bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal individualized peak functional connectivity toward potential repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Jin Jing , Wang Xiu‐Qin , Yang Xue , Zhao Na , Feng Zi‐Jian , Zang Yu‐Feng , Yuan Li‐Xia
Published: September 2023

Functional connectivity (FC) derived from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging has been widely applied to guide precise repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The left, right, and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) have been used as rTMS treatment target regions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), albeit with moderate efficacy. Thus, we aimed to develop an individualized localization method for rTMS treatment of ASD. We included 266 male ASDs and 297 male typically‐developed controls (TDCs) from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange Dataset. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) was regarded as a promising effective region, which was used as a seed and individualized peak FC strength in the DLPFC was compared between ASD and TDC. Correlation analysis was conducted between individualized peak FC strength and symptoms in ASD. We also investigated the spatial distribution of individualized peak FC locations in the DLPFC and conducted voxel‐wise analysis to compare NAc‐based FC between the two groups. ASD showed stronger peak FC in the right DLPFC related to TDC (Cohen's d = −.19, 95% CI: −0.36 to −0.03, t = −2.30, p = .02). Moreover, negative correlation was found between the peak FC strength in the right DLPFC and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scores, which assessed both the social communication and interaction (r = −.147, p = .04, uncorrected significant), and stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests (r = −.198, p = .02, corrected significant). Peak FC locations varied substantially across participants. No significant differences in NAc‐based FC in the DLPFC were found in the voxel‐wise comparison. Our study supports the use of individualized peak FC‐guided precise rTMS treatment of male ASD. Moreover, stimulating the right DLPFC might alleviate core symptoms of ASD.
Nonchromosomal birth defects and risk of childhood acute leukemia: An assessment in 15 000 leukemia cases and 46 000 controls from the Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium
Authors: Lupo Philip J. , Chambers Tiffany M. , Mueller Beth A. , Clavel Jacqueline , Dockerty John D. , Doody David R. , Erdmann Friederike , Ezzat Sameera , Filippini Tommaso , Hansen Johnni , Heck Julia E. , Infante‐Rivard Claire , Kang Alice Y. , Magnani Corrado , Malagoli Carlotta , Marcotte Erin L. , Metayer Catherine , Bailey Helen D. , Mora Ana M. , Ntzani Evangelia , Petridou Eleni Th , Pombo‐de‐Oliveira Maria S. , Rashed Wafaa M. , Roman Eve , Schüz Joachim , Wesseling Catharina , Spector Logan G. , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: September 2023

Although recent studies have demonstrated associations between nonchromosomal birth defects and several pediatric cancers, less is known about their role on childhood leukemia susceptibility. Using data from the Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium, we evaluated associations between nonchromosomal birth defects and childhood leukemia. Pooling consortium data from 18 questionnaire‐based and three registry‐based case‐control studies across 13 countries, we used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between a spectrum of birth defects and leukemia. Our analyses included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL, n = 13 115) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n = 2120) cases, along with 46 172 controls. We used the false discovery rate to account for multiple comparisons. In the questionnaire‐based studies, the prevalence of birth defects was 5% among cases vs 4% in controls, whereas, in the registry‐based studies, the prevalence was 11% among cases vs 7% in controls. In pooled adjusted analyses, there were several notable associations, including (1) digestive system defects and ALL (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.46‐4.98); (2) congenital anomalies of the heart and circulatory system and AML (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.81‐4.52) and (3) nervous system defects and AML (OR = 4.23, 95% CI: 1.50‐11.89). Effect sizes were generally larger in registry‐based studies. Overall, our results could point to novel genetic and environmental factors associated with birth defects that could also increase leukemia susceptibility. Additionally, differences between questionnaire‐ and registry‐based studies point to the importance of complementary sources of birth defect phenotype data when exploring these associations.
Frequency and trends in usage of eponyms in gynecologic anatomical terminology: A cross‐sectional culturonomics study
Authors: Shrosbree Beth , DeLancey John O. L. , Hong Christopher X.
Published: September 2023

Synopsis

On average, gynecologic eponyms were used more than twice as frequently as their preferred anatomical synonyms in published printed sources between 2000 and 2019.
Update on diagnosing and treating ascending placentitis in horses
Authors: Crabtree James
Published: September 2023

Background: Ascending placentitis is a relatively uncommon condition in horses; however, it can have significant consequences on the health of a pregnancy. If undiagnosed the condition commonly results in abortion which may come with a significant emotional and economic burden to horse breeders.

