bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and sensory properties of reduced‐fat cookies made from gluten‐free flour incorporated with glucomannan
Authors: Anggraeni Andian Ari , Triwitono Priyanto , Lestari Lily Arsanti , Harmayani Eni
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The food industry faces an important challenge in the reformulation of food products to reduce fat at the same time as retaining crucial properties, such as acceptable appearance, texture and mouthfeel. In the present study, a fat replacer from glucomannan was incorporated in cookies prepared from fermented cassava flour (FCF) and soy protein concentrate (SPC), and its effect on physicochemical and sensory properties was analyzed. The samples included cookies made from FCF and SPC with fat substitution levels of 0% (CS100: FCF‐SPC, 100% fat), 20% (GM80: FCF‐SPC‐medium glucomannan, 80% fat) and 30% (GH70: FCF‐SPC‐high glucomannan, 70% fat). Fat replacement in GM80 and GH70 cookies was achieved through incorporation of glucomannan and water. The cookie made from wheat flour was selected as the gold standard.

RESULTS

Cookies with fat replacement levels of 20% (GM80) and 30% (GH70) had lower fat and higher dietary fiber content than the control samples. The addition of glucomannan improved the spread ratio of GM80 and GH70 cookies. No significant difference was observed between the sensory acceptance of GH70 and CS100 cookies in terms of aroma, texture, taste and overall acceptability (P > 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was detected in the fat taste intensity among GH70, GM80 and CS100 cookies.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that glucomannan can be used to replace fat in cookies prepared from FCF and SPC. Glucomannan enhanced the nutritional properties of cookies. Fat replacement by glucomannan maintained the product's physical properties, sensory acceptance and fat mouthfeel. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Watch‐and‐Wait Approach Following Neoadjuvant Chemo‐Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Single‐Center Cohort Study
Authors: Kalev Georgi , Buettner Sylvia , Zhan Tianzuo , Hofheinz Ralf‐Dieter , Boda‐Heggemann Judit , Reissfelder Christoph , Seyfried Steffen , Vassilev Georgi , Hardt Julia
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

The watch‐and‐wait (WW) strategy in patients after complete clinical response (cCR) following chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) offers the option of organ preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the oncological outcomes of WW patients treated and followed up in a German referral cancer center.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical records of consecutive patients with LARC who underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy at our institution between January 2020 and December 2023 and received non‐operative management after cCR.

Results

A total of 30 patients undergoing WW for LARC were included. After a median follow‐up of 17 months (SD = 10 months), local regrowth occurred in four patients (4/30, 13.3%), and one patient (1/30, 3.3%) developed distant metastasis. No predictor for tumor regrowth could be identified based on radiological findings at diagnosis, including cT4 and/or cN2, involvement of the mesorectal fascia, extramural vascular invasion or infiltration of the anal sphincter/levator. All patients with local regrowth were successfully surgically treated (R0 resection).

Conclusion

Nonoperative management for patients with cCR after neoadjuvant therapy for LARC proved to be safe. R0 resection was successfully achieved in all patients who underwent salvage surgery.
Orthobiologic therapies delay the need for hip arthroplasty in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review and survival analysis
Authors: Zaffagnini Marco , Boffa Angelo , Andriolo Luca , Raggi Federico , Zaffagnini Stefano , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review and survival analysis was to quantify the benefits of orthobiologic augmentation therapies for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head and identify the most effective approach to delay the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane on clinical studies on orthobiologic therapies used alone or as an augmentation to core decompression or other procedures to address hip AVN. A qualitative analysis of the different biological therapies applied was performed. Afterward, the results of these procedures were quantitatively analysed to document their survivorship from THA compared to treatment groups without orthobiologics. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed for all studies and then by categorising orthobiologics into treatment subgroups.

Results

A total of 106 studies were included (4505 patients). Different orthobiologic approaches have been evaluated: cell‐based therapies including bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs), platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), or other bioactive molecules applied in the osteonecrotic area or as intra‐arterial injections. The survival analysis at 120 months documented a higher (p < 0.0005) cumulative survivorship with orthobiologics (69.4%) compared to controls (48.5%). The superiority was shown specifically for BMAC (p < 0.0005), BM‐MSCs (p < 0.0005), intra‐arterial (p < 0.0005) and PRP (p = 0.011) approaches, but the direct comparison of these approaches with their controls confirmed benefits only for BMAC (p < 0.0005).

