bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nupr1 deficiency downregulates HtrA1, enhances SMAD1 signaling, and suppresses age‐related bone loss in male mice
Authors: Murayama Masatoshi , Hirata Hirohito , Shiraki Makoto , Iovanna Juan L. , Yamaza Takayoshi , Kukita Toshio , Komori Toshihisa , Moriishi Takeshi , Ueno Masaya , Morimoto Tadatsugu , Mawatari Masaaki , Kukita Akiko
Published: January 2023

Nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) is a stress‐induced protein activated by various stresses, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. We previously reported that Nupr1 deficiency increased bone volume by enhancing bone formation in 11‐week‐old mice. Analysis of differentially expressed genes between wild‐type (WT) and Nupr1‐knockout (Nupr1‐KO) osteocytes revealed that high temperature requirement A 1 (HTRA1), a serine protease implicated in osteogenesis and transforming growth factor‐β signaling was markedly downregulated in Nupr1‐KO osteocytes. Nupr1 deficiency also markedly reduced HtrA1 expression, but enhanced SMAD1 signaling in in vitro‐cultured primary osteoblasts. In contrast, Nupr1 overexpression enhanced HtrA1 expression in osteoblasts, suggesting that Nupr1 regulates HtrA1 expression, thereby suppressing osteoblastogenesis. Since HtrA1 is also involved in cellular senescence and age‐related diseases, we analyzed aging‐related bone loss in Nupr1‐KO mice. Significant spine trabecular bone loss was noted in WT male and female mice during 6−19 months of age, whereas aging‐related trabecular bone loss was attenuated, especially in Nupr1‐KO male mice. Moreover, cellular senescence‐related markers were upregulated in the osteocytes of 6−19‐month‐old WT male mice but markedly downregulated in the osteocytes of 19‐month‐old Nupr1‐KO male mice. Oxidative stress‐induced cellular senescence stimulated Nupr1 and HtrA1 expression in in vitro‐cultured primary osteoblasts, and Nupr1 overexpression enhanced p16ink4a expression in osteoblasts. Finally, NUPR1 expression in osteocytes isolated from the bones of patients with osteoarthritis was correlated with age. Collectively, these results indicate that Nupr1 regulates HtrA1‐mediated osteoblast differentiation and senescence. Our findings unveil a novel Nupr1/HtrA1 axis, which may play pivotal roles in bone formation and age‐related bone loss.
Mental health training in family medicine residencies: International curriculum overview
Authors: Kawada Shogo , Moriya Junko , Wakabayashi Hideki , Kise Morito , Okada Tadao , Ie Kenya
Published: January 2023

Integration of mental health into primary care has become a global trend, and many countries have developed mental health training in primary care. However, systematic mental health training for family physicians is insufficient in Japan. The newly established Japan Primary Care Association Mental Health Committee surveyed the current status of mental health training curricula in family medicine residency internationally. Participants were individuals involved in family medicine residency programs who were from Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The results revealed that many academic societies have created competency lists and curriculum guidelines for mental health training; however, the implementation varied. This study is novel as it examined and compared different countries' curriculum; the findings of which can be used as a reference to develop future mental health training curriculum in Japan.
Discontinuation of government subsidized HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis in Australia: a whole‐of‐population analysis of dispensing records
Authors: Medland Nicholas Andrew , Fraser Doug , Bavinton Benjamin R. , Jin Fengyi , Grulich Andrew E. , Paynter Heath , Guy Rebecca , McManus Hamish
Published: January 2023

Introduction

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been government subsidized in Australia since April 2018 and while uptake is high among men who have sex with men, rates of discontinuation are also high. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of discontinuation on overall PrEP usage, the proportion of PrEP users who discontinue and the predictors of discontinuation.

Methods

We used linked de‐identified dispensing records of all government subsidized PrEP in Australia between April 2018 and September 2021: a whole‐of‐population data set. Defining discontinuation as 180 days or more without PrEP after the final dispensed supply, we calculated the number of people who discontinued at each 6‐month interval during the study period, the proportion who had discontinued 2 years after the first supply and, using Cox regression, predictors of discontinuation.

Results

Of 49,164 people dispensed PrEP (98.5% male, median age 34 years), 40.3% (19,815) had discontinued by September 2021. Within 2 years of their first supply, 11,150 (37.7%) of 29,549 PrEP users had discontinued, including 10.0% after a single dispensed supply. Large variations were observed, particularly according to prescriber characteristics: discontinuation was higher among people prescribed PrEP by low caseload (≤10 patients) prescribers (61.2%) than by high caseload (>100 patients) prescribers (31.1%, p<0.001), and by prescribers practising in areas with low estimated prevalence (<1.0%) of gay men (64.1%) than high (>5%) prevalence (36.7%, p<0.001). Women and younger people were more likely to discontinue, while patients receiving a higher level of government subsidy were less likely. The independent predictors of discontinuation with the greatest effect size were female sex (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] 2.99, p<0.001), low estimated gay prevalence of prescriber location (aHR 1.98, p<0.001) and low prescriber PrEP caseload (aHR 1.79, p<0.001).

