bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open‐source flow setup for rapid and efficient [18F]fluoride drying for automation of PET tracer syntheses
Authors: Menzel Florian , Cotton Jonathan , Ziegler Thomas , Maurer Andreas , Neumaier Jochen M.
Published: December 2023

One of the key strategies for radiochemical research facilities is the automation of synthesis processes. Unnecessary manual operations increase the radiation exposure of personnel, while simultaneously threatening the reliability of syntheses. We have previously reported an affordable open‐source system comprising 3D‐printed continuous flow reactors, a custom syringe pump, and a pressure regulator that can be used to perform radiofluorinations. In this paper, we address additional essential processes that are needed for radiotracer development and synthesis, with the aim of making laboratory work safer and research more efficient. We have designed and evaluated a fully automated system for rapidly and effectively processing and drying aqueous [18F]fluoride that can be directly connected to the cyclotron. This process relies on triflyl fluoride gas generation and allows nucleophilic [18F]fluoride to be prepared safely in a hotcell within 10 min and an activity recovery of 91.7 ± 1.6% (n = 5). Owing to the need for convenient radiofluorinated prosthetic ligands, we have adapted our continuous flow system to produce [18F]fluoroethyl tosylate (FEOTs) and [18F]fluoroethyl triflate (FEOTf), prosthetic groups that are widely used for late‐stage fluoroethylation of PET tracers. The processes as well as the radiolabeling of different groups are compared and comprehensively discussed. Having a method providing [18F]fluoroethyl tosylate (FEOTs) as well as [18F]fluoroethyl triflate (FEOTf) quickly and highly efficiently is beneficial for radiochemical research.
Collaborative Learning for Annotation‐Efficient Volumetric MR Image Segmentation
Authors: Osman Yousuf Babiker M. , Li Cheng , Huang Weijian , Wang Shanshan
Published: December 2023

Background

Deep learning has presented great potential in accurate MR image segmentation when enough labeled data are provided for network optimization. However, manually annotating three‐dimensional (3D) MR images is tedious and time‐consuming, requiring experts with rich domain knowledge and experience.

Purpose

To build a deep learning method exploring sparse annotations, namely only a single two‐dimensional slice label for each 3D training MR image.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Three‐dimensional MR images of 150 subjects from two publicly available datasets were included. Among them, 50 (1377 image slices) are for prostate segmentation. The other 100 (8800 image slices) are for left atrium segmentation. Five‐fold cross‐validation experiments were carried out utilizing the first dataset. For the second dataset, 80 subjects were used for training and 20 were used for testing.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3.0 T; axial T2‐weighted and late gadolinium‐enhanced, 3D respiratory navigated, inversion recovery prepared gradient echo pulse sequence.

Assessment

A collaborative learning method by integrating the strengths of semi‐supervised and self‐supervised learning schemes was developed. The method was trained using labeled central slices and unlabeled noncentral slices. Segmentation performance on testing set was reported quantitatively and qualitatively.

Statistical Tests

Quantitative evaluation metrics including boundary intersection‐over‐union (B‐IoU), Dice similarity coefficient, average symmetric surface distance, and relative absolute volume difference were calculated. Paired t test was performed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Compared to fully supervised training with only the labeled central slice, mean teacher, uncertainty‐aware mean teacher, deep co‐training, interpolation consistency training (ICT), and ambiguity‐consensus mean teacher, the proposed method achieved a substantial improvement in segmentation accuracy, increasing the mean B‐IoU significantly by more than 10.0% for prostate segmentation (proposed method B‐IoU: 70.3% ± 7.6% vs. ICT B‐IoU: 60.3% ± 11.2%) and by more than 6.0% for left atrium segmentation (proposed method B‐IoU: 66.1% ± 6.8% vs. ICT B‐IoU: 60.1% ± 7.1%).

Data Conclusions

A collaborative learning method trained using sparse annotations can segment prostate and left atrium with high accuracy.

Level of Evidence

0

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Healthy Adult Left and Right Ventricular Torsion and Torsion Rates With MR‐Feature Tracking
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Gengxiao , Gao Yiyuan , Zhou Shanshan , Xie Jianan , Liu Shurong , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhu Chengcheng , Ordovas Karen , Pohost Gerald M. , Sun Kai , Li Kuncheng
Published: December 2023

Background

The clinical value of myocardial torsion quantification in prognostic assessment and risk stratification of various cardiovascular diseases is gradually being recognized. However, normal values of left and right ventricular (LV and RV) torsion and torsion rates (TRs) have not been fully determined, and their correlation with age and gender has not been well studied.

Purpose

To establish normal ranges of biventricular torsion, peak systolic and diastolic TRs using magnetic resonance feature tracking (MR‐FT) technique based on a large sample of healthy adults, and further investigate their relationship with age and gender.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

566 Healthy adults (312 males, aged 43 ± 10 years; 254 females, aged 43 ± 11 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T/gradient echo.

Assessment

Biventricular torsion, peak systolic, and diastolic TRs.

Statistical Tests

Shapiro–Wilk test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney‐U test, linear regression, intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman analysis. Differences were regarded as statistically significant at P < 0.05.

