bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computational model of force within the ligaments and tendons in progressive collapsing foot deformity
Authors: Malakoutikhah Hamed , Madenci Erdogan , Latt Leonard Daniel 
Published: May 2022

AbstractProgressive collapsing foot deformity results from degeneration of the ligaments and posterior tibial tendon (PTT). Our understanding of the relationship between their failures remains incomplete. We sought to improve this understanding through computational modeling of the forces in these soft tissues. The impact of PTT and ligament failures on force changes in the remaining ligaments was investigated by quantifying ligament force changes during simulated ligament and tendon cutting in a validated finite element model of the foot. The ability of the PTT to restore foot alignment was also evaluated by increasing the PTT force in a foot with attenuated ligaments and comparing the alignment angles to the intact foot. We found that failure of any one of the ligaments led to overloading the remaining ligaments, except for the plantar naviculocuneiform, first plantar tarsometatarsal, and spring ligaments, where removing one led to unloading the other two. The combined attenuation of the plantar fascia, long plantar, short plantar, and spring ligaments significantly overloaded the deltoid and talocalcaneal ligaments. Isolated PTT rupture had no effect on foot alignment but did increase the force in the deltoid and spring ligaments. Moreover, increasing the force within the PTT to 30% of body weight was effective at restoring foot alignment during quiet stance, primarily through reducing hindfoot valgus and forefoot abduction as opposed to improving arch collapse. Our findings suggest that early intervention might be used to prevent the progression of deformity. Moreover, strengthening the PTT through therapeutic exercise might improve its ability to restore foot alignment.
Nerve growth factor receptors in equine synovial membranes vary with osteoarthritic disease severity
Authors: Kendall Anna , Ekman Stina , Skiöldebrand Eva 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that has been implicated in pain signaling, apoptosis, inflammation and proliferation. The resultant effects depend on interaction with two different receptors; tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75NTR. NGF increases in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic joints, and monoclonal antibody therapy is trialed to treat osteoarthritis (OA)‐related pain. Investigation of the complex and somewhat contradictory signaling pathways of NGF is conducted in neural research, but has not followed through to orthopaedic studies. The objectives of this study were to compare the expression of NGF receptors and the downstream regulator BAX in synovial membranes from joints in various stages of OA. The horse was used as a model. Synovial membranes were harvested from five healthy horses postmortem and from clinical cases with spontaneous OA undergoing arthroscopic surgery for lameness. Four horses with synovitis without gross cartilage changes, four horses with synovitis and cartilage damage, and four horses with synovitis and intracarpal fractures were included. Samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry and results showed that nuclear staining of TrkA, p75NTR and BAX increases in OA‐associated synovitis. TrkA expression increased in early disease stages whereas increases in p75NTR were most prominent in later disease stages with cartilage damage and fibrosis. Clinical significance: Suppression of NGF may result in varied effects depending on different stages of the osteoarthritic disease process.
A graphene pH sensor fabrication process for a nanotechnology laboratory course
Authors: Suh Yeonjoon , Wen Chengyu , Shah Shrey , Watson George Patrick 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA laboratory course experiment is described that combines traditional semiconductor fabrication techniques with the application of a nanotechnology‐relevant material, graphene. Sensor devices made with graphene are integrated with a microfluidic device in order to introduce students to new applications of this technology in biology and medicine. The fabrication and test process for a pH sensor is used as a tangible example, exhibiting a changing resistance across graphene strips immersed in different pH buffer solutions. The processing and test equipment required is available in many Si device fabrication educational laboratories.
