bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Woody plant functional traits and phylogenetic signals correlate with urbanization in remnant forest patches
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Wang Zijin , Pan Ying , Zheng Yanjun
Published: July 2023

Exploring the alterations in functional traits of urban remnant vegetation offers a more comprehensive perspective on plant assembly within the context of urbanization. While plant functional traits are influenced by both environmental gradients and the evolutionary history of plant species, the specific mechanisms by which urbanization mediates the combination of functional traits and the evolutionary history of remnant vegetation remain unclear. To examine the relationship between functional traits and phylogenies of remnant vegetation and urbanization, we classified the woody plant species surveyed in 72 sample plots in nine remnant forest patches in Guiyang, China, into four groups (urban, rural, middle and general groups) according to their location under different levels of urbanization and measured nine functional traits of these species. The phylogenetic signals of each functional trait of the four species groups were then quantified based on Blomberg's K. Furthermore, we analysed the correlations between functional traits and species abundance using phylogenetic generalized least squares. The results showed that significant phylogenetic signals were detected in more functional traits of the urban group than other groups. Thirteen and three significant relationships between functional traits and species abundance were detected for tree and shrub species after removing phylogenies. Tall tree species were more abundant in the urban group, while the general group favoured the species with adaptable traits (low height and high leaf area and C/N). Overall, we demonstrate that urbanization drove shifts in plant functional traits in remnant forests after combining the phylogenetic patterns.
Immobilization of Iridium Triazolylidene Complexes into Polymer Scaffolds and Their Application in Water Oxidation
Authors: Knörr Pascal , Lentz Nicolas , Albrecht Martin
Published: July 2023

A triazolylidene irdium complex was postmodified with simple methods to introduce two alcohol groups in the triazolylidene backbone. The reaction of this difunctionalized iridium triazolylidene unit with terephthalic acid chloride allowed for integrating these iridium complexes into a polymeric assembly. Both the monomeric complexes as well as the polymerized systems showed activity in water oxidation driven by cerium ammonium nitrate as a chemical oxidant with comparable catalytic performance. Post‐reaction analysis of the aqueous reaction solution by ICP MS showed a partial loss of iridium from the polymer into the aqueous phase under catalytic conditions, indicating a need for more robust polymer supports for this type of application.
Molecular Turnstiles Featuring Bicyclic Rotators: Solution and Solid‐State Investigation of Steric and Electronic Concerns
Authors: Rammer Megan L. , Gonnering Emily R. , Driscoll Zakarias L. , Vang Herh G. , Bosch Eric , Bowling Nathan P.
Published: July 2023

A molecular rotor is created when a 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole rotator is incorporated into a rigid arylene ethynylene framework supported by pyridine coordination to a metal (Ag+ or PdCl2) guest. Comparisons to a similarly sized naphthyl rotator via 1H NMR spectroscopy provide insights into the movement of these bicyclic rotators relative to the rigid stator framework. Chemical shift increases of 0.3 ppm, or more, upon metal complexation are consistent with through‐space interaction of the central arene with a bound PdCl2 guest. Further study via X‐ray crystallography illustrates that rotation of the 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole unit in the solid state is likely hampered by relatively strong chalcogen bonding (N⋅⋅⋅S distance of 2.93 Å), forming 2S‐2N squares between benzothiadiazoles of neighboring complexes. Strong π–π interactions (3.29–3.36 Å) between neighboring complexes likewise restrict solid‐state rotation of the potential benzothiadiazole rotator. Modest changes to UV–vis spectra upon metal coordination suggest that electronic properties are mostly independent of stator configuration.
Novel application of a process convolution approach for calibrating output from numerical models
Authors: Holthuijzen Maike , Higdon Dave , Beckage Brian , Clemins Patrick J.
Published: July 2023

Output from numerical models at high spatial and temporal resolutions is critical for modeling applications in a variety of disciplines. Prior to its use in modeling, output from climate models must be brought to a finer spatial resolution and calibrated with respect to observations. The calibration of model output, referred to as bias‐correction, poses many statistical challenges. Here, we develop a bias‐correction method in which systematic biases in the mean and standard deviation of model output are corrected. In addition, we employ a novel process convolution approach to correct bias in temporal dependence. We apply this approach to temperature simulations generated by a regional climate model over the Northeastern USA. The goal of this study was to correct systematic bias in model simulations over historical (1976–2005) and future (2006–2099) time periods while simultaneously preserving future trends resulting from carbon emissions scenarios. We compare the proposed method to a quantile mapping method (empirical quantile mapping, EQM). The proposed method resulted in a more effective correction of seasonal biases and temporal dependence compared to EQM.
Impact of dietary plant flavonoids on 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone transepithelial transport in human intestinal Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Xia Guobin , Wang Chunfeng , Wu Huawei , Xu Xiaogang , Mao Genxiang , Wu Jiong , Zhao Zhenlei
Published: July 2023

