bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of arch contouring foot orthoses for midfoot osteoarthritis: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lim Polly Q. X. , Menz Hylton B. , Landorf Karl B. , Kaminski Michelle R. , Buldt Andrew K. , Lithgow Merridy J. , Paterson Kade L. , Halstead Jill , Munteanu Shannon E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionMidfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and disabling condition. Arch contouring foot orthoses have been recommended for midfoot OA, yet there is no high‐quality evidence from randomised controlled trials to support their use. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of arch contouring foot orthoses for midfoot OA.MethodsThis will be a parallel‐group randomised controlled superiority trial. One‐hundred and forty community‐dwelling people with painful midfoot OA will be randomised to receive either arch contouring foot orthoses or flat sham inserts. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks; the primary endpoint for assessing efficacy being 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be average midfoot pain whilst walking over the last 7 days on an 11‐point numerical rating scale. Secondary outcome measures include function (walking/standing subscale of the Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire), participants' perception of overall treatment effect (self‐reported global rating of change on a 15‐point Likert scale), physical activity (Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire), general health‐related quality of life (Short Form‐12 Version® 2.0), use of co‐interventions and adverse events.DiscussionThis trial will evaluate the efficacy of arch contouring foot orthoses for relieving pain and improving function, physical activity and health‐related quality of life in people with midfoot OA. The findings will provide high‐quality evidence as to whether arch contouring foot orthoses are efficacious and will help to inform clinical guidelines about the use of foot orthoses for midfoot OA.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12623000953639).
Concise Synthesis of Azaphenanthrene Alkaloid Eupolauramine Via Au(I)‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization and Intramolecular Ullmann‐Type Coupling Reaction
Authors: Kim Eunyeong , Han Young Taek 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTA concise and efficient synthesis of the γ‐lactam‐fused azaphenanthrene alkaloid eupolauramine has been achieved. The key feature of the synthesis involves Au(I)‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of N‐naphthyl aminobutynamide intermediate and subsequent intramolecular Ullmann‐type coupling reaction. This study clearly demonstrated the usefulness of coinage metal‐catalyzed cycloisomerization strategy in the construction of architecturally sophisticated pyridine‐fused heterocyclic scaffolds.
Intra‐annual dynamics of soil and microbial C, N, and P pools in a Central Amazon Terra Firme forest
Authors: Schaap Karst J. , Fuchslueger Lucia , Hofhansl Florian , Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar , Quesada Carlos Alberto , Hoosbeek Marcel R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundTropical ecosystem functioning is influenced by seasonal fluctuations in precipitation, but the impact on soil nutrient cycling and microbial stoichiometry is not fully understood.AimThis study investigates the magnitude of intra‐annual fluctuations in nutrient availability and microbial biomass in a tropical forest soil by examining carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) pools.MethodsWe analyzed the total, extractable, and microbial C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometry in Terra Firme Ferralsols, representative for the central Amazon basin.ResultsWe observed intra‐annual variations in resource availability, particularly between wet and dry seasons. Despite relatively stable total C, N, and P stocks throughout the year, we observed a decrease in extractable organic C and available (Olsen) P and an increase in extractable N in the dry season compared to the wet season. Microbial biomass pools and stoichiometry also varied across sampling dates and soil depths: relative to microbial‐C and ‐N, microbial‐P decreased in both wet and dry season and increased in the transition from wet to dry season.ConclusionsOur research highlights intra‐annual variation in nutrient pools, particularly dynamic microbial carbon and nutrient fractions, in weathered tropical forest soils.
