bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of fire‐maintained plant species diversity in species‐rich wet pine savannas
Authors: Brewer J. Stephen
Published: January 2023

Temperate savannas and grasslands maintained by frequent, low‐intensity disturbances such as fire contain among the most species‐rich plant communities in the world. Precisely how these disturbances maintain such high fine‐scale diversity is poorly understood. This study examined the effects of the frequency of simulated fire (clipping combined with litter removal) and the relative importance of recruitment and survival on species diversity and trait and species composition at each of two pine savannas in southeastern Mississippi (USA) that had not been recently burned. Ten 2 × 2 m plots at each site were clipped/cleared annually from 2014 to 2019 and again in spring 2021 (annual frequency). The other 10 clipping plots were not clipped from 2018 to 2020 (reduced frequency). Vegetation in small subplots in annual frequency and reduced frequency plots was compared in August 2021 to test the effects of a short period without clipping on diversity and composition. To test the relative importance of recruitment and survival on diversity and composition, four 0.25 × 0.25 m quarter plots were established within each of 10 annual frequency plots per site following a clipping treatment in fall 2019 and assigned a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of transplantation of sods from long‐unburned areas and herbicide application. Reducing the frequency of clipping reduced plant diversity and altered composition at both sites. A comparison of diversity and trait composition responses to transplant and herbicide treatments revealed how recruitment and survival combined to affect species diversity. Partial or complete recovery of diversity following clipping and litter removal at both sites was driven by rapid increases in short‐lived, resilient species that show fire‐stimulated emergence from a seed bank and the persistence of long‐lived species capable of surviving the prolonged period without fire or clipping. Species with reduced resilience and persistence were more likely to be lost in the reduced frequency treatment. Results are consistent with a model of short‐term coexistence of maximum species diversity maintained by the most frequent fire regime fuels will permit.
The influence of habitat characteristics on the occupancy and dispersal of two headwater fishes in a dendritic network
Authors: Hubbell Joshua P. , Schaefer Jacob F. , Kreiser Brian R.
Published: January 2023

The bifurcating configuration of stream networks impacts the connectivity of patches and therefore influences the effects of habitat variables on dispersal and occupancy. In this study, we developed a comparative framework to explore the influence of environmental and anthropogenic variables on the dispersal and occupancy of two headwater darters, the Yazoo darter (Etheostoma raneyi) and goldstripe darter (Etheostoma parvipinne). We conducted our study in two subbasins that are nested within a larger Gulf Coastal Plain drainage in the southeastern United States. We examined patterns of occupancy using detection data collected within standardized stream reaches within the larger subbasin. Genotype by sequencing identified single nucleotide polymorphisms, which we then used to calculate genetic distance among samples obtained from localities distributed across both subbasins. Goldstripe darter and Yazoo darter occupancy were both best modeled by a single environmental variable (Yazoo darter: well depth; goldstripe darter: drainage area). Similarly, model rankings suggested that well depth explained a substantial amount of the variability in Yazoo darter genetic distance in this subbasin. However, we found no evidence that drainage area strongly affected goldstripe darter genetic distance within the larger subbasin. Our findings also suggested that the best predictors of Yazoo darter and goldstripe darter genetic distance differed between the two subbasins, and that variation in goldstripe darter genetic distance in the smaller subbasin was largely a consequence of anthropogenic variables. The comparative approach we used in this study suggests that the habitat variables regulating the dispersal and occupancy of some headwater fishes may differ, thus the use of site‐occupancy models to predict the dispersal habitat of these fishes may be inappropriate. Therefore, we suggest that understanding the effects of habitat variables regulating dispersal and occupancy may be crucial to understanding the metapopulation dynamics of headwater fishes.
Putting the power back in empowerment: Stakeholder perspectives on community empowerment in energy transformations
Authors: Coy Dominique , Malekpour Shirin , Saeri Alexander K.
Published: January 2023

Energy systems are rapidly transforming towards sustainability, involving significant realignments in social, economic and political systems. New actors such as communities are seeking empowerment to engage in transformations. A range of actors has applied the concept of empowerment in energy transformations to signify different ideas for how communities can engage with energy. As such, its meaning is shaped by ambiguities, uncertainties and contestations. Traditionally, a neoliberal discourse has framed empowerment in energy, resulting in a hollowing of the term and questions around what it means, to whom and in which contexts. This paper contributes to this debate by unpacking empowerment in energy transformations in the context of community energy initiatives. Building on interviews and multicriteria mapping techniques, this paper concludes that all energy stakeholders prefer the strongest options for empowerment. However, empowerment is a co‐produced phenomenon revealing a role for all stakeholders in its cultivation. Embracing diverse understandings of empowerment has implications for how governance can facilitate community empowerment in energy transformations.
Life cycle assessment of Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel: Energy efficiency, CO2 intensity and environmental impacts
Authors: Amouri Mohammed , Zaïd Toudert Ahmed , Aziza Majda , Zandouche Ouahid
Published: January 2023

This paper performs a thorough cradle to tank life cycle assessment to examine environmental impacts of Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel. Attributional LCA according to ISO 14040‐44, using CML‐IA baseline method, was conducted. Furthermore, Biodiesel versus petrodiesel comparison was undertaken.

Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel shows a GWP of 39.94 gCO2eq/MJ of biodiesel, which presents a reduction of 52.34%, compared to petrodiesel. It revealed an EROEI value of 1.48, which can reach 3.20 with allocation applying, presenting an energy saving over petrodiesel of 53%. In addition, Ozone layer depletion impact of Moringa based biodiesel is lower than that of petrodiesel. This good performance notwithstanding, Moringa oleifera derived biodiesel exhibits high environmental impacts in terms of Abiotic Depletion of elements, Human Toxicity, Fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity, Marine aquatic ecotoxicity, Terrestrial ecotoxicity, Acidification, Eutrophication, respectively, 96.60%, 60.22%, 82.13%, 64.77%, 98.71%, 35.68% and 76.70% higher than those of petrodiesel. Nevertheless, coproducts valorization and ecofriendly inputs use could contribute efficiently to improve its environmental performances compared to petrodiesel.

According to our results and comparison with other feedstocks based biodiesel, Moringa biodiesel could be used as a sustainable biofuel with a high contribution to climate change mitigation and fossil energy savings in addition to reduced environmental impacts.
Optimization of ultrasonic Bath and cold plasma pre‐treatments in the spearmint essential oil isolation process
Authors: Moradi‐Sadr Jalil , Ebadi Mohammad‐Taghi , Ayyari Mahdi , Ghomi Hamidreza
Published: January 2023

Spearmint essential oil (SEO), one of the economically valuable natural products, has special importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and perfumery industries due to its antifungal, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties. In this study, we optimized and evaluated the effect of three pre‐treatments on the extraction of SEO for quantity and quality: ultrasonic bath (UB), water to material ratio‐ultrasonic bath (W/M‐UB), and cold plasma‐ultrasonic bath (CP‐UB). Three experiments were designed using the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental treatments included UB temperature (30–80°C) and time duration (1–30 min), cold plasma (CP) power (15–24 kV), and water/material ratio (10–40). Then, SEOs were extracted by hydro‐distillation using the Clevenger apparatus. The results showed that SEO yield in the optimal conditions of treatments was 119.7%, 206.6%, and 155.7% higher in UB, W/M‐UB, and CP‐UB pretreatments respectively, in comparison to control sample and optimized conditions were UB temperature: 37.3°C and UB time: 5.2 min at UB treatment, 33.9 of W/M ratio, 69.9°C of UB temperature and 6.9 min of UB time at W/M‐UB treatment and CP power: 22.176, UB temperature: 40.135 and UB time: 24.122 at CP‐UB treatment. Oxygenated monoterpenes were also higher in the essential oils (EOs) of all three treated plant materials. In conclusion, the SEO extraction yield improved by the application of the pretreatments in optimized conditions.
The MOE Modification of RNA: Origins and Widescale Impact on the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Field
Authors: Hill Alyssa C. , Hall Jonathan
Published: January 2023

In an article published by Helvetica Chimica Acta in 1995, chemist P. Martin describes the synthesis of 2′‐O‐alkylated ribonucleosides for use in therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). This work was motivated by the need for a modified ribose structure that was compatible with solid‐phase synthesis protocols and that, when incorporated into an oligonucleotide, would render it resistant to nucleases without attenuating its ability to hybridize to a complementary RNA target. Martin described a robust route to 2′‐O‐alkylribonucleosides in which the ribose 2′‐OH group is substituted with 2′‐ethylene glycol derivatives. Oligonucleotides containing these modifications displayed überraschende Eigenschaften – ‘surprising properties’ – notably, higher affinity and specificity for RNA substrates and greater stability to nucleases relative to their unmodified counterparts. Today, the 2′‐ethylene glycol modification is universally known in the field as the 2′‐O‐methoxyethyl (MOE) modification. The chemistry features in four ASO drugs and many others in clinical trials. Here, we 1) summarize the synthesis of the MOE‐modified ribose; 2) outline the properties of MOE‐modified oligonucleotides as reported in Martin’s article; 3) highlight the first approved MOE‐modified ASO drugs, mipomersen and nusinersen; and 4) survey MOE‐modified ASOs in clinical development. In the outlook, we put these developments into context and consider future possibilities for the MOE modification.
Immune profile of healthcare professionals six months after vaccination or exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 in Angola
Authors: Sebastião Cruz S. , Sacomboio Euclides , Francisco Ngiambudulu M. , Cassinela Edson K. , Mateus António , David Zinga , Paixão Joana , Vasconcelos Jocelyne Neto de , Morais Joana
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is a public health concern. Until 2021, more than 2 million cumulative deaths were reported worldwide. Herein, we investigated the immune profile of healthcare professionals 6 months after vaccination or exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 in Angola.

Methods

This was a prospective study conducted with 1068 Angolan healthcare professionals between August and December 2021. Participants were screened for the presence of IgG and IgM against SARS‐CoV‐2.