Results

Women demonstrated greater magnitudes of left ventricle (LV) torsion (1.23 ± 0.44 vs. 1.00 ± 0.42°/cm), peak systolic TR (9.69 ± 3.70 vs. 8.27 ± 3.73°/cm*sec), peak diastolic TR (−7.78 ± 2.82 vs. −6.06 ± 2.44°/cm*sec), and RV torsion (2.20 ± 1.23 vs. 1.65 ± 1.11°/cm*sec), peak systolic TR (16.07 ± 8.18 vs. 12.62 ± 7.08°/cm*sec), peak diastolic TR (−15.39 ± 6.53 vs. −11.70 ± 6.03°/cm*sec). For both genders, the magnitudes of LV and RV torsion, peak systolic, and diastolic TRs increased linearly with age. All the measurements of biventricular torsion, peak systolic and diastolic TRs achieved good to excellent intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility, with all intraclass correlation coefficients >0.70.

Data Conclusion

The present study systematically provided age‐ and sex‐stratified reference values for LV and RV torsion and TRs using MR‐FT technique. Women and aging are associated with greater magnitudes of biventricular torsion, peak systolic, and diastolic TRs.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Evaluate the Microvascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (≤5 cm) and Recurrence Free Survival with Gadoxetate Disodium‐Enhanced MRI‐Based Habitat Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Yang Chun , Qian Xianling , Dai Yongming , Zeng Mengsu
Published: December 2023

Background

Tumors are heterogenous and consist of subregions, also known as tumoral habitats, each exhibiting varied biological characteristics. Each habitat corresponds to a cluster of tissue sharing similar structural, metabolic, or functional characteristics. The habitat imaging technique facilitates both the visualization and quantification of these tumoral habitats.

Purpose

To evaluate the microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (≤5 cm) and assess the recurrence‐free survival (RFS) using gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MRI‐based habitat imaging.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

180 patients (52.9 years ± 11.7, 156 men) with HCC.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T/contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

The enhancement ratio of signal intensity at the arterial phase (AER) and hepatobiliary phase (HBPER) were calculated. The HCC lesions and their peritumoral tissues of 3, 5, and 7 mm were encoded into four habitats. The volume fraction of each habitat was then quantified. The diagnostic performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic analysis with 5‐fold cross‐validation. The RFS was evaluated with Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Habitat 2 (with median to high AER and low HBPER) within the peritumoral tissue of 3 mm (f2‐P3) and tumor diameter could serve as independent risk factors for MVI and showed the statistical significance (odds ratio (OR) of f2‐P3 = 1.170, 95% CI = 1.099–1.246; OR of tumor diameter: 6.112, 95% CI = 2.162–17.280). A nomogram was developed by incorporating f2‐P3 and tumor diameter, demonstrating high diagnostic accuracy. The area under the curve from 5‐fold cross‐validation ranged from 0.880 to 1.000. Additionally, the nomogram model demonstrated high efficacy in risk stratification for RFS.

Conclusion

Habitat imaging of HCC and its peritumoral microenvironment has the potential for noninvasive and preoperative identification of MVI and prognostic assessment.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
The 1991–2020 sea surface temperature normals
Authors: Yin Xungang , Huang Boyin , Carton James A. , Chen Ligang , Graham Garrett , Liu Chunying , Smith Thomas , Zhang Huai‐Min
Published: December 2023

The 1991–2020 climate normals for sea surface temperature (SST) are computed based on the NOAA Daily Optimum Interpolation SST dataset. This is the first time that high‐resolution SST normals with global coverage can be achieved in the satellite SST era. Normals are one of the fundamental parameters in describing and understanding weather and climate and provide decision‐making information to industry, public, and scientific communities. This product suite includes SST mean, standard deviation, count and extreme parameters at daily, monthly, seasonal and annual time scales on 0.25° spatial grids. The main feature of the SST mean state revealed by the normals is that in the Tropics, the Indo‐Pacific Ocean is dominated by the warm pool (SST ≥ 28°C) while the eastern Pacific is characterized by the cold tongue (SST ≤ 24°C); in the midlatitudes, SSTs are in zonal patterns with high meridional gradients. Daily SST standard deviations are generally small (<1.0°C) except in frontal zones (>1.5°C) mostly associated with ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream, Kuroshio and Equatorial Currents. Compared to the 1982–2011 climatology, the 1991–2020 mean SSTs increased over most global areas but obvious cooling is seen in the Southern Ocean, eastern tropical South Pacific Ocean and North Atlantic warming hole. The Indo‐Pacific warm pool (IPWP) is found to have strengthened in both intensity and coverage since 1982–2011. By a count parameter criterion of ≥300 days annually with SST ≥ 28°C, the IPWP coverage increased 33% from 1982–2011 to 1991–2020. The global mean SST of 1991–2020 is warmer than that of 1982–2011, and the warming rate over 1991–2020 doubles that over 1901–2020.
Safety and efficacy of linaclotide in children aged 7–17 years with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Di Lorenzo Carlo , Nurko Samuel , Hyams Jeffrey S. , Rodriguez‐Araujo Gerardo , Shakhnovich Valentina , Saps Miguel , Simon Michael
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase‐C agonist, was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of children 6–17 years old with functional constipation. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of various linaclotide doses in children 7–17 years old with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C).

