bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, characterization, and biological study of bioglass coatings 45S5 and BioK on zirconia implant surfaces
Authors: Avelino Sarah de Oliveira Marco , Alvares Sobral‐Silva Leonardo , Thim Gilmar Patrocínio , de Almeida‐Silva Luis Augusto , dos Santos Lupp Juliana , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , de Vasconcellos Luana Marotta Reis
Published: February 2024

Zirconia implants are gaining attention as a viable alternative to titanium implants due to their comparable osseointegration development, improved soft tissue adaptation, and enhanced aesthetics. An encouraging avenue for improving zirconia implant properties involves the potential application of bioactive coatings to their surfaces. These coatings have shown potential for inducing hydroxyapatite formation, crucial for bone proliferation, and improving implant mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coating zirconia implants with two bioactive glasses, 45S5 and BioK, on osteogenesis in vitro and osseointegration in vivo. Zirconia samples and implants were prepared using Zpex zirconia powder and blocks, respectively. The samples were divided into three groups: polished zirconia (ZRC), zirconia coated with 45S5 bioglass (Z + 45S5), and zirconia coated with BioK glass (Z + BK). Coatings were applied using a brush and sintered at 1200°C. Chemical analysis of the coatings was carried out using x‐ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Surface topography and roughness were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and a roughness meter. In vitro experiments used mesenchymal cells from Wistar rat femurs, and the coated zirconia implants were found to promote cell viability, protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization, indicating enhanced osteogenesis. In vivo experiments with 18 rats showed positive results for bone formation and osseointegration through histological and histomorphometric analysis and a push‐out test. The findings indicate that bioactive glass coatings have the potential to improve cell differentiation, bone formation, and osseointegration in zirconia implants.
Screening candidate diagnostic biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Huang Xinying , Zhang Hui , Liu Jihong , Yang Xuejiao , Liu Zijie
Published: February 2024

Background

There are big differences in treatments and prognosis between diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and non‐diabetic renal disease (NDRD). However, DKD patients couldn't be diagnosed early due to lack of special biomarkers. Urine is an ideal non‐invasive sample for screening DKD biomarkers. This study aims to explore DKD special biomarkers by urinary proteomics.

Materials and Methods

According to the result of renal biopsy, 142 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients were divided into 2 groups: DKD (n = 83) and NDRD (n = 59). Ten patients were selected from each group to define urinary protein profiles by label‐free quantitative proteomics. The candidate proteins were further verifyied by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) methods (n = 40). Proteins which perform the same trend both in PRM and proteomics were verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with expanding the sample size (n = 82). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

We identified 417 peptides in urinary proteins showing significant difference between DKD and NDRD. PRM verification identified C7, SERPINA4, IGHG1, SEMG2, PGLS, GGT1, CDH2, CDH1 was consistent with the proteomic results and p < 0.05. Three potential biomarkers for DKD, C7, SERPINA4, and gGT1, were verified by ELISA. The combinatied SERPINA4/Ucr and gGT1/Ucr (AUC = 0.758, p = 0.001) displayed higher diagnostic efficiency than C7/Ucr (AUC = 0.632, p = 0.048), SERPINA4/Ucr (AUC = 0.661, p = 0.032), and gGT1/Ucr (AUC = 0.661, p = 0.029) respectively.

Conclusions

The combined index SERPINA4/Ucr and gGT1/Ucr can be considered as candidate biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy after adjusting by urine creatinine.
Partition of humic acids using alkaline aqueous two‐phase systems constituted of alcohol and hydroxides
Authors: Vieira Fabiane M. , Buarque Filipe S. , Gomes Paula G.C. , Souza Ranyere L. , Soares Cleide M. F. , Santana Maria H. A. , Lima Álvaro S.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Humic acids (HAs) are macromolecules classified within the group of humic substances that are mainly related to the agricultural and environmental sectors, but they have attracted interest from the medicine, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, these latter sectors depend on developing extraction and purification technologies for adequate use. Thus, this paper aims to study the partitioning and recovery of HA using alkaline two‐phase aqueous systems (ATPSs) based on alkali metal‐based hydroxides and alcohols. Initially, the influence of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, and 2‐propanol) and hydroxides [sodium (NaOH), potassium (KOH) and lithium (LiOH)] in the phase diagrams construction was addressed.

RESULTS

The phase formation is correlated to an increase in the hydrophobicity of alcohols and hydroxides, which allows for the enlargement of the biphasic region. In the proposed systems, HA is always partitioned to the hydroxide‐rich phase. Increasing the hydrophobicity of the alcohol favors the migration of HA to the opposite phase, while increasing the hydrophilicity of the hydroxides leads to better partition and recovery values. It was observed that increasing TLL favors the recovery of HA. Furthermore, there was a decrease in alcohol concentration in the hydroxide‐rich phase with an increase in the alkyl chain and TLL, improving the recovery. Finally, the best reached‐recovery value was 98.18 ± 0.41% (KHA = 0.038 ± 0.02) for ATPS formed by 1‐propanol + NaOH with TLL ≈ 55 at 298 K.

