bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Di‐cumyl peroxide cross‐linked UHMWPE/vitamin‐E blend for total joint arthroplasty implants
Authors: Muratoglu Orhun K. , Asik Mehmet D. , Nepple Cecilia M. , Wannomae Keith K. , Micheli Brad R. , Connolly Rachel L. , Oral Ebru
Published: August 2023

Majority of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) medical devices used in total joint arthroplasty are cross‐linked using gamma radiation to improve wear resistance. Alternative methods of cross‐linking are urgently needed to replace gamma radiation due to rapid decline in its supply. Peroxide cross‐linking is a candidate method with widespread industrial applications. Oxidative stability and biocompatibility, which are critical requirements for medical device applications, can be achieved using vitamin‐E as an additive and by removing peroxide by‐products through high‐temperature melting, respectively. We investigated compression molded UHMWPE/vitamin‐E/di‐cumyl peroxide blends followed by high‐temperature melting in inert gas as a material candidate for tibial knee inserts. Wear resistance increased and mechanical properties remained largely unchanged. Oxidation induction time was higher than most of the other clinically available formulations. The material passed the local‐end point biocompatibility tests per ISO 10993. Compounds found in exhaustive extraction were of no concern with margin‐of‐safety values well above the accepted level, indicating a desirable toxicological risk profile. Statement of Clinical Significance: Peroxide cross‐linked, vitamin‐E stabilized, and high‐temperature melted UHMWPE has recently been cleared for clinical use in tibial knee inserts. With all the salient characteristics needed in a material that can provide superior long‐term performance in total joint patients, peroxide cross‐linking can replace the gamma radiation cross‐linking of UHMWPE.
Triple contrast computed tomography reveals site‐specific biomechanical differences in the human knee joint—A proof of concept study
Authors: Orava Heta , Paakkari Petri , Jäntti Jiri , Honkanen Miitu K. M. , Honkanen Juuso T. J. , Virén Tuomas , Joenathan Anisha , Tanska Petri , Korhonen Rami K. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Töyräs Juha , Mäkelä Janne T. A.
Published: August 2023

Cartilage and synovial fluid are challenging to observe separately in native computed tomography (CT). We report the use of triple contrast agent (bismuth nanoparticles [BiNPs], CA4+, and gadoteridol) to image and segment cartilage in cadaveric knee joints with a clinical CT scanner. We hypothesize that BiNPs will remain in synovial fluid while the CA4+ and gadoteridol will diffuse into cartilage, allowing (1) segmentation of cartilage, and (2) evaluation of cartilage biomechanical properties based on contrast agent concentrations. To investigate these hypotheses, triple contrast agent was injected into both knee joints of a cadaver (N = 1), imaged with a clinical CT at multiple timepoints during the contrast agent diffusion. Knee joints were extracted, imaged with micro‐CT (µCT), and biomechanical properties of the cartilage surface were determined by stress‐relaxation mapping. Cartilage was segmented and contrast agent concentrations (CA4+ and gadoteridol) were compared with the biomechanical properties at multiple locations (n = 185). Spearman's correlation between cartilage thickness from clinical CT and reference µCT images verifies successful and reliable segmentation. CA4+ concentration is significantly higher in femoral than in tibial cartilage at 60 min and further timepoints, which corresponds to the higher Young's modulus observed in femoral cartilage. In this pilot study, we show that (1) large BiNPs do not diffuse into cartilage, facilitating straightforward segmentation of human knee joint cartilage in a clinical setting, and (2) CA4+ concentration in cartilage reflects the biomechanical differences between femoral and tibial cartilage. Thus, the triple contrast agent CT shows potential in cartilage morphology and condition estimation in clinical CT.
Corroborating the autoptic identification of archeological glyptics in museum collections: The contribution of portable Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Caggiani Maria Cristina , Cavarra Marco , Barone Germana , Coccato Alessia , Manenti Angela Maria , Mazzoleni Paolo
Published: August 2023

A collection of Hellenistic–Roman glyptics, kept at the Regional Archaeological Museum “Paolo Orsi” (Syracuse, Italy), was investigatedin situwith portable Raman spectroscopy with the aim of assessing the viability of this approach, not only for the immediate identification of the gemstones but also for a more in‐depth successive data treatment. At the same time, a corroboration of the autoptic identification of the materials, both archeological and belonging to historical collections, was looked for in order to verify and potentially correct what reported in the museum catalogue. Actually, most of the identifications could be confirmed, the glyptics being mainly made of chalcedony. Other materials found were garnet, glass, and amber. The larger group of chalcedony Raman spectra was subjected to principal components analysis treatment that, after appropriate pretreatment, resulted successful in separating spectra with higher or lower contribution of the band due to the presence of moganite and SiOH bonds. The garnet spectra were instead subjected to quantitative study to identify the main end member. Both the quick identifications and the more detailed studies on chalcedonies and garnets were achieved thanks to the nondestructive and noninvasive investigation, directlyin situ, with no sample preparation and minimal interference with the museum's activities.
Ultrasound treatment alleviates external pericarp browning and improves fruit quality of pomegranate during storage
Authors: Shi Jiangli , Wang Sen , Yao Jianan , Cui Mengyi , Hu Bingqian , Wang Jing , Li Fan , Wang Sa , Tong Ruiran , Li Ming , Song Chunhui , Wan Ran , Jiao Jian , Zheng Xianbo
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound treatment has a beneficial role in horticultural production from harvest to consumption. The quality traits and microbiological load in pomegranate fruit were explored during 30 days’ storage at 20 °C after 10 min and 30 min ultrasound treatments.