Conclusions

There are high rates of PrEP discontinuation in Australia and some populations are at increased risk of discontinuation. Strategies are needed to support persistence on PrEP and the re‐starting of PrEP during periods of risk.
Geographical profiling incorporating neighbourhood‐level factors using spatial interaction modelling
Authors: Hirama Kazuki , Yokota Kaeko , Otsuka Yusuke , Watanabe Kazumi , Yabe Naoto , Yokota Ryo , Hawai Yoshinori
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of methods that use spatial interaction modelling to predict the most probable area for an offender's residence. Tokyo, which is the capital of Japan and is divided into 1507 square‐kilometre zones, was selected as the study area. We analysed 4316 criminal trips to commit residential burglaries by 1089 offenders who lived in Tokyo. The following neighbourhood‐level factors, and a distance‐decay effect between zones, were incorporated into the proposed model: the size of the residential population aged 15–59 years in origin zones, the numbers of households living in detached houses, newcomers, the number of police facilities in destination zones, and the spatial structures of the criminal trips. Search areas calculated by the proposed model were smaller than previous models, suggesting that neighbourhood‐level factors are important for predicting the location of an offender's residence.
Pharmaco‐virological algorithm to target risk of drug resistance among a population of HIV‐infected key populations in Togo
Authors: Ferré Valentine M. , Bitty‐Anderson Alexandra M. , Peytavin Gilles , Lê Minh P. , Dagnra Claver A. , Coppée Romain , Gbeasor‐Komlanvi Fifonsi A. , Descamps Diane , Charpentier Charlotte , Ekouevi Didier K.
Published: January 2023

No data about antiretroviral (ARV) treatment coverage and virological response are available among key populations (female sex workers [FSW] and Men having Sex with Men [MSM]) in Togo. This study aimed to both describe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) immunovirological status and evaluate the pertinence of an original algorithm combining pharmacology (PK) and viral load (VL) to identify subjects at risk of ARV drug resistance. A cross‐sectional multicentric study was conducted in 2017 in Togo. Our PK‐virological algorithm (PK‐VA) defines subjects at risk of resistance when exhibiting both detectable plasma drug concentrations and VL > 200 c/mL. Among the 123 FSW and 136 MSM included, 50% and 66% were receiving ARV, with 69% and 80% of them successfully‐treated, respectively. Genotypes showed drug‐resistance mutation in 58% and 63% of nonvirologically controlled (VL > 200 c/mL) ARV‐treated FSW and MSM, respectively. PK‐VA would have enabled to save 75% and 72% of genotypic tests, for FSW and MSM, respectively. We reported first data about HIV care cascade among key populations in Togo, highlighting they are tested for HIV but linkage to care remains a concern. Furthermore, 70%−80% of ARV‐treated participants experienced virological success. In limited resources settings, where genotyping tests are beyond reach, PK‐VA might be an easiest solution to sort out patients needing ARV adaptation due to resistance.
Direct observational time and motion study of the daily activities of hospital dispensary pharmacists and technicians
Authors: Magee Katie , Fromont Molly , Ihle Eloise , Cheung Michael , Percival Mia , Poole Susan G. , Bell Chloe , Theobald Belinda , Dooley Michael J. , Brown Catherine
Published: January 2023

Background

Hospital pharmacy dispensaries are busy work environments where staff are involved in a variety of work‐related tasks. The proportion of time spent on daily tasks, task prioritisation, multitasking, and interruptions remains largely unknown.

Aim

To examine the tasks performed and proportion of time pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in a hospital pharmacy inpatient dispensary spend on various work‐related activities.

Method

Pharmacists and technicians working in the inpatient dispensary of a large metropolitan health service were directly observed by trained researchers. Tasks were recorded using Work Observation Method By Activity Timing (WOMBAT), a validated technique developed for direct observation studies of health professionals. Timed tasks were allocated to domains detailing the task performed, who performed it, who they interacted with, and where the task was performed. Data were analysed descriptively with independence of 95% confidence intervals (CI) demonstrating statistical significance.

Results

Twelve pharmacists and 13 technicians were observed for 107.4 h. Tasks that contributed the greatest proportion of time were: the preparation of discharge prescriptions: pharmacists 32.1% (95% CI 29.9–34.3%) and technicians 21.0% (95% CI 18.3–23.7%); inpatient medication supply 22.5% (95% CI 21.5–23.5%) and 49.3% (95% CI 47.3–51.3%) and; inter‐professional communication 13.6% and 14.7% (non‐significant [NS]). Tasks were completed independently 89.6% (pharmacists) and 88.9% (technicians) of the time. Pharmacists and technicians were interrupted 6.7 and 5.1 times per hour (p < 0.05), respectively; 8.6% and 9.5% (NS) of the time was spent undertaking at least two tasks simultaneously.

Conclusion

This is the first study to examine task time distribution within a hospital inpatient dispensary. Pharmacists and technicians spend the greatest proportion of time on direct medication dispensing‐related activities. This study demonstrates a high frequency of multitasking and interruptions, both of which are known risks for dispensing errors.
DLX5 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of spinal ligaments cells derived from ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament patients via NOTCH signaling
Authors: Tang Tao , Zhu Zhengya , He Zhongyuan , Wang Fuan , Chen Hongkun , Liu Shengkai , Zhan Mingbin , Wang Jianmin , Tian Wei , Chen Dafu , Wu Xinbao , Liu Xizhe , Zhou Zhiyu , Liu Shaoyu
Published: January 2023

Background

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligaments (OPLL) is common disorder characterized by heterotopic ossification of the spinal ligaments. Mechanical stimulation (MS) plays an important role in OPLL. DLX5 is an essential transcription factor required for osteoblast differentiation. However, the role of DLX5 during in OPLL is unclear. This study aims to investigate whether DLX5 is associated with OPLL progression under MS.