CONCLUSIONS

Alkaline systems can be a novel route for recovering humic substances from the environment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A transdiagnostic approach to neurodiversity in a representative population sample: The N+ 4 model
Authors: Apperly Ian A. , Lee Robert , van der Kleij Sanne W. , Devine Rory T.
Published: February 2024

Background

The concept of neurodiversity draws upon scientific research, and lessons from practice and lived experience to suggest new ways of thinking about neurodevelopmental conditions. Among the formative observations are that characteristics associated with neurodevelopmental conditions are part of a “broader phenotype” of variation across the whole population, and that there appear to be “transdiagnostic” similarities as well as differences in these characteristics. These observations raise important questions that have implications for understanding diversity in neurodevelopmental conditions and in neurocognitive phenotypes across the whole population.

Method

The present work examines broader phenotypes using seven widely used self‐report assessments of traits associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Developmental Coordination Disorder/dyspraxia, tic disorders/Tourette's, cortical hyperexcitability associated with subclinical epilepsy, and sensory sensitivities. A representative sample of 995 adults (aged 17–77) in the UK completed self‐report measures of neurodiversity, wellbeing, generalized anxiety, and depression, and cognitive abilities (nonverbal intelligence and executive functioning).

Results

We used confirmatory factor analysis to test whether variation and covariation was better characterized (1) by traditional diagnostic labels, or (2) transdiagnostically according to similarities in functions, behaviours, or phenomena. Results indicated that neurodiversity characteristics were best explained using a bifactor model with one general “N” factor and four condition‐specific factors.

Conclusion

This was the largest examination to date of the factor structure of broader phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopmental conditions. It provides critical benchmark data, and a framework approach for asking systematic questions about the structure of neurocognitive diversities seen in the whole population and in people with one or more diagnoses.
The interaction of RELN–DNMT genes involving in neurotrophin signaling pathway contributes to schizophrenia susceptibility
Authors: Ping Junjiao , Wan Jing , Luo Jiali , Du Baoguo , Liu Xinxia , Jiang Tingyun , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2024

Objective

Schizophrenia belongs to a severe mental illness with complicated clinical presentations, an ill‐defined pathogenesis, and no known cause. Many genetic studies imply that polygenic interaction is important in the development of schizophrenia. The main mechanism of the RELN‐BDNF‐CREB‐DNMT signaling pathway in neurodevelopment involves RELN, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), transcription factor cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB), DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), as well as DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B). An early case–control research on 15 polymorphisms in the RELN, CREB, BDNF, DNMT1, and DNMT3B genes was done. A single gene variation has little effect on the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, but the combination of intergenic variation loci has a bigger impact because schizophrenia is a complex polygenic disorder. The objective of the current study sought to explore the impact of genetic interactions between RELN, BDNF, CREB, DNMT1, and DNMT3B on schizophrenia in order to further highlight the genetic factors influencing the risk of schizophrenia.

Methods

Taking the case–control study design, with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) to be the evaluation norm, 134 individuals suffering from schizophrenia hospitalized in the Third People's Hospital of Zhongshan City within January 2018 to April 2020 (case group) were selected, and 64 healthy individuals (control group) from the same geographical area had been chosen as well. MassArray identified DNMT1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2114724 and rs2228611) and DNMT3B gene SNPs (rs2424932, rs1569686, rs6119954, and rs2424908). Using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR), the RELN‐BDNF‐CREB‐DNMT pathway's gene interactions were examined for their impact on schizophrenia.

Results

GMDR analysis showed that the three‐order interaction model RELN (rs2073559, rs2229864)–DNMT3B (rs2424908) was the optimal model (p = 0.001), with the consistency of cross‐validation of 10/10 and the test accuracy of 0.8711.

Conclusion

The interaction between the RELN (rs2073559, rs2229864)–DNMT3B (rs2424908) may be related to schizophrenia, and large sample sizes should be verified in different population.
Exploring microscopic pollen morphology in herbaceous Flora: Insights and analysis using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Aziza Nozimova , Khaydarov Khislat , Zamira Djumayeva , Ochilov Ulugbek , Dilshod Muminov
Published: February 2024

Microscopic techniques can be applied to solve taxonomic problems in the field of plant systematic and are extremely versatile in nature. This study was focused on the new approaches to visualizing the imaging, tool to cover the micro‐structural techniques applied to the pollen study of flowers. The current research was proposed to evaluate microscopic pollen morphological attributes using light and scanning electron microscopy of herbaceous flora from Samarkand, Uzbekistan. A total of 13 herbaceous species, classified into 11 different families were collected, pressed, and identified, and then acetolyzed their pollen to visualize under light and scanning electron microscopy. Herbaceous flora can be characterized by small to very large‐sized pollen morphotypes presenting four types of pollen shapes, prolate spheroidal (six species), spheroidal (three species) and prolate and oblate (two species each). The polar diameter and equatorial distance were calculated maximum in Hibiscus syriacus 110.55 and 111.2 μm respectively. Pollen of six different types was found namely tricolporate pollen observed in seven species, tricolpate and pantoporate in two species each, sulcate in Gagea olgae and hexacolpate pollen was examined in Salvia rosmarinus. Exine ornamentation of pollen was examined tectate perforate, verrucate‐reticulate, micro‐reticulate, reticulate, reticulate‐cristatum, gemmate‐echinate, echinate‐perforate, perforate‐striate, rugulate, rugulate‐striate, bi‐reticulate, reticulate‐perforate and perforate‐micro‐reticulate showing great variations. Exine thickness was noted highest for Rosa canina 2.9 μm and minimum in Punica granatum 0.65 μm. This study of pollen imaging visualization of herbaceous flora contributes to the opportunity for the taxonomic evaluation of and fills knowledge gaps in studies of herbaceous flora identification using classical microscopic taxonomic tools for their accurate identification.