Aim of the article: This article focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of ascending bacterial placentitis, bringing readers up to date with recent advances in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of clinical cases.
Design and application of intelligent fitness system based on android system
Authors: Sun Haoran , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhaojin
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to make use of the features of mobile smart phones to create a simple step by step fitness application that can exercise anytime and anywhere. A third‐party open‐source library based on the Android platform was adopted in the entire technology selection, which greatly reduces the writing of a lot of pattern code and enables developers to focus more on the development of fitness system functions. The system has basic functions such as “Fitness data” and “Fitness video courses,” and collects fitness movements through sensors. Based on the extracted eigenvalues and support vector machines (SVM) algorithm, the system determines whether the fitness actions are standard or not, and uses back propagation (BP) neural network to classify and count fitness actions, to achieve recognition of fitness movements. The experimental results show that, the response time, running speed, and load of the system meet daily needs, the system can give the correct instruction probability within 3 s is 74.2%, the correct instruction probability within 3 ˜ 4 s is 17.5%, and the recognition probability after 4 s is only 6.67%, which proves that the intelligent fitness system designed in this study based on the Android system meets basic usage requirements in terms of performance and functionality.
Kartogenin‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol/nano‐hydroxyapatite composite hydrogel promotes tendon‐bone healing in rabbits after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Lv Hao , Liu Yaobo , Lu Duyi , Wang Yuanrui
Published: September 2023

Accumulating evidence supports the role of cartilage tissue engineering in cartilage defect repair, but the biological function has yet to be fully explained. In this work, kartogenin (KGN), an emerging chondroinductive nonprotein small molecule, was incorporated into a composite hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol/nano‐hydroxyapatite (PVA/n‐HA) to fabricate an appropriate microenvironment for tendon‐bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. KGN/PVA/n‐HA composite hydrogel scaffolds were prepared by in situ synthesis and physical adsorption, followed by characterization under a scanning electron microscope. The scaffolds were transplanted into healthy New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. It was confirmed that KGN/PVA/n‐HA scaffolds were successfully prepared and exhibited good supporting properties and excellent biocompatibility. Unilateral ACL reconstruction was constructed with tendon autograft in NZW rabbits, and the morphology and diameter of collagen fiber were analyzed. The scaffolds were shown to promote ACL growth and collagen fiber formation. Furthermore, microcomputerized tomography analysis and bone formation histology were performed to detect new bone formation. KGN/PVA/n‐HA scaffolds effectively alleviated cartilage damage and prevented the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, ligament‐bone healing and bone formation were observed in the presence of KGN/PVA/n‐HA scaffolds. In conclusion, these results suggest that the KGN/PVA/n‐HA scaffolds can facilitate tendon‐bone healing after ACL reconstruction and might be considered novel hydrogel biomaterials in cartilage tissue engineering.
Nano−/micro‐scaled hydroxyapatite ceramic construction and the regulation of immune‐associated osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Fu Shijia , Li Huishan , Wu Yue , Wang Jing
Published: September 2023

Hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramic is a promising substitute for bone defects, and the surface properties are major factors that influence bioactivity and osteoinductivity. In this study, two kinds of HA bioceramics with nanoscale (n‐HA) and microscale (m‐HA) surface topography were designed to mimic the natural bone, thus enhancing the stimulation of osteogenic differentiation and revealing the potential mechanism. Compared to m‐HA, n‐HA owned a larger surface roughness, a stronger wettability, and reduced hardness and indentation modulus. Based on these properties, n‐HA could maintain the conformation of vitronectin better than m‐HA, which may contribute to higher cellular activities and a stronger promotion of osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Further RNA sequencing analysis compared the molecular expression between n‐HA and m‐HA. Six hundred twenty‐seven differentially expressed genes were identified in MSCs, and 17 upregulated genes and 610 downregulated genes were included when n‐HA compared to m‐HA. The GO cluster analysis and enriched Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome signaling pathways revealed a close correlation with the immune process in both upregulated (chemokine signaling pathway and cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction) and downregulated pathways (osteoclasts differentiation). It suggested that the nanoscale surface topography of HA enhanced the osteoinductivity of MSCs and could not be separated from its regulation of immune function and the retention of adsorbed protein conformation.
Influence of adhesion force on croRS gene expression and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Wang Xue , Wang Siyu , Yuan Lingling , Liang Zhihua , Zhang Xiaoyue , Lin Danle , Hu Xiaoli
Published: September 2023

