bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric calibration of anatomy‐specific ultra‐high dose rate electron irradiation platform for preclinical FLASH radiobiology experiments
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Melemenidis Stavros , Manjappa Rakesh , Viswanathan Vignesh , Ashraf Ramish M. , Levy Karen , Skinner Lawrie B. , Soto Luis A. , Chow Stephanie , Lau Brianna , Ko Ryan B. , Graves Edward E. , Yu Amy S. , Bush Karl K. , Surucu Murat , Rankin Erinn B. , Loo Billy W. , Schüler Emil , Maxim Peter G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundFLASH radiation therapy (RT) offers a promising avenue for the broadening of the therapeutic index. However, to leverage the full potential of FLASH in the clinical setting, an improved understanding of the biological principles involved is critical. This requires the availability of specialized equipment optimized for the delivery of conventional (CONV) and ultra‐high dose rate (UHDR) irradiation for preclinical studies. One method to conduct such preclinical radiobiological research involves adapting a clinical linear accelerator configured to deliver both CONV and UHDR irradiation.PurposeWe characterized the dosimetric properties of a clinical linear accelerator configured to deliver ultra‐high dose rate irradiation to two anatomic sites in mice and for cell‐culture FLASH radiobiology experiments.MethodsDelivered doses of UHDR electron beams were controlled by a microcontroller and relay interfaced with the respiratory gating system. We also produced beam collimators with indexed stereotactic mouse positioning devices to provide anatomically specific preclinical treatments. Treatment delivery was monitored directly with an ionization chamber, and charge measurements were correlated with radiochromic film measurements at the entry surface of the mice. The setup for conventional dose rate irradiation utilized the same collimation system but at increased source‐to‐surface distance. Monte Carlo simulations and film dosimetry were used to characterize beam properties and dose distributions.ResultsThe mean electron beam energies before the flattening filter were 18.8 MeV (UHDR) and 17.7 MeV (CONV), with corresponding values at the mouse surface of 17.2 and 16.2 MeV. The charges measured with an external ion chamber were linearly correlated with the mouse entrance dose. The use of relay gating for pulse control initially led to a delivery failure rate of 20% (± 1 pulse); adjustments to account for the linac latency improved this rate to < 1/20. Beam field sizes for two anatomically specific mouse collimators (4 × 4 cm2 for whole‐abdomen and 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 for unilateral lung irradiation) were accurate within < 5% and had low radiation leakage (< 4%). Normalizing the dose at the center of the mouse (∼0.75 cm depth) produced UHDR and CONV doses to the irradiated volumes with > 95% agreement.ConclusionWe successfully configured a clinical linear accelerator for increased output and developed a robust preclinical platform for anatomically specific irradiation, with highly accurate and precise temporal and spatial dose delivery, for both CONV and UHDR irradiation applications.
Conducting mixed methods research with women in a forensic mental health setting: A reflexive account from a nurse as researcher
Authors: Hansen Alison , Hazelton Michael , Rosina Robyn , Inder Kerry J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsTo describe a reflexive account of a mental health nurse as researcher undertaking a mixed methods study as part of a doctoral degree, with women in a secure forensic hospital.DesignA discursive paper that draws upon the primary author's experience of dual roles as a mental health nurse and a novice researcher, and relevant literature pertaining to positionality and reflexivity in the context of conducting mixed methods research.MethodsA mixed methods study was conducted within a secure forensic hospital in Australia, to identify factors associated with the frequency and duration of seclusion for women and, to explore their experiences of seclusion. Notes and a reflective diary were used to demonstrate the reflexive approach and strategies used throughout the study design and data collection stages of the research.ResultsWomen in the secure forensic hospital setting often have complex histories and experiences and are considered a vulnerable group, which can add additional challenges when undertaking research with this population. As a doctoral student with clinical experience in mental health undertaking research in the forensic hospital setting with women, positionality and the connection with reflexivity requires exploration to understand self and the influence on research. This understanding along with identified strategies to enhance reflexivity, supports the management of the dual nurse as researcher roles to enhance all stages of the research process.ConclusionDoctoral nursing candidates undertaking clinical research in their area of clinical practice and at the location of previous employment, may experience challenges in relation to identity and the dichotomy of roles. Further challenges can be posed when research involves complex populations and/or controversial practices. Support to balance role conflict and maintain reflexivity is critical to understanding the role of self in research and to enhance credibility.Implications for the Profession and/or Clinical PracticeWomen are a complex, yet minority population in forensic mental health settings, however the numbers of women being admitted to services is increasing. Future research may consider the use of the strategies explored here to enhance the reflexive process, and support future researchers in this field to conduct research that aims to support an often‐misheard population to better support health outcomes.Patient or Public InvolvementThere was no patient or public contribution to this paper, however the study in which this paper is based on, is grounded in the experience of patients (women).