Methods

In this 4‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, Phase 2 study, children with IBS‐C were randomized to once‐daily placebo or linaclotide (Dose A: 18 or 36 µg, B: 36 or 72 µg, and C: 72 µg or 145 µg, or 290 µg); those aged 7–11 years in a 1:1:1:1 allocation based on weight (18 to <35 kg:18 µg, 36 µg, or 72 µg; or ≥35 kg: 36 µg, 72 µg, or 145 µg), and those aged 12–17 years in a 1:1:1:1:1 allocation (the higher option of Doses A–C or 290 µg). The primary efficacy endpoint was a change from baseline in 4‐week overall spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency rate over the treatment period. Adverse events and clinical laboratory measures were also assessed.

Results

Efficacy, safety, and tolerability were assessed in 101 patients. In the intent‐to‐treat population, numerical improvement was observed in overall SBM frequency rate with increasing linaclotide doses (A: 1.62, B: 1.52, and C: 2.30, 290 µg: 3.26) compared with placebo. The most reported treatment‐emergent adverse events were diarrhea and pain, with most cases being mild and none being severe.

Conclusions

Linaclotide was tolerated well in this pediatric population, showing numerical improvement in SBM frequency compared with placebo.
Effects of rainfall, sediment source–sink landscape, and hydrological connectivity on runoff more than sediment in a karst basin
Authors: Gao Jiayong , Li Rui , Shu Dongcai , Wu Qinglin , Xiao Linlv , He Maolin
Published: December 2023

Understanding the mechanisms underlying soil and water loss in karst basins is beneficial for water resources management and soil and water loss conservation. However, the effects of rainfall, sediment source–sink landscape, and hydrological connectivity on runoff sediment characteristics in karst basins are unclear. This study used sediment source–sink landscape and hydrological connectivity theories and a generalized additive model to analyze the changes and combined effects of sediment source–sink landscape patterns, hydrological connectivity, and rainfall on runoff sediment from 2000 to 2020 in the Yeji River basin in the karst region of southwest China. The results indicated that the average sediment transport modulus and runoff modulus in the Yeji River basin during 2000–2020 were 144 t·km−2·a−1 and 15 L·s−1·km−2, respectively. The karst surface and subsurface double‐layer hydrological structure resulted in a lower sediment transport modulus than in non‐karst areas. The sediment‐source landscape area decreased, sediment‐sink landscape area increased, and sediment source–sink landscape load ratio index slightly increased. Hydrological connectivity exhibited a decreasing trend over time, but the overall change was small. Changes in source–sink landscape patterns significantly affected hydrological connectivity. As the main affecting factor, rainfall and its combined effects with sediment source–sink landscape patterns and hydrological connectivity explained 85% and 95% of the variances in runoff, and 40% and 63% of the variances in sediment, respectively. These results suggest that a rational layout of the sediment source–sink landscape can effectively improve hydrological connectivity and regulate the soil and water loss process. Our findings have important implications for karst basin ecological restoration and protection.
Peripheral Inflammatory and Immune Landscape in Multiple System Atrophy: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Yuan Xinrong , Wan Linlin , Chen Zhao , Long Zhe , Chen Daji , Liu Panyan , Fu You , Zhu Sudan , Peng Linliu , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Jiang Hong
Published: December 2023

Background

Neuroinflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple systemic atrophy (MSA). However, specific alterations in the peripheral inflammatory and immune profiles of patients with MSA remain unclear.

Objectives

To determine the peripheral inflammatory and immune profiles of patients with MSA and their potential value as biomarkers for facilitating clinical diagnosis and monitoring disease severity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 235, 240, and 235 patients with MSA, patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and healthy controls (HCs), respectively. Inflammatory and immune parameters were measured in peripheral blood, differences between groups were assessed, and clusters were analyzed. Associations between the parameters and clinical characteristics of MSA were assessed using Spearman and partial correlation analyses.

Results

Significant differences were observed especially in monocytes, neutrophils‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and neutrophils‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MPV) between MSA patients and HCs (P < 0.01). Monocytes and uric acid (UA) levels were also significantly different between the MSA and PD patients (P < 0.05). The combination of NLR and MPV distinguished MSA‐P patients from HCs (areas under the curve = 0.824). In addition, complement components C4 and C3 were significantly correlated with the Scale Outcomes in PD for Autonomic Symptoms and Wexner scale, whereas immunoglobulin G (IgG) was significantly correlated with scores of Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In MSA patients, monocytes, NLR and MPV might serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers, whereas MLR, C3, C4, and IgG significantly correlate with disease severity. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Simultaneous identification of the solely time‐dependent potential and source control terms from known moisture moments
Authors: Alosaimi Moataz , Tekin Ibrahim , Çetin Mehmet Akif
Published: December 2023

Pseudo‐parabolic equations are commonly used as mathematical models in mechanics, biology, and physics to address various applied problems. One particular application involves describing moisture transfer dynamics in subsoil layers using pseudo‐parabolic equations. This manuscript examines the inverse problem (IP) of identifying the moisture transfer function, along with the time‐varying potential and source control terms, in a linear pseudo‐parabolic equation from known moisture moments. We prove the existence of a unique solution to the inverse problem for sufficiently small times by employing the contraction principle. The inverse problem is reformulated as a nonlinear least‐squares minimization problem, with the unknowns subjected to simple bounds. To guarantee stability, the Tikhonov regularization technique is utilized. For the numerical discretization, we develop the Crank–Nicolson finite‐difference method to solve the direct problem. To solve the nonlinear least‐squares minimization problem, we utilize the built‐in subroutine lsqnonlin from the MATLAB optimization toolbox. We present and thoroughly discuss numerical outcomes for a benchmark test example, providing insights into the performance and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Improved test–retest reliability of R2*$$ {\mathrm{R}}_2^{\ast } $$ and susceptibility quantification using multishot multi‐echo 3D EPI
Authors: Huang Yujia , Chen Lin , Li Xu , Liu Jiaen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of 3D EPI for improving the reliability of ‐weighted data and quantification of decay rate and susceptibility (χ) compared with conventional gradient‐echo (GRE)‐based acquisition.