Research Highlights

Pollen in unexplored herbaceous flora of the Samarkand region was studied with light and scanning electron microscopic pollen study.

There is a high variation in observed pollen micromorphological characters.

Pollen microscopic morphology has important taxonomic value for the identification of herbaceous species.
Improving crop growing conditions with water treatment residual and compost co‐amendments: Soil–water dynamics
Authors: Stone Wendy , Steytler Jan , de Jager Lurika , Hardie Ailsa , Clarke Catherine E.
Published: February 2024

Land application of water treatment residual (WTR) in combination with phosphate‐rich organic wastes, like compost or sewage sludge, in nutrient‐poor soils was previously shown to promote crop growth. This WTR diversion from landfill to agriculture supports local and international mandates for waste circularity. Although soil–water dynamics—like saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention, and hydrophobicity—are well‐defined for compost and somewhat defined for WTR (except for hydrophobicity), the impacts of co‐amending sandy soils with both are not well‐defined. In laboratory analyses, co‐amendment had an intermediate effect between individual amendments on the hydrophobic sandy soils, increasing water retention by 27% (WTR and compost both increased water retention), decreasing hydrophobicity by increasing hydraulic conductivity twofold (WTR and compost both decreased hydrophobicity), and having no effect on saturated hydraulic conductivity (decreased by WTR and increased by compost). With two positive effects and one “no effect” on soil–water dynamics in laboratory trials, the co‐amendment was expected to buffer both crop water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient availability under drought stress, for Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), co‐investigated in a multifactorial pot trial. Soil nutrients, particularly phosphate, were shown more critical than soil–water dynamics to improve crop WUE. Thus, co‐amended soils have significantly higher crop biomass and WUE than sandy soils. Phosphate‐rich organic co‐amendment is necessary for crop nutrient sufficiency and thus drought resilience in sandy soils amended with WTR. Thus, pairing wastes to soils for optimum fertility is a critical consideration in waste land application for both biomass and drought resilience.
Scalable purification of extracellular vesicles with high yield and purity using multimodal flowthrough chromatography
Authors: Bonner Scott E. , van de Wakker Simonides I. , Phillips William , Willms Eduard , Sluijter Joost P. G. , Hill Andrew F. , Wood Matthew J. A. , Vader Pieter
Published: February 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell derived membranous nanoparticles. EVs are important mediators of cell–cell communication via the transfer of bioactive content and as such they are being investigated for disease diagnostics as biomarkers and for potential therapeutic cargo delivery to recipient cells. However, existing methods for isolating EVs from biological samples suffer from challenges related to co‐isolation of unwanted materials such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipoproteins. In the pursuit of improved EV isolation techniques, we introduce multimodal flowthrough chromatography (MFC) as a scalable alternative to size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The use of MFC offers significant advantages for purifying EVs, resulting in enhanced yields and increased purity with respect to protein and nucleic acid co‐isolates from conditioned 3D cell culture media. Compared to SEC, significantly higher EV yields with similar purity and preserved functionality were also obtained with MFC in 2D cell cultures. Additionally, MFC yielded EVs from serum with comparable purity to SEC and similar apolipoprotein B content. Overall, MFC presents an advancement in EV purification yielding EVs with high recovery, purity, and functionality, and offers an accessible improvement to researchers currently employing SEC.
Autophagy inhibitors 3‐MA and BAF may attenuate hippocampal neuronal necroptosis after global cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in male rats by inhibiting the interaction of the RIP3/AIF/CypA complex
Authors: Zhang Chen , Liu Renhui , Chen Mengmeng , Xu Yang , Jin Xiaoqin , Shen Bing , Wang Jingye
Published: February 2024

Our previous study found that receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) were involved in neuronal programmed necrosis during global cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Here, we further studied its downstream mechanisms and the role of the autophagy inhibitors 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) and bafilomycin A1 (BAF). A 20‐min global cerebral I/R injury model was constructed using the 4‐vessel occlusion (4‐VO) method in male rats. 3‐MA and BAF were injected into the lateral ventricle 1 h before ischemia. Spatial and activation changes of proteins were detected by immunofluorescence (IF), and protein interaction was determined by immunoprecipitation (IP). The phosphorylation of H2AX (γ‐H2AX) and activation of mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (p‐MLKL) occurred as early as 6 h after reperfusion. RIP3, AIF, and cyclophilin A (CypA) in the neurons after I/R injury were spatially overlapped around and within the nucleus and combined with each other after reperfusion. The survival rate of CA1 neurons in the 3‐MA and BAF groups was significantly higher than that in the I/R group. Autophagy was activated significantly after I/R injury, which was partially inhibited by 3‐MA and BAF. Pretreatment with both 3‐MA and BAF almost completely inhibited nuclear translocation, spatial overlap, and combination of RIP3, AIF, and CypA proteins. These findings suggest that after global cerebral I/R injury, RIP3, AIF, and CypA translocated into the nuclei and formed the DNA degradation complex RIP3/AIF/CypA in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Pretreatment with autophagy inhibitors could reduce neuronal necroptosis by preventing the formation of the RIP3/AIF/CypA complex and its nuclear translocation.
Formulation of rhamnolipid‐containing cosmetics without sulfate surfactants: A rheology and stability study
Authors: Xiao Ang , Yang Yuxin , Liu Xianglong , Shen Chong , Meng Qin
Published: February 2024

