bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Current Stimulation of Prefrontal Cortex Is Not Effective in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Cappiello Arianna , Abate Filomena , Adamo Sarah , Tepedino Maria Francesca , Donisi Leandro , Ricciardi Carlo , Avallone Anna Rosa , Caterino Miriam , Cuoco Sofia , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Amboni Marianna , Barone Paolo , Erro Roberto , Picillo Marina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare 4R‐tauopathy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may improve specific symptoms.ObjectivesThis randomized, double‐blinded, sham‐controlled trial aimed at verifying the short‐, mid‐, and long‐term effect of multiple sessions of anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) cortex in PSP.MethodsTwenty‐five patients were randomly assigned to active or sham stimulation (2 mA for 20 minute) for 5 days/week for 2 weeks. Participants underwent assessments at baseline, after the 2‐week stimulation protocol, then after 45 days and 3 months from baseline. Primary outcomes were verbal and semantic fluency. The efficacy was verified with analysis of covariance.ResultsWe failed to detect a significant effect of active stimulation on primary outcomes. Stimulation was associated to worsening of specific behavioral complaints.ConclusionsA 2‐week protocol of anodal left DLPFC tDCS is not effective in PSP. Specific challenges in running symptomatic clinical trials with classic design are highlighted. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Standing Balance Conditions and Digital Sway Measures for Clinical Trials of Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Casey Hannah L. , Shah Vrutangkumar V. , Muzyka Daniel , McNames James , El‐Gohary Mahmoud , Sowalsky Kristen , Safarpour Delaram , Carlson‐Kuhta Patricia , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Rosenthal Liana S. , Perlman Susan , Rummey Christian , Horak Fay B. , Gomez Christopher M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundProgressive loss of standing balance is a feature of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA).ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify standing balance conditions and digital postural sway measures that best discriminate between FRDA and healthy controls (HC). We assessed test–retest reliability and correlations between sway measures and clinical scores.MethodsTwenty‐eight subjects with FRDA and 20 HC completed six standing conditions: feet apart, feet together, and feet tandem, both with eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed. Sway was measured using a wearable sensor on the lumbar spine for 30 seconds. Test completion rate, test–retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for each measure were compared to identify distinguishable FRDA sway characteristics from HC. Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the relationships between discriminative measures and clinical scores.ResultsThree of the six standing conditions had completion rates over 70%. Of these three conditions, natural stance and feet together with EO showed the greatest completion rates. All six of the sway measures' mean values were significantly different between FRDA and HC. Four of these six measures discriminated between groups with >0.9 AUC in all three conditions. The Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale Upright Stability and Total scores correlated with sway measures with P‐values <0.05 and r‐values (0.63–0.86) and (0.65–0.81), respectively.ConclusionDigital postural sway measures using wearable sensors are discriminative and reliable for assessing standing balance in individuals with FRDA. Natural stance and feet together stance with EO conditions suggest use in clinical trials for FRDA. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Graphene‐based transparent and tunable plus‐shaped refractive index sensor for detecting waterborne bacteria
Authors: Patel Shobhit K. , Parmar Yagnesh , Alsalman Osamah , Parmar Juveriya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWaterborne bacteria cause many dangerous diseases as well as several health‐related issues hence detection of them is a global challenge today. A plus‐shaped graphene sensor to detect waterborne bacteria is presented in this paper. The detection mechanism is based upon the refractive index difference between waterborne bacteria sample and pure water which causes a change in resonance peak in the transmittance graph. The use of graphene material increases the sensitivity and also gives the tuning behavior by changing its potential. The effect of various parameters such as sensitivity (S), Q factor, figure of merit (FOM), and detection limit are discussed in the paper. The maximum values Q factor and FOM are 13.46 and 4.03 RIU−1 respectively. The minimum detection limit is 0.277 RIU. The proposed sensor exhibits the highest sensitivity of 255 GHz/RIU at the optimum condition which is comparably higher than previously published papers on biosensors. The proposed design with its highest sensitivity and good detection parameters can be helpful in detecting waterborne bacteria.