Methods

Eight healthy subjects in a wide age range were recruited. Each subject received repeated scans for both GRE and EPI acquisitions with an isotropic 1 mm resolution at 3 T. Maps of and χ were quantified, and their interscan differences were used to evaluate the test–retest reliability. Interprotocol differences of and χ between GRE and EPI were also measured voxel by voxel and in selected regions of interest to test the consistency between the two acquisition methods.

Results

The quantifications of and χ using EPI protocols showed increased test–retest reliability with higher EPI factors up to 5 as performed in the experiment and were consistent with those based on GRE.

Conclusion

The result suggests that multishot multi‐echo 3D EPI can be a useful alternative acquisition method for ‐weighted MRI and quantification of and χ with reduced scan time, improved test–retest reliability, and similar accuracy compared with commonly used 3D GRE.
The delta opioid receptor agonist KNT‐127 relieves innate anxiety‐like behavior in mice by suppressing transmission from the prelimbic cortex to basolateral amygdala
Authors: Kawaminami Ayako , Yamada Daisuke , Yoshioka Toshinori , Hatakeyama Azumi , Nishida Moeno , Kajino Keita , Saitoh Tsuyoshi , Nagase Hiroshi , Saitoh Akiyoshi
Published: December 2023

Aim

Excitatory projections from the prelimbic cortex (PL) to the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) are implicated in the regulation of anxiety‐like behaviors, and we previously demonstrated that anxiolytic‐like effects of the selective delta‐opioid receptor (DOP) agonist KNT‐127 is involved in suppressing glutamate neurotransmission in the PL. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic‐like effect of KNT‐127 in mice by combining optogenetic stimulation of the PL–BLA pathway with behavioral analyses.

Methods

Four‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice received bilateral administration of adeno‐associated virus (AAV)2‐CaMKIIa‐hChR2(H134R)‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) into the PL to induce expression of the light‐activated excitatory ionic channel ChR2. Subsequently, an optic fiber cannula connected to a wireless photo‐stimulator was implanted into the BLA for optogenetic PL–BLA pathway stimulation. We evaluated innate anxiety using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests as well as learned anxiety using the contextual fear conditioning (CFC) test.

Results

Optogenetic activation of the PL–BLA pathway enhanced anxiety‐like behaviors in the EPM and OF, while prior subcutaneous administration of KNT‐127 (10 mg/kg) reduced this anxiogenic effect. In contrast, optogenetic activation of the PL–BLA pathway had no significant effect on conditioned fear.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the PL–BLA circuit contributes to innate anxiety and that the anxiolytic‐like effects of KNT‐127 are mediated at least in part by suppression of PL–BLA transmission. The PL delta‐opioid receptor may thus be an effective therapeutic target for anxiety disorders.
Weight history of individuals with and without physical disability in the International Weight Control Registry
Authors: Clina Julianne G. , Sayer R. Drew , Gorczyca Anna M. , Das Sai Krupa , Friedman James E. , Chui Tsz Kiu , Roberts Susan B. , Hill James O.
Published: December 2023

Background

People with physical disabilities (PWD) have an increased risk of obesity and related comorbidities compared with people without physical disabilities (PWoD). Previously identified contributors to weight loss maintenance pose challenges to PWD. However, it is not known if PWD experience less success in weight management.

Methods

Six hundred and nine participants in the International Weight Control Registry (IWCR) were eligible for this analysis (PWD, n = 174; PWoD, n = 435). Self‐reported weight history metrics were compared using general linear models. Perceived weight history category was compared using Chi‐squared tests. Importance of diet and physical activity strategies for weight management were compared using Wilcoxon rank‐signed tests.

Results

PWD reported higher current body mass index (BMI) (36.1 ± 0.7 vs. 31.0 ± 0.5; p < 0.0001) and more weight loss attempts (9.1 ± 0.7 vs. 7.1 ± 0.4; p = 0.01) than PWoD. Current weight loss percentage (PWD 13.0 ± 1.0; PWoD, 13.0 ± 0.6; p = 0.97) and weight loss category (χ2 [3, N = 609] = 2.9057, p = 0.41) did not differ between the groups. There were no differences in any weight strategy between PWD who were successful and those who regained.