Methods

Stretch stimulation was applied to spinal ligaments cells derived from OPLL (OPLL cells) and non‐OPLL (non‐OPLL cells) patients. Expression of DLX5 and osteogenesis‐related genes were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The osteogenic differentiation ability of the cells was measured using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining. The protein expression of DLX5 in the tissues and the nuclear translocation of NOTCH intracellular domain (NICD) was examined by immunofluorescence.

Results

Compared with non‐OPLL cells, OPLL cells expressed higher levels of DLX5 in vitro and vivo (p < 0.01). Upregulated expression of DLX5 and osteogenesis‐related genes (OSX, RUNX2, and OCN) were observed in OPLL cells induced with stretch stimulation and osteogenic medium, whereas there was no change in the non‐OPLL cells (p < 0.01). Cytoplasmic NICD protein translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus inducing DLX5 under stretch stimulation, which was reduced by the NOTCH signaling inhibitors (DAPT) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggest that DLX5 play a critical role in MS‐induced progression of OPLL through NOTCH signaling, which provides a new insight into the pathogenesis of OPLL.
Interaction of Polystyrene Nanoparticles with Supported Lipid Bilayers: Impact of Nanoparticle Size and Protein Corona
Authors: Meesaragandla Brahmaiah , Blessing Dennis Oliver , Karanth Sanjai , Rong Alena , Geist Norman , Delcea Mihaela
Published: January 2023

Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics. This article reports on the interaction of 50 and 210 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) with human serum albumin (HSA) and transferrin (Tf), as well as their effect on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), using experimental and theoretical approaches. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show that the increase in diameter for the PSNP‐protein bioconjugates depends on nanoparticle size and type of proteins. The circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy results demonstrate that the proteins preserve their structures when they interact with PSNPs at physiological temperatures. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique reveals that PSNPs and their bioconjugates show no strong interactions with SLBs. On the contrary, the molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) show that both proteins bind strongly to the lipid bilayer (SLBs) when compared to their binding to a polystyrene surface model. The interaction is strongly dependent on the protein and lipid bilayer composition. Both the PSNPs and their bioconjugates show no toxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells; however, bare 210 nm PSNPs and 50 nm PSNP‐Tf bioconjugates show an increase in reactive oxygen species production. This study may be relevant for assessing the impact of plastics on health.
Nonlinear evolution equation associated with hypergraph Laplacian
Authors: Ikeda Masahiro , Uchida Shun
Published: January 2023

Let
be a finite set,
be a set of hyperedges, and
be an edge weight. On the (wighted) hypergraph
, we can define a multivalued nonlinear operator
(
) as the subdifferential of a convex function on
, which is called “hypergraph
‐Laplacian.” In this article, we first introduce an inequality for this operator
, which resembles the Poincaré–Wirtinger inequality in PDEs. Next, we consider an ordinary differential equation on
governed by
, which is referred as “heat” equation on the graph and used to study the geometric structure of the hypergraph in recent researches. With the aid of the Poincaré–Wirtinger type inequality, we can discuss the existence and the large time behavior of solutions to the ODE by procedures similar to those for the standard heat equation in PDEs with the zero Neumann boundary condition.
Beurling's theorem for the Clifford‐Fourier transform
Authors: Jday Rim , el Kamel Jamel
Published: January 2023

We generalize Beurling's theorem for the Clifford‐Fourier transform and give some of its applications. We deduce analogs of Hardy, Cowling‐Price, and Gelfand‐Shilov theorems in the Clifford analysis setting.
Type‐2 Diabetes, Pancreatic Amylin, and Neuronal Metabolic Remodeling in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Leibold Noah , Bain James R. , Despa Florin
Published: January 2023

Type‐2 diabetes raises the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐type dementia and the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, yet mechanisms connecting type‐2 diabetes to AD remain largely unknown. Amylin, a pancreatic β‐cell hormone co‐secreted with insulin, participates in the central regulation of satiation, but also forms pancreatic amyloid in persons with type‐2 diabetes and synergistically interacts with brain amyloid β (Aβ) pathology, in both sporadic and familial Alzheimer's disease (AD). Growing evidence from studies of tumor growth, together with early observations in skeletal muscle, indicates amylin as a potential trigger of cellular metabolic reprogramming. Because the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain parenchyma in humans with AD have increased concentrations of amylin, amylin‐mediated pathological processes in the brain may involve neuronal metabolic remodeling. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the link between prediabetic hypersecretion of amylin and risk of neuronal metabolic remodeling and AD and suggests nutritional and medical effects of food constituents that might prevent and/or ameliorate amylin‐mediated neuronal metabolic remodeling.
A Synbiotic Ameliorates Con A‐Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice through Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Immune Imbalance
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Yang Hao , Kang Xing , Tian Haixia , Kang Yongbo , Li Lin , Yang Xiaodan , Liu Haixia , Ren Peng , Kuang Xiaoyu , Tong Mingwei , Fan Weiping
Published: January 2023

Scope

Changes in the intestinal flora are related to autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) development. The aim of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of probiotics and prebiotics on liver injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A).