Help‐seeking behavior of male victims of intimate partner violence in Japan
Authors: Morishita Junko , Yasuda Manabu , Suda Shiro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimIntimate partner violence (IPV) is becoming a serious public health issue worldwide. This study sought to analyze factors affecting the help‐seeking behavior of male victims of IPV using a web survey.MethodsMale IPV victims living in Japan were recruited to participate in a web‐based questionnaire survey conducted on February 25 and 26, 2021. A total of 1466 men were divided into two groups: Group 1 (43 men) consisted of victims who sought help and Group 2 consisted of victims (1423 men) who had not sought help. The Domestic Violence Screening Inventory, a 20‐item questionnaire regarding IPV exposure, and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 were used, along with the questions regarding help‐seeking behaviors for Group 1.ResultsOf the 43 victims, 28 victims (65.1%) used exclusively informal supports, eight victims (18.6%) used exclusively formal supports, and seven victims (16.3%) used both. Logistic regression analyses revealed that only physical violence was significantly associated with help‐seeking behaviors among types of abuse/violence (odds ratio [OR] = 4.51, confidence interval [CI] = 1.95–10.50, P < .001). Of past experiences, “foregoing divorce to avoid adverse childhood experiences in their offspring” (OR = 3.14, CI = 1.45–6.82, P = .003) was the most significantly associated with help‐seeking behaviors.ConclusionIn Japan, male IPV victims tend to seek help following physical violence, but males are less are likely to seek help for nonphysical victimization, highlighting the need for targeted support for victims of nonphysical abuse. To provide comprehensive aid to male IPV victims, consultation centers designed for men will be needed.
Metabolome fingerprinting reveals the presence of multiple nitrification inhibitors in biomass and root exudates of Thinopyrum intermedium
Authors: Issifu Sulemana , Acharya Prashamsha , Schöne Jochen , Kaur‐Bhambra Jasmeet , Gubry‐Rangin Cecile , Rasche Frank 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBiological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) encompasses primarily NH4+‐induced release of secondary metabolites to impede the rhizospheric nitrifying microbes from performing nitrification. The intermediate wheatgrass Thinopyrum intermedium (Kernza®) is known for exuding several nitrification inhibition traits, but its BNI potential has not yet been identified. We hypothesized Kernza® to evince BNI potential through the presence and release of multiple BNI metabolites. The presence of BNI metabolites in the biomass of Kernza® and annual winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and in the root exudates of hydroponically grown Kernza®, were fingerprinted using HPLC‐DAD and GC–MS/MS analyses. Growth bioassays involving ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) strains were conducted to assess the influence of the crude root metabolome of Kernza® and selected metabolites on nitrification. In most instances, significant concentrations of various metabolites with BNI potential were observed in the leaf and root biomass of Kernza® compared to annual winter wheat. Furthermore, NH4+ nutrition triggered the exudation of various phenolic BNI metabolites. Crude root exudates of Kernza® inhibited multiple AOB strains and completely inhibited N. viennensis. Vanillic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, and phenylalanine suppressed the growth of all AOB and AOA strains tested, and reduced soil nitrification, while syringic acid and 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoic acid were ineffective. We demonstrated the considerable role of the Kernza® metabolome in suppressing nitrification through active exudation of multiple nitrification inhibitors.