Functional preoperative assessment of coronal knee laxity better predicts postoperative patient outcomes than intraoperative surgeon‐defined laxity in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Jagota Ishaan , Al‐Dirini Rami M. A. , Taylor Mark , Twiggs Joshua , Miles Brad , Liu David 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeIntraoperative laxity assessments in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are subjective, with few studies comparing against standardised preoperative and postoperative assessments. This study compares coronal knee laxity in TKA patients awake and anaesthetised, preprosthesis and postprosthesis implantation, evaluating relationships to patient‐reported outcome measures.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 49 TKA joints included preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans, stress radiographs and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) questionnaire results preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. The imaging was used to assess functional laxity (FL) in awake patients, whereas computer navigation measured intraoperative surgical laxity (SL) preimplantation and postimplantation, with patients anaesthetised. Varus and valgus stress states and their difference, joint laxity, were measured.ResultsSL was greater than FL in both preimplantation [8.1° (interquartile range, IQR 2.0°) and 3.8° (IQR 2.9°), respectively] and postimplantation [3.5° (IQR 2.3°) and 2.5° (IQR 2.7°), respectively]. Preimplantation, SL was more likely than FL to categorise knees as correctable to ±3° of the mechanical axis. Preoperative FL correlated with KOOS Symptoms (r = 0.33, p = .02) and quality of life (QOL) (r = 0.38, p = .01), whereas reducing medial laxity with TKA enhanced postoperative QOL outcomes (p = .02).ConclusionsFunctional coronal knee laxity assessment of awake patients is generally lower than intraoperative surgical assessments of anaesthetised patients. Preoperative SL may result in overcorrection of coronal TKA alignment, whereas preoperative FL better predicts postoperative patient outcomes and reflects the patients' native and tolerable knee laxity. Preoperative FL assessment can be used to guide surgical planning.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
Joint‐line obliquity angle is significantly affected by hip abduction and adduction: A simulated analysis
Authors: Bechis Marco , Liberace Francesco , Cantivalli Antonino , Rosso Federica , Rossi Roberto , Bonasia Davide E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeDifferent methods for quantifying joint‐line obliquity (JLO) have been described, including joint‐line obliquity angle (JLOA), Mikulicz joint‐line angle (MJLA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). The goal of the present study was to quantify the variation of JLOA based on the position of the hip. The hypothesis of our study is that JLO is significantly influenced by the abduction/adduction of the limb, unlike MJLA.MethodsOne hundred long‐leg‐weightbearing X‐rays were used. At time 0 and after 30 days, two observers performed different measurements, including (1) distance between pubic symphysis and center of the femoral head, (2) distance between center of the femoral head and center of the ankle joint, (3) distance between center of the ankle and medial malleolus, (4) hip‐knee‐ankle angle, (5) MPTA, (6) lateral distal femoral angle, (7) joint‐line congruency angle, (8) JLOA, (9) MJL and (10) angle between Mikulicz line and line perpendicular to the ground. The changes of the JLOA based on the position of the hip (abducted, neutral, bipedal stance adduction and monopodal stance adduction) were calculated with trigonometric formulas and with simulation on an orthopaedic planning digital software.ResultsThe JLOA change between adducted and abducted positions was on average 12.8° (SD 0.9 mm). The MJL did not vary significantly based on hip position.ConclusionsThe adduction/abduction of the lower limb has a considerable impact on JLOA. Methods like MJLA which are not affected by hip position should be preferred for JLO evaluation.Level of EvidenceLevel III, diagnostic study.
Polypropylene Blends with Durable Hydrophobicity and Enhanced Mechanical Properties Based on POSS and Alkane Modified Polypentafluorophenyl Methacrylate
Authors: Li Xinchao , Wang Ping , Wang Zhiyong , Fu Zhicheng , Wang Ting , An Wenli , Chen Mingjun , Sun Guoxing , Deng Jinni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDurable functionalization on polypropylene (PP) surfaces is always a key problem to besolved. Coatings with low surface energy peel off easily especially under extreme conditions, owing to their weak adhesion. In this paper, side groups of both polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and alkane are grafted to polypentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFP), and then PP blends with these side‐group modified PFP are obtained through a melt‐blending process. It is found that POSS can result in surface segregation and provide hydrophobicity in blends. Microfibers are formed because of the orientation effect during the tensile testing, which furtherly promotes mechanical strength. Significantly, alkaneside‐groups can be entangled with PP segments, which brings about cross linking. Therefore, with crosslinking and synchronous orientation of POSS, the elongation at the break of blends is greatly increased up to 974%. The final blend demonstrates quite durable hydrophobicity under many extreme conditions, such as repeated tape peeling, ultrasonic washing, strong friction, and soaking in strong acid (pH = 1), strong alkali (pH = 14) and alcohol. The heat and UV resistance of the blend are also obviously improved. This study will develop anovel and facile strategy to endow PP with durable hydrophobicity as well as greatly enhanced mechanical properties.