A 3D dual‐echo spiral sequence for simultaneous dynamic susceptibility contrast and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with single bolus injection
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Wang Dinghui , Ooi Melvyn B. , Choudhary Poonam , Ragunathan Sudarshan , Karis John P. , Pipe James G. , Quarles C. Chad , Stokes Ashley M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposePerfusion MRI reveals important tumor physiological and pathophysiologic information, making it a critical component in managing brain tumor patients. This study aimed to develop a dual‐echo 3D spiral technique with a single‐bolus scheme to simultaneously acquire both dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) data and overcome the limitations of current EPI‐based techniques.MethodsA 3D spiral‐based technique with dual‐echo acquisition was implemented and optimized on a 3T MRI scanner with a spiral staircase trajectory and through‐plane SENSE acceleration for improved speed and image quality, in‐plane variable‐density undersampling combined with a sliding‐window acquisition and reconstruction approach for increased speed, and an advanced iterative deblurring algorithm. Four volunteers were scanned and compared with the standard of care (SOC) single‐echo EPI and a dual‐echo EPI technique. Two patients were scanned with the spiral technique during a preload bolus and compared with the SOC single‐echo EPI collected during the second bolus injection.ResultsVolunteer data demonstrated that the spiral technique achieved high image quality, reduced geometric artifacts, and high temporal SNR compared with both single‐echo and dual‐echo EPI. Patient perfusion data showed that the spiral acquisition achieved accurate DSC quantification comparable to SOC single‐echo dual‐dose EPI, with the additional DCE information.ConclusionA 3D dual‐echo spiral technique was developed to simultaneously acquire both DSC and DCE data in a single‐bolus injection with reduced contrast use. Preliminary volunteer and patient data demonstrated increased temporal SNR, reduced geometric artifacts, and accurate perfusion quantification, suggesting a competitive alternative to SOC‐EPI techniques for brain perfusion MRI.
Inline automatic quality control of 2D phase‐contrast flow MRI for subject‐specific scan time adaptation
Authors: Daudé Pierre , Ramasawmy Rajiv , Javed Ahsan , Lederman Robert J. , Chow Kelvin , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop an inline automatic quality control to achieve consistent diagnostic image quality with subject‐specific scan time, and to demonstrate this method for 2D phase‐contrast flow MRI to reach a predetermined SNR.MethodsWe designed a closed‐loop feedback framework between image reconstruction and data acquisition to intermittently check SNR (every 20 s) and automatically stop the acquisition when a target SNR is achieved. A free‐breathing 2D pseudo‐golden‐angle spiral phase‐contrast sequence was modified to listen for image‐quality messages from the reconstructions. Ten healthy volunteers and 1 patient were imaged at 0.55 T. Target SNR was selected based on retrospective analysis of cardiac output error, and performance of the automatic SNR‐driven “stop” was assessed inline.ResultsSNR calculation and automated segmentation was feasible within 20 s with inline deployment. The SNR‐driven acquisition time was 2 min 39 s ± 67 s (aorta) and 3 min ± 80 s (main pulmonary artery) with a min/max acquisition time of 1 min 43 s/4 min 52 s (aorta) and 1 min 43 s/5 min 50 s (main pulmonary artery) across 6 healthy volunteers, while ensuring a diagnostic measurement with relative absolute error in quantitative flow measurement lower than 2.1% (aorta) and 6.3% (main pulmonary artery).ConclusionThe inline quality control enables subject‐specific optimized scan times while ensuring consistent diagnostic image quality. The distribution of automated stopping times across the population revealed the value of a subject‐specific scan time.
A superhydrophobic zirconium‐based metal‐organic framework/cellulose fiber composite material
Authors: Hu Hanwen , Li Yu , Hong Xiansheng , Li Qian , Rao Ranyi , Gong Ziyu , Zheng Yuying 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCleanup of oil spills has become one of the most challenging tasks in recent years, as marine oil spills have had a great negative impact on human health and the ecological environment. This also urgently requires the development of new materials and methods with superhydrophobic properties for oil–water separation. As new porous materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention due to their unique structures and fascinating properties. However, powdered MOF materials are difficult to recycle, and therefore, suitable substrates need to be selected to construct superhydrophobic composites. The surface hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers offer great possibilities for their superhydrophobic preparation. In this paper, HDTMS‐UiO‐66@CFs composites with superhydrophobicity were strategically synthesized by in‐situ growth of Zr(IV)‐based MOFs linked to hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) on cellulosic fibers (cotton fabric) by using a hydrothermal synthesis method. The HDTMS‐UiO‐66@CFs composites have a water contact angle of 172° and the absorption capacity of light oil and heavy oil is more than 1100%, and the oil–water separation efficiency is as high as 96%. Due to the in‐situ growth of the HDTMS‐UiO‐66 material on cotton fibers, which makes the material more resistant and stable, the material can still maintain its superhydrophobic properties in various harsh environments and after repeated use. Therefore, the newly developed HDTMS‐UiO‐66@CFs composites have a high potential as novel adsorbent materials for cleaning up offshore oil spills and other applications.Highlights
In‐situ growth of superhydrophobic metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) particles on cellulose fibers.
The porous structure of hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS)‐UiO66 plays a key role in hydrophobicity.
HDTMS‐UiO66@CFs are chemically stable and have long‐term durability.