7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (7,8‐DHF) is a biologically active flavone with various physiological activities, including neuroprotection, anti‐inflammation, and weight loss. Previous studies have found that the efflux protein P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) significantly affects the transepithelial transport of 7,8‐DHF in the intestine, resulting in its low oral bioavailability. Based on this, in this study, a Caco‐2 monolayer cell model was used to investigate 14 dietary plant flavonoids as potential P‐gp inhibitors, and their effects on the transepithelial transport and in vitro digestion of 7,8‐DHF were explored. The results showed that among the 14 plant flavonoids, hesperetin, epigallocatechin gallate, fisetin, kaempferol, quercetin, and isoorientin increased and the apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of 7,8‐DHF at AP → BL direction and lowered Papp value at BL → AP direction to varying degrees, reducing the efflux ratio of 7,8‐DHF less than 1.5. In particular, kaempferol and quercetin exhibited the best effect on promoting the transepithelial transport of 7,8‐DHF, especially when used at molar concentration ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 with 7,8‐DHF. This is beneficial for improving the oral bioavailability of 7,8‐DHF. Meanwhile, 7,8‐DHF was found to maintain structural stability in simulated saliva, gastric juice, and intestinal juice, and its stability was not affected by the coexistence of quercetin and kaempferol. Overall, this study provided a theoretical basis for seeking natural and safe P‐gp inhibitors to improve the oral absorption of natural products.
Surgical resection in patient with teratoma with somatic‐type malignancy transformed into rhabdomyosarcoma resulted in long‐term survival
Authors: Kitamura Junji , Tambo Mitsuhiro , Nishijima Ayano , Masuda Kazuki , Miyakawa Jimpei , Nakamura Yu , Fujiwara Masachika , Kishida Takeshi , Ito Hiroyuki , Fukuhara Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Testicular germ cell tumors with somatic‐type malignancy, wherein teratomas transform into sarcomas, is drug resistant and has a poor prognosis.

Case presentation

A 43‐year‐old man presented with a left testicular tumor, multiple pulmonary metastases, and mediastinal and para‐aortic lymph node metastases. The testicular tumors were diagnosed as germ cell tumors. After bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin chemotherapy; right upper lobectomy for the pulmonary metastasis; and paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin chemotherapy, rapidly progressing mediastinal lymph node metastasis was observed. It was resected at another specialized center owing to the challenging surgical approach. The histopathological diagnosis of the resected tumor was a teratoma with somatic‐type malignancy (rhabdomyosarcoma). Subsequently, left hilar lymph node metastasectomy and left upper lobectomy were performed for the pulmonary metastases. The patient survived for more than 8 years after initial treatment.

Conclusion

Surgery, although challenging, may yield long‐term survival for patients with testicular germ cell tumors with sarcomatous transformation.
Patterning two‐dimensional semiconductors with thermal etching
Authors: Liu Miaomiao , Huang Ziwei , Guo Yukun , Zhang Zhengwei , Zhang Liqiang , Zhang Hongmei , Zhong Jiang , Li Shanhao , Deng Wei , Wang Di , Li Wei , Huangfu Ying , Yang Xiangdong , Duan Xidong
Published: July 2023

The controllable synthesis of complicated nanostructures in advanced two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors, such as periodic regular hole arrays, is essential and remains immature. Here, we report a green, facile, highly controlled synthetic method to efficiently pattern 2D semiconductors, such as periodic regular hexagonal‐shaped hole arrays (HHA), in 2D‐TMDs. Combining the production of artificial defect arrays through laser irradiation with anisotropic annealing etching, we created HHA with different arrangements, controlled hole sizes, and densities in bilayer WS2. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) characterization show that the 2D semiconductors have high quality with atomical clean and sharp edges as well as undamaged crystals in the unetched region. Furthermore, other nanostructures, such as nanoribbons and periodic regular triangular‐shaped 2D‐TMD arrays, can be fabricated. This kind of 2D semiconductors fabrication strategy is general and can be extended to a series of 2D materials. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that one WS2 molecule from the edges of the laser‐irradiated holed region exhibits a robust etching activation, making selective etching at the artificial defects and the fabrication of regular 2D semiconductors possible.

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In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of porous nickel titanium dental implants produced by metal injection molding technique
Authors: N. W. N. A. Mustafa , R. Ahmad , N. H. Kamar Affendi , E. Sulaiman , M. A. A. Khushaini , M. H. Ismail , L. K. Teh , M. Z. Salleh
Published: July 2023