The effect of histologic grade on neoadjuvant treatment outcomes in esophageal cancer
Authors: Pointer David T. , McDonald Jordan A. , Naffouje Samer A. , Mehta Rutika , Fleming Jason B. , Fontaine Jacques P. , Lauwers Gregory Y. , Frakes Jessica M. , Hoffe Sarah E. , Pimiento Jose M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe gold standard for locoregional esophageal cancer (LEC) treatment includes preoperative chemoradiation and surgical resection, with possible perioperative or adjuvant systemic therapy. With few data associating histologic grade and prognosis in LEC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by resection, we seek to evaluate this association.MethodsOur institutional esophagectomy database between 1999 and 2019 was queried, selecting esophageal adenocarcinoma patients who completed neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), followed by esophagectomy. Propensity‐score matching of low‐ and high‐histologic grade groups was performed to assess survival metrics using initial clinical grade (cG) and final pathologic grade (pG). We performed a multivariable logistic regression to study predictors of pathologic complete response as a secondary objective.ResultsA total of 518 patients met the inclusion criteria. Kaplan–Meier analysis of the matched dataset showed no difference in initial or 5‐year recurrence‐free survival or overall survival (OS) between cG1 and cG2 versus cG3 based on original grade. When matched according to pG, cG1–2 had improved median survival parameters compared to cG3, with 5‐year OS for cG1–2 of 45% versus 27% (p = 0.001). Higher pG, pathologic N stage, and poor response to NAT are predictors of poor survival.ConclusionPatients with post‐NAT pG1–2 demonstrated improved survival. Integrating histologic grade into postneoadjuvant staging may be warranted.
Lymphadenectomy and margin‐negative resection for biliary tract cancer surgery in the United States—Differential technical performance by approach
Authors: Kim Bradford J. , Newhook Timothy E. , Tzeng Ching‐Wei D. , Ikoma Naruhiko , Chiang Yi‐Ju , Chun Yun Shin , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Tran Cao Hop S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAs minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches to biliary tract cancers become more commonplace, understanding the adequacy of their oncologic performance is key.MethodsThe National Cancer Database 2010–2016 was queried for patients who underwent hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) and T1b or more advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC). Patients were grouped by approach: open (OA), laparoscopic (LA), and robotic (RA). Margin status, rate of lymph node (LN) dissection, and yield of LN dissection were evaluated.ResultsThis cohort of 8612 patients, including 4034 patients with IHC (OA: 3281, LA: 675, RA: 78) and 4578 patients with GBC (OA: 1893, LA: 2588, RA: 97), MIS was used 40% of the time. R0 resection was achieved in 82% OA, 84% LA, and 91% RA, p = 0.004. Rate of LN dissection was 53% (OA: 60%, LA: 42%, RA: 51%, p < 0.001). Among patients who underwent lymphadenectomy, 6 + LN were retrieved less commonly with a LA (OA: 27%, LA: 20%, and RA: 30%, p < 0.001). High‐volume MIS hepatectomy centers were more likely to perform a lymphadenectomy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41) and a sampling of 6 + LN (OR: 1.18).ConclusionRegardless of approach, lymphadenectomy is underperformed nationwide for biliary tract tumors, particularly with LA. As the use of MIS grows for the treatment of biliary tract cancers, scrutiny of oncologic outcomes is required.
Genomic variation associated with carcinoma showing thymus‐like elements (CASTLE) in thyroid gland
Authors: Jiang Lin , Zheng Wei‐Hui , Chen Chao 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundCarcinoma showing thymus‐like elements (CASTLE) is a rare kind of malignant tumor of thyroid gland. The genetic mutation characteristics of CASTLE are not clear.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed seven patients diagnosed as CASTLE tumor in our hospital, and performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in five cases to analyze the genomic variation of CASTLE in thyroid gland.ResultsThe diagnosis of CASTLE was confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical results. Immunohistochemical staining showed that cell membranes of tumor samples in all cases were moderately to strongly positive for CD5 and CD117. WES presented a large number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions (InDel), and copy number variations (CNVs). By comparing with the TCGA database, we found novel mutations in significantly mutated genes such as FBXL16, PAQR7, LEFTY1, UBA52, and FLNA, as well as in potential disease‐related driver genes such as MLLT10, FLNA, CYLD, HLA‐B, KMT2D, SFPQ, MUC16, EEF2, and KMT2C.ConclusionsCASTLE tumors contain unique tumor driver gene mutations. The information about mutations in several novel genes obtained in this study may contribute to unraveling the molecular mechanisms responsible for the emergence of thyroid CASTLE tumors and help formulating possible in‐roads for treatment.