Influence of trimodal polymerization on melt rheology, thermal, and mechanical properties of HDPE resin
Authors: Bazgir H. , Hosseini SH , Sepahi A. , Houshmandmoayed S. , Afzali K. , Partovi rad A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTrimodal polymerization of polyethylene has become a research interest in recent years due to its excellent potential for altering material properties and overcoming the limitations of the bimodal process. Here, we have comprehensively investigated the effects of manipulating polymerization parameters, such as split value (SV), hydrogen‐to‐ethylene ratio (H2/C2), and stage switching, on the rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of synthesized trimodal high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). The synthesized samples were obtained through three consecutive stages in a slurry lab‐scale reactor. The results of molten state analysis demonstrate that recipe modification, particularly SV and H2/C2 balancing in the second and third stages, had a dramatic effect on the rheological properties including dynamic moduli, G′‐G″ crossover, and the shear‐thinning behavior. Concurrently, improvements in physio‐mechanical properties, such as sagging behavior and slow crack growth resistance (SCG), were observed compared to the bimodal resin. The thermal characterization indicates that the polymerization adjustments made did not notably impact the thermal properties of HDPE samples (e.g., Tm), throughout the all‐recipe manipulation. However, minor fluctuations in crystallinity and crystallization kinetics were observed which was presumably attributed to the molecular weight of the final resin. Overall, in our trimodal polymerization recipe, the HDPE powder is within the specified range of particle size distribution, which ensures excellent bulk density and flowability.Highlights
Influence of polymerization parameters such as split value, H2/C2, and stage switching in properties of trimodal HDPE.
HDPE resin received from split value and H2/C2 balancing have superior SCG and sagging resistance.
All HDPE samples synthesized by different recipes have similar thermal properties.
Relation of craze to crack length during slow crack growth phenomena in high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Schilling Markus , Niebergall Ute , Marschall Niklas , Meinel Dietmar , Böhning Martin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe craze‐crack mechanism occurring in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) causing slow crack growth and environmental stress cracking is investigated in detail with respect to the relation of crack length and the related craze zone. This is essential for the understanding of the resulting features of the formed fracture surface and their interpretation in the context of the transition from crack propagation to ductile shear deformation. It turns out that an already formed craze zone does not inevitably result in formation of a propagating crack, but could also undergo ductile failure. For the examination, the full notch creep test (FNCT) was employed with a subsequent advanced fracture surface analysis that was performed using various imaging techniques: light microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray micro computed tomography scan. FNCT specimens were progressively damaged for increasing durations under standard test conditions applying Arkopal, the standard surfactant solution, and biodiesel as test media were used to analyze the stepwise growth of cracks and crazes. From considerations based on well‐established fracture mechanics approaches, a theoretical correlation between the length of the actual crack and the length of the preceding craze zone was established that could be evidenced and affirmed by FNCT fracture surface analysis. Moreover, the yield strength of a HDPE material exposed to a certain medium as detected by a classic tensile test was found to be the crucial value of true stress to induce the transition from crack propagation due to the craze‐crack mechanism to shear deformation during FNCT measurements.Highlights
Progress of crack formation in high‐density polyethylene is analyzed by different imaging techniques
Determined growth rates depend on distinction between craze zone and crack
The ratio of the present crack to the anteceding craze zone is validated theoretically
The transition from crack propagation to ductile shear deformation is identified
An already formed craze zone may still fail by ductile mechanisms
Hydrothermal aging behavior of high‐performance polymeric fibers: Mechanical performance at the yarn scale and chemical analysis
Authors: Hoque Saiful , Saha Ankit , Chung Hyun‐Joong , Dolez Patricia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHigh‐performance fibers are used in fire‐protective garments due to their exceptional thermal stability and mechanical performance. However, these garments suffer from a reduction in their performance over their lifetime. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hydrothermal aging of 15 yarns contained in eight fabrics made of different fiber blends. The accelerated hydrothermal aging was performed via immersion in reverse osmosis (RO) and acidic water at temperatures between 40 °C and 90 °C for up to 1200 h. The resulting mechanical, chemical, and physicochemical changes in the yarns and fabrics were assessed. The result showed a large drop in the breaking force of yarns made from para‐aramid/polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber blends in all aging water conditions. For the other fabrics, aging in acidic water and a jar with the PBI‐containing fabrics generally caused a larger decrease in strength compared to aging in RO water in a separate jar. The results also showed that a change in crystallinity rather than in chemical structure appeared to be the cause for the changes in tensile strength after hydrothermal aging. The findings of this study will contribute to identifying strategies to improve the long‐term performance of fire‐protective fabrics.