Porous NiTi (pNiTi) is a promising biomaterial for functional long‐term implantation that has been produced using various manufacturing techniques and tested for biocompatibility. pNiTi produced using a more recent technology of Metal Injection Molding (MIM) has shown better physical and mechanical properties than those produced by earlier manufacturing methods, but its biocompatibility has yet to be determined. Hence, extracts from pNiTi dental implants produced by MIM were tested for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in this work. Its toxicity was evaluated at the cellular and in vitro levels using elution and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Short‐term testing revealed that pNiTi extract was cytocompatible with L‐929 fibroblast and V79‐4 lung cells, with no cell lysis or reactivity observed, respectively (USP grade 0). Following exposure to varied extract concentrations, good cell viability was observed where the lowest concentration showed the highest optical density (OD) and cell viability (2.968 ± 0.117 and 94%, respectively), and the highest concentration had the least OD and cell viability (2.251 ± 0.054 and 71%, respectively). pNiTi extracts demonstrated genocompatibility in two independent assays: mutagenic potential using a bacterial reverse mutation test and a clastogenic effect on chromosomes using the micronucleus test. Similar to the negative control reactions, there was no significant increase in revertant colonies following exposure to 100% pNiTi extract with and without metabolic activation (p = .00). No DNA clastogenic activity was caused by pNiTi at varied extract concentrations as compared to the negative control when tested with and without metabolic activation (p = .00). As a result, both cytotoxic and genotoxic investigations have confirmed that pNiTi dental implants utilizing the MIM process are cytocompatible and genocompatible in the short term, according to the International Standard, ISO 10993 – Parts 3, 5, and 33.
Thyroid and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles
Authors: Norris David O.
Published: July 2023

The relationship between the thyroid gland and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles has been studied for more than 100 years. Most studies suggest a positive involvement of thyroid hormones with some aspects of reproduction, but some studies support a negative role for thyroid hormones at certain life stages. Comprehensive studies of gene activation/suppression by thyroid hormones and their absence at various levels of the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis coupled with observations of adrenocorticoid activity, reproductive performance, and metabolic involvement are needed to understand this complex relationship.
Nasal turbinates of the dicynodont Kawingasaurus fossilis and the possible impact of the fossorial habitat on the evolution of endothermy
Authors: Laaß Michael , Kaestner Anders
Published: July 2023

The nasal region of the fossorial anomodont Kawingasaurus fossilis was virtually reconstructed from neutron‐computed tomographic data and compared with the terrestrial species Pristerodon mackayi and other nonmammalian synapsids. The tomography of the Kawingasaurus skull reveals a pattern of maxillo‐, naso‐, fronto‐ and ethmoturbinal ridges that strongly resemble the mammalian condition. On both sides of the nasal cavity, remains of scrolled maxilloturbinals were preserved that were still partially articulated with maxilloturbinal ridges. Furthermore, possible remains of the lamina semicircularis as well as fronto‐ or ethmoturbinals were found. In Kawingasaurus, the maxilloturbinal ridges were longer and stronger than in Pristerodon. Except for the nasoturbinal ridges, no other ridges in the olfactory region and no remains of turbinates were recognized. This supports the hypothesis that naso‐, fronto‐, ethmo‐ and maxilloturbinals were a plesiomorphic feature of synapsids, but due to their cartilaginous nature in most taxa were, in almost all cases, not preserved. The well‐developed maxilloturbinals in Kawingasaurus were probably an adaptation to hypoxia‐induced hyperventilation in the fossorial habitat, maintaining the high oxygen demands of Kawingasaurus' large brain. The surface area of the respiratory turbinates in Kawingasaurus falls into the mammalian range, which suggests that they functioned as a countercurrent exchange system for thermoregulation and conditioning of the respiratory airflow. Our results suggest that the environmental conditions of the fossorial habitat led to specific sensory adaptations, accompanied by a pulse in brain evolution and of endothermy in cistecephalids, ~50 million years before the origin of endothermy in the mammalian stem line. This supports the Nocturnal Bottleneck Theory, in that we found evidence for a similar evolutionary scenario in cistecephalids as proposed for early mammals.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection disrupts pulmonary microbiota to induce microglia phenotype shift
Authors: Bajinka Ousman , Tang Zhongxiang , Mao Yu , Qiu Xiangjie , Darboe Alansana , Tan Yurong
Published: July 2023

The lung−brain axis is an emerging biological pathway that is being investigated in relation to microbiome medicine. Increasing evidence suggests that pulmonary viral infections can lead to distinct pathological imprints in the brain, so there is a need to explore and understand this mechanism and find possible interventions. This study used respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in mice as a model to establish the potential lung−brain axis phenomenon. We hypothesized that RSV infection could disrupt the lung microbiota, compromise immune barriers, and induce a significant shift in microglia phenotype. One week old mice were randomized into the control, Ampicillin, RSV, and RSV+Ampicillin treated groups (n = 6 each). Seven days after the respective treatments, the mice were anaesthetized. Immunofluorescence and real‐time qRT‐PCR was used to detect virus. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining was used to detect histopathology. Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were used to determine oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. Real‐time qRT‐PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure Th differentiation in the lung. Real‐time qRT‐PCR, ELISA, and confocal immunofluorescence were used to determine the microglia phenotype. 16S DNA technology was used to detect lung microflora. RSV infection induces elevated oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant, and significant dysbacteriosis in the lungs of mice. Pulmonary microbes were found to enhance Th1‐type immunoreactivity induced by RSV infection and eventually induced M1‐type dominant microglia in the brains of mice. This study was able to establish a correlation between the pulmonary microbiome and brain function. Therefore, we recommend a large sample size study with robust data analysis for the long‐term effects of antibiotics and RSV infection on brain physiology.
Effectiveness of oral antiviral agents on long‐term cardiovascular risk in nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A multicenter matched cohort study
Authors: Liu Ting‐Hui , Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Wu Jheng‐Yan , Huang Po‐Yu , Tsai Ya‐Wen , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Lai Chih‐Cheng
Published: July 2023