Sulfate surfactants in cosmetic products raise concerns due to their skin irritating impact and sustainability. Rhamnolipid, a green and safe biosurfactant, was studied from the perspective of rheology to help develop a formulation with natural and effective ingredients for cosmetics. The viscosity of rhamnolipids was investigated by changing pH, concentration and adding additives like inorganic salts (NaCl, MgCl2) and polymers (Carbopol® Ultrez 20, Carbopol® Aqua SF‐1, Carbopol® 940 and cationic guar gum), showing that the viscosity of rhamnolipid had a positive correlation with the increase of concentration, a negative correlation with the increase of pH, and that polymers instead of inorganic salts were suitable for thickening rhamnolipid. Further rheology tests indicated that Carbopol® Aqua SF‐1 imparted gel properties of rhamnolipid while cationic guar gum determined the liquid properties. In addition, the rhamnolipid‐containing moisturizing cream consisting of stearic acid/squalane ratios all showed shear‐thinning and gel behavior the same as the commercial ones. Visual appearance and particle size analysis indicated that all formulations exhibited high storage stabilities. The knowledge gained from this study may be useful for designing “sulfonate‐free” shampoo and cream with rheological properties that can be tailed for specific commercial cosmetic applications.
Deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐assisted extraction of pectin from Ficus carica Linn. peel: optimization, partial structure characterization, functional and antioxidant activities
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Lin Jihui , Hu Yaowu , Lei Hui , Zhang Qian , Tao Xiaoyu , Zhang Dan , Niu Hong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The pectin from Ficus carica Linn. (fig) peels is a valuable and recyclable constituent that may bring huge economic benefits. To maximize the utilization of this resource, deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐assisted extraction was applied to extract pectin from fig peels, and the extraction process was optimized with response surface methodology.

RESULTS

When DES (choline chloride/oxalic acid = 1:1) content was 168.1 g kg−1, extraction temperature was 79.8 °C, liquid–solid ratio was 23.3 mL g−1, and extraction time was 120 min, the maximum yield of 239.6 g kg−1 was obtained, which was almost twice the extraction of hot water. DES‐extracted fig peel pectin (D‐FP) exhibited better nature than hot water‐extracted fig peel pectin (W‐FP) in terms of uronic acid content, particle size distribution, and solubility, but lower molecular weight and esterification degree. D‐FP and W‐FP had similar infrared spectra and thermodynamic peaks but differed in monosaccharide compositions. D‐FP also showed good antioxidant capacities and exhibited better functional activities than W‐FP.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that D‐FP was of promising quality being utilized in food or medical industries and the optimal DES‐assisted extraction method might be applied as a sustainable process for the effective extraction of bioactive pectin from fig peels with the excellence of low equipment requirements and simple operation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Outcomes of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Associated With Mild Narrow Aorta
Authors: Zhong ChunYan , Dong Hongmei , Chen Ting , Zhang Xiaohang , Ran SuZhen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore prenatal ultrasonic features and prognosis of the persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) complicated with mild narrow aorta.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted involving 1348 fetuses diagnosed with PLSVC prenatally between January 2016 and December 2019. Forty‐five fetuses with PLSVC associated with mild narrow aorta were selected from the cohort as the study group and 79 fetuses with isolated PLSCV were recruited randomly as the control group. All clinical and ultrasound results, including images and parameters of cardiac structures, were reviewed retrospectively. General conditions, ultrasound (US) measurements, and fetal prognosis were compared between the groups.

Results

Aorta valve diameter (AOD), Z‐score of aorta valve (AODz‐score), aortic isthmus diameter (AOIsD), and pulmonary diameter (PAD)/AOD were significantly different in study group than control group no matter in the second or third trimester. Thirty‐eight fetuses in study group were born with favorable outcomes after long‐term follow‐up. A total of 13.16% (5/38) remain mild narrow aorta and 3 of them showed smaller left ventricle after 3 years follow up. Prenatal AODz‐score in infants remains mild narrow aorta after 2 years aged was higher than ones' aorta return to normal (P = .01), especially when AODz‐score >1.725. Moreover, when prenatal ratio of AOIsD/left subclavian artery was <1.12, it was more likely that the aorta would remain mildly narrow at age 2.