Conclusions

PWD and PWoD in the IWCR achieved similar levels of weight maintenance success. However, higher BMI and more weight loss attempts suggest that PWD may face challenges with weight management. More research is needed to identify strategies leading to success for PWD.
Interlayer growth of SiC nanowires in graphene aerogel for thermal conductivity enhancement of epoxy resin and its mechanism
Authors: Zhao Xintong , Wu Wei , Drummer Dietmar , Wang Yi , Liu Chao , Li Shuo , Lu Zijian
Published: December 2023

The chemical reduction method is a simple and popular way to contrast the graphene network to improve the polymer matrix's thermal conductivity. And hybrid thermal conductive fillers composed of two or more mixed fillers through chemical synthesis usually have better thermal conductivity because of the synergistic effort. In this work, silicon carbide nanowires (SiC NWs) in graphene aerogels are synthesized with the chemical vapor deposition method, acting as bridges for phonon transmission between adjacent graphene sheets. The RGO/SiC NWs aerogel‐endowed EP composites have a high thermal conductivity of 3.79 W/mK at a filler loading of 5.5 wt%, and 4.23 W/mK at a filler loading of 7.5 wt%, which is 1895% and 2126% higher than pure EP resin, respectively. Finite element analysis (FEA) is utilized to analyze the heat conduction mechanism of composites at last.
STOP1‐regulated SMALL AUXIN UP RNA55 (SAUR55) is involved in proton/malate co‐secretion for Al tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Agrahari Raj Kishan , Kobayashi Yuriko , Enomoto Takuo , Miyachi Tasuku , Sakuma Marie , Fujita Miki , Ogata Takuya , Fujita Yasunari , Iuchi Satoshi , Kobayashi Masatomo , Yamamoto Yoshiharu Y. , Koyama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Proton (H+) release is linked to aluminum (Al)‐enhanced organic acids (OAs) excretion from the roots under Al rhizotoxicity in plants. It is well‐reported that the Al‐enhanced organic acid excretion mechanism is regulated by SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY1 (STOP1), a zinc‐finger TF that regulates major Al tolerance genes. However, the mechanism of H+ release linked to OAs excretion under Al stress has not been fully elucidated. Recent physiological and molecular‐genetic studies have implicated the involvement of SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs) in the activation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPases for stress responses in plants. We hypothesized that STOP1 is involved in the regulation of Al‐responsive SAURs, which may contribute to the co‐secretion of protons and malate under Al stress conditions. In our transcriptome analysis of the roots of the stop1 (sensitive to proton rhizotoxicity1) mutant, we found that STOP1 regulates the transcription of one of the SAURs, namely SAUR55. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of SAUR55 was induced by Al and repressed in the STOP1 T‐DNA insertion knockout (KO) mutant (STOP1‐KO). Through in silico analysis, we identified a functional STOP1‐binding site in the promoter of SAUR55. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that STOP1 directly binds to the promoter of SAUR55. This suggests that STOP1 directly regulates the expression of SAUR55 under Al stress. We next examined proton release in the rhizosphere and malate excretion in the T‐DNA insertion KO mutant of SAUR55 (saur55), in conjunction with STOP1‐KO. Both saur55 and STOP1‐KO suppressed rhizosphere acidification and malate release under Al stress. Additionally, the root growth of saur55 was sensitive to Al‐containing media. In contrast, the overexpressed line of SAUR55 enhanced rhizosphere acidification and malate release, leading to increased Al tolerance. These associations with Al tolerance were also observed in natural variations of Arabidopsis. These findings demonstrate that transcriptional regulation of SAUR55 by STOP1 positively regulates H+ excretion via PM H+‐ATPase 2 which enhances Al tolerance by malate secretion from the roots of Arabidopsis. The activation of PM H+‐ATPase 2 by SAUR55 was suggested to be due to PP2C.D2/D5 inhibition by interaction on the plasma membrane with its phosphatase. Furthermore, RNAi‐suppression of NtSTOP1 in tobacco shows suppression of rhizosphere acidification under Al stress, which was associated with the suppression of SAUR55 orthologs, which are inducible by Al in tobacco. It suggests that transcriptional regulation of Al‐inducible SAURs by STOP1 plays a critical role in OAs excretion in several plant species as an Al tolerance mechanism.
Effectiveness and efficiency of telerehabilitation on functionality after spinal cord injury: A matched case‐control study
Authors: García‐Rudolph Alejandro , Wright Mark Andrew , Yepes Carlos , Murillo Narda , Conesa Lucas , Soriano Ignasi , Bautista Raquel , Opisso Eloy , Tormos Josep Maria , Medina Josep
Published: December 2023

Background

Telerehabilitation in spinal cord injury (teleSCI) is a growing field that can improve access to care and health outcomes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The clinical effectiveness of teleSCI is not known.

Objectives

To compare independence in activities of daily living and mobility capacity in patients following teleSCI and matched controls undergoing traditional rehabilitation.

Design

Matched case–control study.

Setting

TeleSCI occurring in home setting (cases) versus traditional rehabilitation on inpatient unit (controls).

Participants

Forty‐two consecutive patients with SCI followed with teleSCI were compared to 42 historical rehabilitation inpatients (controls) matched for age, time since injury to rehabilitation admission, level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), complete or incomplete injury, and etiology (traumatic/nontraumatic). The teleSCI group (n = 42) was also compared to the complete cohort of historical controls (n = 613).

Interventions

The teleSCI group followed home‐based telerehabilitation (3.5 h/day, 5 days/week, 67 days average duration) and historical controls followed in‐person rehabilitation.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI). We formally compared gains, efficiency and effectiveness. International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) were used.

Results

The teleSCI group (57.1% nontraumatic, 71.4% paraplegia, 73.8% incomplete, 52.4% AIS grade D) showed no significant differences compared with historical controls in AIS grades, neurological levels, duration, gains, efficiency and effectiveness in FIM, SCIM, or WISCI, although the teleSCI cohort had significantly higher admission FIM scores compared with the complete cohort of historical controls.