RESULTS

Ultrasound treatment significantly reduced the microbiological load during storage, providing a relatively clean and suitable storage environment. This was especially true for the 30 min treatment, which also maintained relatively lower weight loss and kept the browning rate below 5% during storage. Meanwhile, the fruit treated with ultrasound had higher ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content, which provided better antibacterial properties and higher nutraceutical properties until the end of storage. The 30 min ultrasound treatment significantly delayed the decrease in catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and the increase in peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity. Combined with weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), and correlation analysis, color indicators and antioxidant activity induced by ultrasound treatment were responsible for the relatively higher fruit quality of pomegranate.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound treatment can improve the sensory quality and nutritional characteristics of pomegranate fruits during storage, and reduce the microbiological load. Ultrasound for 30 min was better than 10 min for prolonging the storage life of pomegranate. Our results will provide valuable information for ultrasound application in other horticultural products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on the non‐enzymatic browning of lotus rhizome juice during sterilization mediated by 1,2‐dicarboxyl and heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Sun Xianxian , Li Jie , Yan Shoulei
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Lotus rhizome juice (LRJ) is susceptible to the Maillard reaction (MR) and caramelization, which tend to cause a reduction in quality and lower consumer acceptance of the product. 1,2‐Dicarbonyl compounds (DCs) and heterocyclic compounds have attracted increasing attention as key intermediates responsible for the formation of brown pigments during MR and caramelization. However, little is known about the effects of these two types of compounds on brown pigments in LRJ during sterilization. This study quantified the changes in brown intensity (A420), DCs, and heterocyclic compounds before and after spiking, and identified the precursors and intermediates for brown pigment formation as well as the formation pathways of the intermediates.

RESULTS

The spiking experiments suggested that spiking with fructose resulted in more 3‐deoxyglucosone (3‐DG) and 2,3‐dihydro‐3,5‐dihydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4(H)‐pyran‐4‐one (DDMP), while that with lysine led to more glucosone (GS) and 2,3‐butanedione (2,3‐BD) in LRJ. The addition of glucose, asparagine, and glutamine promoted the formation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) significantly, whereas the addition of glucose, lysine, and asparagine resulted in more norfuraneol. Spiking with reducing sugars and amino acids promoted both glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO), and the effect of glucose on GO was particularly significant. Correlation analysis showed that A420 had the highest correlation with 3‐DG in the fructose‐ and lysine‐spiked group, and with HMF in the glucose‐, asparagine‐, and glutamine‐spiked groups.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that fructose, glucose, asparagine, glutamine, and lysine were essential precursors of MR and caramelization in LRJ during sterilization. 3‐Deoxyglucosone and DDMP were mainly produced by caramelization with fructose as the primary precursor, whereas GS and 2,3‐BD were primarily formed via MR with lysine catalysis. The MR and caramelization were the main formation pathways of HMF (catalyzed by asparagine and glutamine) and norfuraneol (catalyzed by lysine and asparagine), with glucose as the critical precursor. Methylglyoxal was mainly produced by MR or caramelization, and caramelization was the main formation pathway of GO, with glucose as the precursor. Dor brown pigment formation from fructose and lysine, 3‐DG was identified as the most crucial intermediate, while for that from glucose, asparagine, and glutamine, HMF was found to be the most important intermediate. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhancement of quality and self‐defense capacity of Agaricus bisporus by UV‐C treatment
Authors: He Xingxing , Zhong Jingwei , Wei Ruhui , Li Huijuan , Li Jing , Ren Yanlin , Zhai Xinyu , Hu Wenwen , Guan Wenqiang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Agaricus bisporus with a completely white appearance is popular with consumers. However, A. bisporus is susceptible to senescence and spoilage, which results in browning and oxidative tissue damage, with limited shelf life. This study investigated the effects of shortwave ultraviolet (UV‐C, 1.0 kJ m−2) irradiation on quality features, enzymatic browning, and defense properties of A. bisporus stored at 4 °C for 21 days.