Results

About 9.6% and 98.2% of the participants had prior exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 or vaccination against it, respectively. Participants aged between 20 and 40 years (11.2%), female (12.4%), with higher educational level (12.8%), from Luanda (60.3%), and nonhealthcare professionals (8.1%) were the most affected by the SARS‐CoV‐2. Gender, education, and local residence were related to SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure (p < 0.05). About 7.3% and 98% of the exposed population developed IgM and IgG after 3 months of exposure, respectively. The AstraZeneca vaccine was the most used, followed by the Jonhson & Johnson and Sputinik. Almost all (98%) participants vaccinated with AstraZeneca had immunity >3 months. Individuals who received only the first dose regardless of the type of vaccine had a higher immunity duration (>3 months) than those who received two doses. For individuals who received the Sputnik and Johnson, the average immunity was lower (<3 months), especially among those who were older (over 40 years old) and exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2.

Conclusion

We observed a high adherence rate to vaccination and a long immunity duration. The immunity duration depended on the type of vaccine. Further studies on the immunity profile in the population exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2 must be carried out in the general population from Angola to assess antibody‐waning periods.
Ontology characterization, enrichment analysis, and similarity calculation‐based evaluation of disease–syndrome–formula associations by applying SoFDA
Authors: Liu Yudong , Xu Jia , Yu Zecong , Chen Tong , Wang Ning , Du Xia , Wang Ping , Zhou Xuezhong , Xu Haiyu , Zhang Yanqiong
Published: January 2023

Clinical symptom‐based diagnosis and therapy play a crucial role in personalized medicine and drug discovery. The syndromes, distinctive groups of clinical symptoms summarized by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and clinical experiences, are used as the core diagnostic criteria and therapeutic guidance in TCM. However, there is still a lack of standardized data, information, and intrinsic molecular basis to help TCM syndromes better classify diseases and guide tailored medications. To address this problem, we built the first integrated web platform, SoFDA (http://www.tcmip.cn/Syndrome/front/), with a curated ontology of 319 TCM syndromes, 8045 diseases, and 1359 TCM herbal formulas and their relationships with genes, diseases, and formulas. This platform proposed an association measurement by calculating Jaccard/Cosine similarities between TCM syndromes and their related biomedical entities with case and control validations. On this basis, the SoFDA platform enables biomedical and pharmaceutical scientists to rank and filter the most promising associations for disease diagnosis and tailored interventions. Conversely, the targeted gene sets and symptom sets can also be associated with TCM syndromes, formulas, and diseases for function illustration. Notably, SoFDA explores the multi‐way associations among diseases, TCM syndromes, symptom genes, herbal formulas, drug targets, and pathways in heterogeneous biomedical networks with lots of customization. The protocol here implements all the analyses above using the SoFDA platform. Collectively, SoFDA may provide insights into the biological basis of disease‐specific TCM syndromes and the underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as a tailored treatment for single or multiple symptoms within a syndrome.
The effect of smartphone filming on student confidence in dental anesthesia techniques: A randomized trial
Authors: Uppgaard Rachel , Huang Boyen , Johnson Annika , Lynn Sarah
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To examine the effect of individualized smartphone‐recorded video review on dental student confidence in performing local anesthesia (LA) techniques, in a manikin‐based simulation environment.

Methods

All University of Minnesota second‐year dental students were invited to participate in this randomized trial developed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement, in 2020. With a parallel trial design, 104 students were randomly divided into two groups (52 per group) prior to the learning experience. Students and researchers were not blinded to group assignments. All students learned LA techniques in the same manikin‐based simulation setting. The experimental group incorporated individualized smartphone filming into simulation training, and the control group did not. A paper‐based questionnaire with 19 5‐point Likert scale questions assessed the students’ self‐rated confidence levels in LA techniques before, immediately after, and approximately one month after the training.

Results

The final sample included 45 students in the experimental group (48.4%) and 48 in the control group (51.6%). In both groups, student confidence in performing LA techniques increased after completion of the training (p < 0.001), with no harm reported. The experimental group reported greater confidence in inferior alveolar nerve injection (p = 0.038), and in local anesthetic administration rate (p = 0.029), compared with the control group.

Conclusions

This study suggested that the incorporation of smartphone‐recorded video review in simulation training is beneficial for learning LA techniques. Further investigation on teaching methods to enhance student confidence and performance in LA administration is indicated.
Muscle architecture and muscle fibre type composition in the forelimb of two African mole‐rat species, Bathyergus suillus and Heterocephalus glaber
Authors: Sahd Lauren , Doubell Narusa , Bennett Nigel C. , Kotzé Sanet H.
Published: January 2023

