision surgery.

Materials and Methods

Either Chitosan (n = 2) or collagen (n = 2) nerve conduits were implanted after neuroma resection and nerve grafting (n = 2) or traumatic nerve lesion after cut (n = 1) or crush injury (n = 1) in two females and two men, aged between 17 and 57 years. Revision surgery with removal of the nerve conduits was indicated due to persisting neuropathic pain and sensorimotor deficits, limited joint motion, or neurolysis with hardware removal at a median time of 17 months (range: 5.5–48 months). Histopathological analyses of all removed nerve conduits were performed.

Results

A scar neuroma was diagnosed in one out of four patients. Mechanical complication occurred in one patient after nerve conduit implantation bridged over finger joints. Intraoperatively no or only initial signs of degradation of the nerve conduits were observed.

Chitosan conduits revealed largely unchanged shape and structure of chitosan, and coating of the conduit by a vascularized fibrous membrane. The latter contained deposits taken up by macrophages, most likely representing dissolved chitosan.

Characteristic histopathologic features of the degradation of collagen conduits were a disintegration of the compact collagen into separate fine circular strands, No foreign body reaction was observed in all removed nerve conduits.

Conclusions

Both Chitosan nerve conduits have not been degraded. The collagen nerve conduits showed a beginning degradation process. Furthermore, wrapping the repaired nerve with a nerve conduit did neither prevent adhesions nor improved nerve gliding. Therefore, biodegradation in time should be particularly addressed in further developments of nerve conduits.
Anterolateral thigh flow‐through flap: A versatile method for reconstruction of complex extremity defects
Authors: Dong Kaixuan , Zhou Ya , Xu Yong‐qing , Xu Xiao‐yan , He Xiao‐qing
Published: July 2023

Background

Flow‐through flaps have been widely applied only for the reconstruction of complex defects in the extremities because they can be used for arterial reconstruction and soft tissue coverage simultaneously. This report attempts to fully demonstrate the role of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flow‐through flap as a versatile method for reconstructing complex defects in the extremities.

Methods

From February 2011 to March 2017, we retrospectively analyzed the use of a reconstructive surgical technique based on the ALT flow‐through flap to treat complex extremity defects in 87 patients (trauma, n = 79; diabetic ulcers, n = 5; squamous cell carcinoma, n = 3). Emergency surgery was performed in 12 patients to bridge a major artery gap and was followed by elective reconstruction in the remaining patients. Applications of the ALT flow‐through flap included bridging major artery gaps, preserving recipient blood vessel integrity, reconstructing blood vessel continuity, protecting vascular anastomoses, avoiding difficult end‐to‐side anastomoses in the recipient area, and balancing blood flow, as well as combined application with an additional flap.

Results

The flap size ranged from 6 × 3 cm to 17 × 9 cm. ALT flow‐through flaps were used in combination with an additional flap (n = 4) and in vascular reconstruction (n = 83). Three patients required of the microvascular anastomostic reexploration for venous congestion, total necrosis occurred in two patients, and partial necrosis occurred in one patient. At the donor site, there were three cases of infection and two cases of wound dehiscence. At the recipient site, one case of infection and two cases of wound dehiscence were observed. One patient presented with deep infection secondary to renal failure and underwent amputation. During the follow‐up period (range, 1–33 months), all other flaps (84 cases) survived uneventfully, with normal texture and color.

Conclusion

The ALT flow‐through flap plays many roles as it is a versatile method for reconstructing complex defects of the extremities and serves various other clinical purposes.
Alginate functionalized MFe2O4 (MNi, Co) nanoparticles and hydrated salt incorporated flexible PVDF ternary nanocomposite fibers for magnetoelectric applications
Authors: Bhadrapriya B. C. , Rahul M. T. , Raneesh B. , Thomas Sabu , Saha Abhijit , Kalarikkal Nandakumar
Published: July 2023