Surface properties of materials influence bacterial adhesion and play important roles in biofilm antibiotic resistance. The two‐component system CroRS of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) can be activated by antibiotics and is involved in cephalosporin resistance. We hypothesized that surfaces properties could influence the expression of croRS in E. faecalis biofilm and contribute to cephalosporin resistance. In this study, the hydrophobicity of poly‐ethylene (PE) and stainless steel (SS) was characterized. Adhesion forces were measured using atomic force microscopy. The transcript levels of croRS in E. faecalis adhering to surfaces exerting different adhesion forces were compared, in presence and absence of cephalosporin. The ceftriaxone susceptibility of E. faecalis biofilms was investigated using colony forming units (CFU) counting. The water contact angles of PE and SS were 97.1 ± 0.3° and 33.5 ± 0.3°, respectively (p < .05). The adhesion force of E. faecalis on PE was 7.6 ± 1.0 nN, which was higher than that on SS surfaces (3.5 ± 0.5 nN, p < .05). The gene expression of croS and croR in E. faecalis was higher on PE compared to that on SS (p < .05). E. faecalis on the hydrophobic PE surfaces, exerting stronger adhesion force, was more resistant to ceftriaxone compared to that on more hydrophilic SS surfaces. Results revealed the surface properties of materials can modulate the expression of croRS system and interfere with the outcome of antimicrobial therapy of E. faecalis biofilm. The modification of surface properties of biomedical devices may be used as a strategy to increase the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy.
Micro‐segmentation of retinal image lesions in diabetic retinopathy using energy‐based fuzzy C‐Means clustering (EFM‐FCM)
Authors: Naz Huma , Nijhawan Rahul , Ahuja Neelu Jyothi , Saba Tanzila , Alamri Faten S. , Rehman Amjad
Published: September 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent cause of global visual impairment, contributing to approximately 4.8% of blindness cases worldwide as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The condition is characterized by pathological abnormalities in the retinal layer, including microaneurysms, vitreous hemorrhages, and exudates. Microscopic analysis of retinal images is crucial in diagnosing and treating DR. This article proposes a novel method for early DR screening using segmentation and unsupervised learning techniques. The approach integrates a neural network energy‐based model into the Fuzzy C‐Means (FCM) algorithm to enhance convergence criteria, aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of automated DR screening tools. The evaluation of results includes the primary dataset from the Shiva Netralaya Centre, IDRiD, and DIARETDB1. The performance of the proposed method is compared against FCM, EFCM, FLICM, and M‐FLICM techniques, utilizing metrics such as accuracy in noiseless and noisy conditions and average execution time. The results showcase auspicious performance on both primary and secondary datasets, achieving accuracy rates of 99.03% in noiseless conditions and 93.13% in noisy images, with an average execution time of 16.1 s. The proposed method holds significant potential in medical image analysis and could pave the way for future advancements in automated DR diagnosis and management.

Research Highlights

A novel approach is proposed in the article, integrating a neural network energy‐based model into the FCM algorithm to enhance the convergence criteria and the accuracy of automated DR screening tools.

By leveraging the microscopic characteristics of retinal images, the proposed method significantly improves the accuracy of lesion segmentation, facilitating early detection and monitoring of DR.

The evaluation of the method's performance includes primary datasets from reputable sources such as the Shiva Netralaya Centre, IDRiD, and DIARETDB1, demonstrating its effectiveness in comparison to other techniques (FCM, EFCM, FLICM, and M‐FLICM) in terms of accuracy in both noiseless and noisy conditions. It achieves impressive accuracy rates of 99.03% in noiseless conditions and 93.13% in noisy images, with an average execution time of 16.1 s.
Mitochondrial Migraine: Disentangling the angiopathy paradigm in m.3243A>G patients
Authors: Smeitink Jan , Koene Saskia , Beyrath Julien , Saris Christiaan , Turnbull Douglas , Janssen Mirian
Published: September 2023

Migraine, characterized by recurrent attacks of predominantly unilateral throbbing headache, affects approximately 15% of the adult population and is an important cause of disability worldwide. Knowledge required for the development of new classes of antimigraine drugs might come from studying rare metabolic diseases associated with migraine. An illustrative example of a monogenetic disorder associated with migraine is the spectrum of disorders caused by the m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial transfer RNA Leucine. Reported migraine prevalence figures in patients with this particular mutation vary considerably, but compared to the general population, m.3243A>G patients have a higher migraine prevalence. This burdensome symptom might sometimes even be the only clinical feature in maternal relatives carrying the m.3243A>G mutation. Although the exact sequence of events and the relative importance of factors underlying migraine in m.3243A>G MELAS spectrum disorders are still enigmatic, substantial evidence in man exist that dysfunctional mitochondria in both the vascular, the smooth muscle cells and the neuronal system and the interaction between these are at the starting point of the migraine developing pathophysiological cascade. Exclusively based on results of studies performed in patients harboring the m.3243A>G mutation, either in vivo or ex vivo, we here summarize our current understanding of mitochondrial angiopathy associated migraine in m.3243A>G patients which knowledge might lead to potential new avenues for migraine drug development.
Phenotypic variability in deficiency of the α subunit of succinate‐CoA ligase
Authors: Demirbas Didem , Harris David J. , Arn Pamela H. , Huang Xiaoping , Waisbren Susan E. , Anselm Irina , Lerner‐Ellis Jordan P. , Wong Lee‐Jun , Levy Harvey L. , Berry Gerard T.
Published: September 2023

Succinyl‐CoA synthetase or succinate‐CoA ligase deficiency can result from biallelic mutations in SUCLG1 gene that encodes for the alpha subunit of the succinyl‐CoA synthetase. Mutations in this gene were initially associated with fatal infantile lactic acidosis. We describe an individual with a novel biallelic pathogenic mutation in SUCLG1 with a less severe phenotype dominated by behavioral problems. The mutation was identified to be c.512A>G corresponding to a p.Asn171Ser change in the protein. The liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry‐based enzyme activity assay on cultured fibroblasts revealed a markedly reduced activity of succinyl‐CoA synthetase enzyme when both ATP and GTP were substrates, affecting both ADP‐forming and GDP‐forming functions of the enzyme.
Validation of a therapeutic range for nitisinone in patients treated for tyrosinemia type 1 based on reduction of succinylacetone excretion
Authors: Jack Rhona M. , Scott C. Ronald
Published: September 2023