Item response theory analysis of daytime sleepiness as a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wellhagen Gustaf J. , Karlsson Mats O. , Kjellsson Maria C. , Garmann Dirk , Bröker Astrid , Zhang Yang , Nokela Mika , Weimann Gerrit , Yassen Ashraf 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder which is linked to many health risks. The gold standard to evaluate OSA in clinical trials is the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (AHI). However, it is time‐consuming, costly, and disregards aspects such as quality of life. Therefore, it is of interest to use patient‐reported outcomes like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which measures daytime sleepiness, as surrogate end points. We investigate the link between AHI and ESS, via item response theory (IRT) modeling. Through the developed IRT model it was identified that AHI and ESS are not correlated to any high degree and probably not measuring the same sleepiness construct. No covariate relationships of clinical relevance were found. This suggests that ESS is a poor choice as an end point for clinical development if treatment is targeted at improving AHI, and especially so in a mild OSA patient group.
Role of carbon nanotubes in remediation of pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Bhayana Parag , Dandekar Trupti , Bala Rajni , Madaan Reecha , Mahajan Pooja 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe discharge of wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry poses risks of detrimental effects on various ecosystems. The presence of hazardous substances in pharmaceutical wastewater is a matter of global concern due to its association with multiple disorders, including disruptions in endocrine hormones and significant chronic toxicity. As research in this field continues to grow, the valorization to nanotechnology‐based treatment of industrial wastewater approaches. One prominent focus of recent research is the utilization of nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in treating pharmaceutical wastewater, aligns with the goals of sustainable development. CNTs demonstrate potential in efficiently mineralizing pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater, offering cost‐effectiveness, ease of handling, and efficacy. Additionally, CNTs possess the capability to remediate pharmaceutical wastewater at a relatively low cost, with the advantage of being recyclable. This review provides an overview of the diverse applications of various CNTs for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater, emphasizing the mechanisms of adsorption and degradation of these compounds using CNTs. Furthermore, it sheds light on the application of CNTs in photocatalysis as an economically viable and efficient solution.
Polyphosphate Nanoparticles: Balancing Energy Requirements in Tissue Regeneration Processes
Authors: Müller Werner E.G. , Neufurth Meik , Wang Shunfeng , Schröder Heinz C. , Wang Xiaohong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNanoparticles of a particular, evolutionarily old inorganic polymer found across the biological kingdoms have attracted increasing interest in recent years not only because of their crucial role in metabolism but also their potential medical applicability: it is inorganic polyphosphate (polyP). This ubiquitous linear polymer is composed of 10–1000 phosphate residues linked by high‐energy anhydride bonds. PolyP causes induction of gene activity, provides phosphate for bone mineralization, and serves as an energy supplier through enzymatic cleavage of its acid anhydride bonds and subsequent ATP formation. The biomedical breakthrough of polyP came with the development of a successful fabrication process, in depot form, as Ca‐ or Mg‐polyP nanoparticles, or as the directly effective polymer, as soluble Na‐polyP, for regenerative repair and healing processes, especially in tissue areas with insufficient blood supply. Physiologically, the platelets are the main vehicles for polyP nanoparticles in the circulating blood. To be biomedically active, these particles undergo coacervation. This review provides an overview of the properties of polyP and polyP nanoparticles for applications in the regeneration and repair of bone, cartilage, and skin. In addition to studies on animal models, the first successful proof‐of‐concept studies on humans for the healing of chronic wounds are outlined.
Wearable and Recyclable Water‐Toleration Sensor Derived from Lipoic Acid
Authors: Xu Weikun , Shen Tao , Ding Yutong , Ye Huijian , Wu Bozhen , Chen Feng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFlexible wearable sensors recently have made significant progress in human motion detection and health monitoring. However, most sensors still face challenges in terms of single detection targets, single application environments, and non‐recyclability. Lipoic acid (LA) shows a great application prospect in soft materials due to its unique properties. Herein, ionic conducting elastomers (ICEs) based on polymerizable deep eutectic solvents consisting of LA and choline chloride are prepared. In addition to the good mechanical strength, high transparency, ionic conductivity, and self‐healing efficiency, the ICEs exhibit swelling‐strengthening behavior and enhanced adhesion strength in underwater environments due to the moisture‐induced association of poly(LA) hydrophobic chains, thus making it possible for underwater sensing applications, such as underwater communication. As a strain sensor, it exhibits highly sensitive strain response with repeatability and durability, enabling the monitoring of both large and fine human motions, including joint movements, facial expressions, and pulse waves. Furthermore, due to the enhancement of ion mobility at higher temperatures, it also possesses excellent temperature‐sensing performance. Notably, the ICEs can be fully recycled and reused as a new strain/temperature sensor through heating. This study provides a novel strategy for enhancing the mechanical strength of poly(LA) and the fabrication of multifunctional sensors.