Conclusion

Fetuses diagnosed with PLSVC with mild narrow aorta had favorable prognosis. AODz‐score and AOIsD/left subclavian artery may be two predictors that reveal the risk of a mildly narrowed aorta remaining after birth.
Seasonality strongly affects short‐term C‐storage in coastal macrophyte communities
Authors: Lammerant Roel , Rohlfer Eva Karin , Norkko Alf , Gustafsson Camilla
Published: February 2024

Ecosystem functions provided by aquatic plants are context dependent and mediated by environmental conditions and plant growth form. This impedes our ability to predict the carbon (i.e., C) sink potential of multispecies coastal meadows characterized by marked seasonal succession of environmental conditions, causing a clear need to explore the distinct patterns of both C capture and release associated with seasonal succession of macrophyte growth forms and life‐history strategies in aquatic plant communities. We conducted four field surveys throughout 2022–2023 (i.e., October, March, June, and August), where we sampled six soft bottom locations dominated by aquatic vascular plants in the northern Baltic Sea. Temporal differences in biomass‐bound C stocks (i.e., structural elements and non‐structural carbohydrates) were linked to the plant production‐decomposition cycle and peaked when environmental conditions became increasingly permissive for growth and development (i.e., summer). Species identity influenced seasonal patterns of non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations in both leaf and rhizome tissue by shaping the timing of short‐term accumulation (i.e., photosynthesis) of C in plant tissue or release through respiration. Overall, our study illustrates that biomass‐bound C stocks were shaped by both seasonality and the variation of functional structure and life history strategies found within the vegetated seascapes. This highlights the importance of addressing both biodiversity and short‐term C dynamics and suggests that estimations of C budgets or stock assessments should be based on data incorporating the intra‐annual variation in C dynamics to fully comprehend the C sink potential of vegetated seascapes.
Identifying temperature distribution and source term for generalized diffusion equation with arbitrary memory kernel
Authors: Ilyas Asim , Khalid Rooh A. , Malik Salman A.
Published: February 2024

A diffusion equation involving integral convolution in time variable with arbitrary kernel and nonlocal boundary conditions is considered. The existence and uniqueness results for two inverse problems of determining source terms (space‐ and time‐dependent sources) along with diffusion concentration from appropriate over‐specified conditions are presented. A bi‐orthogonal system of functions is used to have series representation of the solutions of the inverse problems. Several special cases such as standard diffusion, multi‐term diffusion, and tempered diffusion equations are discussed, and some examples are provided.
Optimization of flip angle and radiofrequency pulse phase to maximize steady‐state magnetization in three‐dimensional missing pulse steady‐state free precession
Authors: Kobayashi Naoharu
Published: February 2024

Missing pulse (MP) steady‐state free precession (SSFP) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence that is highly tolerant to the magnetic field inhomogeneity. In this study, optimal flip angle and radiofrequency (RF) phase scheduling in three‐dimensional (3D) MP‐SSFP is introduced to maximize the steady‐state magnetization while keeping broadband excitation to cover widely distributed frequencies generated by inhomogeneous magnetic fields. Numerical optimization based on extended phase graph (EPG) simulation was performed to maximize the MP‐SSFP steady‐state magnetization. To limit the specific absorption rate (SAR) associated with the broadband excitation in 3D MP‐SSFP, SAR constraint was introduced in the numerical optimization. Optimized flip angle and RF phase settings were experimentally tested by introducing a linear inhomogeneous magnetic field in a range of 10–20 mT/m and using a phantom with known T1/T2 relaxation and diffusion parameters at 3 T. The experimental results were validated through comparisons with EPG simulation. Image contrasts and molecular diffusion effects were investigated in in vivo human brain imaging with 3D MP‐SSFP with the optimal flip angle and RF phase settings. In the phantom measurements, the optimal flip angle and RF phase settings improved the MP‐SSFP steady‐state magnetization/signal‐to‐noise ratio by up to 41% under the fixed SAR conditions, which matched well with EPG simulation results. In vivo brain imaging with the optimal RF pulse settings provided T2‐like image contrasts. Diffusion effects were relatively minor with the linear inhomogeneous field of 10–20 mT/m for white and gray matter, but cerebrospinal fluid showed conspicuous signal intensity attenuation as the linear inhomogeneous field increased. Numerical optimization achieved significant improvement in the steady‐state magnetization in MP‐SSFP compared with the RF pulse settings used in previous studies. The proposed flip angle and RF phase optimization is promising to improve 3D MP‐SSFP image quality for MRI in inhomogeneous magnetic fields.
Clinical characteristics of over‐the‐counter (OTC) drug abusers in psychiatric practice in Japan: Comparison of single and multiple OTC product abusers
Authors: Tanibuchi Yuko , Omiya Soichiro , Usami Takashi , Matsumoto Toshihiko
Published: February 2024

Objective

To examine the clinical characteristics of over‐the‐counter (OTC) drug abusers in psychiatric practice in Japan.

Method

We examined the attributes, ICD‐10 subcategory, and comorbid mental disorders of patients who mainly abuse OTC products and compared the clinical characteristics of single product and multiple products abusers, using the database of the “2022 Nationwide Mental Hospital Survey of Drug‐related Disorders.”