The drug nitisinone (NTBC; Orfadin, Vienna, Austria) has been used for the treatment of hereditary tyrosinemia type‐1 since 1991. Nitisinone effectively blocks the metabolism of tyrosine to prevent the formation of the toxic compound succinylacetone (and precursor fumarylacetoacetate) in affected children. Monitoring of plasma drug levels and urine succinylacetone can be used to assess compliance and adequate dose of drug. We present retrospective data from patient monitoring for over 10 years that provide validation of a target therapeutic range for nitisinone of 40 to 60 μmol/L. The target nitisinone range is justified as valid based on reduction of succinylacetone excretion. There was no statistical significance in succinylacetone excretion in mmol/mol creatinine above a level of 40 μmol/L plasma NTBC (P > 0.05).
Aluminum nanostructures for 355 nm surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy of fluorescing chemicals
Authors: Atanasov Petar Asenov , Nedyalkov Nikolay Nedyalkov , Dikovska Anna Ognemirova , Fukata Naoki , Jevasuwan Wipakorn
Published: September 2023

The applications of Raman spectroscopy have been limited by the presence of the fluorescence emitted by some samples. This interference can be depressed by shifting the excitation source used in Raman spectroscopy to the high‐energetic ultraviolet (UV) or deep ultraviolet (DUV) ranges. Plasmon resonance of aluminum (Al) nanostructures can play an important role in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of fluorescence samples. Al active nanostructures have been produced for the first time on the aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates by nanosecond (ns) laser pulses or on fused silica by direct picosecond (ps) laser deposition. The efficiency of the Al active nanostructures produced on AlN for 355 nm SERS was simulated using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The ability of using the Al active nanostructures has been proven for the first time to study rhodamine 6G (R6G) and methylene blue (MB) as probe fluorescing molecules for 355 nm SERS. The SERS spectra at different conditions have also been achieved.
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus Linn.) protein isolate as a promising plant protein mixed with xanthan gum for stabilizing oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Liu Rui , Yan Xuebing , Liu Ruixin , Wu Qifan , Gao Yuhong , Muhindo Esther Mwizerwa , Zhi Zijian , Wu Tao , Sui Wenjie , Zhang Min
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Lima bean protein isolate (LPI) is an underutilized plant protein. Similar to other plant proteins, it may display poor emulsification properties. In order to improve its emulsifying properties, one effective approach is using protein and polysaccharide mixtures. This work investigated the structural and emulsifying properties of LPI as well as the development of an LPI/xanthan gum (XG)‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsion.

RESULTS

The highest protein solubility (84.14%) of LPI was observed and the molecular weights (Mw) of most LPI subunits were less than 35 kDa. The enhanced emulsifying activity index (15.97 m2 g−1) of LPI might be associated with its relatively high protein solubility and more low‐Mw subunits (Mw < 35 kDa). The effects of oil volume fraction (ϕ) on droplet size, microstructure, rheological behavior and stability of emulsions were investigated. As ϕ increased from 0.2 to 0.8, the emulsion was arranged from spherical and dispersed oil droplets to polyhedral packing of oil droplets adjacent to each other, while the LPI/XG mixtures changed from particles (in the uncrowded interfacial layer) to lamellae (in the crowded interfacial layer). When ϕ was 0.6, the emulsion was in a transitional state with the coexistence of particles and lamellar structures on the oil droplet surface. The LPI/XG‐stabilized emulsions with ϕ values of 0.6–0.8 showed the highest stability during a 14‐day storage period.

CONCLUSION

This study developed a promising plant‐based protein resource, LPI, and demonstrates potential application of LPI/XG as an emulsifying stabilizer in foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risks of abuse of large language models, like ChatGPT, in scientific publishing: Authorship, predatory publishing, and paper mills
Authors: Kendall Graham , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: September 2023

Key points

Academia is already witnessing the abuse of authorship in papers with text generated by large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT.

LLM‐generated text is testing the limits of publishing ethics as we traditionally know it.

We alert the community to imminent risks of LLM technologies, like ChatGPT, for amplifying the predatory publishing ‘industry’.

The abuse of ChatGPT for the paper mill industry cannot be over‐emphasized.

Detection of LLM‐generated text is the responsibility of editors and journals/publishers.
Visualizing the Hardy's Paradox using Hyper‐Entanglement‐Assisted Ghost Imaging
Authors: Zhang Wuhong , Qiu Xiaodong , Zhang Dongkai , Chen Lixiang
Published: September 2023