Conclusions

TeleSCI may provide similar improvements in mobility and functional outcomes as traditional rehabilitation in medically stable patients (predominantly with paraplegia and motor incomplete SCI) when provided with appropriate support and equipment.
A case study on severe psychiatric symptoms induced by lorlatinib
Authors: Liu Michael A. , Xu Eleanor , Shu Catherine A.
Published: December 2023

Key points

Due to its macrocyclic properties, lorlatinib has increased penetrance of the blood brain barrier compared to most other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Lorlatinib is a promising therapy in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer with ALK or ROS1 rearrangements, particularly in patients with evidence of intracranial disease.

However, behavioral and central nervous system side effects are common with lorlatinib.

Lorlatinib can rarely result in severe psychosis, as with the presented case.

In patients with lung cancer on lorlatinib, medication‐induced psychosis must be considered among the common differentials, including: the psychological response of patients to the cancer itself, somatic symptoms from brain metastases, and unmasking of underlying psychiatric disorders.
Safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for technically operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Jinzhi , Liu Jixiang , Tao Xincao , Xie Wanmu , Wang Shengfeng , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Zhu , Fu Zhihui , Li Haobo , Zhang Yunjing , Li Yishan , Li Xincheng , Zhang Yu , Xi Linfeng , Liu Dong , Huang Qiang , Zhao Yunwei , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: December 2023

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been proven effective for addressing technically inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, the effectiveness of BPA in technically operable CTEPH patients who, for various reasons, did not undergo the procedure remains an area requiring exploration. This study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of BPA in such cases. We collected and reviewed data from CTEPH patients who underwent BPA in a consecutive manner. Following multidisciplinary team (MDT) decisions, patients were classified into two groups: technically inoperable (group A) and operable (group B). Group B comprised patients deemed technically suitable for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) but who did not undergo the procedure for various reasons. All patients underwent a comprehensive diagnostic work‐up, including right heart categorization at baseline and the last intervention. This study compared changes in hemodynamic parameters, functional capacity, and quality of life between the two groups. In total, 161 patients underwent 414 procedures at our center, with Group A comprising 112 patients who underwent 282 BPA sessions and group B comprising 49 patients who underwent 132 BPA sessions. Significantly, both groups exhibited improvements in hemodynamics, functional capacity, and quality of life. The occurrence rate of complications, including hemoptysis and lung injury, was similar [12 (63.2%) vs. 7 (36.8%), p = 0.68]. BPA demonstrated favorable outcomes in patients with proximal CTEPH who did not undergo pulmonary endarterectomy. However, the clinical impact of BPA in technically operable CTEPH was found to be less significant than in inoperable cases.
Accuracy and risk factors of Magerl screw placement in robot‐assisted atlantoaxial surgery: A case series study
Authors: Jiayuan Wu , Yi Wei , Fangfang Duan , Da He , Xieyuan Jiang , Wei Tian
Published: December 2023

Background

To assess the accuracy of robot‐assisted Magerl screw placement and explore the factors affecting the accuracy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent robot‐assisted Magerl screw placement was performed. The accuracy of Magerl screw placement was evaluated according to the Gertzbein and Robbins scale.

Results

47 Magerl screws were placed in 24 consecutive patients. 32 Magerl screws were narrower than the C2 isthmus height and 26 of them were grade A. 15 Magerl screws were wider than the C2 isthmus height and all of them were grade B. Temporary fixation after decompression and a smaller difference between the C2 isthmus height and screw diameter were associated with a higher probability of cortical breach.

Conclusion

The accuracy of robot‐assisted Magerl screw placement was excellent. Temporary fixation after decompression and a smaller difference between the C2 isthmus height and screw diameter increased the risk of cortical breach.
Robotic‐assisted burring in total hip replacement: A new surgical technique to optimise acetabular preparation
Authors: Li Tiancheng , Walker Peter , Khonasty Richardo , van de Graaf Victor A. , Yelf Eric , Zhao Liang , Huang Shoudong
Published: December 2023

Background

In Total Hip replacement (THR) surgery, a critical step is to cut an accurate hemisphere into the acetabulum so that the component can be fitted accurately and obtain early stability. This study aims to determine whether burring rather than reaming the acetabulum can achieve greater accuracy in the creation of this hemisphere.

Methods

A preliminary robotic system was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of burring the acetabulum using the Universal Robot (UR10). The study will describe mechanical design, robot trajectory optimisation, control algorithm development, and results from phantom experiments compared with both robotic reaming and conventional reaming. The system was also tested in a cadaver experiment.

Results

The proposed robotic burring system can produce a surface in 2 min with an average error of 0.1 and 0.18 mm, when cutting polyurethane bone block #15 and #30, respectively. The performance was better than robotic reaming and conventional hand reaming.