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice are fed probiotics (Pro), prebiotics (Pre), synbiotic (Syn) for 7 days and then Con A is injected via tail veins to induce AIH. Additionally, methylprednisolone (MP) is gavaged 0.5 h after the Con A injection. It is found that both Pro, Pre, Syn, and MP decrease the levels of serum transaminase, liver F4/80+ macrophage cells, and hepatocellular apoptosis. Pro, Pre, and Syn decrease proinflammatory cytokines, elevate levels of anti‐inflammatory as well as restored immune imbalance in AIH. Besides, Pro, Pre, and Syn not only reshape the perturbed gut microbiota, but also maintain intestinal barrier integrity, block the activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/TLR4/NF‐κB pathway in the liver. Interestingly, the effects of Syn are superior to Pro or Pre alone in Con A‐induced acute liver injury.

Conclusions

Syn obviously facilitates AIH remission. The combined use of Pro and Pre is effective in improving Pro and Pre efficacy and can be an important tool for preventing and adjuvant treating patients for AIH.
Effect of the Emulsifier Used in Dunaliella salina‐Based Nanoemulsions Formulation on the β‐Carotene Absorption and Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Teixé‐Roig Júlia , Oms‐Oliu Gemma , Odriozola‐Serrano Isabel , Martín‐Belloso Olga
Published: January 2023

Scope

Microalgae such as Dunaliella salina are a potential sustainable source of natural β‐carotene due to their fast growth and high adaptability to environmental conditions. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of β‐carotene from this alga into different emulsifier‐type nanoemulsions (soybean lecithin [SBL], whey protein isolate [WPI], sodium caseinate [SDC]) on its absorption, metabolization, and biodistribution in rats.

Methods and results

Nanoemulsions formulated with different emulsifiers at 8% concentration are obtained by five cycles of microfluidization at 130 mPa, then expose to an in vitro digestion or orally administer to rats. Feeding rats with nanoemulsions improves β‐carotene uptake compared to control suspension, especially using SDC and WPI as emulsifiers. A greater presence of β‐carotene and retinol in the intestine, plasma, and liver is observed, being the liver the tissue that shows the highest accumulation. This fact can be a consequence of the smaller droplets that protein‐nanoemulsions present compared to that with SBL in the intestine of rats, which promote faster digestibility and higher β‐carotene bioaccessibility (35%–50% more) according to the in vitro observations.

Conclusions

Nanoemulsions, especially those formulated with protein emulsifiers, are effective systems for increasing β‐carotene absorption, as well as retinol concentration in different rat tissues.
Are Phosphatidylcholine and Lysophosphatidylcholine Body Levels Potentially Reliable Biomarkers in Obesity? A Review of Human Studies
Authors: Bellot Paula Emília Nunes Ribeiro , Moia Melissa Nunes , Reis Bruna Zavarize , Pedrosa Lucia Fatima Campos , Tasic Ljubica , Barbosa Fernando , Sena‐Evangelista Karine Cavalcanti Maurício
Published: January 2023

Phosphatidylcholines (PCs) are the major components of biological membranes in animals and are a class of phospholipids that incorporate choline as a headgroup. Lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) are a class of lipid biomolecules derived from the cleavage of PCs, and are the main components of oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) that are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Since obesity is associated with a state of chronic low‐grade inflammation, one can anticipate that the lipidomic profile changes in this context and both PCs and LPCs are gaining attention as hypothetically reliable biomarkers of obesity. Thus, a literature search is performed on PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature (LILACS), and Excerpta Medica DataBASE (Embase) to obtain the findings of population studies to clarify this hypothesis. The search strategy resulted in a total of 2403 reports and 21 studies were included according to the eligibility criteria. Controversial data on the associations of PCs and LPCs with body mass index (BMI) and body fat parameters have been identified. There is an inverse relationship between BMI and most species of PCs, and a majority of studies exhibited negative associations between BMI and LPCs. Other findings regarding the differences between PCs and LPCs in obesity are presented, and the associated uncertainties are discussed in detail.
Synthesis design of quad‐band bandpass filter with mixed frequency transformation method
Authors: Wu Yi , Ma Kaixue , Wang Yongqiang
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an analysis method to design quad‐band bandpass filters (BPFs) based on the mixed frequency transformation method. The frequency mapping technique is employed to obtain the design parameters by defining the frequency ranges of each passband. By using the proposed approach, the resonant angular frequencies and susceptance slope parameters can be obtained analytically. To validate our theory, a third‐order Chebyshev BPF and a fourth‐order elliptic BPF with different bandwidths are successfully synthesized. Moreover, a second‐order test BPF with a Chebyshev approximation and 20 dB passband return loss is synthesized, designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured insertion losses are 1.82, 2.01, 3.12, and 2.51 dB for each passband and measured return losses are better than 15.2 dB for all passbands. The measured results verify the designed BPF and also confirm the theoretical prediction.
Radiofrequency safety of high permittivity pads in MRI—Impact of insulation material
Authors: Brink Wyger M. , Remis Rob F. , Webb Andrew G.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

High permittivity dielectric pads are known to be effective for tailoring the RF field and improving image quality in high field MRI. Despite a number of studies reporting benign specific absorption rate (SAR) effects, their “universal” safety remains an open concern. In this work, we evaluate the impact of the insulation material in between the pad and the body, using both RF simulations as well as phantom experiments.