Magnetoelectric (ME) polymer nanocomposites find a wide range of applications as ME sensors, energy storage devices, magneto‐mechano‐electric nanogenerators, tissue engineering scaffolds, and so forth. Functionalizing ferrite fillers is an effective strategy to improve the ferrite‐polymer interaction and, thereby, the functional properties. In the present work, we developed ternary nanocomposite fibers of polyvinylidene fluoride loaded with hydrated salt and alginate functionalized ferrite nanoparticles. Nanocomposites with functionalized ferrite fillers were found to have better dielectric and ME properties. The highest values of dielectric constant (14.7) and ME coupling coefficient (18.2 mV cm−1 Oe−1) were obtained for ternary nanocomposite fiber with functionalized nickel ferrite nanoparticles. The present study opens new avenues for developing flexible ME nanocomposites for realizing flexible ME nanocomposites with the required properties for developing next‐generation devices for diverse applications.
Comprehensive serum N‐glycan profiling identifies a biomarker panel for early diagnosis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Yi , Liu Si , Li Jiaoyuan , Yin Tongxin , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Qiankun , Liu Xin , Cheng Liming
Published: July 2023

Aberrant serum N‐glycan profiles have been observed in multiple cancers including non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet the potential of N‐glycans in the early diagnosis of NSCLC remains to be determined. In this study, serum N‐glycan profiles of 275 NSCLC patients and 309 healthy controls were characterized by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. The levels of serum N‐glycans and N‐glycosylation patterns were compared between NSCLC and control groups. In addition, a panel of N‐glycan biomarkers for NSCLC diagnosis was established and validated using machine learning algorithms. As a result, a total of 54 N‐glycan structures were identified in human serum. Compared with healthy controls, 29 serum N‐glycans were increased or decreased in NSCLC patients. N‐glycan abundance in different histological types or clinical stages of NSCLC presented differentiated changes. Furthermore, an optimal biomarker panel of eight N‐glycans was constructed based on logistic regression, with an AUC of 0.86 in the validation set. Notably, this model also showed a desirable capacity in distinguishing early‐stage patients from healthy controls (AUC = 0.88). In conclusion, our work highlights the abnormal N‐glycan profiles in NSCLC and provides supports potential application of N‐glycan biomarker panel in clinical NSCLC detection.
Optical and Electrical Properties of Polystyrene/Poly‐methyl methacrylate Polymeric Blend Filled with Semiconductor and Insulator Nanofillers
Authors: El-Gamal Abear Abdullah
Published: July 2023

The present study deals with the effect of adding different fillers (semiconductor and insulator) on a polystyrene (PS)/poly‐methyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer blend using casting method. A constant content (1 wt%) of semiconductors [multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), polyaniline (PANI), zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs), and titanium dioxide NPs] and insulator [silicon dioxide NPs] fillers is used. Transmission electron microscopy images for MWCNTs show that most nanotubes have an average diameter of 7–11 nm. Moreover, the average size of all metal nano‐oxides is almost 20 nm and confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the formation and the interaction between PS/PMMA polymer blend and fillers. The structural, mechanical, optical, and dielectric properties of the prepared polymer nanocomposites are studied using different tools. Optical characteristics such as absorbance, reflection, bandgap energy (E
g), and optical dielectric components (real and imaginary) are studied. These results reveal that pure 20PS/80PMMA film has E
g(direct) = 4.46 eV, which drops as different fillers are incorporated into the blend. The addition of MWCNTs, PANI to the PS/PMMA blend improves the electrical conductivity due to the growth of conductive paths between the filler and the blending matrix.
High‐Performance Photoabsorber Based on 2D Perovskites with Alternating Cations in the Interlayer Space: GA(MA)3M3I10
Authors: Sun Ping-Ping , Zhang Xuyuan , Yuan Shuai , Chi Weijie , Cai Guilong
Published: July 2023