Although a novel oral antiviral agent can improve short‐term COVID‐19 outcomes, its effects on the long‐term outcomes, namely the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), remains unknown. This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX research network to identify nonhospitalized adult patients with COVID‐19 between March 1, 2020, and January 1, 2022. A propensity score matching method was used to form two matched cohorts with and without receiving nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (NMV‐r) or molnupiravir. The primary outcome was the incidence of MACEs within a 30‐day to 1‐year period following a diagnosis of COVID‐19. Two cohorts of each 80 888 patients with balanced baseline characteristics were formed using propensity score matching. During the follow‐up period, 976 patients in the study group and 1609 patients in the control group developed MACE. Overall, the study group had a significantly lower risk of MACE than the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.683; 95% confidence interval: 0.630–0.739). The significantly lower HRs of overall MACEs were consistently observed in most subgroup analyses (age: >41–≤64 years: 0.60 [0.52–0.89]; age: ≥65 years: 0.68 [0.62–0.76]; women: 0.63 [0.57–0.71]; men: 0.62 [0.55–0.70]; vaccinated: 0.74 [0.63–0.88]; unvaccinated: 0.66 [0.60–0.73]; NMV‐r; 0.65 [0.59–0.71]; and molnupiravir: 0.75 [0.61–0.92]). In conclusion, novel oral antiviral agents, namely NMV‐r and molnupiravir, were effective in reducing long‐term MACEs among nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19, particularly when treated with NMV‐r or in patients aged ≥40 years. These findings suggest the potential role of novel antiviral agents as a preventive measure to reduce further adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Noise performance of back‐barrier engineered GaN‐based trigate HEMT for X‐band applications
Authors: Verma Manish , Nandi Ashutosh
Published: July 2023

In this work, a comprehensive investigation on the noise performance of novel optimized back‐barrier engineered GaN based trigate HEMT (BB‐trigate HEMT), have been carried out using Sentaurus TCAD tool. The microwave‐frequency noise of the device has been analyzed using a Green's function approach, assessing the gate and drain noise spectral densities under different bias conditions such as off‐state, subthreshold state and on‐state condition. More importantly, the G‐R noise component in BB‐trigate HEMT is almost eliminated in comparison to conventional trigate HEMT (C‐trigate HEMT). This is due to use of AlGaN back‐barrier layer (BBL). Subsequently, for the first time, it is reported that the noise parameters such as noise resistance and overall noise figure are drastically reduced to ~22 mΩ and ~0.02 dB respectively at 10 GHz frequency for back‐barrier (BB) trigate HEMT having a scaled gate length of 100 nm. The proposed device shows prominent noise performance than conventional trigate HEMT and thereby, it is highly suitable for designing low noise amplifier for X‐band applications.
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Effects of postoperative fluids beyond the first 24 h
Authors: Berger Yael , Sullivan Brianne J. , Bekhor Eliahu Y. , Carpiniello Matthew , Leigh Natasha L. , Pletcher Eric R. , Solomon Daniel , Sarpel Umut , Hiotis Spiros P. , Labow Daniel M. , Cohen Noah A. , Golas Benjamin J.
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

There are no guidelines for intravenous fluid (IVF) administration after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). This study assessed rates of post‐CRS/HIPEC morbidity according to perioperative IVF administration.

Methods

All patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC March 2007 to June 2018 were reviewed, recording clinicopathologic, operative, and postoperative variables. Patients were divided by peritoneal cancer index (PCI), comparing IVF volumes and types administered intraoperatively and during the first 72 h postoperatively. Optimal IVF rate cutoffs calculated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and Youden's index determined associations with complications.

Results

Overall, 185 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC, and 81 (51%) had low PCI (<10) and 77 (49%) had high PCI (≥10). In low‐PCI patients, high IVF rates on postoperative days (POD) #0−2 were associated with higher overall complications: POD#0 (46% vs. 89%, p = 0.001), POD#1 (40% vs. 86%, p < 0.05), and POD#2 (42% vs. 72%, p < 0.05). High IVF rates were associated with respiratory distress (7% vs. 26%, p = 0.02) on POD#0, ileus (14% vs. 47%, p = 0.007) and intensive care unit stay (11% vs. 33%, p = 0.022) on POD#1, and ICU stay (8% vs. 33%, p = 0.003) on POD#2.

