bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational assessment of carbon fabric reinforced polymer made prosthetic knee: Mechanics, finite element simulations and experimental evaluation
Authors: Amudhan Kannan , Vasanthanathan Arunachalam , Thilak Johnson Anish Jafrin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA prosthetic knee is designed to replace the functionality of an anatomical knee in transfemoral amputees. The purpose of a prosthetic knee is to restore mobility and compensate amputees for their impairment. In the present research numerical modelling and simulation of a carbon fabric reinforced polymer made polycentric prosthetic knee with four‐bar mechanism was performed. Virtual prototyping with computer‐aided design and computer‐aided engineering software ensured geometric and structural stability of the knee design. The linkage mechanism, instantaneous centre's location and trajectory were investigated using multibody dynamics and analytical formulations. Computational simulations with a non‐linear finite element model were employed with joints, contact formulations and an orthotropic material model to predict the displacement, stress formulated and life of the knee prosthesis under static and cyclic loading conditions. Finite element analysis assessed the strength and durability of knee in accordance to standards. Maximum Principal stress of 155 MPa and life expectancy of 3.1 × 106 cycles were determined for the composite knee through numerical simulations ensuring a safe design. Experimental testing was also conducted as per standards and the percentage error was estimated to be 2.52%, thereby establishing the validity of the finite element model deployed. This type of simulation‐based approach can be implemented to efficiently and affordably design and prototype a prosthetic knee with desired functioning criteria.
Safety profile of hypnotics or sedatives on community‐dwelling older adults aged 75 or older in Japan: A retrospective propensity‐matched cohort study
Authors: Handa Nobuhiro , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Mitsutake Seigo , Ono Koki , Akishita Masahiro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the study is to assess if daily use of hypnotics increases mortality, aspiration pneumonia and hip fracture among relatively healthy individuals aged 75 years or older who lead independent lives in the community.Method and PatientsOf the adults aged 75 years or older residing in Hokkaido prefecture of Japan (n = 705,538), those who did not meet several exclusion criteria were eligible for generating propensity score‐matched cohorts (n = 214,723). Exclusion criteria included co‐prescribed medications acting on the central nervous system, diagnoses of malignant neoplasm, dementia, depression, etc. We compared 33,095 participants who were prescribed hypnotics for daily use (hypnotic group) with a propensity score‐matched cohort without a prescription (control group). Participants were followed for more than 42 months.ResultsDuring the 42‐month follow‐up period, the incidence of the three outcome measures in the hypnotics group was significantly higher than that in the control group (aspiration pneumonia p < 0.001, hip fracture p = 0.007, and all‐cause mortality p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses utilizing inverse probability weighting demonstrated hazard ratios of 1.083 [1.023–1.146] for mortality, 1.117 [1.014–1.230] for aspiration pneumonia, and 1.720 [1.559–1.897] for hip fracture. Meanwhile, the attribute risk differences were 2.7, 1.5, and 1.0 per 1000 patient‐years, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough daily use of hypnotics increased the risk of three events, their attribute risk differences were fewer than 3.0 per 1000 patient‐years. The results will help provide guidance on whether it is reasonable to prescribe hypnotics to geriatric population aged 75 or older leading independent lives in the community.Clinical trial registrationUMIN‐CTR UMIN000048398.