Methods

A 3T configuration with high permittivity material was simulated and characterized experimentally in terms of B1+ fields and RF power absorption, both with and without electrical insulation in between the high permittivity material and the sample. Different insulation conditions were compared, and electromagnetic analyses on the induced current density were performed to elucidate the effect.

Results

Increases in RF heating of up to 49% were observed experimentally in a tissue‐mimicking phantom after removing the material insulation. The B1+ magnitude and RF transceive phase were not affected. Simulations indicated that an insulation thickness of 0.5–2 mm should be accounted for in numerical models in order to ensure reliable results.

Conclusion

A reliable RF safety assessment of high permittivity dielectric pads requires accounting for the insulating properties of the plastic encasing. Ignoring the electrical insulation can lead to erroneous results with substantial increases in local SAR at the interface. Conversely, the material insulation does not need to be modeled to predict the B1+ effects during the design of the pad geometry.
High‐resolution motion‐ and phase‐corrected functional MRI at 7 T using shuttered multishot echo‐planar imaging
Authors: Sengupta Saikat , Berman Avery , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Setsompop Kawin , Grissom William A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To achieve high‐resolution multishot echo‐planar imaging (EPI) for functional MRI (fMRI) with reduced sensitivity to in‐plane motion and between‐shot phase variations.

Methods

Two‐dimensional radiofrequency pulses were incorporated in a multishot EPI sequence at 7T which selectively excited a set of in‐plane bands (shutters) in the phase encoding direction, which moved between shots to cover the entire slice. A phase‐ and motion‐corrected reconstruction was implemented for the acquisition. Brain imaging experiments were performed with instructed motion to evaluate image quality for conventional multishot and shuttered EPI. Temporal stability was assessed in three subjects by quantifying temporal SNR (tSNR) and artifact levels, and fMRI activation experiments using visual stimulation were performed to assess the strength and distribution of activation, using both conventional multishot and shuttered EPI.

Results

In the instructed motion experiment, ghosting was lower in shuttered EPI images without or with corrections and image quality metrics were improved with motion correction. tSNR was improved by phase correction in both conventional multishot and shuttered EPI and the acquisitions had similar tSNR without and with phase correction. However, while phase correction was necessary to maximize tSNR in conventional multishot EPI, it also increased intermittent ghosting, but did not increase intermittent ghosting in shuttered EPI. Phase correction increased activation strength in both conventional multishot and shuttered EPI, but caused increased spurious activation outside the brain and in frontal brain regions in conventional multishot EPI.

Conclusion

Shuttered EPI supports multishot segmented EPI acquisitions with lower sensitivity to artifacts from motion for high‐resolution fMRI.
Probabilistic partition of unity networks for high‐dimensional regression problems
Authors: Fan Tiffany , Trask Nathaniel , D'Elia Marta , Darve Eric
Published: January 2023

We explore the probabilistic partition of unity network (PPOU‐Net) model in the context of high‐dimensional regression problems and propose a general framework focusing on adaptive dimensionality reduction. With the proposed framework, the target function is approximated by a mixture of experts model on a low‐dimensional manifold, where each cluster is associated with a fixed‐degree polynomial. We present a training strategy that leverages the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. During the training, we alternate between (i) applying gradient descent to update the DNN coefficients; and (ii) using closed‐form formulae derived from the EM algorithm to update the mixture of experts model parameters. Under the probabilistic formulation, step (ii) admits the form of embarrassingly paralleliazable weighted least‐squares solves. The PPOU‐Nets consistently outperform the baseline fully‐connected neural networks of comparable sizes in numerical experiments of various data dimensions. We also explore the proposed model in applications of quantum computing, where the PPOU‐Nets act as surrogate models for cost landscapes associated with variational quantum circuits.
Distance minimizing based data‐driven computational method for the finite deformation of hyperelastic materials
Authors: Zheng Zhangcheng , Zhang Zijian , Ye Hongfei , Zhang Hongwu , Zheng Yonggang
Published: January 2023