Angiogenic Hydrogels to Accelerate Early Wound Healing
Authors: Kim KaKyung , Siddiqui Zain , Acevedo‐Jake Amanda M. , Roy Abhishek , Choudhury Marwa , Grasman Jonathan , Kumar Vivek 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDiabetes mellitus affects an increasing proportion of the population, and is projected to double by 2060. Comorbidities contribute to an interrupted healing process which is delayed, prolonged, and associated with increased susceptibility to infection and unresolved inflammation. This leads to chronic nonhealing wounds and potential amputation. Here, the use of a bioactive angiogenic peptide‐based hydrogel, SLan, is examined to improve early wound healing in diabetic rats, and its performance is compared to clinically utilized biosynthetic peptide‐based materials such as Puramatrix. Streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats underwent 8 mm biopsy wounding in their dorsum. Wounds are treated with either Low (1 w%) SLan, High (4 w%) SLan, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Puramatrix, or K2 (an unfunctionalized nonbioactive control sequentially similar to SLan), covered with Tegaderm, and monitored on for a month; animals are sacrificed for histomorphic analyses and immunostaining. Pharmacokinetic analysis showing no trafficking of peptides from the wound into the circulation. SLan groups show similar wound contraction as control groups (Puramatrix, PBS, and K2), however, showing marked improvement in healing in earlier time points, including increased deposition of new mature blood vessels. Altogether the results suggest this material can be used to “jumpstart” the diabetic wound healing process.
Bioinspired Rubber Composites with Mechanical Robustness, Recyclability, and Shape Memory Properties
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Qin Junhong , Feng Huadong , Wang Hao , Zao Weitao , Yang Yuan , Liang Zi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractVitrimers display great potential for application in various industries thanks to their high strength, reprocessability, and multi‐functions. However, it is still quite a challenge to fabricate rubber vitrimers as the facile designs in reversible crosslinking networks are always critical. Herein, inspired by mussel byssus, heterogeneous coordination networks are constructed in nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) to develop novel vitrimeric structures composed of metal‐phenolic network (MPN) granules with dense zinc ions (Zn2+)–tea polyphenol (TP) bonds and a soft matrix containing few Zn2+cyano group (CN) coordination bonds. The resulting NBR composites show tunable reinforcement simply by altering the amount of Zn2+ ions. The reversibility of complexations endows the composites with good plasticity, recyclability, and stable shape memory properties. Plasticity at high temperatures changes vitrimeric networks, producing larger and spindle‐like MPN granules owing to their secondary self‐assembly. Despite these variations, the vitrimeric composites still maintain engineering plasticity‐based shape memory properties at a relatively large strain. Therefore, it is believed that the biomimetic strategies can well fabricate rubber composites with high strength, reprocessable, and shape‐memory performance.
How a blurry background in product presentation influences product size perception
Authors: Meng Lu (Monroe) , Kou Sining , Duan Shen , Jiang Yushi , Lü Kevin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study demonstrates a visual phenomenon in online product presentation: product size perception is influenced by the depth of field of the presentation image. Depth of field refers to how blurry or sharp the background around the focused subject is a shallow depth‐of‐field image result in a clear focused subject and a blurry background, while in a deep depth‐of‐field image, both the subject and the background are clear. One eye‐tracking study, three behavioral experiments, and one field study show that a shallow (vs. deep) depth‐of‐field product presentation (i.e., a clear product with a blurry background) increases consumers' product size perceptions. This effect is mediated by the greater attention allocated to the product and is moderated by product familiarity. Specifically, when product familiarity is low, consumer attention mediates the significant effect of depth of field on product size perception. However, when product familiarity is high, the effects of depth of field and consumer attention decrease. The current research contributes to the previous research on product presentation and product size perception by investigating the effect of a novel factor, the depth of field, on consumers' estimations of product size. Overall, the findings encourage online retailers to carefully adapt the depth of field technique in their product presentation according to their objectives (e.g., attract consumers' interest vs. provide accurate information) and consumers' familiarity with their products.