RESULTS

After storage, UV‐C irradiated A. bisporus had increased quality of sensory, color and hardness characteristics; it exhibited higher content of total phenolic, brown melanin precursors, including γ‐glutaminyl‐4‐hydroxybenzene, γ‐glutaminyl‐3,4‐dihydroxybenzene and tyrosine, lower accumulation of malondiadehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical, and maintained membrane integrity in comparison to control samples. Besides, A. bisporus treated by UV‐C showed lower degree of browning and higher level of self‐defense capacity, which may be ascribed to the enhancement in activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase activity, while inhibiting polyphenol oxidase activity during storage.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the higher self‐defense capacity with UV‐C treatment might be the mechanism associated with the delay of senescence in Agaricus bisporus. Therefore, UV‐C treatment is suggested as a potential practical application in mushrooms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Method development and validation for analysis of microencapsulated cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside in dairy samples containing juçara palm fruit by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tunin Luana Magri , de Paula Mariana Nascimento , Matioli Graciette , de Medeiros Araújo Daniela Cristina , Novello Cláudio Roberto , Ferreira Emilene Dias Fiuza , de Mello João Carlos Palazzo
Published: August 2023

Euterpe edulis is a plant native of Brazil and popularly known as juçara. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an analytical method using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of juçara crude extracts (JCEs) and to evaluate dairy products containing free and microencapsulated extracts. The validated analytical method for JCE was performed using cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (C3R – isolated and identified as major component from JCE) as a reference: linearity was obtained using ten concentrations between 25 and 250 μg mL−1 (R2 = 0.994); limits of detection and quantification were 19.04 μg mL−1 and 57.7 μg mL−1 respectively; accuracy (relative standard deviation) was <5%; recovery was 104.85 μg mL−1; and the method is robust. Physicochemical analyses of the dairy products were evaluated using colour, pH, and concentration of anthocyanins using HPLC calculated as C3R over 21 days of storage. The pH remained stable until the end of the test. The colour and the concentration of anthocyanins remained stable for 9 days. C3R was isolated, the HPLC method was developed and validated, and the colour stability was not altered until 9 days. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
An efficient approach addressing the chemical complexity of Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction by integrating ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and intelligent data processing workflows
Authors: Jiang Meiting , Zhao Dongxue , Zou Yadan , Li Xiaohang , Lou Jia , Wang Yu , Gao Xiumei , Yang Wenzhi
Published: August 2023

A challenge in the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine is the systematic multicomponent characterization of the compound formulae. Jiawei Fangji Huangqi, a modified form of Fangji Huangqi, is a prescription comprising seven herbal medicines. To address the chemical complexity of the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction, we integrated ion mobility‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight high‐definition MSE coupled to ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and intelligent data processing workflows available in the UNIFI software package. Good chromatographic separation was achieved on CORTECS UPLC T3 column within 52 min, and high‐accuracy MS2 data were acquired using high‐definition MSE in the negative and positive modes. A chemical library of 1250 compounds was created and incorporated into the UNIFI software to enable automatic peak annotation of the high‐definition MSE data. We identified or tentatively characterize 430 compounds in the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction. The potential superiority of high‐definition MSE over conventional MS data acquisition approaches was revealed in its spectral quality (MS2), differentiation of isomers, separation of coeluting compounds, and target mass coverage. The multiple components of the Jiawei Fangji Huangqi decoction were elucidated, offering insight into its improved pharmacological action compared with that of the Fangji Huangqi formula.
How Often is Cancer Present in Oral Cavity Re‐resections After Initial Positive Margins?
Authors: Prasad Kavita , Sharma Rahul , Habib Daniel , Sinard Robert , Mannion Kyle , Rohde Sarah , Langerman Alexander , Netterville James , Rosenthal Eben , Lewis James , Topf Michael C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the rate at which carcinoma is present in the re‐resection specimen following initial positive margins during head and neck cancer surgery and its impact on oncologic outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A single institution retrospective chart review of patients that underwent curative‐intent surgery for oral cavity cancer was performed. Final pathology reports were reviewed to identify patients with initial positive margins who underwent re‐resection during the same operation. Initial positive margin was defined as severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS), or carcinoma. Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to assess for associations with survival outcomes.

Results

Among 1873 total patients, 190 patients (10.1%) had initial positive margins and underwent re‐resection during the same surgery. Additional carcinoma, CIS, or severe dysplasia was found in 29% of re‐resections, and 31% of patients with initial positive margins had final positive margins. Half of the patients with a final positive margin had a positive margin at an anatomic site different than the initial positive margin that was re‐resected. The median follow‐up was 636 days (range 230–1537). Re‐resection with cancer and final positive margin status was associated with worse overall survival (OS; p = 0.044 and p = 0.05, respectively). However, only age, T4 disease, and surgery for recurrent oral cavity cancer were independently associated with OS (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Fewer than a third of oral cavity re‐resections contain further malignancy, which may suggest that surgeons have difficulty relocating the site of initial positive margin. Final positive margins are often at anatomic sites different than the initial positive margin.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:717–724, 2024
Vestibular Preservation in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Licameli Greg R. , Wang Alicia , Zhou Guangwei , Faller David , Kenna Margaret , Poe Dennis , Shearer Eliot , Oster Linda , Brodsky Jacob R.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Evaluate the rate of preserved vestibular function in pediatric cochlear implant surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective case review.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐operative vestibular tests were compared in children who underwent cochlear implantation at a tertiary level pediatric hospital over a 4‐year period.