Cornual adenomyosis in Essure® device users and in patients hysterectomized for other causes: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sánchez‐Cuerda Cristina , Elices Margarita , Lobo Paloma , Cabrera Yasmina , Duch Silvia , García Alicia , Rubio José , Álvarez Julio , Álvarez Pilar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether adenomyosis is present in the cornual portion of hysterectomies of symptomatic sterilization device users and in patients hysterectomized for different benign causes and who presented with pelvic pain and/or menstrual alterations.MethodsAn observational, analytical, cross‐sectional, single‐center, retrospective cohort study was conducted in a secondary level hospital. Cohort 1 consisted of women who had Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization devices inserted between 2009 and 2017, who developed gynecologic symptoms (pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and/or abnormal uterine bleeding) and who underwent a hysterectomy for explantation of the devices. Cohort 2 consisted of women with the same gynecologic symptoms, who underwent a hysterectomy for other benign causes. All surgeries were performed by the gynecology team between 2018 and 2022. A descriptive and comparative analysis of sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and pathologic findings between cohorts was made.ResultsIn total, 96 patients were studied (cohort 1 included 34 women, cohort 2 included 62 women). Pelvic pain was found to be more frequent in the cohort of Essure users (76.47% vs. 50%, P = 0.012), with a ratio of three times higher in this group (odds ratio 3.25, 95% confidence interval 1.27–8.28). Adenomyosis was more frequently found in the Essure group, both at corporal and cornual portions, the latter being five times higher in this cohort (relative risk = 5.47; 95% confidence interval 1.17–25.64).ConclusionsThe present study may be the first to describe cornual adenomyosis related to Essure devices. These devices may play a role in the development of adenomyosis and, consequently, pelvic pain. However, causality is difficult to establish.
Imaging with mass spectrometry: Which ionization technique is best?
Authors: Prentice Boone M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe use of mass spectrometry (MS) to acquire molecular images of biological tissues and other substrates has developed into an indispensable analytical tool over the past 25 years. Imaging mass spectrometry technologies are widely used today to study the in situ spatial distributions for a variety of analytes. Early MS images were acquired using secondary ion mass spectrometry and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization. Researchers have also designed and developed other ionization techniques in recent years to probe surfaces and generate MS images, including desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), nanoDESI, laser ablation electrospray ionization, and infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization. Investigators now have a plethora of ionization techniques to select from when performing imaging mass spectrometry experiments. This brief perspective will highlight the utility and relative figures of merit of these techniques within the context of their use in imaging mass spectrometry.
Enhanced expression of activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein in the medial prefrontal cortex is involved in working memory performance
Authors: Chen Tsan‐Ju , Wang Dean‐Chuan , Liu Pei‐Chun , Hung Hui‐Shan , Cheng Tsung‐Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is a cognitive function important for guiding the on‐going or upcoming behavior. A memory‐related protein Arc (activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein) is implicated in long‐term memory consolidation. Recent evidence further suggests the involvement of hippocampal Arc in spatial WM. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a key brain region mediating WM. However, the role of mPFC Arc in WM is still uncertain. To investigate whether mPFC Arc protein is involved in WM performance, delayed non‐match to sample (DNMS) T‐maze task was performed in rats with or without blocking new synthesis of mPFC Arc. In DNMS task, a 10‐s or 30‐s delay between the sample run and the choice run was given to evaluate WM performance. To block new Arc protein synthesis during the DNMS task, Arc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) were injected to the bilateral mPFC. The results show that, in rats without surgery for cannula implantation and subsequent intracerebral injection of ODNs, WM was functioning well during the DNMS task with a delay of 10 s but not 30 s, which was accompanied with a significantly increased level of mPFC Arc protein, indicating a possible link between enhanced Arc protein expression and the performance of WM. After preventing the enhancement of mPFC Arc protein expression with Arc antisense ODNs, rat's WM performance was impaired. These findings support enhanced mPFC Arc protein expression playing a role during WM performance.
Reclassification of a spindle cell sarcoma after identification of a TFG‐ROS1 fusion: A case demonstrating the clinical benefit of next‐generation sequencing in sarcoma
Authors: Lim John J. , Chen Eleanor Y. , Schaub Stephanie K. , Wagner Michael J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare mesenchymal soft tissue sarcomas that often present diagnostic challenges due to their wide and varied morphology. A subset of IMTs have fusions involving ALK or ROS1. The role of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) for classification of unselected sarcomas remains controversial.Methods and ResultsWe report a case of a metastatic sarcoma in a 34‐year‐old female originally diagnosed as an unclassified spindle cell sarcoma with myofibroblastic differentiation and later reclassified as IMT after NGS revealed a TFG‐ROS1 rearrangement. Histologically, the neoplasm had spindle cell morphology with a lobulated to focally infiltrative growth pattern with scant inflammatory cell infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated focal desmin and variable smooth muscle actin staining but was negative for SOX10, S100, and CD34. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was negative for USP6 or ALK gene rearrangements. NGS revealed a TFG‐ROS1 rearrangement and the patient was treated with crizotinib with clinical benefit.ConclusionsWe discuss the role of NGS as well as its potential benefit in patients with unresectable, ALK‐negative metastatic disease. Considering this case and previous literature, we support the use of NGS for patients requiring systemic treatment.