Conclusions

For low PCI patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC, higher IVF rates were associated with postoperative complications. Post‐CRS/HIPEC, IVF rates should be limited to prevent morbidity.
Management of Tracheobronchial Stenosis in Chondrodysplasia Punctata
Authors: Lee Joshua A. , Patel Krupa R. , Smith Alyssa J. , Thompson Dana M.
Published: July 2023

Chondrodysplasia punctata (CDP) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by aberrant, punctate deposition of calcium during endochondral bone formation, resulting in the characteristic finding of epiphyseal stippling on radiographs. While otolaryngologic manifestations such as nasomaxillary hypoplasia and mixed hearing loss are common, tracheobronchial calcification occurs rarely in neonates with CDP. The management of CDP‐related airway stenosis is complex and there is limited literature pertaining to outcomes of airway interventions. Herein, we describe the clinical course and outcome of tracheal dilation for a newborn patient with CDP. Laryngoscope, 134:1464–1468, 2024
Root architecture, root biomass and nutrient cycling in a mixed‐species agroforestry system
Authors: Bai Shahla Hosseini , Muqaddas Bushra , Trueman Stephen J. , Wilson Rachele , Keller Alexander , Shapcott Alison , Hannet Godfrey , Farrar Michael B. , Komolong Birte , Wallace Helen M.
Published: July 2023

Understanding root development in soil profiles of agroforestry systems is challenging. It is uncertain to what extent the proximity of cash crops, such as cocoa and coffee, to shade trees reduces nutrient concentrations in the topsoil and whether the cash crops continue to develop fine roots in the topsoil when they are planted in close proximity to shade trees. We aimed to investigate micro‐ and macro‐nutrient concentrations in the soil profile and understand root architecture using a novel DNA metabarcoding approach in an agroforestry system where cocoa and coffee were interplanted with a shade tree, canarium. Soil and root samples were collected from (1) cocoa‐only, (2) cocoa‐canarium, (3) canarium‐only positions in a cocoa plantation, (4) coffee‐only, (5) coffee‐canarium and (6) canarium‐only positions in a coffee plantation. Proximity of shade trees did not limit nutrient concentrations for cash crops. Topsoil concentrations of total N (TN: 0.59% and 0.69%), phosphorus (P: 7.28 and 6.65 mg/kg), potassium (K: 360 and 755 mg/kg) and calcium (Ca: 1865 and 1044 mg/kg) under cocoa and coffee trees, respectively, did not differ significantly from those under the corresponding canarium trees. Soil TN, K and Ca concentrations were well above minimum required concentrations under both cocoa and coffee. DNA metabarcoding showed that canarium trees occupied deeper rooting zones (30–80 cm soil depth) than cocoa and coffee trees (0–30 cm soil depth). DNA metabarcoding demonstrated greater root colonisation of the topsoil by cocoa and coffee than canarium, suggesting that canarium had the potential to extract nutrients from deeper soil layers. Soil Ca concentrations were associated with cocoa root biomass whereas soil NO3−‐N concentrations were associated with coffee root biomass. Our study highlighted the value of selecting suitable shade trees that maintain soil nutrient concentrations for cash crops. Furthermore, DNA metabarcoding can facilitate root distribution studies in complex agroforestry systems, thus providing insights into appropriate tree‐planting designs.
Rural area study finds no‐shows in telehealth higher than in person
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2023

Results of a newly published study suggest that in some under‐resourced communities, the availability of telehealth for behavioral health services has not been a cure‐all for expanding access to care.
MH therapists discuss care challenges in BIPOC community
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2023

Observing National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a group of counselors and therapists gathered to discuss access to mental health care in the BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] community and ways to support and encourage more clinicians of color to work in the field.
Analytical algorithms for direct and inverse problems pertaining to the electromagnetic excitation of a layered medium by N dipoles
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Andreas , Tsitsas Nikolaos L.
Published: July 2023

The direct problem of exciting a multilayered spherical medium by a distribution of arbitrarily located (internal and external)
electric dipoles is considered. A formulation based on excitation operators is adopted. The solution of the direct problem is obtained by means of an overall superposition method that combines elements of the T‐matrix approach, the Sommerfeld's method, and Green's functions' techniques. Approximations are extracted for the obtained far‐field patterns in the long‐wavelength (low‐frequency) regime. A set of source‐localization inverse problems is considered. Analytical algorithms are devised in which nonlinear systems are obtained from specifically selected low‐frequency far‐field measurements. These systems are subsequently solved explicitly including all special cases. The developed algorithms are noninvasive and can determine accurately the characteristics of internal sources.
Boundedness criteria for the fractional integral and fractional maximal operator on Morrey spaces generated by the Gegenbauer differential operator
Authors: Ibrahimov Elman J. , Jafarova Saadat Ar. , Bandaliyev Rovshan A.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the fractional integral on G‐Morrey space generated by Gegenbauer differential operator. A similar problem is studied for the fractional maximal operator.
Reconfigurable angle sensitive metasurface for multibeam manipulation
Authors: Zhang Yanpeng , Liu Xiaocha , Li Mengxue , Wang Haipeng , Yang Guo‐Min
Published: July 2023

An angle sensitive transmission metasurface unit structure is designed in this paper. The metasurface unit presents a good transmission performance for the TE wave incidence, and has a linear phase response with the maximum phase difference up to 180° when the incidence angle changes in the range of −45° and +45°. Moreover, a reconfigurable design of the metasurface unit is realized by loading a varator, and the phase difference is extended to 270° to satisfy the demand of multibit metasurface. Based on the characteristics of angle sensitivity and reconfigurability of the metasurface unit, combined with the control of the varactor and the unit tilt angle, a new 1‐bit digital coding angle sensitive metasurface is proposed. The metasurface has a specification of 20 × 20 and a center frequency of 10 GHz. Both the simulation and measurement show that different transmission is realized for incident waves at different incident angles. It can form different beams, which can be used for multibeam modulation with the same frequency and same polarization.
Wideband differential‐fed metasurface antenna array using characteristic mode analysis
Authors: Huang Chao , Yi Yuan , Ma Xia , Guo Chenjiang , Ding Jun
Published: July 2023