Braided Scalar Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Bogdanović Djordje , Ćirić Marija Dimitrijević , Radovanović Voja , Szabo Richard J. , Trojani Guillaume 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe formulate scalar field theories in a curved braided ‐algebra formalism and analyse their correlation functions using Batalin–Vilkovisky quantization. We perform detailed calculations in cubic braided scalar field theory up to two‐loop order and three‐point multiplicity. The divergent tadpole contributions are eliminated by a suitable choice of central curvature for the ‐structure, and we confirm the absence of UV/IR mixing. The calculations of higher loop and higher multiplicity correlators in homological perturbation theory are facilitated by the introduction of a novel diagrammatic calculus. We derive an algebraic version of the Schwinger–Dyson equations based on the homological perturbation lemma, and use them to prove the braided Wick theorem.
Manipulation of juvenile hormone signaling by the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora mediates fecundity enhancement of pear psylla
Authors: Zhang Zhixian , Liu Zhenya , Yuan Yulin , Zhang Wangbin , Zhang Songdou 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn nature, plant pathogens often rely on insect vectors for transmission. Through long‐term evolution, plant pathogens and insect vectors have established a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Fire blight, caused by the Gram‐negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora (Eam), poses a significant global threat to apple and pear production due to its rapid dissemination among host plants of the Rosaceae family. Despite evidence of E. amylovora transmission by various insects, the association between this pathogen and the pear psylla Cacopsylla chinensis, a common vector insect in pear orchards, remains unclear.RESULTSSampling investigations and qRT‐PCR results revealed that C. chinensis, from 11 pear orchards severely affected by fire blight disease in Xinjiang of China, harbored varying levels of this pathogen. Eam‐positive females exhibited significantly higher fecundity compared to Eam‐negative individuals, displaying accelerated ovarian development and a notable increase in egg production. Further RNAi results revealed that juvenile hormone (JH) receptor methoprene‐tolerant (CcMet) and a crucial downstream gene Krüppel‐homologue 1 (CcKr‐h1) mediated the fecundity improvement of C. chinensis induced by Eam. Additionally, miR‐2b, which targets CcKr‐h1, was identified as being involved in Eam‐induced fecundity enhancement in C. chinensis.CONCLUSIONThis study unveils, for the first time, that Eam colonize and amplify the fecundity of C. chinensis females. Host miR‐2b targets CcKr‐h1 of the JH signaling pathway to regulate the heightened fecundity of C. chinensis induced by Eam. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the interaction between plant pathogens and insect vectors, but also provide novel strategies for managing fire blight and pear psylla. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Life table analysis and RNA‐Seq reveal hormesis and transgenerational effects of deltamethrin on Aphis gossypii
Authors: Huangfu Ningbo , Shang Jiao , Guo Lixiang , Zhu Xiangzhen , Zhang Kaixin , Niu Ruichang , Li Dongyang , Gao Xueke , Wang Li , Ji Jichao , Luo Junyu , Cui Jinjie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundDeltamethrin, as a highly effective and broad‐spectrum insecticide, has been widely used for agricultural pest control such as Aphis gossypii worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown that despite great economic benefits brought by it, deltamethrin has also non‐negligible side effects. However, the potential risks and related molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear.ResultsHerein, the life table parameters and transcriptome sequencing analyses of the four successive aphid generations were performed to investigate the hormesis and transgenerational effects of deltamethrin on A. gossypii. The life table analysis showed that although the exposure of G0 aphid to 30% lethal concentration (LC30) deltamethrin significantly reduced the net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and fecundity of G0, but it significantly enhanced the R0 and fecundity of subsequent two generations (G1 and G2) of A. gossypii. Moreover, transcriptomic analyses showed that the signaling pathways related to posttranscriptional regulation (spliceosome), protein processing, longevity regulating, and cell proliferation (DNA replication, homologous recombination and non‐homologous end‐joining) were significantly up‐regulated in G1 or G2 under LC30 deltamethrin treatment. Additionally, we also found that the deltamethrin–sulfoxaflor rotation of G0 and G1 still induced reproductive stimulation, but the reproductive stimulation induced by insecticides rotation treatment was significantly lower than that in the deltamethrin exposure alone.