Conclusion

This systematic review and survival analysis demonstrated that orthobiologics have the potential to improve survivorship in patients affected by hip AVN. In particular, the specific analysis of different orthobiologic products supported relevant benefits for BMAC augmentation in terms of survival from the need for THA, while no clear benefits were confirmed for other orthobiologics.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Arthroscopic meniscal posterior root repair combined with centralization reduces medial menicus extrusion associated with posterior root tears: One‐year clinical outcomes
Authors: Yan Xin , Sahu Souradeep , Li Huijian , Zhou Wei , Xiong Ting , Chen Shenliang , Li Chen , Hao Liang
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the short‐term clinical efficacy of combining posterior meniscal root repair with meniscal centralization technology in the treatment of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) and notable meniscus extrusion.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, patients aged 43–76 years with only chronic posterior root tears of the medial meniscus and notable extrusion were followed up for 12–14 months. Inclusion criteria: (1) persistent medial knee joint pain affecting daily life, presenting with joint space tenderness; (2) showing the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment for a minimum of 3 months; conservative treatment includes non‐invasive methods such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and massage, but does not include intra‐articular injections. (3) Kellgren–Lawrence Grades 0–II osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint; and (4) diagnosis of a posterior root tear of the medial meniscus with notable meniscus extrusion confirmed through knee‐joint plain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, where coronal image revealed a meniscus body extrusion of ≥3 mm. Exclusion criteria: (1) Kellgren–Lawrence Grades III–IV OA in the knee joint; (2) presence of knee joint infection or other structural damage to the knee joint; (3) history of previous knee joint surgery; (4) demonstrating joint instability or abnormal lower‐limb alignment (varus deformity >5°); and (5) presence of severe mental illness, coagulation disorders, or other serious medical conditions. The Lysholms score, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and meniscal extrusion values were evaluated before and after surgery in 23 patients through a comparative analysis.

Results

The results of the follow‐up conducted 12–14 months post‐operatively indicated a significant improvement in the patients' conditions. In particular, the Lysholms scores (preoperative: 50.9 ± 10.2; 1‐year post‐surgery: 72.0 ± 8.4), HSS knee scores (preoperative: 45.9 ± 10.6; 1‐year post‐surgery: 79.1 ± 11.1) and VAS scores (preoperative: 4.0 ± 1.1; 1‐year post‐surgery: 0.9 ± 0.7) exhibited notable enhancements. Furthermore, compared to the preoperative values, the degree of meniscus extrusion measured by coronal MRI of the knee joint significantly improved post‐operatively (preoperative: 3.7 ± 0.8 mm; 1‐year post‐surgery: 2.2 ± 0.6 mm). These findings all yielded a p < 0.05, signifying statistical significance.

Conclusion

In patients with chronic MMPRTs and notable extrusion, a combination of posterior meniscal root repair and centralization technology can effectively restore meniscus function and rectify the medial meniscus displacement, resulting in favourable short‐term clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Shared genetic architecture of non‐viral cirrhosis with several pleiotropic traits: A nested case‐control study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Byun Jinyoung , Kim Hyun‐Seok , Han Younghun , Thrift Aaron P. , Lin Sabrina M. , Xiao Xiangjun , Lim Hyeyeun , Jun Goo , Desantis Stacia M. , El‐Serag Hashem B. , Kanwal Fasiha , Amos Christopher I.
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Cirrhosis is a leading cause of liver‐related mortality and a multifactorial disease. To date, the complex genetic architecture of non‐viral cirrhosis has not been fully explored. Cross‐trait genetic correlations can elucidate the common genetic aetiology of genetically correlated phenotypes. This study aims to identify polygenic and pleiotropic traits associated with cirrhosis using the linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis.

Methods

We conducted genome‐wide association analysis of 9 622 842 imputed SNPs on 3368 non‐viral cirrhosis cases and 258 258 controls, and cross‐trait analysis between non‐viral cirrhosis and various polygenic and pleiotropic traits using the UK Biobank cohort study. We further performed sensitivity analyses by removing genomic regions of alcohol intake, smoking behaviours and obesity. We observed multiple traits showing robust genetic correlations (rg) with non‐viral cirrhosis.

Results

We found strong genetic correlations between the genetic architectures of non‐viral cirrhosis and clinical/physiologic factors, including BMI (rg = 0.82), alanine aminotransferase (0.71), diabetes (0.70), number of cigarettes currently smoked daily (0.67), amount of alcohol drunk on a typical drinking day (0.60), insomnia (0.59), gout (0.57), depression (0.50), apolipoprotein‐A (−0.33) and HDL cholesterol (−0.49). Exclusion of genomic regions associated with alcohol intake, smoking behaviours and obesity demonstrated consistent directions and persistent associations in genetic patterns. The inheritability of cirrhosis on the observed scale showed 0.56%.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the shared genetic architecture of non‐viral cirrhosis predisposition and numerous polygenic and pleiotropic traits, most notably BMI, alanine aminotransferase and diabetes. These findings provide new information on underlying comorbid conditions that can increase the non‐viral cirrhosis risk.
Wide‐Temperature Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Li Mingxing , You Wenwu , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Jiacai , Zhang Chennan , Xu Zhili , Fan Pingping , Pan Gencai , Mao Yanli
Published: November 2024