SPINNED: Simulation‐based physics‐informed neural network for deconvolution of dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI perfusion data
Authors: Asaduddin Muhammad , Kim Eung Yeop , Park Sung‐Hong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeTo propose the simulation‐based physics‐informed neural network for deconvolution of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI (SPINNED) as an alternative for more robust and accurate deconvolution compared to existing methods.MethodsThe SPINNED method was developed by generating synthetic tissue residue functions and arterial input functions through mathematical simulations and by using them to create synthetic DSC MRI time series. The SPINNED model was trained using these simulated data to learn the underlying physical relation (deconvolution) between the DSC‐MRI time series and the arterial input functions. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed SPINNED method were assessed by comparing it with two common deconvolution methods in DSC MRI data analysis, circulant singular value decomposition, and Volterra singular value decomposition, using both simulation data and real patient data.ResultsThe proposed SPINNED method was more accurate than the conventional methods across all SNR levels and showed better robustness against noise in both simulation and real patient data. The SPINNED method also showed much faster processing speed than the conventional methods.ConclusionThese results support that the proposed SPINNED method can be a good alternative to the existing methods for resolving the deconvolution problem in DSC MRI. The proposed method does not require any separate ground‐truth measurement for training and offers additional benefits of quick processing time and coverage of diverse clinical scenarios. Consequently, it will contribute to more reliable, accurate, and rapid diagnoses in clinical applications compared with the previous methods including those based on supervised learning.
Robust multishot diffusion‐weighted imaging of the abdomen with region‐based shot rejection
Authors: Lee Philip K. , Zhou Xuetong , Hargreaves Brian A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeDiffusion‐weighted (DW) imaging provides a useful clinical contrast, but is susceptible to motion‐induced dephasing caused by the application of strong diffusion gradients. Phase navigators are commonly used to resolve shot‐to‐shot motion‐induced phase in multishot reconstructions, but poor phase estimates result in signal dropout and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) overestimation. These artifacts are prominent in the abdomen, a region prone to involuntary cardiac and respiratory motion. To improve the robustness of DW imaging in the abdomen, region‐based shot rejection schemes that selectively weight regions where the shot‐to‐shot phase is poorly estimated were evaluated.MethodsSpatially varying weights for each shot, reflecting both the accuracy of the estimated phase and the degree of subvoxel dephasing, were estimated from the phase navigator magnitude images. The weighting was integrated into a multishot reconstruction using different formulations and phase navigator resolutions and tested with different phase navigator resolutions in multishot DW‐echo Planar Imaging acquisitions of the liver and pancreas, using conventional monopolar and velocity‐compensated diffusion encoding. Reconstructed images and ADC estimates were compared qualitatively.ResultsThe proposed region‐based shot rejection reduces banding and signal dropout artifacts caused by physiological motion in the liver and pancreas. Shot rejection allows conventional monopolar diffusion encoding to achieve median ADCs in the pancreas comparable to motion‐compensated diffusion encoding, albeit with a greater spread of ADCs.ConclusionRegion‐based shot rejection is a linear reconstruction that improves the motion robustness of multi‐shot DWI and requires no sequence modifications.