The concept of quantum nonlocality, lying at the heart of quantum information science and technologies, is physically counter‐intuitive and mathematically elusive. Here, a hyper‐entanglement‐assisted ghost imaging system is designed to visualize the evidence of Hardy's paradox by capturing the purely nonlocal photonic events with a spatially resolved intensified charge‐coupled device (ICCD) camera. In the two‐photon polarization‐spatial‐mode hyper‐entangled state, spatial entanglement conveys the ghost images while polarization entanglement encodes the imaging channels in the logical structure of Hardy's nonlocality proof. Then whether the single ghost image of a skull‐shape object is observed or not can be a direct yet intuitive signature to support or defy quantum mechanics. Moreover, the degree of the violation of locality can be characterized by the contrast‐to‐noise ratio of ghost images macroscopically, and the nonlocal behavior of violating the locality microscopically at the single‐pixel level with a reasonable confidence level of 75% is also achieved. The proposed strategy not only sheds new light on the fundamental issue of quantum mechanics, but also holds promise for developing hyper‐entanglement‐based quantum imaging technology.
Hyperspectral Coherent Raman Scattering (CRS) Microscopy Based on a Rapidly Tunable and Environmentally Stable Fiber Laser
Authors: Kong Cihang , Pilger Christian , Kunisch Manuel , Förster Christine , Schulte am Esch Jan , Huser Thomas
Published: September 2023

Coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy is an attractive label‐free imaging method providing high chemical sensitivity, sub‐micron spatial resolution, and video‐rate imaging speed. When extended to hyperspectral CRS (HS‐CRS), it is capable of distinguishing molecules even in complex heterogeneous systems by probing multiple Raman resonances. Solid‐state lasers, associated with their high cost, large footprint, and slow tuning speed, currently limit the widespread application of HS‐CRS. Fiber lasers with comparable properties usually suffer from poor noise performance or instabilities during wavelength tuning. A tunable two‐color fiber laser is demonstrated that can be electronically tuned at rates of up to 1 kHz. The use of polarization‐maintaining fibers and an all‐optical synchronization mechanism guarantees its mode‐locking stability. The superior noise performance of this system is evaluated by the side‐by‐side comparison with data obtained by a commercial optical parametric oscillator (OPO)‐based laser. Large‐area multimodal imaging of liver tissue sections surgically resected from a patient suffering from a non‐neoplastic liver parenchyma with micronodular cirrhosis in combination with a multilocular hepatocellular carcinoma is demonstrated. By exploiting the fast‐hyperspectral scanning capability of the laser and multivariate statistical analysis, virtual staining of tissue sections and a comparison of the diagnostic properties of HS‐CRS to the classical histopathological approach are achieved.
Poly(propylene glycol)‐Based Non‐Isocyanate Polyurethane Ionenes: Thermal, Morphological and Conductive Properties
Authors: Pierce Jordan C. , Timmermann George M. , Singer Creston , Salas‐de la Cruz David , Miller Kevin M.
Published: September 2023

The synthesis and characterization of a series of polyurethane ionenes using a non‐isocyanate approach is disclosed. Imidazole‐capped, urethane‐containing prepolymers are prepared by first reacting carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) with several poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) diols with variable molecular weight, followed by subsequent reaction with 3‐aminopropylimidazole (API). Polymerization with 1,4‐dibromomethylbenzene followed by anion exchange resulted in the desired polyurethane ionenes bearing the [NTf2] counteranion as a series of viscous liquids. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy are used to characterize the intermediates and final ionenes, including molecular weight determination by end‐group analysis. A single glass transition temperature (Tg), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), is observed for each ionene (−38 to −64 °C) with the Tg decreasing with increasing PPG molecular weight. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated a two‐step decomposition for each ionene, with the first being degradation of the PPG segment, followed by the urethane/ionic segment. Microphase separation is observed from x‐ray scattering profiles with Bragg distances that increased with increasing PPG molecular weight. Ionic conductivity is found to be inversely dependent upon DSC Tg at lower temperatures (RT and below); however, at higher temperatures, conductivity appears to be more dependent upon the ability of ionic aggregates caused by phase separation to interact.
A classification of low c.e. sets and the Ershov hierarchy
Authors: Faizrahmanov Marat
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we prove several results about the Turing jumps of low c.e. sets. We show that only Δ‐levels of the Ershov Hierarchy can properly contain the Turing jumps of c.e. sets and that there exists an arbitrarily large computable ordinal with a normal notation such that the corresponding Δ‐level is proper for the Turing jump of some c.e. set. Next, we generalize the notion of jump traceability to the jump traceability with ‐ and ‐bound for every infinite computable ordinal α. It is known that jump traceability and superlowness coincide on the c.e. sets and we show that for every infinite computable ordinal α, jump traceability with ‐ or ‐bound of a c.e. set A is equivalent to the fact that . Finally, we consider the generalized truth‐table reducibilities and prove that for every (not necessarily the Turing jump of a c.e. set) set A and every limit computable ordinal α, iff .
LINC02774 inhibits glycolysis in glioma to destabilize HIF‐1α dependent on transcription factor RP58
Authors: Chen Yuanbing , Liu Yating , Xiong Jianbing , Ouyang Lianlian , Tang Miao , Mao Chao , Li Liling , Xiao Desheng , Liu Shuang , Yang Zhen , Huang Jun , Tao Yongguang
Published: September 2023