Predictors of Chronic Dizziness in Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Van Laer Lien , Hallemans Ann , De Somer Clara , Janssens de Varebeke Sebastien , Fransen Erik , Schubert Michael , Van Rompaey Vincent , Vereeck Luc 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveChronic dizziness after acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUVP) causes significant social and economic burdens. This study aims to identify predictors of chronic dizziness.Study DesignProspective, longitudinal cohort study.SettingENT departments from secondary and tertiary hospitals.MethodsParticipants meeting the Barany Society's diagnostic criteria for AUVP were included. Evaluations occurred within 0 to 21 days (T1), and at 4 (T2) and 10 weeks (T3) postonset. The primary outcome measure was the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) at 6 months, with a score >30 indicating chronic dizziness. Five clusters of predictors were assessed at T1‐3: central vestibular compensation, visual dependence, movement exposure, psychological factors, and balance performance. Separate linear regression models for T1, T2, and T3 were constructed to explain the variability in the 6‐month DHI score. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were conducted to predict chronic dizziness.ResultsFrom June 2021 to January 2024, 103 participants (55.2 ± 16.6 years old, 49 women) were included. The regression models explained the variability in the 6‐month DHI score by 33.0% at T1, 47.6% at T2, and 64.0% at T3 (P < .001), including psychological factors (T1, T2, T3), visual dependence (T2, T3), and static balance performance (T3). Cutoff values for the Vestibular Activities Avoidance Instrument (23/54), Visual Vertigo Analog Scale (33.5/100), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐Anxiety (7.5/21) at 10 weeks postonset predicted chronic dizziness.ConclusionHigher psychological burden, increased visual dependence, and poorer static balance performance were associated with chronic dizziness. Cutoff values were determined to identify individuals with AUVP at risk for chronic dizziness.
Facile Determination of Aluminum Content in Industrial Brine by Investigating the Effects of Buffer Systems
Authors: Csorba Benjámin , Farkas László , Csécsi Marcell , Mika László T. , Gresits Iván L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe aluminum content of concentrated (27 wt%) sodium chloride solutions could be crucial for large‐scale chlor‐alkali‐based industries applying membrane cell electrolysis. Thus, a facile method which enables a fast and reliable protocol to determine the Al content of these solutions on ppb scale in industrial environments is fundamentally important. It was demonstrated that the increased sensitivity of colorful Al‐ECR (eriochrome cyanine R) complex by the use of a cationic surfactant and specific biological buffers could effectively indicate the Al content in an extended pH interval of a concentrated saline medium under industrial conditions. The dependence of the analytical protocol on pH, temperature, time, wavelength, and the salinity of the medium was investigated. It was shown that the absorbance‐based measurements of the solution should be performed at least 2–4 h after its preparation. By applying the selected two Good's buffers (HEPES: 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazineethanesulfonic acid, MOPS: 3‐(N‐morpholino)‐propanesulfonic acid) and Tris (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), 32.8–38.1 % increase in the sensitivity was achieved for saturated NaCl solutions. Moreover, the limits of detection and quantification (LOD, LOQ) were also lowered by 19.0–29.8 %, and the salinity dependence of the calibration was also reduced.