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin significantly enhanced the offspring fecundity of cotton aphid. In addition, our study also reveals the transcriptional response mechanism of hormesis‐induced fecundity increase, providing valuable reference for optimizing the application of deltamethrin in integrated pest management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluating small area differential privacy life expectancy
Authors: Melix Bertram L. , Uejio Christopher K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe decennial census offers high‐quality geographic and demographic information to various stakeholders. Differential privacy (DP) refers to the process of introducing random error into public facing data products such as the decennial census. Studies suggest DP may statistically bias health indicators. This study evaluates neighborhood‐level (census tract) life expectancy (LE), highlighting the potential trade‐offs between privacy‐preserving methods and detecting health disparities in vulnerable populations. LE was calculated using mortality records from Florida between 2009 and 2013 across 4175 census tracts. This study compared US Census Bureau demonstration products with/without DP for two different uncertainty levels (ϵ) = 4, (ϵ) = 29.2. LE estimates were defined as biased (greater than 3 years), and then temporarily replaced with a value to indicate a biased/missing LE value (e.g., ‘1′). Correlation coefficients compared LE calculated from the original (non‐DP) age‐specific population estimates and the DP age‐specific population counts. Next, the study examined the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the biased DP LE estimates. Factors significantly correlated with increased log‐odds of biased LE estimates included the % Black population (1.03, p < 0.001). Conversely, total population (0.21, p < 0.001), % female‐headed households (0.86, p < 0.001), and % population 25+ years with no high school diploma (0.94, p < 0.001) exhibited significant negative associations with biased LE estimates. Future studies should consider the additional uncertainty created by DP when assessing public health interventions and tracking population health over time.
Multimodal, microspectroscopic speciation of legacy phosphorus in two US mid‐Atlantic agricultural soils
Authors: Szerlag Kathryn D. , Siebecker Matthew G. , Izaditame Fatemeh , Northrup Paul , Tappero Ryan , Sparks Donald L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo understand phosphorus (P) mobility in agricultural soils and its potential environmental risk, it is essential to directly measure solid phase P speciation. Often, bulk P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy followed by linear combination fitting (LCF) is utilized to determine the solid P phases in soil. However, this method may limit results to only a few major phases. Additionally, XANES spectra for different P species may have very similar features, leading to an over‐ or underestimate of their contribution to LCF. Here, an improved P speciation by pairing multimodal microbeam‐X‐ray fluorescence (µ‐XRF) mapping coupled with µ‐XANES (microbeam‐X‐ray absorption near edge structure) analysis to directly speciate major and minor P phases on the micron scale is provided. We combined maps of both tender (P, sulfur, aluminum, and silicon) and hard energy (calcium, iron [Fe], and manganese) elements to evaluate the elemental co‐locations with P. To better account for uncertainty assigning XANES peaks to individual compounds, a more quantitative fingerprinting by “spectral feature analysis” was completed. With this analysis, an R‐factor is reported for the fit. These results were compared to traditional LCF. Pre‐edge fitting results revealed the presence of a two‐component pre‐edge feature for phosphate adsorbed to ferrihydrite. Additionally, phytate co‐precipitated with ferrihydrite (Phytate‐Fe‐Cop) had a pre‐edge feature, indicating direct association with Fe. Lastly, a unique P species associated with manganese oxide was identified in the soil via multimodal mapping and µ‐XANES. These results allow for better prediction of P dissolution and mobility.