Results

Among the 2468 subjects included in this survey, 273 (11.1%) used OTC products as main drugs. Of these, 209 (78.3%) and 58 (21.7%) were classified into the single product group and the multiple products group, respectively. Six were excluded for unknown ingredients. By comparing these groups, we found that many of the multiple products group consisted of young women who were recently treated for drug problems. Many subjects in the group also had a short treatment period. No differences were observed between the groups regarding the ICD‐10 F1 subcategory, but many subjects in the multiple products group fulfilled the criteria of F6 “disorders of adult personality and behavior.”

Conclusion

OTC products are easily accessible drugs of abuse for young women in Japan. The results of this study indicate the necessity to reconsider the educational approach for preventing drug abuse, which has focused on illicit drugs. The study also indicates that some OTC products, which contain ingredients banned overseas due to their harmful effects, are still sold in Japan and that abusers for those products exist. Measures by the government are considered urgently needed.
Vibrational Spectroscopy of YAlO3
Authors: Tipaldi Ciro Federico , Gabrusenoks Jevgenijs , Chikvaidze George
Published: February 2024

Perovskites have long been materials of interest in solid‐state physics. Their structure leads them to exhibit various characteristics which have both theoretical and practical interest. Lattice dynamics can give a lot of insight into a material's nature such as phase transitions, thus the research presented here focuses on that, by doing a comprehensive vibrational and structural investigation of monocrystalline YAlO3 (YAP). Polarized Raman and infrared (IR) reflectance spectroscopy are used alongside ab initio and classical calculations. In the course of this work, complete Raman spectra have been obtained, confirming new vibrational modes, predicted by ab initio calculations but previously not observed experimentally. IR reflectance spectra have been obtained for the first time for this material. Classical molecular dynamics has been employed to calculate the phonon dispersion and density of states.
Skyrmion Motion in Ferrimagnets Driven by Magnetic Anisotropy Gradient
Authors: Xu Huan , Yang Qianqian , Liu Yang , Tian Guo , Qiu Lei , Qin Minghui , Hou Zhipeng
Published: February 2024

The topological skyrmions in ferrimagnet systems provide new opportunities to investigate the fundamental spin dynamics. Effective manipulation of ferrimagnet skyrmion motion is a vital task for future spintronics applications, motivating intense research on magnetization dynamics with voltage as driving sources. In this work, the skyrmion in ferrimagnets driven by voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy gradients, which tends to move toward the low anisotropy area and has a constant velocity, is investigated. Thiele's theory analysis is reported on the velocities of the skyrmion dependencies on the anisotropy gradient, the net angular momentum density, and the damping coefficient, which are confirmed nicely by the atomistic simulations. It is demonstrated that the velocity of the skyrmion reaches to a maximum value at a nonzero net angular momentum density δs different from the domain wall, and the Hall angle of ferrimagnet skyrmions can be controlled by δs. The results are useful for the understanding of ferrimagnet skyrmion dynamics and may open an alternative way for the design of ferrimagnet spintronic devices.
Reliability analysis and evaluation model for space phased‐mission system
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Sun Zezhou , Rao Wei , Dong Jie
Published: February 2024

A reliability analysis and evaluation model based on event chain and Bayesian information fusion is proposed for the characteristics of complex space phased‐mission systems (SPMSs), the implementation process of integrated reliability modeling is detailed, and the identification of weak links and reliability evaluation is carried out with the entry, descent, and landing process of Tianwen‐1 Mars Probe as an example. The application results show that the reliability analysis and evaluation model based on event chain and Bayesian information fusion has good engineering applicability, and the method can be extended and applied to the reliability modeling, analysis, and evaluation of complex SPMSs.
Intralobar pulmonary sequestration presenting as multiple nodular pulmonary lesions and focal emphysema
Authors: Yoshinaga Tadatsugu , Yomota Makiko , Toriyama Kazutoshi , Iso Hirokazu , Mirokuji Kie , Kawai Shoko , Narita Kosuke , Suzuki Mikito , Horio Hirotoshi , Hosomi Yukio
Published: February 2024

The features of intralobar pulmonary sequestration vary on computed tomography (CT). Many cases demonstrate a mass or cystic lesion within a lower lobe. We report herein a case of a 55‐year‐old, female patient presenting with right back pain. Contrast enhanced (CE) CT revealed multiple, nodular, pulmonary lesions suggesting recurrent infections with surrounding focal emphysema. Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction demonstrated a sequestrated lung segment with a systemic, arterial blood supply. Based on these findings, intralobar pulmonary sequestration was diagnosed. Intralobar pulmonary sequestration can present as multiple, nodular, pulmonary lesions with focal emphysema rather than as a mass or cyst. CE‐CT with 3D reconstruction is useful for diagnosing this condition. Patients with recurrent pulmonary infections have a high index of suspicion of intralobar pulmonary sequestration.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Using Nitrogen‐Functionalized MesoporousTiO2 Decorated with Au9 Nanoclusters
Authors: Motamedisade Anahita , Heydari Amir , Yin Yanting , Alotabi Abdulrahman S. , Andersson Gunther G.
Published: February 2024