Glioma, the most common of malignant tumors in the brain, is responsible for the majority of deaths from primary brain tumors. The regulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIF‐1α‐driven tumor development remains unclear. LINC02774 is a nuclear lncRNA and that it is being reported for the first time in this study. We found the downregulation of LINC02774 in glioma and decreased with the degree of malignant, with its expression showing a negative correlation with the relative index of enhanced magnetic resonance (RIEMR). RIEMR‐associated LINC02774 was found to inhibit glycolysis by modulating the hypoxia pathway rather than the hypoxia response itself. LINC02774 interacted with its neighboring gene, RP58 (ZBTB18), to enhance the expression of PHD3, which catalyzed HIF‐1α hydroxylase and ubiquitination, leading to the downregulation of HIF‐1α expression. We also found that the function of LINC02774, dependent on PHD3, was diminished upon RP58 depletion. Notably, higher expression of RIEMR‐associated LINC02774 was associated with a favorable prognosis. In conclusion, these findings reveal the role of RIEMR‐associated LINC02774, which relies on its neighbor gene, RP58, to regulate the hypoxia pathway as a novel tumor suppressor, suggesting its potential to be a prognostic marker and a molecular target for the therapy of glioma.
Atomistic simulations of nucleation and growth of CaCO3 with the influence of inhibitors: A review
Authors: Li Yue , Zeng Hongbo , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2023

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a crucial mineral with great scientific relevance in biomineralization and geoscience. However, excessive precipitation of CaCO3 is posing a threat to industrial production and the aquatic environment. The utilization of chemical inhibitors is typically considered an economical and successful route for addressing the scaling issues, while the underlying mechanism is still debated and needs to be further investigated. In this context, a deep understanding of the crystallization process of CaCO3 and how the inhibitors interact with CaCO3 nuclei and crystals are of great significance in evaluating the performance of scale inhibitors. In recent years, with the rapid development of computing facilities, computer simulations have provided an atomic‐level perspective on the kinetics and thermodynamics of possible association events in CaCO3 solutions as well as the predictions of nucleation pathway and growth mechanism of CaCO3 crystals as a complement to experiment. This review surveys several computational methods and their achievements in this field with a focus on analyzing the functional mechanisms of different types of inhibitors. A general discussion of the current challenges and future directions in applying atomistic simulations to the discovery, design, and development of more effective water‐scale inhibitors is also discussed.
Quantitative assessment of adaptive radiotherapy for prostate cancer using deep learning: Bladder dose as a decision criterion
Authors: Wan Luping , Jiang Yin , Zhu Xianggao , Wu Hao , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) can incorporate anatomical variations in a reoptimized treatment plan for fractionated radiotherapy. An automatic solution to objectively determine whether ART should be performed immediately after the daily image acquisition is highly desirable.

Purpose

We investigate a quantitative criterion for whether ART should be performed in prostate cancer radiotherapy by synthesizing pseudo‐CT (sCT) images and evaluating dosimetric impact on treatment planning using deep learning approaches.

Method and materials

Planning CT (pCT) and daily cone‐beam CT (CBCT) data sets of 74 patients are used to train (60 patients) and evaluate (14 patients) a cycle adversarial generative network (CycleGAN) that performs the task of synthesizing high‐quality sCT from daily CBCT. Automatic delineation (AD) of the bladder is performed on the sCT using the U‐net. The combination of sCT and AD allows us to perform dose calculations based on the up‐to‐date bladder anatomy to determine whether the original treatment plan (ori‐plan) is still applicable. For positive cases that the patients’ anatomical changes and the associated dose calculations warrant re‐planning, we made rapid plan revisions (re‐plan) based on the ori‐plan.

Results

The mean absolute error within the region‐of‐interests (i.e., body, bladder, fat, muscle) between the sCT and pCT are 41.2, 25.1, 26.5, and 29.0HU, respectively. Taking the calculated results of pCT doses as the standard, for PTV, the gamma passing rates of sCT doses at 1 mm/1%, 2 mm/2% are 87.92%, 98.78%, respectively. The Dice coefficients of the AD‐contours are 0.93 on pCT and 0.91 on sCT. According to the result of dose calculation, we found when the bladder volume underwent a substantial change (79.7%), the bladder dose is still within the safe limit, suggesting it is insufficient to solely use the bladder volume change as a criterion to determine whether adaptive treatment needs to be done. After AD‐contours of the bladder using sCT, there are two cases whose bladder dose . For the two cases, we perform re‐planning to reduce the bladder dose to , under the condition that the PTV meets the prescribed dose.

Conclusion

We provide a dose accurate adaptive workflow for prostate cancer patients by using deep learning approaches, and implement ART that adapts to bladder dose. Of note, the specific replanning criterion for whether ART needs to be performed can adapt to different centers’ choices based on their experience and daily observations.
Evaluation of ion chamber response for applications in electron FLASH radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Kevin , Holmes Shannon , Hooten Brian , Schüler Emil , Beddar Sam
Published: September 2023