Results

Data from 59 implanted ears in 44 children was included. Median age was 2.8 years at initial testing (range 7 months – 21 years) with 1:1 male/female ratio. Implant surgeries were 26 unilateral, 13 bilateral simultaneous, and 5 bilateral sequential. The majority were implanted with slim, non‐styletted electrodes (86.4%) via a round window approach (91.5%). Normal pre‐operative results were preserved post‐operatively on rotary chair testing in 75% (21/28) of patients, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing in (75%) 30/40 of ears tested, ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing in 85.7% (6/7) of ears tested, video head impulse testing in 100% (9/9) of ears tested, and computerized dynamic posturography in 100% (5/5) of patients tested. Overall, 62.5% of patients had no new deficits on any vestibular test performed post‐operatively.

Conclusions

Preservation rates of vestibular function following cochlear implant surgery were higher in this cohort than what has been reported in many earlier studies. Contemporary, less traumatic electrodes and insertion techniques may be a significant factor. The risk of causing a new, severe bilateral vestibular loss with long‐term functional impacts appears to be low. Further study is warranted on the impacts of different cochlear implant electrode designs and insertion approaches on post‐operative vestibular preservation.

Level of Evidence

4, Case Series Laryngoscope, 134:1913–1918, 2024
Assessment of bioactive compounds in faba bean using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Johnson Joel B. , Walsh Kerry B. , Naiker Mani
Published: August 2023

Faba bean (Vicia faba) is growing in popularity in Australia, partly due to its higher levels of health‐benefiting compounds compared to other grain crops. This study investigated infrared spectroscopy for predicting levels of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants and phenolics in faba bean flour. Calibration models were performed on 60 samples of faba bean, comprising 10 varieties grown across two field locations in 1 year. For model validation, an independent test set comprising the same varieties grown in a different year was utilised. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) showed promise for the prediction of total phenolic content, with an R2pred of 0.66 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 76 mg/100 g. Similarly, prediction of ferric reducing antioxidant power, a measure of antioxidant activity, gave an R2pred of 0.59 and RMSEP of 87 mg/100 g. Additionally, moving window optimisation was used to determine the most important wavelength region for the prediction of these analytes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy did not yield any suitable models for the analytes investigated. Although the NIRS models developed were not capable of exactly quantifying phenolic or antioxidant content, infrared spectroscopy appears useful for rapidly discriminating between samples containing high and low levels of phenolics or antioxidant compounds. With further refinement, this technique could potentially be applied for the quality assurance of phenolic content or antioxidant capacity in faba bean seeds.
Microbially induced corrosion issues in the underground buried crude oil and natural gas bearing pipelines: A review
Authors: Bairi Lipika Rani , Bhuyan Pallabi , Ghosh Anirban , Narang Mandeep , Mandal Sumantra
Published: August 2023

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) damage in crude oil and natural gas‐bearing pipelines is a severe threat for the petroleum industries. This is primarily due to the presence of hydrocarbons, which serve as nutrients for microorganisms. The comfortable growth of these microorganisms in hydrocarbon systems ultimately results in enhanced degradation of the pipelines. Hence, to understand the effect of microorganisms on the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and its subsequent influence on the corrosion of pipeline materials, a detailed review of the literature has been carried out. This review is primarily focused on the principal factors and the major microorganisms responsible for biofilm development. Furthermore, the role of these microorganisms in causing MIC in underground buried petroleum‐bearing pipelines has been reviewed in detail. Most importantly, the techniques required for studying MIC have been thoroughly discussed. In addition, a few microbial cases associated with various petroleum industries have been reviewed to acquire a clear understanding about the real situation.
Contributory Factors to Caregiver Burden in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Soares Gabriela M. , Bouça‐Machado Raquel , Abreu Daisy , Ferreira Joauqim J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Although there is growing recognition of the relevancy of informal caregivers there is scarce information on the contributory factors of caregiver burden in Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Objective

To identify the main associated factors to caregivers’ burden in people caring for a person with PD.

Methods

We analyzed the data set from a multinational online survey the Parkinson's real‐world impact assesSMent (PRISM) focusing on medication use, comorbidities, health‐related quality of life, relationship changes and the use of healthcare and supportive care resources by people with PD and their carers. Structured questionnaires including the Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQ‐39), non‐motor symptoms questionnaire (NMSQuest) and the Questionnaire for impulsive‐compulsive disorder in Parkinson's disease (QUIP) were applied. Caregiver burden was assessed by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).