A novel catalyst for dye degradation is fabricated through attaching Au9 nanoclusters (Au9 NCs) to N functionalized mesoporous TiO2 (NMTiO2). The NMTiO2 is created through chitosan‐assisted soft templating resulting in an N terminated surface preventing the agglomeration of the Au9 NCs adsorbed surface and enhancing the overall loading with Au9. The calcination atmosphere influenced the surface properties of the NMTiO2 and its capability to adsorb the Au9 NCs. The photocatalytic effectiveness of these materials was probed through methyl orange (MO) dye degradation. The black coloured Au9/NMTiO2 catalyst is highly effective to completely degrade MO dyes within 20 min due to its large reaction constant (0.176 min−1). Parameter interactions for the dye degradation process were explored using response surface methodology (RSM) and the dependency of MO degradation on the affecting parameters was evaluated based on the statistical analysis and 3D plots.
Identifying Performance Limiting Parameters in Perovskite Solar Cells Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zbinden Oliver , Knapp Evelyne , Tress Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

Herein, it is shown that machine learning (ML) methods can be used to predict the parameter that limits the solar‐cell performance most significantly, solely based on the current density–voltage (J–V) curve under illumination. The data (11’150 J–V curves) to train the model is based on device simulation, where 20 different physical parameters related to charge transport and recombination are varied individually. This approach allows to cover a wide range of effects that could occur when varying fabrication conditions or during degradation of a device. Using ML, the simulated J–V curves are classified for the changed parameter with accuracies above 80%, where Random Forests perform best. It turns out that the key parameters, short‐circuit current density, open‐circuit voltage, maximum power conversion efficiency, and fill factor are sufficient for accurate predictions. To show the practical relevance, the ML algorithms are then applied to reported devices, and the results are discussed from a physics perspective. It is demonstrated that if some specified conditions are met, satisfying results can be reached. The proposed workflow can be used to better understand a device's behavior, e.g., during degradation, or as a guideline to improve its performance without costly and time‐consuming lab‐based trial‐and‐error methods.
A Proposal of a Method to Determine the Appropriate Learning Period in Stock Price Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Shirata Ryuya , Harada Taku
Published: February 2024

In this study, we propose a method to determine the appropriate learning period for each stock and the prediction period by considering stock price fluctuations for stock price prediction using machine learning. Our proposed method uses historical volatility as an indicator of the turning point to determine the learning period based on the policy that the fluctuations in the period after the major turning point of stock price fluctuations and the fluctuations in the prediction period are likely to be similar and that the prediction accuracy can be improved by eliminating the period before the turning point from the learning period. We used Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM), which has been used in many related studies on stock price prediction, as the machine learning model. Experiments showed that the accuracy of predictions by neural networks trained with the learning period determined by the proposed method was better than that of predictions by neural networks trained with the same learning period for all stocks. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Language development, linguistic input, and linguistic racism
Authors: Figueroa Megan
Published: February 2024

Language development is both remarkable and unremarkable. It is remarkable because children learn the language(s) around them, signed or spoken, without explicit instruction or correction. It is unremarkable because children have done this for thousands of years without worldwide incident or catastrophe. Yet, much research on this organic developmental phenomenon relies on an empirical falsehood: “quality” linguistic input is necessary to facilitate language development. “Quality” is a value judgment, not a structural feature of any human language. I argue selectively legitimizing some linguistic input as “quality” is possible only through mischaracterizing what language is. This falsehood is also linguistic racism because it is based on a deficit perspective of the early linguistic experiences of a subset of children, specifically racialized children. I explore how linguistic racism stalls our collective understanding of language development and promotes an environment of bad science.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Language

Neuroscience > Development
Black hole/black ring transition
Authors: Halder Indranil , Lin Ying-Hsuan
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We consider BPS states in M theory compactified on a Calabi-Yau threefold with one Kähler parameter, and investigate their relation to black holes and black rings. On the microscopic side, a characterization of the BPS degeneracy can be obtained from the non-perturbative part of the topological string free energy according to the Gopakumar-Vafa conjecture. On the macroscopic side, the Wald entropy of relevant black objects in the four-dimensional IIA description is computed from the perturbative part of the same topological string free energy following the work of Cardoso-de Wit-Mohaupt and then lifted to five-dimensional M theory through the Gaiotto-Strominger-Yin correspondence. For a given value of the M2 brane charge, we find that for small angular momenta, the microscopic BPS degeneracy matches the entropy of a rotating black hole, whereas an apparent transition occurs at a critical value of the angular momentum. Beyond this value, we find encouraging evidence that the microscopic counting is well approximated by the entropy of a black ring. We conclude by formulating a new puzzle involving the corrections due to degenerate worldsheet instantons.
Simplifying QCD event generation with chirality flow, reference vectors and spin directions
Authors: Boman Emil , Lifson Andrew , Sjodahl Malin , Warnerbring Adam , Wettersten Zenny
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The chirality-flow formalism, combined with good choices of gauge reference vectors, simplifies tree-level calculations to the extent that it is often possible to write down amplitudes corresponding to Feynman diagrams immediately. It has also proven to give a very sizable speedup in a proof of concept implementation of massless tree-level QED in MadGraph5_aMC@NLO. In the present paper we extend this analysis to QCD, including massive quarks. We define helicity-dependent versions of the gluon vertices, derive constraints on the spinor structure of propagating gluons, and explore the Schouten identity to simplify the four-gluon vertex further. For massive quarks, the chirality-flow formalism sheds light on how to exploit the freedom to measure spin along any direction to shorten the calculations. Overall, this results in a clear speedup for treating the Lorentz structure at high multiplicities.
Anforderung von radiologischer Diagnostik in der Unfallchirurgie mittels mobiler Endgeräte
Authors: Fuchs Konrad F. , Kerwagen Fabian , Kunz Andreas S. , Schulze Andrés , Ullrich Melanie , Ertl Maximilian , Gilbert Fabian
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Ärztliches Personal steht täglich unter hohem zeitlichen Druck. Eine ärztliche Aufgabe ist die Anforderung von radiologischer Diagnostik. Dieser Prozess zeichnet sich durch eine hohe administrative Komplexität und teils enormen zeitlichen Aufwand aus. Maßnahmen, die zugunsten der Versorgung von Patientinnen und Patienten zu einer administrativen Entlastung führen, fehlen bisher.