A wideband differential‐fed (DF) metasurface (MTS) antenna array is proposed in this letter. As the element of the proposed array, a nonuniform MTS is designed step by step using characteristic mode analysis. In the first step, a 2 × 2 rectangular patch‐based MTS is investigated. We observe that its two fundamental modes exhibit even/odd symmetric current distributions, which can be regarded as a pair of c/π modes. Unlike c mode, π mode features nonbroadside radiation, which can be reshaped by modifying MTS to an asymmetric configuration in the second step. In the last step, a direct DF method is adopted to excite c/π modes and suppress other unwanted modes for wideband performance. The optimal DF positions are quantitatively predicted by calculating the impendence bandwidth of MTS fed by virtual probes. Moreover, to further increase the gain and improve the symmetry of radiation patterns, two proposed elements are integrated into a linear array. Finally, the proposed antenna array is fabricated and measured. The measured impedance bandwidth is 22.2% (6–7.5 GHz) with broadside radiation, stable gains varying from 8.5 to 11.3 dBi, and a front‐to‐back ratio better than 19 dB.
Pathology steered stratification network for subtype identification in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xu Enze , Zhang Jingwen , Li Jiadi , Song Qianqian , Yang Defu , Wu Guorong , Chen Minghan
Published: July 2023

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by three neurobiological factors beta‐amyloid, pathologic tau, and neurodegeneration. There are no effective treatments for AD at a late stage, urging for early detection and prevention. However, existing statistical inference approaches in neuroimaging studies of AD subtype identification do not take into account the pathological domain knowledge, which could lead to ill‐posed results that are sometimes inconsistent with the essential neurological principles.

Purpose

Integrating systems biology modeling with machine learning, the study aims to assist clinical AD prognosis by providing a subpopulation classification in accordance with essential biological principles, neurological patterns, and cognitive symptoms.

Methods

We propose a novel pathology steered stratification network (PSSN) that incorporates established domain knowledge in AD pathology through a reaction‐diffusion model, where we consider non‐linear interactions between major biomarkers and diffusion along the brain structural network. Trained on longitudinal multimodal neuroimaging data, the biological model predicts long‐term evolution trajectories that capture individual characteristic progression pattern, filling in the gaps between sparse imaging data available. A deep predictive neural network is then built to exploit spatiotemporal dynamics, link neurological examinations with clinical profiles, and generate subtype assignment probability on an individual basis. We further identify an evolutionary disease graph to quantify subtype transition probabilities through extensive simulations.

Results

Our stratification achieves superior performance in both inter‐cluster heterogeneity and intra‐cluster homogeneity of various clinical scores. Applying our approach to enriched samples of aging populations, we identify six subtypes spanning AD spectrum, where each subtype exhibits a distinctive biomarker pattern that is consistent with its clinical outcome.

Conclusions

The proposed PSSN (i) reduces neuroimage data to low‐dimensional feature vectors, (ii) combines AT[N]‐Net based on real pathological pathways, (iii) predicts long‐term biomarker trajectories, and (iv) stratifies subjects into fine‐grained subtypes with distinct neurological underpinnings. PSSN provides insights into pre‐symptomatic diagnosis and practical guidance on clinical treatments, which may be further generalized to other neurodegenerative diseases.
Large‐strain consolidation of PVD‐improved soils considering depth‐dependent initial void ratio and initial effective stress due to soil self‐weight
Authors: Tian Yi , Wu Wenbing , Wang Peng , Wang Lixing , Wen Minjie , Jiang Guosheng , Mei Guoxiong
Published: July 2023

A governing equation for large‐strain consolidation of PVD‐improved soil is developed based on the equivalent elliptical cylindrical model, which accounts for depth‐dependent initial void ratio and initial effective stress induced by soil self‐weight, well resistance with variable discharge capacity, time‐dependent load, and nonlinear variations of compressibility and permeability. Then, a numerical solution is obtained by means of COMSOL Multiphysics and is validated through comparisons with existing solutions and measured data. The parametric studies show that the difference between large‐strain consolidation and small‐strain consolidation reduces with the decreases of the compression index and applied load. Although the soil self‐weight has little effect on the degree of consolidation in some cases, the soil settlement will be significantly overestimated if the self‐weight is ignored. The development of consolidation slowed as the ratio of compressibility over horizontal permeability increased.
Surgical education in urogynecology from low fidelity to virtual reality: Systematic review
Authors: Patel Jill S. , Cyrus John W. , Siff Lauren N.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Increase dissemination of educational tools in urogynecology.

Objective

Describe the effectiveness and public availability of published educational tools for urogynecologic surgery.

