bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction of polyamide 6 polymer and its composite by adding wax under self‐operation conditions
Authors: Unal H. , Yetgin S. H. , Kastan A. , Ermis K. , Unal V. F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPolyamide polymers are widely used in tribological areas in a wide range of industries. The purpose of this study is to extend the tribological life of this material. For this purpose, composite materials were produced by adding solid lubricants such as graphite and wax to the polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix at different rates, and the synergistic effect of these composites on tribological behavior was investigated. Tribological experiments were carried out under dry sliding conditions and on themselves. The polyamide 6/graphite/wax composites were first produced in the form of granules in a twin‐screw extruder, and then test samples were molded using the injection molding technique. Wear tests were performed using a pin‐on‐disc wear device. Tribological tests were carried out at a sliding speed of 0.5 m s−1 and under loads ranging from 10 N to 250 N. Following the experiments, the friction coefficient, specific wear rate, and surface wear were determined under the condition of the materials working on each other. The results showed that the lowest specific wear rate and friction coefficient were obtained for the polyamide 6 composites containing 6 % wax and 15 % glass fiber working on each other.
Research progress in degradable metal‐based multifunctional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: He Jian , Li Kun , Wu Tingkui , Chen Jiafang , Li Sanqiang , Zhang Xiangchun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of orthopedic‐related diseases necessitates the development of effective orthopedic implants. Conventional metal scaffolds used in orthopedic devices have limitations such as poor biocompatibility and the need for a second surgery to remove the scaffold. Degradable metal‐based scaffolds, including metal‐based scaffolds and multifunctional scaffolds doped with metal elements, are a rapidly developing tissue engineering strategy aimed at utilizing the mechanical and biological properties of metal elements to create a support structure that matches the complex bone regeneration environment. Repairing bone defects involves the regeneration of various tissues, and incomplete repair can negatively affect bone function and overall recovery. Therefore, combining metal‐based degradable materials with other active components has great potential for enhancing the versatility and clinical applications of scaffolds. Multifunctional scaffolds doped with metal elements have better biocompatibility, osteoinductivity, biodegradability, matching mechanical, and microenvironmental adjustment capabilities. Moreover, these metal‐doped scaffolds possess the advantages of controlled release of metal ions, multifunctionality, and faster degradation. This review focuses on the materials and techniques used for constructing degradable metal‐based scaffolds. Furthermore, this study discussed the potential for designing and constructing multifunctional biodegradable metal‐based scaffolds doped with metal elements by integrating multiple strategies.
Relationship between the Rod complex and peptidoglycan structure in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ago Risa , Tahara Yuhei O. , Yamaguchi Honoka , Saito Motoya , Ito Wakana , Yamasaki Kaito , Kasai Taishi , Okamoto Sho , Chikada Taiki , Oshima Taku , Osaka Issey , Miyata Makoto , Niki Hironori , Shiomi Daisuke 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPeptidoglycan for elongation in Escherichia coli is synthesized by the Rod complex, which includes RodZ. Although various mutant strains of the Rod complex have been isolated, the relationship between the activity of the Rod complex and the overall physical and chemical structures of the peptidoglycan have not been reported. We constructed a RodZ mutant, termed RMR, and analyzed the growth rate, morphology, and other characteristics of cells producing the Rod complexes containing RMR. The growth and morphology of RMR cells were abnormal, and we isolated suppressor mutants from RMR cells. Most of the suppressor mutations were found in components of the Rod complex, suggesting that these suppressor mutations increase the integrity and/or the activity of the Rod complex. We purified peptidoglycan from wild‐type, RMR, and suppressor mutant cells and observed their structures in detail. We found that the peptidoglycan purified from RMR cells had many large holes and different compositions of muropeptides from those of WT cells. The Rod complex may be a determinant not only for the whole shape of peptidoglycan but also for its highly dense structure to support the mechanical strength of the cell wall.