Results

In a cohort of 245 dyads (patient and respective caregiver), caregivers reported a mild to moderate burden. Carers’ perception of PD impact in partnership, financial burden, hours of care, patient's age, hypersexuality and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were found to be significant contributory factors to caregiver burden. Taken together these variables explained 66.8% of the variance in the Interpretation of the ZBI total score.

Conclusions

Caring for a person with PD entails substantial burden, particularly when the caregiver perceives greater changes in partnership dynamics, dedicates more time to caregiving tasks, has financial burden, and when the patient is older, reports worst HRQoL and has sexual compulsive urges.
Next‐generation sequencing through multi‐gene panel testing for the diagnosis of a Chinese patient with atypical Cockayne syndrome
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Li Yue , Zhao Anqi , Wang Yumeng , Cao Qiaoyu , Pan Chaolan , Li Ming
Published: August 2023

Background

Cockayne syndrome (CS, OMIM #133540, #216400) is a rare autosomal recessive disease involving multiple systems, typically characterized by microcephaly, premature aging, growth retardation, neurosensory abnormalities, and photosensitivity. The age of onset is related to the severity of the clinical phenotype, which may lead to fatal outcomes.

Methods

We report a 3‐year‐old girl who presented with photosensitivity, gait abnormalities, stunting, and microcephaly and showed atypical clinical classification due to mild clinical manifestations at an early onset age.

Results

Next‐generation sequencing reveals the frameshift mutation (c.394_398del, p.Leu132Asnfs*6) and a novel microdeletion of ERCC8 (exon4del, p.Arg92fs).

Conclusion

Therefore, it is still necessary to carry out next‐generation sequencing for CS patients with atypical clinical manifestations, which is essential for diagnosis and accurate genetic counseling.
Negative interpretation bias in females with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Burmester Victoria , Nicholls Dasha
Published: August 2023

Persons with bulimia nervosa (BN) often experience psychosocial difficulties, in particular heightened sensitivity to social rejection and a negative bias toward their social environment. Conversely, social competence and close friendships are protective against mental ill health. The aims of this study were to evaluate the interpretation of ambiguous social scenarios in females with and without BN and to assess the relationship between interpretation biases and clinical characteristics. Females with BN (n = 35) and controls (n = 35) were recruited via social media. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS), and finished sentence stems depicting ambiguous social scenarios. Completed sentence stems were rated as positive, neutral, or negative by blinded researchers. Females with BN made fewer positive and more negative interpretations of sentence stems than controls. The frequency of negative interpretations correlated positively with clinical symptoms on the EDE‐Q, A‐RSQ, and DASS. A negative interpretation bias was found in females with BN, which aligns with the finding shown by Cardi et al. that females with anorexia nervosa have a negative interpretation bias toward ambiguous social scenarios. This bias was not only associated with eating disorder psychopathology but also with depression, anxiety, and stress, highlighting a potential transdiagnostic role. Interventions that address psychosocial difficulties might prevent the onset, reduce symptoms, and improve prognosis.
Nonlinear evolution dam problems in an unbounded domain
Authors: Zaouche Elmehdi , Bousselsal Mahmoud , Ben Attia Messaouda
Published: August 2023

The aim of this paper is to give an existence theorem of a solution of the nonlinear evolution dam problem
, associated with compressible or incompressible flows, in an unbounded domain
of
. We approximate
by a sequence of bounded domains
, and we consider a regularized problem
on the bounded domain
which has a unique solution. Now, we pass successively to the limit in
, as
and then as
to get a solution to
. Note that in a previos study of Gilardi and Kröner [7], an existence of a solution was given by using a different technique for the evolution dam problem related to an incompressible flow through a homogeneous porous medium.
Developing a broadband band‐pass filtering power amplifier with enhanced performance
Authors: Liang Kun , Li Jia‐lin , Twumasi Baidenger Agyekum , Mung Steve W. Y.
Published: August 2023

This study presents a broadband and high efficiency hybrid inverse continuous filtering power amplifier (FPA) based on a terminated coupling line structure. The proposed FPA uses coupling lines as the main transmission line, and loading different stubs can simultaneously achieve input matching and output matching bandpass filtering. The four generated transmission zeros achieve good filtering performance. After discussing the matching structure, a broadband filtering PA operating at 1.7–2.4 GHz was designed and optimized. The measurement and simulation results showed good consistency. The best performance of the proposed PA was achieved at 2.1 GHz, with a gain of 11.24 dB, a saturation output power of 41.9 dBm, and a drain efficiency of 70.5%. The rejection of low and high frequency bands exceeds 49 and 55 dBc. The filtering PA has advantages in broad bandwidth and good out‐of‐band suppression.
Improved gray‐white matter contrast using magnetization prepared fast imaging with steady‐state free precession (MP‐FISP) brain imaging at 0.55 T
Authors: Schäper Jessica , Bauman Grzegorz , Bieri Oliver
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To improve the gray/white matter contrast of magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MP‐RAGE) MRI at 0.55 T by optimizing the acquisition and sequence kernel parameters.