The scratch‐digging Cape dune mole‐rat (Bathyergus suillus), and the chisel‐toothed digging naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber) are African mole‐rats that differ in their digging strategy. The aim of this study was to determine if these behavioural differences are reflected in the muscle architecture and fibre‐type composition of the forelimb muscles. Muscle architecture parameters of 39 forelimb muscles in both species were compared. Furthermore, muscle fibre type composition of 21 forelimb muscles were analysed using multiple staining protocols. In B. suillus, muscles involved with the power stroke of digging (limb retractors and scapula elevators), showed higher muscle mass percentage, force output and shortening capacity compared to those in H. glaber. Additionally, significantly higher percentages of glycolytic fibres were observed in the scapular elevators and digital flexors of B. suillus compared to H. glaber, suggesting that the forelimb muscles involved in digging in B. suillus provide fast, powerful motions for effective burrowing. In contrast, the m. sternohyoideus a head and neck flexor, had significantly more oxidative fibres in H. glaber compared to B. suillus. In addition, significantly greater physiological cross‐sectional area and fascicle length values were seen in the neck flexor, m. sternocleidomastoideus, in H. glaber compared to B. suillus, which indicates a possible adaptation for chisel‐tooth digging. While functional demands may play a significant role in muscle morphology, the phylogenetic differences between the two species may play an additional role which needs further study.
Modified free gingival graft technique for treatment of gingival recession defects at mandibular incisors: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Carcuac Olivier , Trullenque‐Eriksson Anna , Derks Jan
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and patient‐reported outcomes following surgical root coverage at RT1 gingival recession defects at mandibular incisors, using either a conventional free gingival graft (FGG) or a modified FGG (ModFGG).

Methods

Total of 30 patients with RT1 gingival recessions at mandibular incisors were enrolled and randomly allocated to either a control (FGG) or test group (ModFGG). Evaluations of clinical changes (recession depth, height of keratinized tissue) and patient satisfaction were performed over a follow‐up period of 12 months. Post‐surgical changes of keratinized tissue height (shrinkage) were assessed from 1 month and onward.

Results

ModFGG resulted in more pronounced root coverage at 1 year compared to FGG (91.8% vs. 60.7%, p < 0.001). Height of keratinized tissue was improved by 4.2 and 2.2 mm (p < 0.001), respectively, with significantly less shrinkage in ModFGG. Post‐surgical morbidity was significantly lower for ModFGG at 2 weeks and patient satisfaction was significantly higher 12 months after treatment (9.1 vs. 5.4; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

ModFGG represents a valid approach for the management of RT1 recession defects at mandibular incisors. The technique is superior to traditional FGG in terms of root coverage, the gain of keratinized tissue height, and patient satisfaction.
Rheological and thermal properties of reinforced monoglyceride‐carnauba wax oleogels
Authors: Pakseresht Somaye , Tehrani Mostafa Mazaheri , Farhoosh Reza , Koocheki Arash
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Oleogels can be used in the food industry to reduce the consumption of solid fat in the human diet and diminish some of the industrial–technological issues of using oil instead of fat. Regarding the structural weakness of neat monoglyceride oleogel and the waxy mouthfeel of pure carnauba wax oleogel, as a result of the high melting and crystallization points, the present study aimed to diminish these defects.

RESULTS

Carnauba wax (CBW) was used as a co‐gelator with distilled monoglyceride (DMG) at different weight ratios (100:0, 85:15, 70:30, 55:45, 40:60, and 0:100) (DMG: CBW) and two total gelator concentrations (50 and 100 g kg−1) to improve the DMG oleogel characteristics. The addition of CBW strengthened the DMG network and decreased the polymorphic transition. Thermal analysis showed just co‐crystallization at the 85:15 ratio, whereas, in the other combinations, high melting components of CBW crystalized at first. As a result of the crystal homogeneity and long‐time development, the oleogel properties improved at the 85:15 ratio. The low concentration of CBW and the formation of the eutectic system were efficient in the waxy mouthfeel reduction of oleogel at the 85:15 ratio in food applications.

CONCLUSION

The DMG/CBW oleogel at the 85:15 ratio, with better structural and sensorial properties than DMG and CBW oleogels, respectively, has the potential for use instead of fat in food formulations. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Salvage surgery in lung cancer following definitive therapies
Authors: Eisenberg Michael , Deboever Nathaniel , Antonoff Mara B.
Published: January 2023

Salvage surgery refers to operative resection of persistent or recurrent disease in patients initially treated with intention‐to‐cure nonoperative management. In non‐small‐cell lung cancer, salvage surgery may be effective in treating selected patients with locally progressive tumors, recurrent local or locoregional disease, or local complications after nonoperative therapy. Importantly, those patients who may be candidates for salvage surgery are evolving, in terms of disease stage as well as the types of attempted definitive therapy received.
What has the past taught us about the future in esophageal cancer? Personal reflections
Authors: Lerut Toni
Published: January 2023

Since the first successful esophagectomy for cancer in 1913 spectacular advancements have been made in diagnosis, staging, and therapy. Refinement of imaging, surgery, perioperative management together with multidisciplinary collaboration are the cornerstones. Today therapy with curative option is offered to more patients than ever. Further innovations in imaging, molecular biology, genetics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, nanotechnology will have an increasing impact. The end result being a unique therapeutic plan shaped on each patient's individual profile.
Disparities in thoracic surgical oncology
Authors: Williams Brittney M. , McAllister Miles , Erkmen Cherie , Mody Gita N.
Published: January 2023