Study design

A systematic review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from 1946 to 2023 for articles describing educational tools in urogynecology. There were no restrictions on study design or language. Data were extracted in duplicate using a standardized piloted extraction form, and outcomes were combined descriptively.

Results

2997 titles, 457 abstracts, and 97 full‐text articles were analyzed. Of the 97 interventions included, 43 were manuscripts and 54 were conference abstracts. The median study quality was low, with a moderate risk of bias. Six intervention categories were identified: didactics, animal models, cadavers, static models, extended reality (XR), and multimodal workshops. Didactics were subjectively useful for teaching pelvic anatomy and diseases and improving surgical techniques. If good quality, animal models and cadavers provided visual and tactile learning and assessed performance in real‐time. Animal models were also anatomically realistic and useful at half the cost of cadavers. Static models and XR improved confidence, knowledge, skills, and error rates despite lack of realism and accurate tissue texture in some models and steep learning curve with XR. Only four models were commercially accessible. Most studies did not assess long‐term (>6 months) retention.

Conclusion

All educational modalities for urogynecologic surgery are largely realistic and increase participant satisfaction, preparedness, knowledge, skills, and likelihood of use. But only 40% advanced to manuscripts, and even fewer (<5%) were widely available.
Deep learning pipeline for quality filtering of MRSI spectra
Authors: Rakić Mladen , Turco Federico , Weng Guodong , Maes Frederik , Sima Diana M. , Slotboom Johannes
Published: July 2023

With the rise of novel 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) acquisition protocols in clinical practice, which are capable of capturing a large number of spectra from a subject's brain, there is a need for an automated preprocessing pipeline that filters out bad‐quality spectra and identifies contaminated but salvageable spectra prior to the metabolite quantification step. This work introduces such a pipeline based on an ensemble of deep‐learning classifiers. The dataset consists of 36,338 spectra from one healthy subject and five brain tumor patients, acquired with an EPSI variant, which implemented a novel type of spectral editing named SLOtboom–Weng (SLOW) editing on a 7T MR scanner. The spectra were labeled manually by an expert into four classes of spectral quality as follows: (i) noise, (ii) spectra greatly influenced by lipid‐related artifacts (deemed not to contain clinical information), (iii) spectra containing metabolic information slightly contaminated by lipid signals, and (iv) good‐quality spectra.

The AI model consists of three pairs of networks, each comprising a convolutional autoencoder and a multilayer perceptron network. In the classification step, the encoding half of the autoencoder is kept as a dimensionality reduction tool, while the fully connected layers are added to its output. Each of the three pairs of networks is trained on different representations of spectra (real, imaginary, or both), aiming at robust decision‐making. The final class is assigned via a majority voting scheme.

The F1 scores obtained on the test dataset for the four previously defined classes are 0.96, 0.93, 0.82, and 0.90, respectively. The arguably lower value of 0.82 was reached for the least represented class of spectra mildly influenced by lipids.

Not only does the proposed model minimise the required user interaction, but it also greatly reduces the computation time at the metabolite quantification step (by selecting a subset of spectra worth quantifying) and enforces the display of only clinically relevant information.
Frequency‐domain fundamental solutions and boundary element method for consistent couple stress elastodynamic problems
Authors: Lei Jun , Shao Caixia , Zhang Chuanzeng
Published: July 2023

In this article, the elastodynamic problems are investigated within the framework of a consistent couple‐stress theory (CCST). The basic equations for the CCST elastodynamic problems are derived at first. These dynamic formulas are then analyzed in the frequency domain by the Fourier transform. The frequency‐domain fundamental solutions to the transformed elastodynamic problems are subsequently derived for the two‐dimensional (2D) plane‐strain state. Based on the fundamental solutions and the elastodynamic reciprocal theorem, the frequency‐domain boundary integral equations (BIEs) are established. Then, the BIEs are numerically solved by a collocation method in conjunction with analytical and numerical treatments of the arising singular integrals. To obtain the time‐domain dynamic responses, an exponential window method (EWM) is adopted to transform the frequency‐domain results to the time‐domain solutions. By using the developed boundary element method (BEM), several typical couple‐stress elastodynamic problems are numerically investigated and the size‐effects are studied by using different values of the length‐scale parameter in the CCST. Good agreements between the results obtained by the developed BEM for a tiny length‐scale parameter and the corresponding classical BEM results or analytical solutions are achieved, which validates the high accuracy of the present BEM.
Optimization of Subglottic View During Flexible Laryngoscopy With Patient Positioning
Authors: Highland Julie , Torrecillas Vanessa , Redding Taylor , Bixby Billie , Iravani Aidin , Haller Travis , Firpo Matthew , Nouraei Reza , Smith Marshall
Published: July 2023

Objective

Determine the ideal head position to optimize visualization of the subglottis using flexible laryngoscopy.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient multidisciplinary airway clinic at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Patients presenting to a multidisciplinary airway clinic undergoing nasoendoscopic airway examination were enrolled. Three head positions were utilized to examine the subglottis during laryngoscopy: “sniffing,” chin tuck, and stooping positions. In‐office reviewers and blinded clinician participants evaluated views of the airway based on Cormack‐Lehane (CL) scale, airway grade (AG), and visual analog scale (VAS). Demographic data were obtained. Statistical analysis compared head positions and demographic data using Student's t test, analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc analysis.