Initial experience using the Axonics sacral neuromodulation system in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chen Annie , Kapur Anjali , Mossack Spencer , Weissbart Steven J. , Kim Jason M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is third‐line therapy approved for urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and urgency, and nonobstructive urinary retention. Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients often suffer from neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). The utility of SNM in the MS population is limited by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) incompatibility as routine MRIs to evaluate for disease progression are required. The Axonics System is the first Food and Drug Administration‐approved SNM device that is 1.5/3 T full‐body MRI‐conditionally safe. This study seeks to investigate the symptomatic improvement in MS patients after implantation of the Axonics System.MethodsAll MS patients who elected for Axonics SNM from December 2019 to January 2021 were included. Demographics and scores were queried for urogenital distress inventory (UDI‐6), incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ‐7), and global response assessment (GRA).ResultsFifteen MS patients with UUI were included. The time to follow‐up averaged 121 days. On UDI‐6, 12 patients reported improvement, 1 worsening, and 2 no change. Average UDI‐6 scores before and after implantation were 56.6 and 25.2 (p < 0.0001). Improvements were significant for all questions under stress urinary incontinence, UUI, and voiding difficulty subcategories. On IIQ‐7, 14 patients reported improvement and 1 reported worsening. Average IIQ‐7 scores before and after implantation were 59.0 and 22.2 (p < 0.001). Improvements were significant for travel, social, and emotional subcategories, but not for physical activity. The average GRA score was 6 (“moderately improved”).ConclusionThe majority of MS patients reported significant initial improvement in UUI and associated quality of life measures on validated questionnaires after implantation of the Axonics System. Future studies are needed to determine the long‐term outcomes and durability of this MRI full‐body conditionally‐safe system.
Characteristics of immersive citizen science experiences that drive conservation engagement
Authors: Day Georgia , Fuller Richard A. , Nichols Cassandra , Dean Angela J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

The biodiversity crisis poses a real and present global threat to humanity. The acceleration of species and ecosystem decline coupled with climate change suggests that as it stands, nature cannot absorb the pressure humanity is placing on the planet. Bold new approaches to biodiversity conservation are needed.

Promoting an engaged community is an important part of achieving conservation outcomes. Research shows that citizen science has the potential to elicit conservation engagement. However, research has not specifically explored how intensive citizen science expedition programs contribute to change.

Here we use transformative learning theory as a tool to investigate how participation in citizen science programs influences conservation engagement. We analysed evaluation surveys of Earthwatch Institute citizen science participants (N = 608) and conducted in‐depth interviews (N = 11), to examine the links between citizen science experiences and engagement outcomes.

We discovered that while nature‐based components of citizen science programs attract participants and create a salient environment for transformation, these are not objectively associated with engagement outcomes. Strengthened awareness was associated with learning, social interactions and cultural experiences, whereas intentions to engage in conservation action was only influenced by experiencing a sense of contribution.