Ion chambers are required for calibration and reference dosimetry applications in radiation therapy (RT). However, exposure of ion chambers in ultra‐high dose rate (UHDR) conditions pertinent to FLASH‐RT leads to severe saturation and ion recombination, which limits their performance and usability. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate a set of commonly used commercially available ion chambers in RT, all with different design characteristics, and use this information to produce a prototype ion chamber with improved performance in UHDR conditions as a first step toward ion chambers specific for FLASH‐RT. The Advanced Markus and Exradin A10, A26, and A20 ion chambers were evaluated. The chambers were placed in a water tank, at a depth of 2 cm, and exposed to an UHDR electron beam at different pulse repetition frequency (PRF), pulse width (PW), and pulse amplitude settings on an IntraOp Mobetron. Ion chamber responses were investigated for the various beam parameter settings to isolate their dependence on integrated dose, mean dose rate and instantaneous dose rate, dose‐per‐pulse (DPP), and their design features such as chamber type, bias voltage, and collection volume. Furthermore, a thin parallel‐plate (TPP) prototype ion chamber with reduced collector plate separation and volume was constructed and equally evaluated as the other chambers. The charge collection efficiency of the investigated ion chambers decreased with increasing DPP, whereas the mean dose rate did not affect the response of the chambers (± 1%). The dependence of the chamber response on DPP was found to be solely related to the total dose within the pulse, and not on mean dose rate, PW, or instantaneous dose rate within the ranges investigated. The polarity correction factor (Ppol) values of the TPP prototype, A10, and Advanced Markus chambers were found to be independent of DPP and dose rate (± 2%), while the A20 and A26 chambers yielded significantly larger variations and dependencies under the same conditions. Ion chamber performance evaluated under different irradiation conditions of an UHDR electron beam revealed a strong dependence on DPP and a negligible dependence on the mean and instantaneous dose rates. These results suggest that modifications to ion chambers design to improve their usability in UHDR beamlines should focus on minimizing DPP effects, with emphasis on optimizing the electric field strength, through the construction of smaller electrode separation and larger bias voltages. This was confirmed through the production and evaluation of a prototype ion chamber specifically designed with these characteristics.
The lived experience of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: A systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature
Authors: Murray Roisin , Donnelly Clare M. , Drescher Kent D. , Graham Christopher D.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In this review we sought to characterize the lived experience of people living with FSHD (pwFSHD) to help clinicians to orient their services to the needs of these individuals.

Methods

Five electronic databases were systematically searched for qualitative research studies containing quotations from pwFSHD. ENhancing Transparency in REporting the Synthesis of Qualitative research and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines informed the methodology. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist tool, which measures the methodological quality of qualitative research. Data extracted from included studies were analyzed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Ninety‐nine pwFSHD took part in the six studies included in this review ‐ from research teams based in two countries. Five descriptive themes emerged: “Engaging with life as symptoms progress”; “The emotional journey”; “A family burden to bear”; “Social connection and disconnection”; and “Tension between visibility and invisibility.” From these, two analytical themes were derived: “The emotional challenge of continuing and intensifying adaptation” and “The relational burden of rare disease.”

Discussion

The lived experience of pwFSHD is characterized by physical, emotional, and social challenges that impact on engagement with life, particularly as symptoms progress. Further research is needed to provide a fuller understanding of the experience of pain in FSHD and of the lived experience of FSHD across cultures.
Safety and outcomes with efgartigimod use for acetylcholine receptor‐positive generalized myasthenia gravis in clinical practice
Authors: Katyal Nakul , Halldorsdottir Karen , Govindarajan Raghav , Shieh Perry , Muley Suraj , Reyes Phoebedel , Leung Kenneth K. , Mullen Jeffrey , Milani‐Nejad Shadi , Korb Manisha , Goyal Namita A. , Mozaffar Tahseen , Goyal Neelam , Habib Ali A. , Muppidi Srikanth
Published: September 2023

Introduction/Aims

Multiple novel therapies have been approved for patients with myasthenia gravis. Our aim is to describe the early experience of efgartigimod use in acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive generalized myasthenia gravis (AChR+ve gMG).

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included AChR+ve gMG patients from five major neuromuscular centers who were treated with efgartigimod and had both pre‐ and post‐efgartigimod myasthenia gravis activities of daily living (MG‐ADL) scores. Information regarding MG history, concomitant treatment(s), MG‐ADL and other MG‐specific measures, laboratory data, and adverse events were recorded.

Results

A total of 37 patients (M:23, F:14) with a mean age of 65.56 (±14.74) y were included in this cohort. A total of 36/37 patients completed at least one cycle and 28 patients completed at least two cycles of efgartigimod. A total of 72% (26/36) of patients had a clinically meaningful reduction (≥2 point change) in MG‐ADL after the completion of the first cycle of efgartigimod (mean pre‐efgartigimod 8.02) (±3.09) versus post‐efgartigimod 4.33 (±3.62). Twenty‐five percent (9/36) achieved minimal symptom expression status after one cycle and 25% (7/28) after the second cycle. Treatment benefit was sustained after cycle 2. Three out of four patients with thymoma in this cohort had clinically significant reductions in MG‐ADL scores. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels decreased by about 60% (n = 10). One patient had a relapse of Clostridium difficile infection resulting in the discontinuation of therapy. Four patients had mild side effects.