Results

One hundred patients participated. No statistical differences existed among in‐clinic or blinded reviewers for the CL score in any head position (p = .35, .5, respectively). For both AG and VAS, flexed and stooping positions were rated higher than the sniffing positions by both in‐clinic and blinded reviewers (p < .01 for all analyses), but there was no statistical difference between these two positions (p = .28, .18, respectively). There was an inverse correlation between age and scores for AG and VAS in the flexed position for both sets of reviewers (p = .02, <.01 respectively), and a higher body mass index was significantly associated with the need to perform tracheoscopy for full airway evaluation (p < .01).

Conclusion

Both flexion and stoop postures can be implemented by an experienced endoscopist in awake, transnasal flexible laryngoscopy to enhance visualization of the subglottic airway.
Exploring the effects of thermal aging on scratch resistance of carbon fiber reinforced composite materials: A comprehensive study
Authors: Demircioğlu Bulçak Tuğçe , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Fidan Sinan , Yarar Eser , Akagündüz Eyüp
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the scratch behavior of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) under thermal aging conditions. Scratch depth was analyzed with respect to three parameters: velocity, thermal cycle, and direction of the scratch. The results showed that thermal aging has a significant effect on the scratch behavior of CFRCs, with an increase in thermal cycle leading to an increase in scratch depth. The scratch depth was also found to be greater in the weft direction compared to the warp direction, which can be attributed to the difference in fiber arrangement and orientation in the CFRC material. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to investigate the effect of thermal aging on the scratch behavior of CFRCs. The ANOVA results revealed that the direction of the scratch has a significant effect on scratch depth, with the weft direction showing greater scratch depth compared to the warp direction. The surface roughness of CFRCs was analyzed under thermal aging conditions and with an increase in thermal cycle leading to an increase in surface roughness. The roughness values were found to be higher in the weft direction compared to the warp direction, which can be attributed to the difference in fiber arrangement and orientation in the CFRC material.
Phytochemical profile of petals from black Dahlia pinnata by flow injection analysis–electrospray ionization–Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Granados‐Balbuena Sulem Yali , Díaz‐Pacheco Adrian , García‐Meza María Guadalupe , Tapia‐López Lilia , Cruz‐Narváez Yair , Ocaranza‐Sánchez Erik
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Dahlia pinnata Cav. is a flower native to Mexico that has many applications; in particular, its petals have been used for ornamental, food, and medicinal purposes, for example to treat skin rashes and skin cracks. It has been reported that the medicinal properties of plants are generally related to the phytochemical constituents they possess. However, there are few studies on black D. pinnata.

Objectives

The present study was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively determining the phytochemical profile of petals from black D. pinnata.

Methodology

Phytochemicals from Dahlia petals were extracted by consecutive maceration (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol); then, the extracts were analyzed through colorimetric assays and UV–Vis spectroscopy for qualitative identification and quantification of phytochemical compounds, respectively. The methanolic extract was analyzed by flow injection analysis–electrospray ionization–Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FIA‐ESI‐FTICR‐MS) in negative and positive mode.

Results

Quantitative phytochemical profiling of the methanolic extract by UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated high contents of phenolic compounds (34.35 ± 3.59 mg EQ/g plant) and sugars (23.91 ± 1.99 mg EQ/g plant), while the qualitative profiling by FIA‐ESI‐FTICR‐MS allowed the tentative identification of several flavonoids and phenolic acids. Kaempferol‐3‐rutinoside, pelargonidin‐3‐(6″‐malonylglucoside)‐5‐glucoside, rutin, kaempferol‐3‐(2″,3″‐diacetyl‐4″‐p‐coumaroylrhamnoside), and myricetin‐3‐(2‴‐galloylrhamnoside) were the main compounds detected.

Conclusion

The results expand our knowledge of the phytochemical constituents of petals from black D. pinnata.
Review of anticoagulation considerations in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Authors: Graboyes Sydney D. T. , Owen Phillip S. , Evans Rickey A. , Berei Theodore J. , Hryniewicz Katarzyna M. , Hollis Ian B.
Published: July 2023

Since its first success in 1975, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used with increasing frequency for pulmonary and cardiopulmonary bypass. Use in adults has increased exponentially since the early 2000s, but despite thousands of international cannulations using both veno‐arterial (VA) and veno‐venous (VV) ECMO, there are still significant hemocompatibility‐related adverse events. Current management of anticoagulation has been based on the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidance published in 2014 with recent updates published in 2022. Despite this guidance, there is still limited international consensus on how to manage anticoagulation in ECMO. For this review, we completed a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases to identify studies pertaining to anticoagulation of adult patients on VV or VA‐ECMO. The highest priority was given to sources that were prospective, randomized, controlled studies, but in the absence of such resources, observational studies, retrospective uncontrolled studies, and case series/reports were considered for inclusion. This document serves to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of management pertaining to anticoagulation relating to ECMO.