Secondary Ion Emissions of Tm and Tb Targets Under Bombardment With Cluster Ions
Authors: Kakhamonova Guliston , Akhunov Shovkatjon Dj. , Nazarov Makhmanazar M. , Mavlonov Ramazon R. , Usmanov Dilshadbek T. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn this work, the features of secondary emission phenomena were investigated under cluster bombardment. The emission of ion‐photons, secondary ions, and electrons associated with the thermal peak regime were experimentally carried out. The experiments were conducted using modernized a static magnetic mass spectrometer. The integral yield of secondary ion and electron emission was measured by bombarding Tb and Tm targets with cluster ions Aum− (m = 1–9) and Bim− (m = 1–7) within the energy range of 1–21 keV for the bombarding ions. Additionally, the integral yield of ion‐photon emission was measured by bombarding a Tm target with cluster ions Bim− (m = 1–5) within the same energy range. The experimental results showed that an increase in the yield of ion‐photon emission, secondary ion, and ion‐electron emission was observed with an increase in the number of atoms bombarded by cluster ions. This can be explained the formation of thermal peaks under dense collision cascades.
Development of pH‐Sensitive Microbeads Incorporated with Amine‐Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Rathnam Sepuri Ranga , Reddy Obireddy Sreekanth , Aravind Seema , Lai Wing‐Fu , Patwari Shivaji B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAntibiotic‐resistant bacteria have rapidly emerged in recent years as a result of irrational use of antibiotics. The development of drug carriers that can enhance antibacterial activity of antibiotics can potentially overcome antibiotic resistance and hence has practical significance. This study addresses this need by integrating amine‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) into hydrogel microbeads composed of sodium alginate (SA) and xanthan gum (XG) for delivery of levofloxacin (LVX). Characterization of the microbeads confirmed successful AMNP–polymer interactions and demonstrated a porous structure inside the microbeads. The microbeads demonstrated pH‐sensitive drug release behavior, enabling prolonged drug release. The drug encapsulation efficiency in the hydrogel microbeads was higher after AMNP incorporation, indicating the potential roles played by the porous network and by AMNP‐LVX interactions during drug loading. The microbeads adhered to first‐order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer‐Peppas kinetic models, suggesting that a combination of diffusion and polymer relaxation mechanisms is involved in drug release. Along with the fact that the AMNP‐incorporated microbeads exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, our microbeads warrant further development and optimization as drug carriers for antibacterial applications.
Development and Characterization of Tannic Acid‐Modified PVA‐κCarrageenan Gel for Sustained Release of Lidocaine
Authors: Marlina Anita , Misran Misni , Ndruru Sun Theo Constan Lotebulo , Saad Hazwani Mat , Sim Kae Shin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPVA‐κcarrageenan (κCar) gel is widely used in the pharmaceutical field for transdermal drug delivery, enhancing drug stability and bioavailability. This study aims to modify PVA‐κCar gel by introducing tannic acid. Lidocaine was used as a model drug for incorporation into the novel gel. The PVA‐κCar matrix was mixed with tannic acid prior to freeze– thaw cycle to create a gel composite. The physicochemical features of this gel were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, thermal analysis, and SEM. The presence of tannic acid has reduced the thermal stability of PVA‐κCar from 84 to around 70 °C. The gel content of tannic acid‐modified PVA‐κCar was 34.6% (A) and 52.1% (B). The addition of tannic acid substantially increased gel viscosity. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that tannic acid‐modified PVA‐κCar gel did not affect the viability of HCT colon cancer cells. The encapsulation efficiency of lidocaine in tannic acid‐modified PVA‐κCar was 13 ± 0.2% (A) and 12 ± 0.5% (B), while the drug loading was 0.96 ± 0.01 (A) and 0.91 ± 0.02 (B). In vitro release of lidocaine from the modified PVA‐κCar exhibited a sustained release mechanism in phosphate‐buffered saline solution. These findings indicate that the gel possesses advantageous characteristics as a drug carrier.