Traditional persistent luminescence (PersL) materials depend on the distribution of inherent traps within their structure, which are usually narrow and discontinuous, thereby restricting their functionality to a limited temperature range. The development of materials capable of PersL over a wide temperature range, represents a significant hurdle in the advancement of PersL technology. Here, this study deviates from the conventional method of relying on inherent traps and instead harness recoverable Frenkel defects within fluoride materials to broaden the operational temperature range for PersL. Under X‐ray irradiation, Frenkel defects involving the migration of fluorine ions can be generated and recovered in real time, accompanied by the formation and dissipation of localized excitons, ultimately transferring energy to the luminescent centers. Notably, this recovery process is operative at all temperatures and is sufficiently slow‐paced, ensuring that PersL can be observed across every temperature range (77–500K). Building on this mechanism, the production of multicolor wide‐temperature PersL is readily attainable through the straightforward substitution of various luminescent centers. Significantly, X‐ray‐induced recoverable Frenkel defects have the potential to confer the characteristics of wide‐temperature PersL to materials that inherently lack these attributes. This, in turn, provides a new design strategy for developing wide‐temperature PersL materials.
Chiral Self‐Assembly of a Pyrene‐Appended Glutamylalanine Dipeptide and Its Charge Transfer Complex: Fabrication of Magneto‐Responsive Hydrogels and Human Cell Imaging
Authors: Ruidas Pradip , Dubey Soumen Kumar , Hafiz Sk Abdul , Mandal Jishu , Mukherjee Sunil , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Midya Ramkrishna , Roy Dipanwita , Das Dona , Singh Somendra , Neogi Poonam , Saha Sudipta , Roy Ujjal Kanti , Bhattacharyya Sankar , Ghosh Angshuman , Bhattacharjee Subham
Published: November 2024

The formation of a robust, self‐healing hydrogel of a novel pyrene‐appended dipeptide, Py‐E‐A (L‐Glutamic acid short as E; L‐Alanine short as A) is demonstrated. Detailed studies suggest that nanoscopic fibers with a length of several micrometers have formed by chiral self‐organization of Py‐E‐A gelators. Additionally, live human PBMCs imaging is shown using the Py‐E‐A fluorophore. Interestingly, electron‐rich Py‐E‐A couples with electron‐deficient NDI‐β‐A (β‐Alanine short as β‐A) by charge transfer (CT) complexation and forms stable deep violet‐colored CT super‐hydrogel. X‐ray diffraction, DFT, and 2D ROESY NMR studies suggest lamellar packing of both Py‐E‐A and the alternating CT stack in its hydrogel matrixes. Supramolecular chirality of the Py‐E‐A donor can be altered by adding an achiral acceptor NDI‐β‐A. Notably, the fibers of the CT hydrogel are found to be even thinner than the Py‐E‐A fibers, which, in turn, makes the CT hydrogel more tolerant to the applied strain. Further, the self‐healing and injectable properties of the hydrogels are shown. Finally, the magneto‐responsive behavior of the Py‐E‐A and CT hydrogels loaded with spin‐canted Cu‐ferrite (Cu0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) is demonstrated. The presence of magnetic NPs within the hydrogels has changed the fibrous morphology to rod‐like nanoclusters.
Silk Nanofibers/Carbon Nanotube Conductive Aerogel
Authors: Feng Yanfei , Wang Xiaotian , Dai Yunfeng , Feng Siying , Li Lechen , You Renchuan
Published: November 2024

Natural silk nanofibers (SNF) are attractive conductive substrates due to their high aspect ratio, outstanding mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility, and controllable degradability. However, the inherently non‐conductivity severely restricts the potential sensor application of SNF‐based aerogels. In this work, the conductive nanofibrous aerogels with low‐density achieved through freeze–drying by dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNT) into SNF suspension. The addition of CNT significantly increases the conductivity with improved mechanical properties of composite aerogels. SEM results reveal that the distinct hierarchical structure comprising micropores and nanofibrous networks within the pores is formed when CNT content reached 30%. Furthermore, increased cell viability suggested the excellent biocompatibility of SNF‐CNT‐based conductive aerogel for tissue‐engineering applications. Subsequently, the elastic water‐borne polyurethane (WPU) is incorporated to SNF‐CNT system to construct aerogel with good sensing properties. The introduction of WPU demonstrates enhanced compressive performances and an exceptionally high elastic recovery ratio of 99.8%, thereby exhibiting a stable and lossless strain‐sensing signal output at 5% strain. This study provides a feasible choice and strategy for exploring the potential application of SNF in functional aerogels.
The tissue and circulating cell‐free DNA‐derived genetic landscape of premalignant colorectal lesions and its application for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Qingjian , Xu Yu‐Hong , Kang Shiyang , Lin WuHao , Luo Linna , Yang Luping , Zhang Qi‐Hua , Yang Pan , Huang Jia‐Qian , Zhang Xiaoni , Zhang Jing , Zhao Qi , Xu Rui‐Hua , Luo Hui‐Yan
Published: November 2024