Minimizing electric fields and increasing peripheral nerve stimulation thresholds using a body gradient array coil
Authors: Babaloo Reza , Atalar Ergin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate the performance of gradient array coils in minimizing switched‐gradient‐induced electric fields (E‐fields) and improving peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) thresholds while generating gradient fields with adjustable linearity across customizable regions of linearity (ROLs).MethodsA body gradient array coil is used to reduce the induced E‐fields on the surface of a body model by modulating applied currents. This is achieved by performing an optimization problem with the peak E‐field as the objective function and current amplitudes as unknown variables. Coil dimensions and winding patterns are fixed throughout the optimization, whereas other engineering metrics remain adjustable. Various scenarios are explored by manipulating adjustable parameters.ResultsThe array design consistently yields lower E‐fields and higher PNS thresholds across all scenarios compared with a conventional coil. When the gradient array coil generates target gradient fields within a 44‐cm‐diameter spherical ROL, the maximum E‐field is reduced by 10%, 18%, and 61% for the X, Y, and Z gradients, respectively. Transitioning to a smaller ROL (24 cm) and relaxing the gradient linearity error results in further E‐field reductions. In oblique gradients, the array coil demonstrates the most substantial reduction of 40% in the Z–Y direction. Among the investigated scenarios, the most significant increase of 4.3‐fold is observed in the PNS thresholds.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that gradient array coils offer a promising pathway toward achieving high‐performance gradient coils regarding gradient strength, slew rate, and PNS thresholds, especially in scenarios in which linear magnetic fields are required within specific target regions.
Intention of filing tax claims for religious donations: Results from a Muslim American survey
Authors: Siddiqui Shariq A. , Cheema Jehanzeb Rashid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examined the intention to claim exemption for zakat and other monetary donations on the annual tax return among US Muslims. We used a survey of 575 Muslims living in the United States to test several exploratory hypotheses. Our statistical results suggest that after controlling for other demographic differences, (1) respondents who identified as non‐Sunni (as opposed to Sunni) Muslims, had medium or high (as opposed to low) income, and those who believed that Covid‐19 is a Zakat‐eligible cause had higher odds of claiming an exemption for their Zakat donations; and (2) permanent residents (as opposed to US citizens), high (as opposed to low) income earners, non‐faith‐based donors, and those who believed that Covid‐19 is a Zakat‐eligible cause had higher odds of claiming exemption for their non‐Zakat monetary donations. Implications are discussed.
Feasibility of magnetoencephalography in fetuses with cyanotic congenital heart disease
Authors: Bolin Elijah H. , Escalona‐Vargas Diana , Siegel Eric R. , Mercado Luis , Johnson Tara , Eswaran Hari 
Published: April 2024

Key pointsWhat's already known about this topic?

A disproportionate number of children with cyanotic heart disease suffer from neurodevelopmental (ND) impairment, which is believed to be due in part to abnormal cerebral development in utero. Magnetoencephelography (MEG) is a non‐invasive method for assessing neurodevelopment, but has not been studied in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD).

What does this study add?

In this preliminary study, we showed the feasibility of performing MEG in fetuses with CHD. Fetuses with CHD had different magnetoencephalographic characteristics when compared with matched controls.
Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study on antifouling performance of antimicrobial peptide‐modified aluminum alloy surfaces
Authors: Liu Wencheng , Lou Tong , Bai Xiuqin , He Xiaoyan , Yuan Chengqing 
Published: April 2024

Marine biofouling poses a major challenge to ship navigation and hinders the development of the shipping industry. Urgent action is required to tackle this problem through the implementation of innovative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides have garnered considerable attention due to their outstanding effectiveness, wide range of activity, and eco‐friendly characteristics. This study involved grafting the antibacterial peptide andricin 01 (AIGHCLGATL) onto the surface of an aluminum alloy, thereby creating a modified surface with antibacterial properties. In summary, amino groups were introduced onto the surface of aluminum alloys through the silanization process using (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), and then the peptides were covalently immobilized on the treated surface using glutaraldehyde as a cross‐linking agent. The successful modification of the peptide was confirmed by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The antimicrobial peptide‐modified aluminum alloy surfaces exhibited significant bactericidal activity, killing 75.3% of Bacillus sp. and 85.5% of Escherichia coli, while achieving antifouling efficiencies of 88.6% and 90.7% against Bacillus sp. and E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the inserted of the peptides into the phospholipid membrane caused a change in the local membrane curvature, which eventually led to membrane rupture. These results provide valuable information for the application of antimicrobial peptides in the field of antifouling and the elucidation of antifouling mechanisms.