Discussion

Efgartigimod led to clinically meaningful improvement in MG‐ADL in diverse AChR+ve gMG patients but treatment frequency to achieve optimal symptom control needs to be explored.
Multi‐fidelity error estimation accelerates greedy model reduction of complex dynamical systems
Authors: Feng Lihong , Lombardi Luigi , Antonini Giulio , Benner Peter
Published: September 2023

Model order reduction usually consists of two stages: the offline stage and the online stage. The offline stage is the expensive part that sometimes takes hours till the final reduced‐order model is derived, especially when the original model is very large or complex. Once the reduced‐order model is obtained, the online stage of querying the reduced‐order model for simulation is very fast and often real‐time capable. This work concerns a strategy to speed up the offline stage of model order reduction for large and complex systems. In particular, it is successful in accelerating the greedy algorithm that is often used in the offline stage for reduced‐order model construction. We propose to replace the high‐fidelity error estimator in the greedy algorithm with multi‐fidelity error estimation. Consequently, the computational complexity of the greedy algorithm is reduced and the algorithm converges more than two times faster without incurring noticeable accuracy loss.
FE‐NN: Efficient‐scale transition for heterogeneous microstructures using neural networks
Authors: Stöcker Julien Philipp , Elsayed Elsayed Saber , Aldakheel Fadi , Kaliske Michael
Published: September 2023

Numerical modeling and optimization of advanced composite materials can require huge computational effort when considering their heterogeneous mesostructure and interactions between different material phases within the framework of multiscale modeling. Employing machine learning methods for computational homogenization enables the reduction of computational effort for the evaluation of the mesostructural behavior while retaining high accuracy. Classically, one unit cell with representative characteristics of the material is chosen for the description of the heterogeneous structure, which presents a simplification of the actual composite. This contribution presents a neural network‐based approach for computational homogenization of composite materials with the ability to consider arbitrary compositions of the mesostructure. Therefore, various statistical volume elements and their respective constitutive responses are evaluated. Thereby, the naturally occurring fluctuation within the composition of the phases can be considered. Different approaches using distinct metrics to represent the arbitrary mesostructures are investigated in terms of required computational effort and accuracy.
Carbon dots enhanced ultra‐low‐density fluorescence proppants with both high‐compressive strength and anti‐deformation ability
Authors: Qin Wei , You Yushan , Song Yu , Yin Jinrong , Zhou Yang , Li Zhenyong , Zeng Zhen , Xu Min , Chen Wenjiao , Ren Xianyan
Published: September 2023

The polymer ultra‐low‐density proppants are critical to the development of slick‐water fracture technology, but which were prone to obvious deformation under high pressure in the fractures. To increase the stiffness of the styrene‐divinylbenzene copolymer (SDB) and obtain desired ultra‐low‐density (ULD) proppants, carbon dots (CDs) were introduced in‐situ considering their characteristics as the zero‐dimensional carbon nanomaterial. Taking the compressive strength and axial deflection, and so forth into consideration, the synthesis conditions of CDs modified SDB microspheres (CDs‐SDBs) were optimized. Taking the graphite modified SDBs (MG‐SDBs) as a reference, the density of CDs‐SDBs did keep almost constant at about 1.1800 ~ 1.1899 g·cm−3 with the increase of CDs amount. The CDs‐SDBs not only possess high‐peak pressure (41.5 N) but also minute axial deflection (0.090 mm). The advantages of CDs‐SDBs over MG‐SDBs become even more pronounced under higher pressure, which can withstand closure pressure of 80 MPa with a small crush ratio of 4.47%. CDs‐SDBs exhibit significant photoluminescence performances with maximum excitation and emission wavelengths of 634 nm and 554 nm.

Highlights

CDs‐SDBs as ULD proppants with high strength and anti‐deformation were developed.

Advantages of CDs‐SDBs become more pronounced under high‐closure pressure.

With increasing of CDs amount, apparent density of CDs‐SDBs keep almost constant.

Axial deflection of CDs‐SDBs is only 0.09 mm under 41.5 N.

The crush ratio is only 4.47% under 80 MPa closure pressure.
Food allergen detection by mass spectrometry: From common to novel protein ingredients
Authors: Bianco Mariachiara , Ventura Giovanni , Calvano Cosima D. , Losito Ilario , Cataldi Tommaso R. I.
Published: September 2023

Food allergens are molecules, mainly proteins, that trigger immune responses in susceptible individuals upon consumption even when they would otherwise be harmless. Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to acute; this last effect is a severe and potentially life‐threatening reaction. The European Union (EU) has identified 14 common food allergens, but new allergens are likely to emerge with constantly changing food habits. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a promising alternative to traditional antibody‐based assays for quantifying multiple allergenic proteins in complex matrices with high sensitivity and selectivity. Here, the main allergenic proteins and the advantages and drawbacks of some MS acquisition protocols, such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and data‐dependent analysis (DDA) for identifying and quantifying common allergenic proteins in processed foodstuffs are summarized. Sections dedicated to novel foods like microalgae and insects as new sources of allergenic proteins are included, emphasizing the significance of establishing stable marker peptides and validated methods using database searches. The discussion involves the in‐silico digestion of allergenic proteins, providing insights into their potential impact on immunogenicity. Finally, case studies focussing on microalgae highlight the value of MS as an effective analytical tool for ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the food control chain.