The distance minimizing based data‐driven solvers are developed for the finite deformation analysis of three‐dimensional (3D) compressible and nearly incompressible hyperelastic materials in this work. The data‐driven solvers bypass the construction of a constitutive equation for the hyperelastic materials by considering a dataset of Green‐Lagrange strain‐second Piola–Kirchhoff stress pairs. They recast the boundary‐value problems into the distance minimization problems with basic kinematical and mechanical constraints. Moreover, the deviatoric/volumetric split of stress and the additional incompressible constraint are further introduced into the solver for the nearly incompressible hyperelastic materials. Several representative three‐dimensional examples are presented and the results demonstrate the good capability and robustness of the proposed data‐driven solvers.
Micro computed tomography and histological examination of a pathological lesion (healed fracture) in a horse tooth from the medieval site of Crkveno Brdo, Serbia
Authors: Marković Nemanja , Rothschild Bruce , Špehar Perica , Pendić Jugoslav , Stevanović Oliver , Staszyk Carsten
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to provide insight into the etiology and differential diagnosis of a rare severe pathological lesion in an isolated equine tooth from the medieval site of Crkveno Brdo. The site is located in the southern part of the Carpathian Basin, that is, in the northern part of present‐day Serbia near Senta, some 9 km south‐west of the town center in the vicinity of the village of Gornji Breg. The specimen presented in this study comes from the cultural layer dated to the period between the 14th and the 15th centuries. A healed oblique fracture was present in the right upper second premolar (106) of a horse (Equus caballus) 7–10 years of age. The specimen was subjected to an interdisciplinary approach, including identification of species and tooth type, and assessment of age at death, employing microcomputed tomography (microCT), and histopathology to differentially diagnose the pathological condition. The obtained results were additionally compared with findings in an apparently similar modern case of known etiology.
Polyaniline/aramid composite for carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Vostiňáková Monika , Lupínková Simona , Ryšánek Petr , Stejskal Jaroslav , Kolská Zdeňka
Published: January 2023

A novel composite based on conducting polymer, polyaniline/aramid, was prepared with the aim of capturing carbon dioxide. Polyaniline was synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of aniline with ammonium peroxydisulfate and subsequently used for modification of the aramid surface. The prepared polyaniline/aramid composite was characterized using electrokinetic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms for determination of specific surface area and porosity and using carbon dioxide adsorption/desorption isotherms for determination of carbon dioxide capture. The capture capacity markedly increased from 22 cm3 g−1 for pristine aramid to 60 cm3 g−1 for the polyaniline/aramid composite. The results show that the new composite material could be used as an effective adsorbent of carbon dioxide and for applications based on its adsorption. The vision of advanced adsorbents with properties controlled by electric potential applied to conducting polymers is worth being considered. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A comparison of undisturbed soil cores with restructured columns using a new one‐step outflow model
Authors: Powelson David K. , Jacobson Astrid R. , Boettinger Janis L.
Published: January 2023

Undisturbed soil cores may be best for studying field processes in the laboratory, but core variability can make them difficult to use. The goal of this study was to develop a method to make packed columns that have one‐step outflow curves similar to those of undisturbed cores. Undisturbed 15.2‐cm‐long cores and bulk soil were obtained from a sandy loam permanent pasture (Pasture) and a sandy clay loam uncultivated field (Springhill). Ordinary‐packed columns were made by compressing bulk soil to the average core bulk density, and layered columns were made by duplicating the average bulk densities of three core layers. Outflow was recorded from pressure head of −7.6 to −133 cm from newly packed columns and after drying to produce shrinkage cracks. A new outflow model that included initial water content (θi), final water content (θf), and time to reach 63.2% outflow (Τ) was fit to the data by adjusting a time exponent β (average r2 = 0.995). Column parameters were compared with cores by equivalence testing. Drying reduced θi and θf, possibly due to shrinkage cracks that increased drainable porosity. Columns of the Pasture soil had significantly greater Τ than natural cores, possibly due to lack of root‐formed pores in the columns. Overall, layered and dried columns were most similar to natural cores and less variable, and cumulative one‐step outflow curves from undisturbed cores and packed columns can be quantified with a simplified four‐parameter model. These methods and results may help make packed soil columns more representative of undisturbed soil.
TiO2‐epoxy nanocomposites coated steel: Surface morphology, spectroscopic, and photocatalytic characteristics
Authors: Ghodki Bhupendra M , Patel Ajay , Choudhary Poonam , Kalnar Yogesh B. , Narsaiah Kairam
Published: January 2023

Nanocomposite coatings on metal surfaces provide unique material characteristics that play a strategic role in improving overall product/process quality. Thus, nanocomposite finds applications in different sectors such as petroleum, automobile, electrical and electronics, chemical, medical, metallurgy, food packaging, and air purification. This study focused on the fabrication of TiO2‐epoxy nanocomposites for coating on steel sheet and analyzing their properties. The nanocomposites were prepared at 2%, 4%, and 8% (w/w) TiO2 particle loading content. Different coated sheets were analyzed for surface morphology, spectroscopic, and photocatalytic characteristics. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images showed uniform particle distribution of TiO2 in the epoxy matrix at a lower concentration. Besides, TiO2 nanoparticle cluster sizes ranged from 79.6 to 172 nm, 79.5 to 237 nm, and 122 to 164 nm for the samples of 2%, 4%, and 8% TiO2 content, respectively. The Ti weight percent significantly increased from 1.69% to 7.34% with the rise in the level of TiO2 filler in the TiO2‐epoxy matrix, whereas O content varies from 22.07% to 26.02%. A characteristic absorption peak of TiO2 at nearly 700 cm−1 in all the Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of samples was detected. Degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the photocatalytic (UV‐C + TiO2) process was significantly higher than photolysis (UV‐C) in a photoreactor. The degradation rate of MB increased with treatment time and TiO2 loading content in the samples. Besides, after 1 h of treatment, maximal degradation of MB was 1.58% for photolysis whereas 1.96%, 2.63%, and 3.51% for the coated sheet of 2%, 4%, and 8% TiO2, respectively. Overall, the superior quality of steel sheets was obtained when coated with TiO2‐epoxy nanocomposites.
Simulated annealing for balancing covariates
Authors: Baldi Antognini Alessandro , Novelli Marco , Zagoraiou Maroussa
Published: January 2023