Conclusion

The proposed robotic burring system outperformed robotic and conventional reaming methods to produce an accurate acetabular cavity. The findings show the potential usage of a robotic‐assisted burring in THR for acetabular preparation.
Fault‐tolerant controller design for tower cranes considering distributed payload beams
Authors: Miao Xiaodong , Sun Zheng , Ouyang Huimin
Published: December 2023

Due to the long‐term operation of the tower crane, various faults will inevitably occur, such as actuator faults, which further increases the difficulty of controller design. In this paper, a fault‐tolerant control method with adaptive gain is proposed for the double‐pendulum tower crane with distributed payload beam (DTCDPB) system in the existence of external disturbances and actuator failures. First, a nonlinear fault‐tolerant observer is designed for fault diagnosis. Second, an S‐shaped trajectory functions are coupled online and embedded into the system target trajectories for payload swing suppression. Then, feedforward compensation is applied in the controller for the observed faults. Moreover, the adaptive suppression term to be activated is also designed in the controller taking into account the errors existing in the observation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed observer and controller is experimentally verified.
Structure/Composition/Phase Regulations of Dealloying‐Derived Nanoporous Metals and Their Solar Steam Generation Performances
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yu Bin , Shi Yujun , Tan Fuquan , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: December 2023

Structural regulation is of primary importance in structure‐property/application studies of dealloyed nanoporous metals. Three aspects are mainly considered to affect the microstructure of nanoporous metals: design of precursor alloy, choosing of dealloying parameter, and annealing treatment. Herein, through the combination of the above three strategies, the regulation of structure, composition and phase in nanoporous metals are simultaneously achieved. With a dilute Cu99Ag0.75Au0.25 as the precursor, three kinds of nanoporous films are fabricated, including bi‐phase nanoporous Cu‐Ag‐Au (B‐NP‐CuAgAu), hierarchically nanoporous Au (H‐NPG) and single‐phase homogeneously nanoporous Au (S‐NPG). In situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ characterizations are utilized to reveal the structure/composition/phase evolutions during dealloying of Cu99Ag0.75Au0.25, as well as the macroscopic changes of the dealloyed samples. Notably, the ultrafine ligaments/channels of B‐NP‐CuAgAu and the two‐level nanoporous structure of H‐NPG endow them with good broadband light absorption and excellent hydrophilicity, which contribute to their outstanding solar steam generation (SSG) performances. Specially, the B‐NP‐CuAgAu film shows a more efficient SSG performance with water evaporation rate of 1.49 kg m−2 h−1 and photothermal efficiency of 93.6% at 1 kW m−2, and good seawater desalination ability.
Diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome using point‐of‐care ultrasound
Authors: Cheong Issac , Avanzato Lucila , Gómez Raúl Alejandro , Álvarez Vilariño Federico Matías , Mazzola María Virginia , Baiona Gastón Adrián , Santagiuliana María Soledad , Furche Mariano Andrés , Tamagnone Francisco Marcelo , Merlo Pablo Martín
Published: December 2023

Fat embolism (FES) is a condition that can lead to severe organ effects and death in patients with long bone fractures. Diagnosis is challenging due to multiple criteria. This case report presents the use of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) in diagnosing right ventricular dysfunction associated with fat embolism syndrome. A 36‐year‐old patient with a history of obesity presented with multiple fractures and respiratory failure after a road accident. Bedside echocardiography showed evidence of dilated right chambers, right ventricular outflow tract shortened acceleration time, and mild tricuspid insufficiency. Venous ultrasonography showed microembolic signals (MES) interpreted as fat embolism. The patient was treated with fracture reduction and osteosynthesis, which showed improvement in right ventricular dysfunction and the disappearance of MES. FES is a clinical syndrome that occurs after an identifiable bone injury. This case highlights the utility of POCUS in the diagnosis of FES.
Machine learning to estimate the bond strength of the corroded steel bar‐concrete
Authors: Wang Kai‐Lai , Li Jingyi , Li Li , Deng E. , Zhang Yang , Li Zongli
Published: December 2023

Steel bar corrosion is prone to serious degeneration of the bond strength (τBS) of reinforced concrete, which leads to structural failure. There are many factors affecting the τBS; thus, the assessment of the τBS of corroded steel bar‐concrete becomes very complicated. In this research, a τBS evolution database of 430 samples containing 14 important factors, such as concrete compressive strength, yield strength and corrosion rate of steel bar, was established. Six machine learning algorithms were employed for comparative study to achieve optimal prediction results. The results showed that random forest and extreme random trees models have the best performance with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.83 and 0.82, mean square error (MSE) of 13.59 and 13.98, root mean square error of 3.68 and 3.74, mean absolute error values of 2.35 and 2.31, and a20 values of 0.62 and 0.70, respectively. In addition, both models demonstrated shorter training times compared to the others. The running times are 589.75 and 418.31 ms, respectively. The superior feasibility and reliability of the machine learning algorithm were validated by contrasting with the computation of the empirical formulas. The empirical formulas exhibited higher error values, with the majority of MSE indicators exceeding 50 and the lowest R2 value even presenting negative values. Furthermore, feature importance calculations were used to understand the ability of the machine learning models to perceive each influencing factor. Among them, the corrosion rate, the yield strength of the longitudinal bar, and the stirrup emerged as the three most important influential factors.
An Efficient Framework Based on Semi‐Supervised Learning for Transformer Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Yang Jiarong , Yang Dingkun , Bao Jinshan , Zhang Jing , He Yu , Yan Rujing , Zhang Ying , Hu Kelin
Published: December 2023