An All‐In‐One Integrating Strategy for Designing Platinum(II)‐Based Supramolecular Polymers for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Qin Yanyan , She Pengfei , Wang Yidi , Wong Wai‐Yeung 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOrganic polymer photocatalysts have achieved significant progress in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, while developing the integrated organic polymers possessing the functions of photosensitizer, electron transfer mediator, and catalyst simultaneously is urgently needed and presents a great challenge. Considering that chalcogenoviologens are able to act as photosensitizers and electron‐transfer mediators, a series of chalcogenoviologen‐containing platinum(II)‐based supramolecular polymers is designed, which exhibited strong visible light‐absorbing ability and suitable bandgap for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution without the use of a cocatalyst. The hydrogen evolution rate (HER) increases steadily with the decrease in an optical gap of the polymer. Among these “all‐in‐one” polymers, Se‐containing 2D porous polymer exhibited the best photocatalytic performance with a HER of 3.09 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light (>420 nm) irradiation. Experimental and theoretical calculations reveal that the distinct intramolecular charge transfer characteristics and heteroatom N in terpyridine unit promote charge separation and transfer within the molecules. This work could provide new insights into the design of metallo‐supramolecular polymers with finely tuned components for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water.
Deep Electron Redistributions Induced by Dual Junctions Facilitating Electroreduction of Dilute Nitrate to Ammonia
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Hua , Zhang Bo , Hong Yaohua , You Yang , Zhou Yuzhuo , Zhan Jiayu , Alonzo Poole David , Yu Fengshou 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe electronic states of metal catalysts can be redistributed by the rectifying contact between metal and semiconductor e.g., N‐doped carbon (NC), while the interfacial regulation degree is very limited. Herein, a deep electronic state regulation is achieved by constructing a novel double‐heterojunctional Co/Co3O4@NC catalyst containing Co/Co3O4 and Co3O4/NC heterojunctions. When used for dilute electrochemical NO3− reduction reaction (NO3RR), the as‐prepared Co/Co3O4@NC exhibits an outstanding Faradaic efficiency for NH3 formation (FENH3) of 97.9%, –0.4 V versus RHE and significant NH3 yield of 303.5 mmol h−1 gcat−1 at –0.6 V at extremely low nitrate concentrations (100 ppm NO3−‐N). Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the dual junctions of Co/Co3O4 and Co3O4/NC drive a unidirectional electron transfer from Co to NC (Co→Co3O4→NC), resulting in electron‐deficient Co atoms. The electron‐deficient Co promotes NO3− adsorption, the rate‐determining step (RDS) for NO3RR, facilitating the dilute NO3RR to NH3. The design strategy provides a novel reference for unidirectional multistage regulation of metal electronic states boosting electrochemical dilute NO3RR, which opens up an avenue for deep electronic state regulation of electrocatalyst breaking the limitation of the electronic regulation degree by rectifying contact.
Blockchain: Technology Transforming the Fashion Industry
Authors: Cedrola Elena , Kulaga Barbara , Pomi Grazia Li 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe use of digital technology in the apparel industry has changed massively in recent years and given the growing social awareness of the public, much of this technology is being applied to support sustainability practices. In this chapter, we look at the challenges faced by industries and how they can be supported by the application of blockchain technology. In particular, as far as fashion industries are concerned, it is mainly used to demonstrate the environmental quality of fashion products to consumers, protect brand image, and secure digital identities. Furthermore, as in several other business areas that we will briefly discuss, blockchain can solve data protection problems, reduce information asymmetry, and avoid fraud, including in payments. Finally, we present some cases, including Aura, the consortium launched by LVMH, through which some luxury brands have overcome individualism to develop a blockchain-based platform.