Covariate balance is one of the fundamental issues in designing experiments for treatment comparisons, especially in randomized clinical trials. In this article, we introduce a new class of covariate‐adaptive procedures based on the Simulated Annealing algorithm aimed at balancing the allocations of two competing treatments across a set of pre‐specified covariates. Due to the nature of the simulated annealing, these designs are intrinsically randomized, thus completely unpredictable, and very flexible: they can manage both quantitative and qualitative factors and be implemented in a static version as well as sequentially. The properties of the suggested proposal are described, showing a significant improvement in terms of covariate balance and inferential accuracy with respect to all the other procedures proposed in the literature. An illustrative example based on real data is also discussed.
Scalable, Highly Pure, and Diameter‐Sorted Boron Nitride Nanotube by Aqueous Polymer Two‐Phase Extraction
Authors: Ko Jaehyoung , Kim Daeun , Sim Giho , Moon Se Youn , Lee Sang Seok , Jang Se Gyu , Ahn Seokhoon , Im Sung Gap , Joo Yongho
Published: January 2023

Boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) has attracted recent attention owing to its exceptional material properties; yet, practical implementation in real‐life applications has been elusive, mainly due to the purity issues associated with its large‐scale synthesis. Although different purification methods have been discussed so far, there lacks a scalable solution method in the community. In this work, a simple, high‐throughput, and scalable purification of BNNT is reported via modification of an established sorting technique, aqueous polymer two‐phase extraction. A complete partition mapping of the boron nitride species is established, which enables the segregation of the highly pure BNNT with a major impurity removal efficiency of > 98%. A successful scaling up of the process is illustrated and provides solid evidence of its diameter sorting behavior. Last, towards its macroscopic assemblies, a liquid crystal of the purified BNNT is demonstrated. The effort toward large‐scale solution purification of BNNT is believed to contribute significantly to the macroscopic realization of its exceptional properties in the near future.
Photovoltaic–Electrolyzer System Operated at >50 mA cm−2 by Combining Large‐Area Shingled Silicon Photovoltaic Module with High Surface Area Nickel Electrodes for Low‐Cost Green H2 Generation
Authors: Plankensteiner Nina , Agosti Amedeo , Govaerts Jonathan , Rupp Rico , Singh Sukhvinder , Poortmans Jef , Vereecken Philippe M. , John Joachim
Published: January 2023

Green hydrogen plays an important role in the energy transition as a renewable energy vector for long‐duration energy storage and as feedstock chemical for the industry. To reduce the price below 1.5 € kg−1 H2, competitive to production from fossil fuels, silicon photovoltaic (PV)‐powered efficient anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis is a promising combination. Practical implementation of such a photovoltaic–electrolyzer (PV–EC) technology requires standard area‐sized solar cells and electrolyzers operating at large current densities. Nonetheless, state‐of‐the‐art research often employs <10 cm2 PV devices and electrolyzers operated at <10 mA cm−2. Herein, a commercially relevant PV–EC system combining shingled standard silicon technology with efficient low‐cost AEM electrolysis using high‐surface‐area (26 m2 cm−3) nickel nanomesh electrodes is presented. The produced H2, operating current, and voltage are in situ monitored over >20 h yielding a stable solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency (ηSTH) of 10% at electrolyzer current densities ≈60 mA cm−2 and dynamic load testing up to 300 mA cm−2 results in stable performance. Based on the measured PV–EC system data, best practices to accurately determine the ηSTH for PV‐powered water‐splitting devices and the validation of this benchmark against important component parameters for practical implementation of this technology are discussed.
The Future of Spirobifluorene‐Based Molecules as Hole‐Transporting Materials for Solar Cells
Authors: Vaghi Luca , Rizzo Fabio
Published: January 2023

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) attract great attention as alternative renewable photovoltaic technology. The state‐of‐the‐art spiro‐OMeTAD (2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene) is the most successful hole‐transport material (HTM) employed in PSCs, whereas solution‐processed inverted OSCs generally use poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Recently, various types of spirobifluorene‐based organic small molecules are reported to overcome the known disadvantages of spiro‐OMeTAD, such as the complex synthetic route, high synthetic cost, and requirement for hygroscopic dopants to improve the charge‐carrier mobility and device performance. Examples of spirobifluorene‐based molecules are also reported as alternative HTMs in inverted OSCs to exceed the drawbacks of PEDOT:PSS, such as acidity and batch‐to‐batch reproducibility. These features significantly limit spiro‐OMeTAD and PEDOT:PSS for large‐scale application in the future. Herein, an overview of recent developments in spirobifluorene organic small molecules as HTM in PSCs and OSCs is provided by focusing on synthetic and electrical features. Finally, the further research directions are discussed to develop novel spirobifluorene‐based HTMs for the realization of reliable and long‐term stable photovoltaic devices.
Stainless Steels for Plastic Mold Frames Featuring Enhanced Machinability
Authors: Niederhofer Philipp , Henke Lukas , Frie Daniel , Neuenfeldt Manuela , Zanger Frederik
Published: January 2023