Methods

A segmented magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo prototype sequence was implemented with (MP‐RAGE*) and without (MP‐FISP*) radiofrequency spoiling. Optimized parameters were derived with the assistance of an extended phase graph signal simulation as a function of the relaxation times, the flip angle, the delay times, and the effective inversion time using segmentation. The resulting protocols were compared to the MP‐RAGE product sequence offered by the vendor in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). A tissue segmentation reproducibility study was performed on three volunteers for the product MP‐RAGE and the MP‐FISP*.

Results

The MP‐RAGE simulation reproduced the parameters already used in the product MP‐RAGE on the scanner. An average CNR improvement of 15% for the custom MP‐RAGE* over the product MP‐RAGE and additional 22% for the MP‐FISP* over the MP‐RAGE* were observed, which is in accordance with the simulation results. The total improvement, averaged over all volunteers and regions, was 41%. The reproducibility study did not yield a significant difference between MP‐RAGE and MP‐FISP*.

Conclusion

We presented some easy‐to‐implement adjustments to the MP‐RAGE sequence at 0.55 T, which can lead to an overall average improvement of 41% in CNR.
Multi‐echo single‐shot spectroscopy combined with simultaneous 2D model fitting for fast and accurate measurement of metabolite‐specific concentrations and T2 relaxation times
Authors: Rizzo Rudy , Kreis Roland
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the current study was to develop a novel single‐voxel MR spectroscopy acquisition scheme to simultaneously determine metabolite‐specific concentrations and transverse relaxation times within realistic clinical scan times. Partly truncated multi‐TE data are acquired as an echo train in a single acquisition (multi‐echo single‐shot [MESS]). A 2D multiparametric model fitting approach combines truncated, low‐resolved short TE data with fully sampled, highly resolved, longer TE data to yield concentration and T2 estimates for major brain metabolites simultaneously. Cramer–Rao lower bounds (CRLB) are used as a measure of performance. The novel scheme was compared with traditional multi‐echo multi‐shot methods. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments support the findings. MESS schemes, requiring only 2 min 12 s for the acquisition of three echo times, provide valid concentration and relaxation estimates for multiple metabolites and outperform traditional methods for simultaneous determinations of metabolite‐specific T2s and concentrations, with improvements ranging from 5% to 30% for T2s and from 10% to 50% for concentrations. However, substantial unsuppressed residual water signals may hamper the method's reproducibility, as observed in an initial experiment setup that prioritizes short TEs with severely truncated acquisition for the benefit of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Nevertheless, CRLB have been confirmed to be well suited as design criteria, and within‐session repeatability approaches CRLB when residual water is removed in postprocessing by exploiting longer and less truncated data recordings. MESS MRS combined with 2D model fitting promises comparable accuracy, increased precision, or inversely shorter experimental times compared with traditional approaches. However, the optimal design must be investigated as a trade‐off between SNR, the truncation factor, and TE batch selections, all of which influence the robustness of estimations.
Implications of tumour heterogeneity on cancer evolution and therapy resistance: lessons from breast cancer
Authors: Thakur Shefali , Haider Syed , Natrajan Rachael
Published: August 2023

Tumour heterogeneity is pervasive amongst many cancers and leads to disease progression, and therapy resistance. In this review, using breast cancer as an exemplar, we focus on the recent advances in understanding the interplay between tumour cells and their microenvironment using single cell sequencing and digital spatial profiling technologies. Further, we discuss the utility of lineage tracing methodologies in pre‐clinical models of breast cancer, and how these are being used to unravel new therapeutic vulnerabilities and reveal biomarkers of breast cancer progression. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Shape memory effect and thermal conductivity of PLA/h‐BN composites
Authors: Ostrovskiy S. D. , Krotenko I. A. , Stepashkin A. A. , Zadorozhnyy M. Yu. , Kiselev D. A. , Ilina T. S. , Kolesnikov E. A. , Senatov F. S.
Published: August 2023

The use of polylactic acid‐based composites as self‐fixing materials is a promising technology for various applications due to the shape memory effect of polylactide. In this study, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) was mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) with concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 wt% for subsequent film casting. The morphology, mechanical and thermal characteristics of the composite were investigated. With a high percentage of filler content, a decrease in thermal conductivity was observed. The recovery strain decreased with increasing the filler content. The amount of h‐BN had a mixed effect on the recovery stress of the composite. Thus, PLA/h‐BN composites represent a new research idea to study the influence of a heat‐conducting filler on a shape memory effect in polylactic acid.