Accelerated Transcranial Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Samuel Nardin , Ding Mandy Yi Rong , Sarica Can , Darmani Ghazaleh , Harmsen Irene E. , Grippe Talyta , Chen Xingyu , Yang Andrew , Nasrkhani Negar , Zeng Ke , Chen Robert , Lozano Andres M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveLow‐intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (TUS) is a novel method for neuromodulation. We aimed to study the feasibility of stimulating the bilateral primary motor cortices (M1) with accelerated theta‐burst TUS (a‐tbTUS) on neurophysiologic and clinical outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to receive active or sham a‐tbTUS for the first visit and the alternate condition on the second visit, at least 10 days apart. a‐tbTUS was administered in three consecutive sonications at 30‐minute intervals. We used an accelerated protocol to produce an additive effect of stimulation. Patients were studied in the OFF‐medication state. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐elicited motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to assess motor cortical excitability before and after TUS. Clinical outcomes after a‐tbTUS administration were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS)‐III.ResultsA total of 20 visits were conducted in 10 PD patients. Compared to the baseline, TMS‐elicited MEP amplitudes significantly increased following active but not sham sonication (P = 0.0057). MEP amplitudes were also higher following a‐tbTUS than sham sonication (P = 0.0064). There were no statistically significant changes in MDS‐UPDRS‐III scores with active or sham a‐tbTUS.Conclusionsa‐tbTUS increases motor cortex excitability and is a feasible non‐invasive neuromodulation strategy in PD. Future studies should determine optimal dosing parameters and the durability of neurophysiologic and clinical outcomes in PD patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Genotypic variants of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis genes in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia from different regions of Iran
Authors: Nezhad Seyed Reza Kazemi , Aligoodarzi Pegah Namdar , Rostami Golale , Shariati Gholamreza , Galehdari Hamid , Saberi Alihossein , Sedaghat Alireza , Hamid Mohammad 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundHyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is a metabolic disorder classified into phenylalanine‐4‐hydroxylase (PAH) and non‐PAH deficiency. The latter is produced by mutations in genes involved in the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis pathway and DNAJC12 pathogenetic variants. The BH4 metabolism, including de novo biosynthesis involved genes (i.e., guanosine 5′‐triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH/GCH1), sepiapterin reductase (SR/SPR), 6‐pyruvoyl‐tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS/PTS)), and two genes that play roles in cofactor regeneration pathway (i.e., dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR/QDPR) and pterin‐4α‐carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD/PCBD1)). The subsequent systemic hyperphenylalaninemia and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency lead to neurological consequences. The high rate of consanguineous marriages in Iran substantially increases the incidence of BH4 deficiency.MethodsWe utilized the Sanger sequencing technique in this study to investigate 14 Iranian patients with non‐PAH deficiency. All affected subjects in this study had HPA and no mutation was detected in their PAH gene.ResultsWe successfully identified six mutant alleles in BH4‐deficiency‐associated genes, including three novel mutations: one in QDPR, one in PTS, and one in the PCBD1 gene, thus giving a definite diagnosis to these patients.ConclusionIn this light, appropriate patient management may follow. The clinical effect of reported variants is essential for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in the patients' families and significant for the improvement of precision medicine.
Early‐onset diabetes mellitus as a presenting feature of Werner's syndrome in an Indian family
Authors: Hoff Fieke W. , Xing Chao , Simha Vinaya , Agarwal Anil K. , Zhang Xunzhi , Lekkala Leena , Vaishnav Madhumati S. , Vuitch Frank , Garg Abhimanyu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) in children and adolescents is typically caused by type 1 DM, followed by type 2 DM and maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We report an unusual Asian Indian family in which three members presented with DM at ages 15, 20, and 30, but not fitting the typical clinical picture of type 1 DM, type 2 DM, or MODY. The primary objective was to elucidate the molecular genetic basis of DM in this family.MethodsThe proband, a 22‐year‐old man, had short stature, gray hair, osteoporosis, and markedly reduced subcutaneous fat on the body, especially on the extremities along with acanthosis nigricans, and developed myxoid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Detailed family history revealed multiple loops of consanguinity. The proband underwent whole‐genome sequencing, and seven relatives underwent whole‐exome sequencing.ResultsThe proband and three additional family members were found to have the homozygous c.561A>G nucleotide variant of WRN RecQ‐like helicase (WRN) gene consistent with the diagnosis of Werner's syndrome. The c.561A>G variant induces a new splicing site on exon 6 resulting in a truncated WRN protein, p.Lys187Trpfs*13.ConclusionOur report brings to attention the onset of DM during childhood or early adulthood in patients with Werner's syndrome who typically develop type 2 DM around the age of 30–40 years. Presence of consanguinity among parents, dysmorphic features, and malignancy should prompt consideration of diagnosis of Werner's syndrome.