Modulation of animal and plant tissue growth with collagen‐starch‐organic molybdenum networks hydrogel biomatrices
Authors: Valdés‐Lozano Claudia I. , Claudio‐Rizo Jesús A. , Cabrera‐Munguía Denis A. , León‐Campos Maria I. , Mendoza‐Villafaña Juan J. , Becerra‐Rodriguez Juan J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe development of hydrogel biomatrices with potential to modulate animal and plant tissue growth is ongoing. In this study, molybdenum bio‐metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) (Mo‐bioMOFs) incorporating essential amino acids such as l‐histidine (Mo‐His), l‐phenylalanine (Mo‐Phe), and l‐tryptophan (Mo‐Trp) were encapsulated in semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) hydrogels composed of collagen and starch. The structure and properties of these materials show dependence on the amino acid that constitutes the Mo‐bioMOFs. The biomatrices have a semi‐crystalline surface with increased porosity when using Mo‐His; this system also benefits swelling. Increased crosslinking, acceleration in gelation, and mechanical improvement are observed for the system based on Mo‐Phe. Methylene blue release experiments were conducted, demonstrating that matrices including Mo‐bioMOFs exhibit controlled release profiles, indicating highly stable retention of Mo‐bioMOFs in the semi‐IPN matrix. The biomatrices enhance the metabolism and proliferation of fibroblasts and monocytes, with Mo‐Trp reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like TNF‐α. The biomatrices exhibit gradual and slow mass loss when exposed to collagenase and commercial vegetable substrates. Both leaf and root cells of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) show increased metabolism and growth when exposed to Mo‐Phe and Mo‐His. Notably, the biomatrix containing Mo‐Phe promotes the most substantial plant growth and foliage after 30 days. These biomatrices have potential applications in chronic wound healing and agriculture.
Escherichia coli community‐acquired necrotizing pneumonia, an uncommon presentation of a common pathogen: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hosseini Alireza Mohammad , Farshchi Parisa , Hosseini Hanieh , Zarei Fatemeh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCommunity‐acquired necrotizing pneumonia is a rare but potentially fatal infection, mainly caused by specific pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Escherichia coli is extremely rare as a pathogen for community‐acquired necrotizing pneumonia, typically accompanied with bloodstream infection. Here, we report an unusual case of a 60‐year‐old man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and no bloodstream infections, who had severe necrotizing E. coli pneumonia leading to massive hemoptysis and death. Clinicians should be aware of this pathogen in respiratory infections, as it requires immediate pathogen detection and usually aggressive antibiotic treatment.
A guaranteed cost based memory event‐triggered control of networked control systems with multiple disturbances via an interconnected disturbance observer approach
Authors: Huang Tao , Shen Jie , Zhang Zhihao , Shen Mouquan , Karimi Hamid Reza 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis article is dedicated to event‐triggered anti‐disturbance control of networked control systems via a guaranteed cost triggering scheme. A distribution interconnected observer structure is built to estimate these unknown matched disturbances. A novel event triggered condition is constructed in terms of real‐time cost and averaged functions composed of observer states and the last successfully transmitted one. A composite control scheme is provided by an event‐triggered observer‐based state feedback controller and compensators for the matched disturbances. A sufficient condition in term of linear matrix inequality is supplied to ensure the asymptotic stability of the resultant closed‐loop system. A simulation is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed triggering control strategy.
Consideration of water policies in the urban development plans of Delhi: A collaborative planning perspective
Authors: Gupta Maheshwari , Biswas Rabidyuti , Kumar Ashok , Tortajada Cecilia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper discusses collaborative planning principles as a means to improve water supply systems in the case of Delhi, India, through primary and secondary data analysis. The theory of collaborative planning is a well‐established concept applied to obtain effective policies in planning through the collaboration of actors in a shared space. We use this framework to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and scope for collaboration in the current urban development plan formulation process of the city. Some of the principles of collaborative planning we use include communication, collective decision‐making processes, and network power in a shared institutional environment. Our findings indicate a lack of consideration of water policies in the urban development plans. This underlines a major gap in the current process of plan formulation and provides evidence that the absence of collaboration between institutions in both sectors contributes to poor water supply for the population in Delhi. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of collaborative practices between urban development and water institutions for better planning of water service provision in Indian cities.