Colorectal adenomas (CRAs) represent precancerous lesions that precede the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Regular monitoring of CRAs can hinder the progression into carcinoma. To explore the utility of tissue DNA and circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in early diagnosis of CRC, we retrospectively sequenced paired tissue and plasma samples from 85 patients with conventional CRAs. The genetic alterations identified were compared with those from 78 stage‐I CRC patients (CRC‐I) in the ChangKang project. Within the CRA cohort, we pinpointed 12 genes, notably APC, KRAS, and SOX9, that exhibited significant mutated rates in tissue. Patients harboring KMT2C and KMT2D mutations displayed persistent polyps. By comparing with the mutational profiles of metastatic CRC plasma samples, we found that ZNF717 was exclusively mutated in CRAs, while KMT2C and KMT2D mutations were detected in both CRA and CRC. The presence of cfDNA mutations in plasma was validated through polymerase chain reaction, enhancing the feasibility of using cfDNA mutations for early CRC screening. Compared with CRC‐I, CRAs exhibited a reduced frequency of TP53 and PIK3CA somatic mutations and underwent non‐neutral evolution more often. We established a random forest model based on 15 characteristic genes to distinguish CRA and CRC, achieving an area under the curve of 0.89. Through this endeavor, we identified two novel genes, CNTNAP5 and GATA6, implicated in CRC carcinogenesis. Overall, our findings reveal convincing biomarkers markers for detecting CRAs with a propensity for CRC development, highlighting the importance of early genetic screening in CRC prevention.
Differentiating Essential and Dystonic Head Tremor: Exploring Arm Position Effects
Authors: Hubená Tereza , Hollý Petr , Pavlíková Aneta , Ulmanová Olga , Rusz Jan , Krupička Radim , Růžička Evžen
Published: November 2024

Background

Head tremor poses diagnostic problems, especially when present as an isolated or predominant symptom.

Objectives

To assess how maneuvers activating upper limb postural tremor can help differentiate head tremor in essential tremor (ET) from dystonic tremor (DT) in cervical dystonia.

Methods

48 patients with head tremor (25 ET, 23 DT), underwent clinical examination and accelerometric evaluation of head and upper limb tremor during routine tremor‐inducing tasks.

Results

While accelerometric power and clinical scores of head tremor did not significantly differ between patient groups, task‐induced variations revealed distinctions. ET patients exhibited increased head tremor power and clinical scores during forward outstretched and lateral wing‐beating arm positions, unlike DT patients. Coherence between head and upper limb tremor remained consistent. Tremor stability index showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

Task‐induced changes in head tremor could aid in distinguishing between ET and DT. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic approaches for head tremor.
“Store Strategy”: A New Omni‐Channel Strategy in Community Group Buying
Authors: Zhang Nana , Yu Lei , Liu Keqi , Ye Zhifei , Jia Mengya
Published: November 2024

This paper explores a new omni‐channel strategy—“store strategy”—in community group buying and investigates the impacts of the application of this strategy on the platform and community leader. Three models are developed: (1) The platform operates only in a single online channel. (2) The platform adopts a store strategy and delegates offline operations to a community leader. (3) The platform adopts a store strategy that includes self‐establishing a store. After comparing different models, some interesting results are obtained as follows: (i) After the store strategy is adopted, the optimal online price remains unchanged, but new offline pricing varies, depending on the offline entry method. (ii) If the cost of the community leader operating the offline channel is low, the proportion of private consumers is particularly high. In this case, the store strategy that delegates operations to the community leader will achieve a win–win outcome. (iii) If the self‐established cost is low and the proportion of private consumers is low, the store strategy with a self‐establishing store will allow the platform to obtain higher profits, while greatly harming the community leader.
An energy‐conserving dose summation method for dose accumulation in radiotherapy
Authors: Zhong Hualiang
Published: November 2024

Background

Radiation therapy often requires the accumulation of doses from multiple treatment fractions or courses for plan evaluation and treatment response assessment. However, due to underlying mass changes, the accumulated dose may not accurately reflect the total deposited energy, leading to potential inaccuracies in characterizing the treatment input.

Purpose

This study introduces an energy‐conserving dose summation method to calculate the total dose in scenarios where patients experience changes in body mass during treatment.

Methods and materials

The proposed method transfers dose and mass data from dosimetry images, where the delivered doses were calculated, to a reference image using an energy and mass‐conserving dose reconstruction technique. The reconstructed dose assumes the same resolution and dimension as the reference image. The transferred masses are averaged at each image voxel in the reference image to generate an average mass. The transferred doses are then adjusted by multiplying by the ratio of their transferred mass to the average mass, and subsequently summed to calculate a mass‐weighted (MW) total dose at each voxel. This method is demonstrated with a case of lung cancer retreatment.

Results

The MW total dose was shown to be equivalent to the total deposited energy divided by the average mass. In the lung cancer retreatment case, the energy derived from the MW total dose was consistent with the sum of energy transferred from two treatments across all evaluated organs.