Disparities in access and outcomes of thoracic surgical oncology are long standing. This article examines the patient, population, and systems‐level factors that contribute to these disparities and inequities. The need for research and policy to identify and solve these problems is apparent. As leaders in the field of thoracic oncology, surgeons will be instrumental in narrowing these gaps and moving the discipline forward.
The role of surveillance and salvage esophagectomy in previously treated esophageal cancer
Authors: Theeuwen Hailey , Atay Scott M.
Published: January 2023

Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of cancer‐related mortality among men and women in the United States. The utility of surgery, as either an immediate or delayed resection in the form of esophagectomy following neoadjuvant therapy in local‐regionally advanced esophageal cancer, remains controversial. While neoadjuvant therapy followed by immediate surgery is a guideline‐concordant treatment, emerging data suggests that active surveillance with delayed resection at the time of local‐regional recurrence may be considered.
The oncologic efficacy of extended resections for lung cancer
Authors: Etienne Harry , Kalt Fabian , Park Samina , Opitz Isabelle
Published: January 2023

Extended lung resections for T3–T4 non‐small‐cell lung cancer remain challenging. Multimodal management is mandatory in multidisciplinary tumor boards, and here the determination of resectability is key. Long‐term oncologic efficacy depends mostly on complete resection (R0) and the extent of N2 disease. The development of novel innovative treatments (targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors) sets interesting perspectives to reinforce current therapeutic options in the induction and adjuvant setting.
Synthesis of n‐octyl acetate over fly ash cenosphere supported 10‐tungsto‐2‐vanadophosphoric acid (H5PW10V2O40) as a heterogeneous catalyst: Kinetic study
Authors: Gite Vishnu A. , Rathod Virendra K.
Published: January 2023

A 10‐tungsto‐2‐vanadophosphoric acid (H5PW10V2O40) catalyst was prepared, supported on pre‐treated fly ash cenosphere (FAC) by the wet impregnation method, and characterized by analytical methods like Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), x‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The prepared catalyst H5PW10V2O40/FAC was used to synthesize n‐octyl acetate in the batch reactor. The influence of various reaction parameters on conversion was investigated and optimized. The maximum conversion of 81.43% was obtained at optimal conditions, that is, temperature 383 K, catalyst loading 5% (w), molar ratio 1:2 (acetic acid to n‐octyl alcohol), speed of agitation 400 rpm, and molecular sieves 6% (w). The H5PW10V2O40/FAC catalyst recyclability shows that it can be used up to four reaction cycles. The reaction progress was represented by the pseudo second‐order homogeneous (PH) model, and the energy of activation of the reaction was computed as 28.89 kJ/mol. The heterogeneous kinetic models, such as Langmuir Hinshelwood Hougen Watson (LHHW) and Eley–Rideal (ER), were also used to test kinetic data. It was seen that the LHHW model with reactant and product gave the best fit for the experimental data.
Performance evaluation for health‐care sectors using a dynamic network data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Cheng Yusi , Bai Xuejie , Chiu Yung‐Ho
Published: January 2023

This study examines performance of provincial health‐care system in China, using a dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. We focus on efficiency improvements both within provincial health‐care system and within two separate internal sub‐divisions. The administration division engages in financial management while the medical care division provides medical care services. Then there are two main results. First, the average overall efficiency score of provincial health‐care system is 0.9316 from 2010 to 2017. Second, the productivity progress in administration division is lower than that in medical care division, and the technical advances contribute most of the productivity progress. The research gap and the innovation of this paper lie in three aspects: First, this paper opens the black box of health production function and use the network DEA to analyze Chinese provincial health‐care system and its inner two constructs. Second, this paper discusses the efficiency scores as well as dynamic changes in one model. Finally, this paper tries to reveal the regional heterogeneity of static efficiency as well as the dynamic efficiency changes.
Aronson–Bénilan estimates for weighted porous medium equations under the geometric flow
Authors: Azami Shahroud
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study Aronson–Bénilan gradient estimates for positive solutions of weighted porous medium equations

coupled with the geometric flow
on a complete measure space
. As an application, by integrating the gradient estimates, we derive the corresponding Harnack inequalities.
Technical note: Flat panel proton radiography with a patient specific imaging field for accurate WEPL assessment
Authors: Seller Oria Carmen , Free Jeffrey , Marmitt Gabriel Guterres , Knäusl Barbara , Brandenburg Sytze , Knopf Antje C. , Meijers Arturs , Langendijk Johannes A. , Both Stefan
Published: January 2023

Background

Proton radiography (PR) uses highly energetic proton beams to create images where energy loss is the main contrast mechanism. Water‐equivalent path length (WEPL) measurements using flat panel PR (FP‐PR) have potential for in vivo range verification. However, an accurate WEPL measurement via FP‐PR requires irradiation with multiple energy layers, imposing high imaging doses.

Purpose

A FP‐PR method is proposed for accurate WEPL determination based on a patient‐specific imaging field with a reduced number of energies (n) to minimize imaging dose.