2D perovskites stabilized by alternating cations in the interlayer space (ACI) GA(MA)3Pb3I10 perovskite have achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of exceeding 18%. However, the potential leakage of broken cells with the usage of lead is still an environment problem. Thus, developing recycling end‐of‐life products via cost‐effective and environmentally friendly strategies is the current mainstream trend for perovskite solar cells. In this study, potential lead‐free alternatives to ACI 2D GA(MA)3M3I10 perovskites with high optoelectronic and photovoltaic performance by replacing lead with metals such as Cd, Cu, Ge, Ni, Sn, Zn, Ca, Si, Fe, Mg, Sr, Ba, and Pd using first‐principles calculations are explored. The findings reveal that Cu, Zn, and Mg can finely tune the bandgap of GA(MA)3M3I10 within the optimum range (0.9–2.3 eV) required for photovoltaic applications. GA(MA)3Cu3I10 exhibits the strongest carrier transport ability, with the highest carrier mobility of 479.7 cm2 V−1 s−1. GA(MA)3Mg3I10 demonstrates the highest PCE of 23.6%, positioning itself as a promising photoabsorber candidate for photovoltaic applications. Findings not only contribute to the design of environmentally friendly, high‐efficiency ACI 2D perovskites, but also unveil a mechanism that is not experimentally detected.
Indium Zinc Tin Oxide Bottom Electrode‐Based Flexible Indoor Organic Photovoltaics with Remarkably High Mechanical Stability
Authors: Lee Yongju , Biswas Swarup , Jo Hyunil , Lim Hyo Jun , Heo Young-Woo , Kim Hyeok
Published: July 2023

The demand for flexible indoor organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) is growing dramatically due to their simple and practical use as a powering aid for various electronic gadgets connected to the Internet of Things. Due to the brittleness of inorganic material‐based transparent bottom electrodes and their incompatibility with flexible organic substrates, it is extremely difficult to limit the influence of mechanical stress on the stability of flexible OPV. In this regard, choosing a mechanically stable and highly conductive transparent conducting oxide (TCO) is crucial. Therefore, flexible OPVs are fabricated onto a flexible (polyimide) substrate coated with mechanically stable TCO indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). Sheet resistance measurements and observations of scanning electron microscope images of IZTO film after 100 000 bending repetitions (bending radius: 5 mm) confirm the ultrahigh mechanical stability of the TCO. The sheet resistance of flexible IZTO electrode layers is increased by 9%, from 17.42 to 19.12 Ω sq−1. In addition, the impact of a large number of bending repetitions on film transmittance is minimal. The OPV shows ≈69% and ≈20% of its initial power conversion efficiency value after 100 000 bending repetitions for 1000 lx LED illumination and 1 sun conditions, respectively.
A real‐time hybrid simulation method based on multitasking loading
Authors: Wang Tao , Hao Jiedun , Xu Guoshan , Wang Zhen , Meng Liyan , Zheng Huan
Published: July 2023

Due to the real‐time loading property and the limitation of available loading facilities, both of the refined numerical substructure simulations and multiple experimental substructure tests are impossible for traditional real‐time hybrid simulation method (RHSM). For improving the experimental accuracy under limited loading facilities, a RHSM based on multitasking loading (RHSM‐ML) is proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, an inner‐loop multitasking loading strategy is adopted for accurately reproducing the performance of multiple experimental substructures with limited available loading facilities, and an outer‐loop force correction‐based iteration strategy is adopted for further improving the experimental accuracy by allowing refined simulation of the numerical substructures while remaining real‐time loading on the experimental substructures. Firstly, the methodology of the proposed RHSM‐ML is presented. Furthermore, the numerical simulations were conducted for validating the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method. Finally, the influence of the structural model on the iterative convergence is analyzed. It is shown that the multitasking loading and the force correction‐based iteration strategy are feasible for RHSM. It is shown from numerical simulations that with the contribution of the multitasking loading strategy, the correlation coefficients under different simulation conditions can up to 0.9999 within five round iterations by the RHSM‐ML and the force correction‐based iteration strategy of the RHSM‐ML can significantly improve the iterative convergence accuracy. It is shown from iterative convergence analysis that under different structural models, the convergence of the RHSM‐ML can be achieved within five round iterations.
Insights on in‐office scar revision and resurfacing procedures
Authors: Goslawski Amanda , Tranchito Eve , Rabbani Cyrus C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Many facial plastic surgery procedures can be performed in an office‐based setting, ranging from simple chemical peels to reconstructive surgeries to assist with scar revision. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of facial plastics in‐office surgical procedures, including scar revision, dermabrasion, lasers, and chemical peels.