Ziel der Arbeit

Prozessoptimierung in der Anforderungsstellung von radiologischer Diagnostik. Als „proof of concept“ wurde in der unfallchirurgischen Abteilung am Universitätsklinikum Würzburg (UKW) die Anforderung radiologischer Diagnostik mittels einer Smartphone- und Tablet-basierten Applikation mit Spracheingabe eingeführt.

Material und Methoden

In einer prospektiven Studie wurden der zeitliche Effekt und die zeitliche Effizienz der mobilen, ukw.mobile App-basierten Anforderung (UMBA) im Vergleich zur PC-basierten Anforderung (PCBA) zur Anforderung radiologischer Leistungen analysiert. Ermittelt wurden die Zeit von Indikationsstellung bis zur fertigen Anforderung und die benötigte Zeit für die Anforderungserstellung am Endgerät. Aufgrund der Nichtnormalverteilung der Daten wurde ein Mann-Whitney-U-Test durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die Zeit von der Indikation bis zur fertigen Anforderung konnte durch die mobile Anforderung statistisch signifikant (p < 0,05) reduziert werden (PCBA: Mittelwert ± Standardabweichung [SD] 19,57 ± 33,24 min, Median 3,00 min, Interquartilsabstand [IQR] 1,00–30,00 min vs. UMBA: 9,33 ± 13,94 min, 1,00 min, 0,00–20,00 min). Die Zeit für die Anforderung am Endgerät konnte durch die mobile Anforderung ebenfalls statistisch signifikant reduziert werden (PCBA: Mittelwert ± SD 63,77 ± 37,98 s, Median 51,96 s, IQR 41,68–68,93 s vs. UMBA: 25,21 ± 11,18 s, 20,00 s, 17,27–29,00 s).

Diskussion

Das mobile, sprachunterstützte Anforderungsverfahren führt zu einer enormen zeitlichen Entlastung im klinischen Alltag und verdeutlicht das Potenzial einer anwenderorientierten, zielgerichteten Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen. In Zukunft soll der Prozess durch eine künstliche Intelligenz unterstützt werden.

Graphic abstract
Identification and validation of Golgi apparatus-related signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Xin , Tang Pengting , Kong Ying , Chen Deqin , Tang Kejun
Published: February 2024

Background

The Golgi apparatus plays a pivotal role in various aspects of cancer. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of Golgi apparatus-related genes (GARGs) in breast cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response evaluation.

Methods

Transcriptional and clinical data from the TCGA-BRCA cohort and GSE96058 cohort were utilized to construct and validate a prognostic model for breast cancer using Cox regression analysis. Differences in immune landscape, somatic mutations, gene expression, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response between different risk groups were assessed. A prognostic nomogram for breast cancer was further developed and evaluated. qPCR and single-cell sequencing analyses were performed to validate the expression of GARGs.

Results

A total of 394 GARGs significantly associated with breast cancer prognosis were identified, leading to the construction of a prognostic risk feature comprising 10 GARGs. This feature effectively stratified breast cancer patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with the high-risk group exhibiting significantly worse prognosis. Meanwhile, significant differences in clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response were observed between the high- and low-risk groups. The constructed nomogram incorporating these factors showed superior performance in prognostic assessment for breast cancer patients. Ultimately, the utilization of qPCR and single-cell sequencing techniques substantiated the disparate expression patterns of these prognostic genes in breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that a prognostic risk feature derived from GARGs holds promising application potential for predicting prognosis and evaluating immunotherapy response in breast cancer patients.
A new universal detection system for high-performance thin-layer chromatography plates using chemiluminescence
Authors: Spangenberg Bernd
Published: February 2024

High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is a cost-effective method for the separation of small molecules, such as active pharmaceutically ingredients. The method can be used without sophisticated equipment. For example, the detection and quantification of colored compounds on an HPTLC plate can be performed with a CCD camera. For noncolored compounds, a new dipping solution for the generation of chemiluminescence on an HPTLC plates is presented. In combination with a charge-coupled diode (CCD) camera, this can be used as a universal detection system. The efficiency of this new staining reagent is demonstrated by the detection of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole from a fixed-dose combination in a ratio of 1:5.