Steels for the production of frames for plastic molds frequently need to exhibit resistance to corrosion while at the same time requiring large amounts of machining. Machinability as a crucial property can be enhanced by the addition of sulfur, resulting in the formation of favorable sulfides, which in turn can deteriorate mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The detrimental effect on mechanical properties is caused, among others, by the elongation of sulfides during rolling or forging. In a novel approach, a special wire treatment of the melt is performed, which results in improved spherical morphology and chemical composition of the inclusions, yet leading to even enhanced machinability (tested, among others, by means of milling). Milling tests reveal increased productivity compared to conventionally manufactured material, which means an improved lifetime of milling inserts even at the highest cutting speeds. In addition, orthogonal cutting trials are performed aiming at understanding differences in machinability. At the same time, mechanical properties, in particular toughness, are slightly improved, while corrosion resistance is not severely affected.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of reinforced concrete bridge piers with corroded bars
Authors: De Domenico Dario , Messina Davide , Recupero Antonino
Published: January 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures located in aggressive environment, for example, RC bridge piers close to the sea and experiencing chloride attacks, may be exposed to an increased seismic vulnerability. This requires practical yet effective safety assessment strategies aimed to determine the seismic behavior by incorporating corrosion deterioration phenomena. An easy‐to‐use phenomenological model is here developed to describe the seismic behavior of corroded RC elements based on a fiber hinge formulation wherein the corrosion‐induced mechanical degradation of concrete and steel is implemented through appropriate constitutive laws at the fiber level. The developed fiber hinge formulation is first validated against experimental cyclic tests of corroded RC columns from the literature. Then, the proposed approach is used for the seismic vulnerability assessment of the Zappulla multi‐span viaduct (southern Italy), whose RC bridge piers (with a box‐shaped, two‐cell hollow rectangular cross section) are exposed to carbonation and chloride‐induced corrosion. A comprehensive in‐situ testing campaign is conducted for the mechanical characterization of the materials in the RC piers. Corrosion potential mapping, carbonation tests and tensile tests on corroded bars extracted from RC piers are critically interpreted to calibrate the constitutive laws of the fiber‐hinge model. Motivated by experimental findings, numerical seismic analyses (including linear dynamic, nonlinear static and nonlinear dynamic analyses) are performed under two different corrosion scenarios to quantify the impact of corrosion on the resulting seismic vulnerability conditions of bridge piers with corroded bars. The proposed approach is characterized by low computational cost and lends itself to large‐scale seismic vulnerability assessment of other existing RC bridges placed in corrosive environment.
Surgical stabilisation of distal femoral fractures in calves using a triple pin technique: Twenty‐five cases
Authors: Kılıç Engin , Yayla Sadık , Ermutlu Celal Şahin , Baran Vedat , Özba Burhan , Aydın Uğur , Yıldız Uğur
Published: January 2023

Background

The goal of this study was to develop a safe fixation technique for the effective treatment of supracondylar and distal diaphyseal femoral fractures in newborn calves.

Methods

This study included a total of 25 newborn calves diagnosed with supracondylar or distal diaphyseal femoral fractures based on anamnesis and clinical and radiographic examination findings. Operations were performed under intrathecal anaesthesia. During the operation, the fracture line was found, and fixation was achieved by placing two Steinmann and Schanz pins.

Results

No abnormal findings were seen in the radiographs performed 28 days after surgery, and it was determined that a hard callus had started to form. It was observed that the patients who had lightly stepped on the ground for the first 3 days after the operation were able to walk without any problems on day 28.

Limitations

As this study involved neonatal calves aged 1–14 days, the operation could only be performed under spinal anaesthesia with no sedation. However, sedation is likely to be applied in addition to spinal anaesthesia in older calves.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the triple pin technique can be safely used in the treatment of supracondylar and distal diaphyseal femoral fractures.
Pan‐targeted quantification of deep and comprehensive cancer serum proteome improves cancer detection
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Hu Anqi , Chen Xuguang , Shen Fenglin , Zhang Lei , Lin Yuxiang , Shen Huali
Published: January 2023

Serum/plasma proteome analysis can monitor physiological and pathological changes in the human population. In addition to the proteins secreted by tissues, the common blood proteins, including some inherently high‐abundance proteins, also play an important role in the process of the physiological process of organisms. Herein, we establish a Common Serum Protein Database (1090 proteins and 1727 peptides) and integrate it with the Cancer Serum Atlas (www.cancerserumatlas.com) we built before to construct the deep and comprehensive cancer serum protein atlas (DCCSP Atlas). This atlas contains over 2700 proteins with targeted mass spectrometry assays and spectra of corresponding unique peptides. We simultaneously targeted 539 proteins in 29 sera of two hardly distinguishable cancer types (breast and lung) and non‐tumor controls using the DCCSP Atlas and the pan‐targeted proteomic strategy. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve exceeded 0.96 for cancer detection and classification. The DCCSP Atlas will enable the pan‐targeting of common serum proteins and cancer‐secreted proteins to improve the sensitivity and specificity of proteomics‐based multi‐cancer detection and classification.