Conclusion

The MW dose summation method can produce a total dose that accurately reflects the total energy deposited in each organ. The consistency may provide a robust foundation for verifying dose accumulations in adaptive radiotherapy.
Design, manufacturing, and multi‐modal imaging of stereolithography 3D printed flexible intracranial aneurysm phantoms
Authors: Yalman Alain , Jafari Arman , Léger Étienne , Mastroianni Michael‐Anthony , Teimouri Kowsar , Savoji Houman , Collins D. Louis , Kadem Lyes , Xiao Yiming
Published: November 2024

Background

Physical vascular phantoms are instrumental in studying intracranial aneurysms and testing relevant imaging tools and training systems to provide improved clinical care. Current vascular phantom production methods have major limitations in capturing the biophysical and morphological characteristics of intracranial aneurysms with good fidelity and multi‐modal imaging capacity. With stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology becoming more accessible, newer flexible and transparent printing materials with higher precision controls open the door for improving the efficiency and quality of producing anthropomorphic vascular phantoms but have rarely been explored for the application.

Purpose

This technical note intends to report the feasibility of using SLA 3D printing technology to manufacture flexible intracranial aneurysm phantoms with similar scales to the real anatomy, as well as their capacity for multi‐modal flow imaging and analysis, including ultrasound flow imaging, high‐speed filming, and particle image velocimetry analysis.

Methods

We designed and 3D‐printed two intracranial aneurysm phantoms with an SLA 3D printer using Formlabs Elastic 50A resin. By using a micropump to introduce cyclical flows in the phantoms, we first employed conventional Doppler and vector flow ultrasonography to observe and measure different fluidic properties. Then, a high‐speed camera was used to record particles flowing within the phantom, and we further conducted a particle image velocimetry analysis, including the distribution of mean 2D velocity vectors, average velocity magnitudes, and the mean vorticity fields in the phantom for the high‐speed imaging data.

Results

We successfully 3D‐printed flexible intracranial aneurysm phantoms with similar dimensions to the real anatomy. Additionally, we validated the phantoms’ ability to allow visualization, measurement, and analysis of flow dynamics based on both real‐time ultrasound and optical imaging.

Conclusions

Our proof‐of‐concept study illustrates that SLA 3D printing using commercial elastic resins can significantly contribute towards facilitating the fabrication of flexible intracranial aneurysms phantoms for training, research, and preoperative planning.
Markerless tracking of tumor and tissues: A motion model approach
Authors: Cheung Ling Fung , Fujitaka Shinichirou , Fujii Takaaki , Miyamoto Naoki , Takao Seishin
Published: November 2024

Background

Respiratory motion management is essential in order to achieve high‐precision radiotherapy. Markerless motion tracking of tumor can provide a non‐invasive way to manage respiratory motion, thereby enhancing treatment accuracy. However, the low contrast in real‐time x‐ray images for image guidance limits the application of markerless tracking.

Purpose

We present a novel approach based on a motion model to perform markerless tracking of tumor and surrounding tissues even when they have low contrast in real‐time x‐ray images.

Methods

A proof‐of‐concept validation of the method has been performed using digital and physical phantoms at breathing conditions that are significantly different than the planning stage. A motion model is first constructed by performing principal component analysis (PCA) on the planning 4DCT. During treatment, the motion of a surrogate is tracked and used as the input of the motion model, which generates a 3D real‐time volume estimation. Such 3D estimation is then projected to 2D to create digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). The relationships between the real‐time DRRs, reference DRRs, and reference x‐ray images are first established to simulate 2D real‐time images from the real‐time volume. The registration between the simulated 2D real‐time images and real‐time x‐ray images corrects the initial motion model estimation to ensure the estimated volume matches the real‐time condition.

Results

In digital phantom, the Dice index of pancreas was improved from 0.74 to 0.78 after correction using real‐time DRRs in fully inhaled phase. Validation on lung and pancreas is performed in physical phantom with two motion traces. The surrogate‐tumor relationships were intentionally altered to generate large target localization errors due to the differences in body condition between treatment planning stage and during treatment. The real‐time correction for the estimated 3D real‐time volume was performed using a pair of 2D x‐ray images. For the deep breathing motion trace, the tumor localization mean absolute error (MAE) throughout the tracking decreases from around 3 mm to less than 1 mm after correction. For the shallow breathing motion trace with a 1.7 mm baseline shift, the tumor localization MAE throughout the tracking decreases from around 1.5 mm to less than 1 mm after correction.

Conclusion

The method combines the detailed structural information from planning 4DCT and real‐time information from real‐time x‐ray images through a motion model. The matching between the real‐time model estimation and 2D real‐time images is performed in the same modality so that it can be applied to regions with low contrast in the images. The real‐time images successfully corrected the initial motion model estimations in our proof‐of‐concept validation. This suggests the potential to perform markerless tracking in low‐contrast region using a motion model.
Stress‐Confinement Effect on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Heterogeneous Granite Under Impact Loading: Experimental and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Gong Hangli , Wang Mingyang , Luo Yi , Liu Tingting , Fan Ran , Li Xinping
Published: November 2024