Multilevel Longitudinal Functional Principal Component Model
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Zou Jingjing , Di Chongzhi , Rock Cheryl L. , Natarajan Loki 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTSensor devices, such as accelerometers, are widely used for measuring physical activity (PA). These devices provide outputs at fine granularity (e.g., 10–100 Hz or minute‐level), which while providing rich data on activity patterns, also pose computational challenges with multilevel densely sampled data, resulting in PA records that are measured continuously across multiple days and visits. On the other hand, a scalar health outcome (e.g., BMI) is usually observed only at the individual or visit level. This leads to a discrepancy in numbers of nested levels between the predictors (PA) and outcomes, raising analytic challenges. To address this issue, we proposed a multilevel longitudinal functional principal component analysis (mLFPCA) model to directly model multilevel functional PA inputs in a longitudinal study, and then implemented a longitudinal functional principal component regression (FPCR) to explore the association between PA and obesity‐related health outcomes. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive simulation study to examine the impact of imbalanced multilevel data on both mLFPCA and FPCR performance and offer guidelines for selecting optimal methods.
Molecularly Engineered Alicyclic Organic Spacers for 2D/3D Hybrid Tin‐based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Choi Jinhyeok , Kim Jimin , Jeong Minyoung , Park Byeongchan , Kim Seunghyun , Park Jisang , Cho Kilwon 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe high defect density and inferior crystallinity remain great hurdles for developing highly efficient and stable Sn‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). 2D/3D heterostructures show strong potential to overcome these bottlenecks; however, a limited diversity of organic spacers has hindered further improvement. Herein, a novel alicyclic organic spacer, morpholinium iodide (MPI), is reported for developing structurally stabilized 2D/3D perovskite. Introducing a secondary ammonium and ether group to alicyclic spacers in 2D perovskite enhances its rigidity, which leads to increased hydrogen bonding and intermolecular interaction within 2D perovskite. These strengthened interactions facilitate the formation of highly oriented 2D/3D perovskite with low structural disorder, which leads to effective passivation of Sn and I defects. Consequently, the MP‐based PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.04% with superior operational and oxidative stability. This work presents new insight into the design of organic spacers for highly efficient and stable Sn‐based PSCs.
Enhancing Conductivity in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells with Silver Nanowire‐Assisted Ti3C2Tx MXene Electrodes for Cost‐Effective and Scalable Photovoltaics
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Zhiyuan , Yan Yu , Gao Qianfeng , Song Yaya , Wang Jing , Zhang Maobin , Xue Junming , Xu Shengzhi , Ding Yi , Chen Xinliang , Li Xiyan , Zhang Liping , Huang Qian , Liu Wenzhu , Zhang Xiaodan , Zhao Ying , Hou Guofu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSilicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have set world‐record efficiencies among single‐junction silicon solar cells, accelerating their commercial deployment. Despite these clear efficiency advantages, the high costs associated with low‐temperature silver pastes (LTSP) for metallization have driven the search for more economical alternatives in mass production. 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) have attracted significant attention due to their tunable optoelectronic properties and metal‐like conductivity, the highest among all solution‐processed 2D materials. MXenes have emerged as a cost‐effective alternative for rear‐side electrodes in SHJ solar cells. However, the use of MXene electrodes has so far been limited to lab‐scale SHJ solar cells. The efficiency of these devices has been constrained by a fill factor (FF) of under 73%, primarily due to suboptimal charge transport at the contact layer/MXene interface. Herein, a silver nanowire (AgNW)‐assisted Ti3C2Tx MXene electrode contact is introduced and explores the potential of this hybrid electrode in industry‐scale solar cells. By incorporating this hybrid electrode into SHJ solar cells, 9.0 cm2 cells are achieved with an efficiency of 24.04% (FF of 81.64%) and 252 cm2 cells with an efficiency of 22.17% (FF of 76.86%), among the top‐performing SHJ devices with non‐metallic electrodes to date. Additionally, the stability and cost‐effectiveness of these solar cells are discussed.