Methods

A literature review was conducted with the PubMed search engine with the following keywords: facial plastics, scar revision, dermabrasion, lasers, chemical peels, face, office, and outpatient. The literature was surveyed for relevance, with a focus on realistically which procedures were performed in a facial plastics surgery outpatient clinic. These were then used to compile a review of the current state of this field.

Results and Conclusions

There are various scar revision procedures that can be performed in the office setting, including z‐plasty, w‐plasty, and geometric broken line closure techniques, as well as various nonmedical treatment options to improve the appearance of a scar. Dermabrasion can also be performed to assist with elevated scars. Various lasers are available to enhance cell turnover in the field of facial rejuvenation, scarring, and sun damage. Chemical peels are also available to assist with facial rejuvenation. With the appropriate counseling of the patient and medical staff, these can be safely performed in the office.
Optimization of extraction of lycopene from carrot and determination of its antioxidant activity
Authors: Ge Bichen , Wang Wei , Gao Yurong , Chen Xiaoju
Published: July 2023

Background: Lycopene is a carotenoid which is abundant in mature red plant fruits, especially in tomato, carrot and watermelon. This study investigated lycopene extraction from carrots and its antioxidant properties. Methods and results: Through an orthogonal experiment (L9 (3)3), lycopene extraction was optimized and its antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The results showed that the maximum yield of lycopene was obtained when the extraction temperature, extraction time and solid-liquid ratio were 40℃, 125 min and 1:2 g/mL, and the influence on the extraction yield of lycopene decreased in the order: solid-liquid ratio > extraction time > extraction temperature. The antioxidant activity test showed that lycopene had strong scavenging ability on DPPH and ABTS free radicals, but poor scavenging ability on hydroxyl radicals. Conclusion: The maximum extraction yield of lycopene is 50.82 ± 0.18 µg/g. Lycopene has good antioxidant capacity. This study provides a theoretical framework and statistical support for the continued development of the lycopene from carrots, which is projected to be exploited as a natural antioxidant or health supplement in the food and cosmetics industries.
Stock plant etiolation reduces rooting of sub-terminal olive cuttings by reducing total sugars, IAA, indole/phenol ratio, and IAA/GA ratio
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed Abdel-Aziz , Rashedy Ahmed AbdelHady
Published: July 2023

Adventitious root formation is the key to successful propagation of olives through cuttings. Etiolation, as an eco-friendly practice, can modulate the plant’s endogenous phytohormone, which plays an important role in stimulation of rooting of cuttings. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effect of etiolation on the rooting behavior of both ‘Manzanillo’ and ‘Picual’ olive cuttings (terminal and sub-terminal) treated with IBA (0, 4000 ppm). The results indicated that sub-terminal cuttings in both cultivars were more effective in olive propagation than terminal cuttings as they recorded increased leaves number, C/N ratio, total carbohydrates, total indoles, IAA, IAA/GA ratio, and total phenols. Etiolation of both olive cultivars for both terminal and sub-terminal cuttings significantly decreased rooting percent, roots number, IAA, and IAA/GA ratio; while, it increased GA and GA/IAA. Moreover, etiolation decreased total sugars, IAA, IAA/GA ratio, and indole/phenol ratio in both sub-terminal cuttings. Terminal ‘Manzanillo’ cuttings achieved a higher rooting percent than terminal ‘Picual’ cuttings by 5.83% and 202.2% as mean of both seasons for untreated and IBA-treated cuttings, which was accompanied by significant increase in vascular bundle%, total phenol, phenol/indole ratio, IAA, and IAA/GA ratio by 21.48%, 49.2%, 44.72%, 12.9%, and 22.9%, respectively. Also, terminal ‘Manzanillo’ cuttings recorded lower GA by 7.98% and GA/IAA ratio by 18.21% and pith by 6.13% than terminal ‘Picual’ cuttings. This study proved that olive plants need exposure to full sunlight to propagate easily by cuttings since etiolation had negative effects on IBA-treated cuttings.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and COVID-19
Authors: Pappa Maria , Panagiotopoulos Alexandros , Thomas Konstantinos , Fanouriakis Antonis
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

To describe the current state of knowledge regarding COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We focus on (i) SARS-CoV-2 vaccination uptake, immunogenicity and safety, and (ii) outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with SLE and pertinent risk factors for adverse sequelae.