Rather than focusing only on learning and nature experiences, our results suggest that the elements of citizen science programs which support social change may require allowing participants to develop a sense of contribution amid an interactive social environment.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Precisely nanostructured HfO2 rear passivation layers for ultra‐thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2
Authors: Anacleto Pedro , Hägglund Carl , Chen Wei‐Chao , Kovačič Milan , Krč Janez , Edoff Marika , Sadewasser Sascha 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe quest for material‐efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells encourages the development of ultra‐thin absorbers. Their use reduces material consumption and energy usage during production by increasing the throughput. Thereby, both the bill of materials as well as the energy and capital costs are reduced. However, because thin absorbers are prone to increase back contact recombination, back surface passivation schemes are necessary to reach a similar or higher conversion efficiency than for absorbers with conventional thickness. Here, we investigate nanostructured hafnium oxide (HfO2) rear passivation layers for ultra‐thin CIGS solar cells. We fabricate regular arrays of point contacts with 200 nm diameter through HfO2 layers with thicknesses between 7 and 40 nm using electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. The current–voltage curves of solar cells with a 500 nm thick CIGS absorber layer and the nanostructured passivation layer show improved performance concerning Voc and Jsc compared to non‐passivated reference devices. Furthermore, external quantum efficiency and optical reflection confirm an effective passivation behavior, with an average efficiency increase of up to 1.2% for the cells with the 40 nm thick HfO2 layer. In addition, simulation work shows that even 40 nm thick HfO2 passivation layers have only a minimal effect on the optical properties of ultra‐thin CIGS solar cells, and hence, the photocurrent increase verified experimentally stems from electrical improvements caused by the HfO2 layer passivation effect. We also investigate the impact of ultra‐thin (0.3, 0.6, 1.3, and 2.5 nm) non‐patterned HfO2 passivation layers on the same type of solar cells. However, these results showed no improvement in solar cell performance, despite an increase in the current density with layer thickness.
Research to practice to research: Examining who, how, what, when, and where for early literacy interventions within tiered frameworks
Authors: Stuckey Adrienne , Albritton Kizzy , Cruz Kenia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTiered frameworks, such as Response to Intervention (RtI), have become a primary approach within K‐12 settings for identifying children who may need additional intervention. Recent literature suggests RtI is also occurring in many early childhood programs, and early literacy is often an area of focus. While there are data indicating improved outcomes for children who received early literacy intervention, we had many unanswered questions regarding the characteristics of early literacy interventions implemented with young children within RtI frameworks. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to understand who the studies were about, how the researchers identified children in need of higher tiers of support, what content was emphasized through which intervention methods, and where and when the interventions occurred. Our findings indicate that intervention studies overwhelmingly occurred with young children from racially and ethnically minoritized communities and economically marginalized backgrounds. Interventions focused on early literacy skill areas related to later reading achievement and were often delivered by members of research teams. We discuss implications for practitioners striving to implement research‐based interventions in their classrooms. We also discuss implications for researchers seeking to design and implement early literacy intervention studies with practical applicability.
Computational systems approach towards phosphoproteomics and their downstream regulation
Authors: Xiao Di , Chen Carissa , Yang Pengyi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractProtein phosphorylation plays an essential role in modulating cell signalling and its downstream transcriptional and translational regulations. Until recently, protein phosphorylation has been studied mostly using low‐throughput biochemical assays. The advancement of mass spectrometry (MS)‐based phosphoproteomics transformed the field by enabling measurement of proteome‐wide phosphorylation events, where tens of thousands of phosphosites are routinely identified and quantified in an experiment. This has brought a significant challenge in analysing large‐scale phosphoproteomic data, making computational methods and systems approaches integral parts of phosphoproteomics. Previous works have primarily focused on reviewing the experimental techniques in MS‐based phosphoproteomics, yet a systematic survey of the computational landscape in this field is still missing. Here, we review computational methods and tools, and systems approaches that have been developed for phosphoproteomics data analysis. We categorise them into four aspects including data processing, functional analysis, phosphoproteome annotation and their integration with other omics, and in each aspect, we discuss the key methods and example studies. Lastly, we highlight some of the potential research directions on which future work would make a significant contribution to this fast‐growing field. We hope this review provides a useful snapshot of the field of computational systems phosphoproteomics and stimulates new research that drives future development.