To investigate the stress‐confinement effect on the dynamic crack propagation and energy evolution characteristics of heterogeneous granite under impact loading, a three‐dimensional equivalent grain‐based model (3D‐GBM) and FLAC3D‐PFC3D coupled modeling technique was used to establish a numerical model of a full‐scale true triaxial Hopkinson test system. The results indicate that: (1) A rate‐effect model of the dynamic strength enhancement factor for heterogeneous rocks under multiaxial static and dynamic combined loading was constructed, with lateral stress confinement enhancing the sensitivity of dynamic strength to the strain rate. (2) Axial stress reduces the crack initiation stress ratio (σci/σd) and damage stress threshold ratio (σcd/σd), reducing the time to their onset, while lateral stress has the opposite effect. (3) Lateral stress confinement helps dynamically adjust the types of microcracks within the rock, restricts the relative slip friction between particles, and decreases the kinetic energy of failure. (4) At approximately the same strain rate, the strain energy and slip friction energy sequentially increase under uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial stress confinement. The mutual slip friction and movement between rock particles are more intense under biaxial stress confinement compared to uniaxial conditions.
Factors Associated With Attrition Among Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residents: A 10‐Year Analysis
Authors: Ezeh Uche C. , Charles‐Obi Kenechukwu , Green Carlos , Nicolli Elizabeth , Gurayah Aaron A. , Willey Brea C. , Balumuka Darius , Yarholar Lauren M. , Gosman Amanda , Sargi Zoukaa
Published: November 2024

Objective

To identify the risk factors for Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) resident attrition.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Annual Graduate Medical Education track survey.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of OHNS residents who matriculated between 2006 and 2015. Variables analyzed included age at matriculation, sex, race/ethnicity, medical degree type, program location, attrition status, and matriculation year period (2006‐2010, 2011‐2015). A logistic regression model was used to determine factors predictive of attrition, with a significance level set at P < .05.

Results

A total of 3073 residents were analyzed. The overall attrition rate was 3.7%. Multivariable regression showed older residents (≥30 years) had a 2.1 times higher risk of attrition compared to younger residents (≤29 years) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval, CI [1.383‐3.316], P < .001). Underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) residents had a 3.5 times higher risk of attrition compared to whites (aOR: 3.5; 95% CI [1.823‐6.806], P < .001). Southern US programs had a 2.5 times higher risk of attrition compared to northeastern programs (aOR: 2.5; 95% CI [1.480‐4.315], P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in attrition based on sex, medical degree type, or matriculation year period.

Conclusion

A higher risk of attrition was found among OHNS trainees who were older, self‐identified as URiM, and in the southern US programs. There was no significant difference in attrition risk based on gender, medical degree type, or matriculation period. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for attrition and to develop strategies to promote inclusion and diversity in OHNS.
Mathematical foundation of the master‐slave elimination for arbitrary nonlinear multi‐point constraints
Authors: Boungard Jonas , Ortleb Sigrun , Wackerfuß Jens
Published: November 2024

Nonlinear multi‐point constraints are essential in modeling various engineering problems, for example, joints undergoing large rotations or coupling of different element types in finite element analysis. They can be handled using Lagrange multipliers, the penalty method, or master‐slave elimination. The latter satisfies the constraints exactly and reduces the dimension of the resulting system of equations, which is particularly advantageous when a large number of constraints have to be considered. However, the existing schemes in literature are limited to linear constraints. Therefore, the authors introduced an extension of the method to arbitrary nonlinear constraints. A mathematically rigorous derivation of this new method is presented. The starting point is the optimization problem with constraints. It is transformed into a modified optimization problem without constraints using the implicit function theorem. For this, an appropriate selection of slave degrees of freedom (dofs) is crucial, ensuring that the Jacobian constraints meets specific conditions. This implies the consideration of three aspects: The handling of redundant constraints, the automatic selection of slave dofs, and the change of slave dofs in the context of large deformations. Additionally, it allows for the combination of the new method with existing constraint methods.
Heart rate variability in schizophrenia: A comparative analysis before and after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Yoshida Noriko , Miyajima Miho , Suzuki Yoko , Matsushima Eisuke , Watanabe Takafumi , Omoya Rie , Fujiwara Mayo , Nakamura Mitsuru , Takahashi Hidehiko , Takeuchi Takashi
Published: November 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate autonomic nervous system imbalance in schizophrenia by comparing heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls, and to assess changes in HRV in patients before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Methods

HRV was compared between patients with schizophrenia (n = 17) and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (n = 34). Changes in HRV were also assessed in patients pre‐ and post‐ECT. Additionally, the relationship between HRV and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) scores in patients with schizophrenia was investigated.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia showed significantly lower high‐frequency (HF) and low‐frequency (LF) power compared with healthy controls, with a trend towards a higher LF/HF ratio. Following ECT, HF power increased significantly while the LF/HF ratio decreased significantly, resulting in no significant differences between patients and controls for these HRV parameters. The associations between HRV and symptoms observed before ECT were largely diminished after ECT, with only changes in the LF component correlating with changes in PANSS scores.