Recent Findings

Notwithstanding the potential concern of patients about possible post-vaccination side-effects, the safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with SLE has been undisputedly confirmed in numerous studies. Humoral immunogenicity is generally attained in SLE, although affected by the use of background immunosuppressive drugs, especially rituximab. The latter has also clearly been implicated with adverse COVID-19 outcomes in SLE, including need for hospitalization, mechanical ventilation and death.

Although the wide adoption of vaccination has significantly improved COVID-19 outcomes, patients with SLE continue to pose challenges during the pandemic, mainly owing to administered immunosuppressive medications.
Creating Sociological Knowledge and the Next Generation of Sociological Thinkers in Faculty-Directed Research with Undergraduate Research Assistants
Authors: King Molly M. , Imai Megan K.
Published: July 2023

Undergraduate research in sociology departments provides opportunities for student engagement and faculty development. Although undergraduate research in the natural and physical sciences and graduate mentoring have been extensively studied, there are few systematic studies of the process of extracurricular undergraduate research in sociology from the perspective of both faculty and students. We carried out semi-structured qualitative interviews with 23 faculty and undergraduate research assistants (RAs). Our results outline the dynamics of faculty-directed research collaborations in sociology departments. We first detail the tasks regularly performed by undergraduate RAs and then describe the development of RA-faculty partnerships, including hiring and training. Faculty-RA teams work together on faculty-directed research through mechanisms of accountability, regular meetings, and communication. Finally, we describe how relationships transform and partnerships end. We find that faculty generally have one of two outlooks on undergraduate research: they either seek RAs as facilitators of their research or they aim to develop and mentor junior colleagues. We discuss the implications of these outlooks for student learning, professionalization, and holistic development.
Age and Sex Differences in the Genetics of Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Akinrinade Oyediran , Lesurf Robert ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Ambrose J. C. , Arumugam P. , Bleda M. , Boardman-Pretty F. , Boustred C. R. , Brittain H. , Caulfield M. J. , Chan G. C. , Fowler T. , Giess A. , Hamblin A. , Henderson S. , Hubbard T. J. P. , Jackson R. , Jones L. J. , Kasperaviciute D. , Kayikci M. , Kousathanas A. , Lahnstein L. , Leigh S. E. A. , Leong I. U. S. , Lopez F. J. , Maleady-Crowe F. , Moutsianas L. , Mueller M. , Murugaesu N. , Need A. C. , O‘Donovan P. , Odhams C. A. , Patch C. , Perez-Gil D. , Pereira M. B. , Pullinger J. , Rahim T. , Rendon A. , Rogers T. , Savage K. , Sawant K. , Scott R. H. , Siddiq A. , Sieghart A. , Smith S. C. , Sosinsky A. , Stuckey A. , Tanguy M. , Thomas E. R. A. , Thompson S. R. , Tucci A. , Walsh E. , Welland M. J. , Williams E. , Witkowska K. , Wood S. M. , Lougheed Jane , Mondal Tapas , Smythe John , Altamirano-Diaz Luis , Oechslin Erwin , Mital Seema
Published: July 2023

Cardiomyopathy has variable penetrance. We analyzed age and sex-related genetic differences in 1,397 cardiomyopathy patients (Ontario, UK) with whole genome sequencing. Pediatric cases (n = 471) harbored more deleterious protein-coding variants in Tier 1 cardiomyopathy genes compared to adults (n = 926) (34.6% vs 25.9% respectively, p = 0.0015), with variant enrichment in constrained coding regions. Pediatric patients had a higher burden of sarcomere and lower burden of channelopathy gene variants compared to adults. Specifically, pediatric patients had more MYH7 and MYL3 variants in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and fewer TTN truncating variants in dilated cardiomyopathy. MYH7 variants clustered in the myosin head and neck domains in children. OBSCN was a top mutated gene in adults, enriched for protein-truncating variants. In dilated cardiomyopathy, female patients had a higher burden of z-disc gene variants compared to males. Genetic differences may explain age and sex-related variability in cardiomyopathy penetrance. Genotype-guided predictions of age of onset can inform pre-test genetic counseling.