Highlights

Correlation between crystallinity, thermal and shape memory properties was described

Decrease in thermal conductivity was observed with the large percentage of filling

The composite with 2 wt% of h‐BN exhibits optimal characteristics of SME

Recovery strain decreased with the rise of filler content

Amount of h‐BN had a non‐trivial effect on the recovery stress of composite
Degradation ofhigh‐performancecyanate ester space composites by anodized aluminum
Authors: Severino Joseph V. , Kim Hyun I. , Ferrelli Geena L. , Zaldivar Rafael J.
Published: August 2023

Cyanate esters are preferred resins for space composites based on excellent mechanical, thermal and dimensional properties. Yet, they are sensitive to co‐reactions with secondary constituents making compatibility a processing challenge. Anodized aluminum mandrels are commonly used for composite manufacturing but deleterious interactions with cyanate ester is not well understood. We investigate here the interaction of anodized aluminum mandrels with surrounding environments and its impact on cure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of M55J/RS3C composites. The uptake and diffusivity of environmental moisture in mandrels was determined gravimetrically and fit to a predictive Fickian model. Cured composite properties were evaluated and correlated with glass transition temperatures (Tg) by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal stability by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical properties by flatwise tensile test, and the degradation depth profile by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Parallel to previous results for RS3C but more severe, the degradation penetrated up to 500 μm with reductions of 90°C in Tg, 100°C in thermal stability and 33% mass loss. The inorganic oxide surprisingly absorbs 10× more water at 10× higher rate than composite mandrel materials. The reported results show the anodization presents a unique hydrolysis risk when manufacturing cyanate ester composites so disciplined use and environmental conditioning should be considered when developing space structures.

Highlights

Cyanate ester composites degraded by anodized mandrels for all conditions.

Thermogram signals correlate to composite mechanical degradation.

Composite degradation depth gradient determined by atomic force microscopy.
Impact of continued mindfulness practice on resilience and well‐being in mindfulness‐based intervention graduates during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tanaka Chisato , Wakaizumi Kenta , Ninomiya Akira , Tamura Noriko , Kosugi Shizuko , Park Sunre , Sado Mitsuhiro , Mimura Masaru , Fujisawa Daisuke
Published: August 2023

Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused unprecedented stress. Mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) are known to be effective in reducing stress. However, it is unclear how long‐term outcomes differ between those who continue mindfulness practice after MBIs and those who do not. In this study, we hypothesized that those who continued mindfulness practice would have higher stress tolerance, and we examined this hypothesis through a survey of MBI graduates. In this study, we examined the association between the continuation of mindfulness practice among MBI completers and individual stress during the COVID‐19 epidemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of MBI graduates was conducted. The physical and mental health states were compared between those who established a habit of mindfulness practice (practice group) and those who did not (no practice group).

Results

The data were collected from 95 participants (response rate: 53.7%). Of the total respondents, 66 (69.5%) practiced mindfulness. Although the degree of perceived stress due to the COVID‐19 pandemic was not statistically different between the practice and no practice groups, the practice group showed significantly lower levels of depression (p = 0.007), higher levels of resilience (p = 0.006), higher levels of overall health (p = 0.006), and higher levels of mental health (p = 0.039). The effect of mindfulness practice on reducing depression was fully mediated by resilience.

Conclusion

Among MBI graduates, those who regularly practiced mindfulness had lower levels of depression and higher levels of physical and mental health. Thus, the continuation of mindfulness practice increases resilience, buffers against new stressors such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, and has the potential to prevent depression.
SrFx‐based electron‐selective contact with high tolerance to thickness for crystalline silicon solar cells enabling efficiency over 21%
Authors: Xing Chunfang , Jiang Conghui , Gu Wenbo , Lou Xinliang , Gao Kun , Song Yuhang , Shao Beibei , Li Kun , Wang Xinyu , Xu Dacheng , Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Yusheng , Yang Xinbo , Sun Baoquan
Published: August 2023

Wide‐bandgap metal compound‐based dopant‐free passivating contacts have been explored to fabricate crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells to mitigate the high carrier recombination rate of metal‐Si contact directly. Here, an over 4‐nm‐thick single‐layer strontium fluoride (SrFx) and a double‐layer SrFx/lithium fluoride (LiF) films deposited by a facile vacuum thermal evaporation are developed to act as high‐performance electron‐selective contacts. SrFx with ultra‐low work function (2.8 eV) induces a strong downward band bending at the n‐type Si (n‐Si)/SrFx interface, and a dipole active layer exists at the SrFx/aluminum (Al) interface, enabling a low contact resistivity (ρc) of 34.1 mΩ cm2 and thus yielding an impressive fill factor (FF) of 82.8%. Eventually, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.1% is achieved in the SrFx‐based solar cell. Moreover, in the n‐Si/SrFx/LiF/Al contact, the diffusion of Li in the SrFx film favors facilitating electron transport as well as relaxing its thickness restriction, inhibiting carrier recombination. And an impressive FF of 83.7% with a low ρc of 25.9 mΩ cm2, an improved open‐circuit voltage of 631 mV, and a short‐circuit current density of 39.9 mA/cm2 are attained, resulting in a champion PCE of 21.1%. Double‐layer SrFx/LiF deposited by a simple process provides a grand opportunity to fabricate low‐cost and high‐PCE photovoltaic devices.
Lung function deficits and bronchodilator responsiveness at 12 years of age in children born very preterm compared with controls born at term
Authors: Hagman Cecilia , Björklund Lars J. , Bjermer Leif , Hansen‐Pupp Ingrid , Tufvesson Ellen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Very preterm birth is associated with lung function impairment later in life, but several aspects have not been studied. We aimed to comprehensively assess lung function at school age in very preterm infants and term controls, with special emphasis on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sex, and bronchodilator response.