Methods

Patient‐specific FP‐PRs were simulated and measured for a head and neck (HN) phantom. An energy selection algorithm estimated spot‐wise the lowest energy required to cross the anatomy (Emin) using a water‐equivalent thickness map. Starting from Emin, n was restricted to certain values (n = 26, 24, 22, …, 2 for simulations, n = 10 for measurements), resulting in patient‐specific FP‐PRs. A reference FP‐PR with a complete set of energies was compared against patient‐specific FP‐PRs covering the whole anatomy via mean absolute WEPL differences (MAD), to evaluate the impact of the developed algorithm. WEPL accuracy of patient‐specific FP‐PRs was assessed using mean relative WEPL errors (MRE) with respect to measured multi‐layer ionization chamber PRs (MLIC‐PR) in the base of skull, brain, and neck regions.

Results

MADs ranged from 2.1 mm (n = 26) to 21.0 mm (n = 2) for simulated FP‐PRs, and 7.2 mm for measured FP‐PRs (n = 10). WEPL differences below 1 mm were observed across the whole anatomy, except at the phantom surfaces. Measured patient‐specific FP‐PRs showed good agreement against MLIC‐PRs, with MREs of 1.3 ± 2.0%, −0.1 ± 1.0%, and −0.1 ± 0.4% in the three regions of the phantom.

Conclusion

A method to obtain accurate WEPL measurements using FP‐PR with a reduced number of energies selected for the individual patient anatomy was established in silico and validated experimentally. Patient‐specific FP‐PRs could provide means of in vivo range verification.
Patient reported symptoms and adverse outcomes seen in Canada's first vaginoplasty postoperative care clinic
Authors: Potter Emery , Sivagurunathan Marudan , Armstrong Kathleen , Barker Lucy C , Du Mont Janice , Lorello Gianni R. , Millman Alexandra , Urbach David R. , Krakowsky Yonah
Published: January 2023

Importance

Vaginoplasty is a relatively common gender‐affirming surgery with approximately 200 Ontarians seeking this surgery annually. Although Ontario now offers vaginoplasty in province, the capacity is not meeting demand; the majority of trans and gender‐diverse patients continue to seek vaginoplasty out of province. Out‐of‐province surgery presents a barrier to accessing postsurgical follow‐up care leaving most patients to seek support from their primary care providers or providers with little experience in gender‐affirming surgery.

Objective

To provide an account of the common postoperative care needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty out of province and presented for care at a gender‐affirming surgery postoperative care clinic.

Design, Settings, and Participants

A retrospective chart review of the first 80 patients presenting to a gender‐affirming surgery postoperative care clinic who had undergone vaginoplasty at an outside surgical center was performed. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables.

Results

The sample consisted of 80 individuals with the mean age of 39 years (19–73). Most patients had surgery at another surgical center in Canada (76.3%). Many patients (22.5%) accessed care in the first 3 months after surgery, with the majority (55%) seeking care within the first perioperative year. Most patients (61.3%) were seen for more than one visit and presented with more than two symptoms or concerns.

Common patient‐reported symptoms during clinical visit included pain (53.8%), dilation concerns (46.3%), and surgical site/vaginal bleeding (42.5%). Sexual function concerns were also common (33.8%) with anorgasmia (11.3%) and dyspareunia (11.3%) being the most frequent complications. The most common adverse outcomes identified by health care providers included hypergranulation (38.8%), urinary dysfunction (18.8%), and wound healing issues (12.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings from chart review offer valuable insights into the postoperative needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who have had vaginoplasty out of province. This study demonstrates the need for routine postoperative care in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. Patients experience numerous symptoms and concerns that often correlate with clinical findings and require multiple follow‐up appointments. Health care providers may benefit from further education on the more common nonsurgical issues identified in this study.
How many tests does it take? Minimizing preoperative testing prior to surgical placement of gastrostomy tubes in children
Authors: Tindal Elizabeth W. , Willis Margaret , Recinos Soto Aldo , Coyle Mara G. , Herzlinger Michael , Luks Francois I. , Renaud Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Gastrostomy tubes (GTs) provide life‐saving enteral access for children. Although upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and impedance studies (ISs) detect gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or malrotation, their benefit for preoperative evaluation of asymptomatic patients requiring GT placement is controversial. This study investigated the value of routine preoperative testing and whether specific patient characteristics could guide the selective use of these studies.

Methods

The charts of children who underwent GT placement from 2003 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative course were evaluated.

Results

Three hundred forty‐three patients underwent GT placement, 61% with preoperative testing. Seven of 190 UGI (4%) series demonstrated malrotation, and 39 of 141 (28%) ISs revealed severe GERD. Although all malrotations were surgically addressed, only 59% (23/39) of IS‐proven GERD cases prompted simultaneous fundoplication. Age <1 year was associated with a positive UGI series (6.7% positive vs 1.0%; P < 0.05), but no other patient characteristics were associated with either positive UGI series or IS. Elimination of the 96% of UGI series that did not alter care represented a cost savings of $89,487–$229,665 and avoided the radiation exposure from testing; elimination of the 84% of ISs that did not alter eventual treatment would have saved $127,776–$266,563.