Graphical Abstract

Pediatric cardiomyopathy patients were more likely to be genotype-positive than adults with a higher burden of variants in MYH7, MYL3, TNNT2, VCL. Adults had a higher burden of OBSCN and TTN variants. Females with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) had a higher burden of z-disc gene variants compared to males.
Raising the social status of teachers: teachers as social entrepreneurs
Authors: Bates Glen , Fisher Rosemary , Turner Kristina , Machirori Tafadzwa Leroy , Rixon Andrew
Published: July 2023

In Australia, concerningly high levels of teacher attrition, and subsequent teacher shortages, have led to calls for improvement in the social status of teachers. In response, this study explored what draws pre-service teachers to the teaching profession in the face of research and media reports that suggest teaching is perceived as a low-status career. Using mixed methods, we surveyed 387 Australian pre-service teachers and found that their primary motivations for entering the teaching profession corresponded with the motivations attributed to social entrepreneurs who use innovation to make positive social change for their constituents. As far as the authors know, this is the first time that a close alignment between pre-service teachers’ motivations for entering the teaching profession and social entrepreneurs’ behaviours and intentions has been demonstrated. Thus, this study makes a unique contribution in the field of initial teacher education. We suggest that explicitly recognising teachers as social entrepreneurs with the inherent capacity to generate social innovation has the potential to raise the status of the profession. Such recognition could also positively inform pre-service teacher recruitment and teacher retention.
Periodontal Health and Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Kisely Steve
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

People with mental illness are vulnerable to periodontal diseases. Explanations include the direct effects of the psychiatric illness, side effects of psychotropic medication, lifestyle (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use), shared risk factors, and difficulties with activities of daily living and access to dental care.

Recent Findings

Latest findings confirm the bi-directional relationship between periodontal disease and both psychiatric illness and substance use disorders (SUDs). On one hand, individuals with psychiatric illness and SUDs are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, the strongest association being for SUDs and severe mental illnesses. On the other hand, periodontal disease may contribute to the development or exacerbation of psychiatric illness and SUDs through the systemic effects of chronic inflammation.

There are complex and bi-directional interactions between dental pathology and psychiatric illnesses/ SUDs that include a wide range of interconnected biological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors.
Smear layer removal and bacteria eradication from tooth root canals by Erbium lasers irradiation
Authors: Blakimé Alexia , Henriques Bruno , Silva Filipe S. , Teughels Wim , Özcan Mutlu , Souza Júlio C. M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to perform an integrative review on the effects of Erbium lasers irradiation on bacteria eradication and smear layer removal from dentin surfaces of tooth root canals.

Method

A bibliographic search was performed on PubMed using the following search terms: “ultrasonic” AND “Er:YAG” OR “Er,Cr:YSGG” AND “laser” AND “bacteria” OR “smear layer” OR “faecalis” OR “disinfection” AND “root canal” OR “endodontic”. Studies published in the English language within the last 12 years were selected regarding the objective of this study.

Results

Previous studies reported a percentage decrease of Enterococcus faecalis at around 99% using an association between Er:YAG or Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.5 W and 2.5% NaOCl. Er:YAG laser-assisted irrigation at 0.9 and 1 W showed similar outcomes when compared to ultrasonic activation but revealed slightly higher amount removal of remnant intraradicular debris. Er:YAG or Er,Cr:YSGG laser showed a higher smear layer removal and bacteria eradication compared to solely passive ultrasonic activation although other types of lasers were lesser effective than the ultrasonic activation. Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 0.25 to 1.25 W in association with NaOCl was as effective as ultrasonic activation on the eradication of Enterococcus faecalis and multispecies biofilms.