Conclusion

Following ECT, we observed a shift in autonomic balance from sympathetic dominance towards increased parasympathetic activity and a state more closely resembling that in healthy controls.
Thermal behavior of polymers and copolymers based on plant oils with differing saturated and monounsaturated content
Authors: Chebotar Anastasiia , Domnich Bohdan , Panchenko Yurij , Donchak Volodymyr , Stetsyshyn Yurij , Voronov Andriy
Published: November 2024

Plant oil‐based acrylic monomers from hydrogenated sunflower (HFM), palm (PMM) and castor (CSM) oils were polymerized to investigate the effect of chemical composition on polymer phase transitions at temperatures relevant to physiological range. While HFM and PMM possess a highly differing content of saturated palmitic and stearic acids combined with unsaturated fatty acids, CSM contains primarily fragments based on monounsaturated ricinoleic hydroxy acid (up to 90%). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements indicate that polymers from PMM and HFM are both semicrystalline (with Tm = −6 and −13 °C, respectively), while poly(CSM) appears to be amorphous (Tg = −49 °C). Considering the similarity in polymers' molar mass (Mn = 16 000–20 000 g mol−1), the observed thermal transitions can be explained by the formation of ordered morphological domains due to the presence of saturated palmitic and stearic acid fractions in poly(PMM) and poly(HFM). For copolymers of CSM, PMM and HFM (80 wt% of monomer feed) with styrene, DSC data show two transitions corresponding to the mobility of long alkyl fatty acid side fragments and the macromolecular backbone. For copolymers of PMM and HFM, comparable values (−52.8 and −55.5 °C, respectively) were obtained, while the second transition for poly(CSM‐co‐styrene) appears at 35 °C. We attribute this higher value to the presence of hydroxyl groups in ricinoleic acid fragments of CSM serving as additional chain transfer sites and the formation of macromolecular fractions enriched with polystyrene fragments. We expect that the temperature transitions obtained can be relevant to the future use of these polymers for biomedical applications, including the synthesis of polymer brushes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Broad‐scale phenotyping in Arabidopsis reveals varied involvement of RNA interference across diverse plant‐microbe interactions
Authors: Ruf Alessa , Thieron Hannah , Nasfi Sabrine , Lederer Bernhard , Fricke Sebastian , Adeshara Trusha , Postma Johannes , Blumenkamp Patrick , Kwon Seomun , Brinkrolf Karina , Feldbrügge Michael , Goesmann Alexander , Kehr Julia , Steinbrenner Jens , Šečić Ena , Göhre Vera , Weiberg Arne , Kogel Karl‐Heinz , Panstruga Ralph , Robatzek Silke ,   the exRNA consortium
Published: November 2024

RNA interference (RNAi) is a crucial mechanism in immunity against infectious microbes through the action of DICER‐LIKE (DCL) and ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins. In the case of the taxonomically diverse fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and the oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, plant DCL and AGO proteins have proven roles as negative regulators of immunity, suggesting functional specialization of these proteins. To address this aspect in a broader taxonomic context, we characterized the colonization pattern of an informative set of DCL and AGO loss‐of‐function mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana upon infection with a panel of pathogenic microbes with different lifestyles, and a fungal mutualist. Our results revealed that, depending on the interacting pathogen, AGO1 acts as a positive or negative regulator of immunity, while AGO4 functions as a positive regulator. Additionally, AGO2 and AGO10 positively modulated the colonization by a fungal mutualist. Therefore, analyzing the role of RNAi across a broader range of plant‐microbe interactions has identified previously unknown functions for AGO proteins. For some pathogen interactions, however, all tested mutants exhibited wild‐type‐like infection phenotypes, suggesting that the roles of AGO and DCL proteins in these interactions may be more complex to elucidate.
Agglomerating Agent Emulsions Synergistically Stabilized by Surfactants and SiO2 Nanoparticles: Stability, Mechanism, and Applications for PBL Agglomeration
Authors: Zhao Li , Lu Shulai , Chen Ming , Wang Yuchao , Zhao Shicheng
Published: November 2024