Methods

At 12 years of age, 136 children born very preterm (85 with and 51 without BPD) and 56 children born at term performed spirometry, body plethysmography, impulse oscillometry, measurement of diffusion capacity, and multiple breath washout, before and after bronchodilator inhalation.

Results

Airway symptoms and a diagnosis of asthma were more common in children born very preterm. These children had more airflow limitation, seen as lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (p < .001), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = .011), and mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (p < .001), and a higher total and peripheral airway resistance compared with term‐born controls. There was no difference in total lung capacity but air trapping and lung clearance index were higher in children born very preterm. Diffusion capacity was lower in children born very preterm, especially in those with a diagnosis of BPD. In most other tests, the differences between preterm‐born children with or without BPD were smaller than between children born preterm versus at term. Boys born preterm had more lung function deficits than preterm‐born girls. In children born very preterm, airway obstruction was to a large extent reversible.

Conclusion

At 12 years of age, children born very preterm had lower lung function than children born at term in most aspects and there was only little difference between children with or without BPD. Airway obstruction improved markedly after bronchodilator inhalation.
Physiotherapists' engagement in work ability and return to work issues of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. A cross‐sectional survey in Norway
Authors: Ask Tove , Dragesund Tove , Magnussen Liv Heide , Eland Nicolaas Dingeman
Published: August 2023

Background

Work and health are a national priority in Norway, and leading health authorities call for treatment approaches that incorporate these perspectives. We have little knowledge of how physiotherapists in private practice integrate the work perspective during the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, the purpose of this study was to gain more insight into the way physiotherapists in Norway integrate the aspect of work.

Methods

In 2021, all 2650 privately practising members of the Norwegian Physiotherapist Association received a web‐based survey that was answered by 514 physiotherapists. The survey included questions about treatment approaches, competencies, and collaboration with other health professionals in the context of promoting work participation.

Results

91% of the physiotherapists reported that they play an important role in assessing work ability. 75% were confident in assessing the patients' work ability, while 25% stated that they have little or some competence. 49% of the physiotherapists often contacted the general practitioner (GP) to discuss patients' ability to work, and 19% were often contacted by the GP. Only 14% stated that they were invited to participate in dialogue meetings with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. 28% of the physiotherapists reported that insufficient knowledge about social security issues was an obstacle in promoting the patient's work participation. The physiotherapists believed that increased use of standardised assessment tools, better knowledge of social security issues, and closer collaboration with other professionals may strengthen their role in promoting work participation.

Discussion and Conclusion

Although physiotherapists promote work participation when treating patients on sick leave, limited communication with the stakeholders, and inadequate knowledge of social security issues pose an obstacle. To strengthen the physiotherapist's role in the return‐to‐work facilitation, work and health should become a separate subject in basic and advanced education programmes for physiotherapists.
Coating Silver Tree‐like Fractal Structure with Silica Layer for Inhibiting Chemical Reactions of Analytes in Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Watanabe Hiroya , Hishii Yurin , Kishimoto Kanna , Nogami Kohei , Ma Qingyuan , Niki Tomoya , Kotani Tomoki , Kiwa Toshihiko , Shoji Satoru , Ohkubo Takahiro , Kano Jun , Takeyasu Nobuyuki
Published: August 2023

Silica coating is performed onto silver tree‐like fractal structures, which are self‐grown in a solution, through a wet process using tetraethyl orthosilicate. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of para‐aminothiophenol (p‐ATP) is measured on the silver tree‐like fractal structures with/without silica layer at the excitation wavelength of 532 nm. p‐ATP is chemically transformed into dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) on the non‐coated silver tree‐like fractal structures, where DMAB peaks are clearly observed, during the SERS measurements. The DMAB peaks decrease/disappear on the silica‐coated ones although the p‐ATP peaks are observed. In the results, it is indicated that the chemical transformation is inhibited on the silica‐coated ones. The sensitivity is decreased by half compared to the non‐coated silver tree‐like fractal structures, where the lower detection limit is estimated to be ≈2 × 10−5 mol L−1 for p‐ATP. The silica coating is advantageous for inhibiting chemical transformations of analytes, enabling identification/estimation of chemicals in unknown sample with SERS similarly to conventional Raman spectroscopy.