Conclusions

Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers revealed significant bacteria eradication and smear layer removal from tooth root canals. Additionally, energy, irradiance, and mode of laser-assisted irradiation can be improved to achieve optimum results, considering different remnant tooth structures and anatomic variables. The combination of ultrasonic irrigation and laser-assisted irradiation may provide full bacteria eradication and removal of the contaminated smear layer, avoiding further bacteria-infection issues.
Influence of the Application Method of Bitumen Emulsion on the Layer Bond
Authors: Middendorf Moritz , Kempf David , Böhm Stefan
Published: July 2023

Asphalt is paved in several layers. A good layer bond between the individual asphalt layers is necessary for a long service life of the asphalt pavement. For many years, bitumen emulsions have been used to bond the layers together in accordance with the requirements. Usually, the emulsion is sprayed and the asphalt layer is paved in two steps. In the first step, the base is sprayed with the bitumen emulsion. In the second step, after the bitumen emulsion has broken, the asphalt is placed. However, paving can also be carried out using a spray paver with an integrated spraying device. In this case, spraying and paving are carried out in one work process. In this study, the influence of both paving methods on the layer bond is investigated. For this purpose, the two methods are simulated in the laboratory and the effect is analysed for different bitumen emulsions (C60 BP4-S; C40 BF5-S) and different spray rates. The aim of the study is to find out the suitability of bitumen emulsions for the spray paver method when paving asphalt wearing courses (4 cm), and to reveal possible damage potentials. It was detected that the amount of water in the bitumen emulsion has a significant impact on the quality of the layer bond. Therefore, the total amount of emulsion applied also has an influence on the layer bond as the amount of water increases with the total amount of emulsion.
Characterization of the optimal average cost in Markov decision chains driven by a risk-seeking controller
Authors: Cavazos-Cadena Rolando , Cruz-Suárez Hugo , Montes-de-Oca Raúl
Published: July 2023

This work concerns Markov decision chains on a denumerable state space endowed with a bounded cost function. The performance of a control policy is assessed by a long-run average criterion as measured by a risk-seeking decision maker with constant risk-sensitivity. Besides standard continuity–compactness conditions, the framework of the paper is determined by the following conditions: (i) the state process is communicating under each stationary policy, and (ii) the simultaneous Doeblin condition holds. Within this framework it is shown that (i) the optimal superior and inferior limit average value functions coincide and are constant, and (ii) the optimal average cost is characterized via an extended version of the Collatz–Wielandt formula in the theory of positive matrices.
LUCIAN'S HIPPIAS
Authors: Thonemann Peter
Published: July 2023

Lucian's Hippias or The Bath, traditionally considered to be a straight-faced encomium of a historical architect and real-life bath-house of the Antonine period, is now often judged to be a work of satire, though what exactly is being satirized has remained elusive. This article argues that the architect ‘Hippias’ is closely modelled on Plato's caricature of the sophist Hippias of Elis in the Hippias Minor, and that his bath-house is a comic extrapolation from the sophist's home-made oil-flask and strigil. Lucian's Hippias should be read as a parody of contemporary prose encomia of public buildings.
Differences in Scattering Properties of the Shallow Crusts of Earth, Mars, and the Moon Revealed by P‐Wave Receiver Functions
Authors: Shi Jing , Wang Tao , Chen Han , Yang Minghan , Chen Ling , Hui Hejiu , Xu Zongbo , Lognonné Philippe , Kawamura Taichi
Published: July 2023

The scattering properties of terrestrial planetary bodies can provide valuable insights into their shallow seismic structure, meteoritic impact history, and geological activity. Scattering properties of the shallow crusts of Earth, Mars, and the Moon are investigated by constructing P‐wave receiver functions (PRFs) from teleseismic waveforms with high signal‐to‐noise ratios. The authors’ analysis reveals that strong coda waves lead to significant variations in the PRF waveforms calculated using different time windows, and the stability of the PRF is primarily influenced by the fractional velocity fluctuation. Synthetic PRFs for various scattering media confirm these observations. Comparing the observed and synthetic PRFs, it is found that the fractional velocity fluctuation in the shallow crust is greater than ∼0.2 for the Moon but less than ∼0.2 for Earth and Mars. The authors further discuss possible mechanisms that could have affected the fractional velocity fluctuation and suggest that the distinct fractional velocity fluctuation between the Moon and Earth/Mars is mainly due to differences in the water content of the crustal rocks of the three planetary bodies.