Transformer fault diagnosis is very important for the stable operation of transformers, but it is still difficult to recognize transformer faults. The main obstacle is attributed to the lack of labeled data for transformer faults. Due to the limited data of transformer faults, a great deal of unlabeled data in real life is not difficult to obtain and contains a lot of effective information. Semi‐supervised self‐training can significantly enhance the classification accuracy and performance of the base classifier by applying unlabeled data. However, one of the reasons for the degradation of semi‐supervised self‐training is the lack of initial labeled data to train the initial classifier. In this paper, we propose an improved semi‐supervised SMOTE (SS‐SMOTE), which uses the potential information contained in unlabeled data to generate synthetic samples, and then reasonably increases the labeled data set. Meanwhile, we combine SS‐SMOTE with self‐training into an algorithm framework. Finally, a series of experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, and compared with other existing state‐of‐the‐art semi‐supervised algorithms. The results show that the performance improvement of the classifier using the semi‐supervised improved SMOTE algorithm framework is effective, and has a good effect on solving the problem of small sample classification. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Fluorinated‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (F‐POSS) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as an antifouling additive for epoxy resin
Authors: Uicich Julieta Fabienne , Jouyandeh Maryam , Fasce Diana , Montemartini Pablo Ezequiel , Penoff Marcela Elisabeth , Vahabi Henri , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2023

Antifouling epoxy resin serves as a member of advanced nanocomposite coatings and engineered surfaces. Nevertheless, developing an antifouling epoxy composites is a state‐of‐the‐art technology. Herein, a complex nanostructure is tailored to be served as an advanced additive giving the antifouling characteristics to the epoxy resin. F‐POSS@HNT hybrid nanostructure, that is, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) decorated with fluorinated polyhedral oligomericsil sesquioxane (F‐POSS), was synthesized and characterized. Chemical structure changes, thermal stability and morphology of hydroxylated HNTs (hHNTs) intermediate and F‐POSS@HNT ultimate nanostructures were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, TGA and TEM, respectively. The F‐POSS@HNTs catalyzed the epoxy‐amine crosslinking reaction, taking “Good” or “Excellent” crosslinking tags an quantified by the “Cure Index.” The apparent activation energy values were calculated for the epoxy (reference), epoxy/hHNTs, and epoxy/F‐POSS@HNTs systems (26, 51, and 47 kJ mol−1, respectively). Contact angle measurements were performed via dynamic tests demonstrating improved hydro‐ and oleophobicity of the thermoset composites. The advancing contact angle with diiodomethane increased 36% and 30% for nanocomposites containing 5 and 10 wt.% of the developed hybrid nanostructure, respectively, compared with the neat epoxy. Likewise, 54% and 67% reduction in paraffin fouling in the same order confirmed their antifouling ability. Regarding self‐cleaning characteristics, 24% and 33% surface recovery were observed, respectively.

Highlights

Antifouling surface was achieved in epoxy thermoset nanocomposites for potential industrial applications.

Self‐cleaning behavior correlated with low wetting and antifouling properties.

F‐POSS@HNT nanofillers were synthesized and successfully added to epoxy matrix.

Both hHNT and F‐POSS@HNT showed a beneficial autocatalytic effect on epoxy‐amine reaction yielding satisfactory polymer crosslinking.

Activation energy was reduced by incorporating F‐POSS@HNT compared with hHNT, signature of facilitated crosslinking.
Comparative removal of pharmaceuticals in aqueous phase by agricultural waste‐based biochars
Authors: Fu Bomin , Chen Qizhou , Sleiman Mohamad , Ferronato Corinne , Fine Ludovic , Meunier Frederic , Ferro Fernandez Victor R. , Valverde Jose Luis , Giroir‐Fendler Anne , Wu Yang , Wang Hongtao , Ma Yibing , Chovelon Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2023

The intensification of pharmaceutical use globally has led to an increase in the number of water bodies contaminated by drugs, and an effective strategy must be developed to address this issue. In this work, several biochars produced from Miscanthus straw pellets (MSP550, MSP700) and wheat straw pellets (WSP550, WSP700) at 550 and 700°C, respectively, were selected as adsorbents for removing various pharmaceuticals, such as pemetrexed (PEME), sulfaclozine (SCL), and terbutaline (TBL), from the aqueous phase. The biochar characterizations (physicochemical properties, textural properties, morphological structures, and zeta potentials) and adsorptive conditions (contact times, temperatures, and pH effect) were investigated. The infrared and Raman spectra of biochars before and after pharmaceutical adsorption, as well as quantum chemical computations, were carried out to explore the adsorption mechanisms. The results showed that the general adsorption abilities of biochars for pharmaceuticals were in the order of WSP700 > MSP700 > MSP550 > WSP550. Both the higher drug concentration and higher temperature improved biochar adsorption. By decreasing the pH, the adsorption amounts increased for PEME and SCL. However, TBL exhibited the best adsorption at pH 7, whereas a weakening of affinity occurred at lower or higher pH values. Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding were the main adsorptive mechanisms between all biochars and pharmaceuticals. π–π interactions played a role in the adsorption process of low‐temperature‐prepared biochars (MSP550 and WSP550). This work can provide new insights into the control of pharmaceuticals from water with low‐cost adsorbents.

Practitioner Points

Use of biochars for pharmaceuticals removal from aqueous phase.

Characterization of biochars : physical and chemical properties, textural and surface properties.

Simulation calculation for characterization of pharmaceuticals.

Kinetic studies of pharmaceuticals adsorption on biochars.

DRIFTS and Raman analysis for the understanding of adsorption process.