The stability of agglomerating agent is an important parameter to evaluate its value, which is of great significance for its subsequent transportation, storage, and practical application. In this study, a highly stable agglomerating agent synergistically stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and SiO2 was synthesized. The stabilization mechanism of the agglomerating agent and its agglomeration effect on polybutadiene latex (PBL) were studied. First, the mean particle size, particle size distribution, interfacial tension, and viscosity of the agglomerating agent emulsion stabilized by SDS/SiO2 has been investigated and compared with those of conventional emulsion stabilized by SDS. The results show that when the SDS concentration is lower than 0.125%, the presence of SiO2 can significantly increase the anticoagulation ability of agglomerating agent particles in the polymerization process. Furthermore, noting that agglomerating agent emulsions stabilized by SDS/SiO2 exhibited high stability even pH, centrifugation, storage, and temperatures changed in wide range. In addition, the stability of the agglomerating agents synergistically stabilized by surfactants and SiO2 nanoparticles is better than using them alone. Then, the stability mechanism of SiO2 in the agglomerating agent was investigated. The results revealed that the SiO2 particles are tightly adsorbed on the surface of the agglomerating agent particles through hydrogen bonding and play a physical isolation role. Finally, the 100 nm PBL was enlarged to 469 nm by a synthetic agglomerating agent. Surprisingly, the SiO2 particles show excellent physical isolation role, not only in agglomerating agent but also in agglomerated PBL. Our findings provide novel insights into the synthesis of highly stable agglomerating agent and improve the practical application significance of subsequent PBL agglomerations and ABS properties.
Evaluation of the strategy for insecticidal crystal encapsulation with cell wall in industrial processes
Authors: Hou Yujia , Zhang Xin , Zhou Li , Xu Yanrong , Zhu Yuanhong , Yan Tinglu , Peng Qi , Liu Huamei , Song Fuping
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can produce insecticidal crystal proteins during sporulation, and these are the basis of the most successful microbial insecticides in use today. However, the susceptibility of insecticidal crystal proteins to inactivation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight causes damage to the insecticidal crystals and subsequent loss of toxicity. The deletion of the mclX gene, an unknown functional gene, can make the insecticidal crystal proteins become encapsulated by the cell wall which provides some protection against UV radiation. This study evaluates the potential of this innovative strategy during the industrial process of commercial strain KN11.

RESULTS

Gene mclX was deleted from a commercial Bt strain KN11 successfully, and the mutant strain was cultured under different conditions, including laboratory and industrial fermentation conditions. The mother cells of the mclX mutant strain remained nonlysed after industrial processes. The deletion of mclX had no adverse effects on the production of Cry1Ac protein and no impact on the insecticidal activity. Most noteworthy, the ΔmclX mutant had improved UV resistance and insecticidal activity compared to the wild‐type KN11 strain.

CONCLUSION

This finding suggests that commercial strains can be genetically modified to encapsulate insecticidal crystal in Bt products using the mclX mutation strategy. This study evaluated the ability of commercial strains lacking the mclX gene to encapsulate crystals giving resistance to UV radiation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of intercropping apple trees with basil (Ocimum basilicum) or French marigold (Tagetes patula) on the rosy apple aphid regulation (Dysaphis plantaginea) and the abundance of its natural enemies
Authors: Rizzi Louna , Rafiq Muhammad , Cabrol Mélanie , Simon Sylvaine , Gomez Laurent , Lavigne Claire , Franck Pierre , Gautier Hélène
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

In a global context of pesticide reduction, the sustainable management of aphids is a major challenge in maintaining economically viable fruit production. Intercropping with companion plants (CPs) that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with repellent or attractive properties could be successful in the laboratory. Still, their effects on the orchard have been little documented. We tested in 2018 and 2019 the hypotheses that the introduction of basil or French marigold, decreases the populations of Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini, the rosy apple aphid (RAA) and increases the abundance of its natural enemies (NEs) in an apple orchard in the south of France.

RESULTS

Laboratory tests confirmed that both CPs altered RAA reproduction performance. In orchards, they attracted more NEs around the pots and at some dates in the aphid colonies near the pots in both years (apart from basil in 2019), without a significant reduction in aphid populations in 2018. In contrast, in 2019, the number and spatial expansion of aphid colonies were significantly lower, close to basil.

CONCLUSION

Further investigation is needed to disentangle the mechanisms explaining the observed effects (e.g., repellent action in autumn, etc.) but the results highlight the potential of CPs to control aphids in orchards and contribute to agroecological production of apple. Thus, this study shows the potential of CPs in a strategy combining aphid repellency and NEs attraction to control aphids in orchards, provided that CP installation lasts over several consecutive years. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Strong Broadband Microwave Absorption Properties of FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 Composites Realized by Optimizing Impedance Matching
Authors: Hou Jin , Ma Zirong , Yang Ruoyu , Wu Zhuangzhuang , Song Tianxiu , Zhong Ling , Tang Jialing , Zhou Tingdong
Published: November 2024

Flaky FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composites are successfully synthesized via ball milling and hydrothermal method. The microstructure, morphology, and phase composition of flaky FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composites are analyzed using X‐Ray diffractometer, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope techniques. The electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of the composite with varying contents of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 are comprehensively investigated. The results show that the introduction of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 reduces the permittivity, improves the synergistic effect of magnetic loss and dielectric loss, optimizes the impedance matching, and enhances the overall electromagnetic performance of the composites. The sample prepared with a composition of 40 wt% Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 displays the most pronounced absorption performance. The RLmin (reflection loss) reached −41.3 dB at 4.3 GHz, and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) reaches 5.6 GHz which is 7–8 times that of the original sample. Notably, through adjusting the thickness of composites, the EAB could be broadened to 10.5 GHz (2.5–13.0 GHz), encompassing the entire C and X bands. The flaky FeSiCr@Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 composites have the advantages of wide source of raw materials, strong microwave absorption ability, and wide absorption frequency range, and are expected to become a potential microwave absorption material in the future.