Conclusion

Routine preoperative evaluation with UGI series and IS can increase healthcare costs without substantially altering care. The only patients potentially benefiting from routine UGI series were <1 year old. Instead, a targeted, symptom‐based preoperative evaluation may streamline the process by decreasing preoperative testing and minimizing cost and radiation exposure.
Effect of platelet length and stochastic morphology on flexural behavior of prepreg platelet molded composites
Authors: Sattar Siavash , Laredo Benjamin Beltran , Kravchenko Sergii G. , Kravchenko Oleksandr G.
Published: January 2023

Prepreg platelet molding compound (PPMC) can be used to create structural grade material with a heterogeneous mesoscale morphology. The present work considered various platelet lengths of the prepreg system IM7/8552 to study the effect of platelet length on the flexural behavior of PPMC composite. A progressive failure finite‐element analysis was used to understand competing failure modes in PPMC with the different platelet length. The interlaminar and in‐plane damage mechanisms were employed to describe complex failure modes within the mesostructure of PPMCs. Experimental results of the flexural tests of the PPMC with different platelet length sizes were used to validate the modeling prediction. The experimental and modeling results revealed complex behavior of the flexural mechanical properties (modulus and strength) on the platelet length. The experimental results indicate that PPMC composites processed with a plate length of 12.7 mm have a higher flexural modulus and strength than 25.4 and 6.35 mm. The platelet length effect on the flexural mechanical behavior was attributed to interactions between various damage mechanisms and the stochastic fiber orientation distribution variability in the material.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(m‐anthranilic acid) and poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) electrospun nanofibers: Characterization, antioxidant, and electrochemical properties
Authors: Huner Keziban
Published: January 2023

Conducting polymers are widely used in many biomedical applications, but their non‐degradability and non‐biocompatibility limit their widespread use in applications. For this reason, many studies have been carried out on the developing degradable, biocompatible, and electrically conductive polymers. In this study, mixtures of conductive polymers (poly(m‐antranilic acid) (P3ANA) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)) with biocompatible and biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared. Their nanofibers were obtained by electrospinning and their antioxidant properties were investigated by 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) and copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. Electrochemical properties were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained from PCL/P3ANA3 electrospun nanofiber containing 10% (of PCL w/w) P3ANA with 93 and 614 μg TE/mg values for ABTS and CUPRAC assays, respectively. This nanofiber was found to be non‐toxic according to 2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis. PCL/PEDOT:PSS electrospun nanofiber has the highest maximum anodic current value of 0.08 mA. The maximum anodic current value of PCL/P3ANA3 nanofiber with the highest amount of P3ANA is also higher than other PCL/P3ANA nanofibers. These nanofibers were characterized by FT‐IR, UV–vis., XRD and TGA and their surface morphologies were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Interfacial self‐assembly growth of mesoporous polydopamine nanofilms for formaldehyde sensing
Authors: Chen Bowen , Wei Facai , Ma Zhiheng , Peng Yonghui , Guo Haitao , Wang Yuexi , Guan Shaojian , Fu Jianwei , Jing Chengbin , Cheng Jiangong , Xu Jiaqiang , Liu Shaohua
Published: January 2023

Mesoporous polymer nanofilms combine the advantages of the unique structure of mesopores, the quasi‐2D configuration of the films, and the inherent properties of polymers, and have become a kind of ideal candidate for the high‐performance micro‐nano devices due to their highly accessible surface area and exposed active sites. However, the facile preparation of polymer nanofilms with well‐defined mesostructures has remained a great challenge due to the lack of synthetic strategies. In this study, we developed a simple soft‐template interfacial co‐assembly strategy to in‐situ construct mesoporous polydopamine nanofilms with uniform thickness (30 nm) and regularly distributed mesopore arrays (average pore size of 12 nm) on surfaces with different types and morphologies. Furthermore, a single‐layer mesoporous polymer nanofilm was directly grown on a quartz crystal microbalance substrate and its performance for sensing formaldehyde was studied. The resulted sensor showed excellent sensing response, fast response/recovery dynamics, and great stability, presenting a great promising landscape for trace detection of formaldehyde gas.
A novel consensus‐based computational pipeline for screening of antibody therapeutics for efficacy against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern including Omicron variant
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Kaushik Rahul , Zhang Kam Y. J. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Sahu Upasana , Sood Richa , Bhatia Sandeep
Published: January 2023

Multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants continue to evolve carrying flexible amino acid substitutions in the spike protein's receptor binding domain (RBD). These substitutions modify the binding of the SARS‐CoV‐2 to human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor and have been implicated in altered host fitness, transmissibility, and efficacy against antibody therapeutics and vaccines. Reliably predicting the binding strength of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants RBD to hACE2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) can help assessing their fitness, and rapid deployment of effective antibody therapeutics, respectively. Here, we introduced a two‐step computational framework with 3‐fold validation that first identified dissociation constant as a reliable predictor of binding affinity in hetero‐ dimeric and trimeric protein complexes. The second step implements dissociation constant as descriptor of the binding strengths of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants RBD to hACE2 and NAbs. Then, we examined several variants of concerns (VOCs) such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron and demonstrated that these VOCs RBD bind to the hACE2 with enhanced affinity. Furthermore, the binding affinity of Omicron variant's RBD was reduced with majority of the RBD‐directed NAbs, which is highly consistent with the experimental neutralization data. By studying the atomic contacts between RBD and NAbs, we revealed the molecular footprints of four NAbs (GH‐12, P2B‐1A1, Asarnow_3D11, and C118)—that may likely neutralize the recently emerged Omicron variant—facilitating enhanced binding affinity. Finally, our findings suggest a computational pathway that could aid researchers identify a range of current NAbs that may be effective against emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Interfacial Characteristics and Optical Properties of InAs/InAsSb Type II Superlattices for the Mid‐Infrared Operation
Authors: Liu Mengying , Shi Chao , Li Weijie , Nan Pengfei , Fang Xuan , Ge Binghui , Xu Zhi , Wang Dengkui , Fang Dan , Wang Xiaohua , Li Jiaming , Zeng Liuqin , Du Peng , Li Jinhua
Published: January 2023

Identifying interfacial properties and discussing optical properties of antimony‐based type II superlattices are the key factors for developing high performance of infrared optoelectronic devices. Herein, the multi‐epitaxy‐layered structure of a mid‐wavelength‐responsive infrared detector with an InAs/InAsSb superlattice as an active area layer is grown and investigated. High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the geometric phase analysis indicate epitaxial layers of high crystalline quality and small lattice mismatches. The electric field results obtained by differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy further confirm the sharp interface states and good periodic structure of the as‐grown samples. The photoluminescence spectrum shows that the photoluminescence signal center is 5.4 μm at 75 K, even at 320 K, the sample still maintains a photoluminescence signal of 6.2 μm.
Micro‐computed tomography scanning approaches to quantify, parameterize and visualize bioturbation activity in clogged streambeds: A proof of concept
Authors: Lakhanpal Garima , Black Jay R. , Casas‐Mulet Roser , Arora Meenakshi , Stewardson Michael J.
Published: January 2023

Fine particle clogging and faunal bioturbation are two key processes co‐occurring in the hyporheic zone that potentially affect hyporheic exchange through modifications in the sediment structure of streambeds. Clogging results from excessive fine sediment infiltration and deposition in rivers, and it is known to decrease matrix porosity and potentially reduce permeability. Faunal bioturbation activity may compensate for the negative effect of clogging by reworking the sediment, increasing porosity, and preventing further infiltration of fines. Although both processes of clogging and bioturbation have received significant attention in the literature separately, their combined effects on streambed sediment structure are not well understood, mostly due to the lack of a standard methodology for their assessment. Here, we illustrate a novel methodology using X‐ray computed tomography (CT), as proof of concept, to investigate how, together, clogging and bioturbation affect streambed porosity in a controlled flow‐through flume. By visualising gallery formations of an upward conveyor macroinvertebrate; Lumbriculus variegatus as a model species, we quantified bioturbation activity in a clogged streambed, focusing on orientation, depth, and volume at downwelling and upwelling areas of the flume. Gallery creation increased the porosity of the streambed sediment, suggesting a potential improvement in permeability and a possible offset of clogging effects. We illustrate the promising use of X‐ray CT as a tool to assess bioturbation in clogged streambeds, and the potential role of bioturbation activity supporting hyporheic exchange processes in streambeds, warranting further studies to understand the extent of bioturbation impacts in natural systems.
Clustered Cobalt Nanodots Initiate Ferroptosis by Upregulating Heme Oxygenase 1 for Radiotherapy Sensitization
Authors: Zhao Jianqi , Chen Yin , Xiong Tainong , Han Songling , Li Chenwenya , He Yingjuan , He Yongwu , Zhao Gaomei , Wang Tao , Wang Liting , Cheng Tianmin , Wang Cheng , Wang Junping
Published: January 2023

High cobalt (Co) levels in tumors are associated with good clinical prognosis. An anticancer regimen that increases intratumoral Co through targeted nanomaterial delivery is proposed in this study. Bovine serum albumin and cobalt dichloride are applied to prepare cobaltous oxide nanodots using a facile biomineralization strategy. After iRGD peptide conjugation, the nanodots are loaded into dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles, generating a biocompatible product iCoDMSN. This nanocomposite accumulates in tumors after intravenous injection by deep tissue penetration and can be used for photoacoustic imaging. Proteomics research and molecular biology experiments reveal that iCoDMSN is a potent ferroptosis inducer in cancer cells. Mechanistically, iCoDMSNs upregulate heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), which increases transferrin receptors and reduces solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), resulting in Fe2+ accumulation and ferroptosis initiation. Furthermore, upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2), arising from the reduction in Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1) expression, is responsible for HMOX1 enhancement after iCoDMSN treatment. Owing to intensified ferroptosis, iCoDMSN acts as an efficient radiotherapy enhancer to eliminate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrates a versatile Co‐based nanomaterial that primes ferroptosis by expanding the labile iron pool in cancer cells, providing a promising tumor radiotherapy sensitizer.