Dose reduction in sequence scanning 4D CT imaging through respiratory signal‐guided tube current modulation: A feasibility study
Authors: Schwarz Annette , Werner René , Wimmert Lukas , Vornehm Marc , Gauer Tobias , Hofmann Christian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory signal‐guided 4D CT sequence scanning such as the recently introduced Intelligent 4D CT (i4DCT) approach reduces image artifacts compared to conventional 4D CT, especially for irregular breathing. i4DCT selects beam‐on periods during scanning such that data sufficiency conditions are fulfilled for each couch position. However, covering entire breathing cycles during beam‐on periods leads to redundant projection data and unnecessary dose to the patient during long exhalation phases.PurposeWe propose and evaluate the feasibility of respiratory signal‐guided dose modulation (i.e., temporary reduction of the CT tube current) to reduce the i4DCT imaging dose while maintaining high projection data coverage for image reconstruction.MethodsThe study is designed as an in‐silico feasibility study. Dose down‐ and up‐regulation criteria were defined based on the patients’ breathing signals and their representative breathing cycle learned before and during scanning. The evaluation (including an analysis of the impact of the dose modulation criteria parameters) was based on 510 clinical 4D CT breathing curves. Dose reduction was determined as the fraction of the downregulated dose delivery time to the overall beam‐on time. Furthermore, under the assumption of a 10‐phase 4D CT and amplitude‐based reconstruction, beam‐on periods were considered negatively affected by dose modulation if the downregulation period covered an entire phase‐specific amplitude range for a specific breathing phase (i.e., no appropriate reconstruction of the phase image possible for this specific beam‐on period). Corresponding phase‐specific amplitude bins are subsequently denoted as compromised bins.ResultsDose modulation resulted in a median dose reduction of 10.4% (lower quartile: 7.4%, upper quartile: 13.8%, maximum: 28.6%; all values corresponding to a default parameterization of the dose modulation criteria). Compromised bins were observed in 1.0% of the beam‐on periods (72 / 7370 periods) and affected 10.6% of the curves (54/510 curves). The extent of possible dose modulation depends strongly on the individual breathing patterns and is weakly correlated with the median breathing cycle length (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.22, p < 0.001). Moreover, the fraction of beam‐on periods with compromised bins is weakly anti‐correlated with the patient's median breathing cycle length (Spearman correlation coefficient ‐0.24; p < 0.001). Among the curves with the 17% longest average breathing cycles, no negatively affected beam‐on periods were observed.ConclusionRespiratory signal‐guided dose modulation for i4DCT imaging is feasible and promises to significantly reduce the imaging dose with little impact on projection data coverage. However, the impact on image quality remains to be investigated in a follow‐up study.
Comparative review of algorithms and methods for chemical‐shift‐encoded quantitative fat‐water imaging
Authors: Daudé Pierre , Roussel Tangi , Troalen Thomas , Viout Patrick , Hernando Diego , Guye Maxime , Kober Frank , Confort Gouny Sylviane , Bernard Monique , Rapacchi Stanislas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeTo propose a standardized comparison between state‐of‐the‐art open‐source fat‐water separation algorithms for proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and quantification using an open‐source multi‐language toolbox.MethodsEight recent open‐source fat‐water separation algorithms were compared in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. Multi‐echo data were synthesized with varying fat‐fractions, B0 off‐resonance, SNR and TEs. Experimental evaluation was conducted using calibrated fat‐water phantoms acquired at 3T and multi‐site open‐source phantoms data. Algorithms' performances were observed on challenging in vivo datasets at 3T. Finally, reconstruction algorithms were investigated with different fat spectra to evaluate the importance of the fat model.ResultsIn silico and in vitro results proved most algorithms to be not sensitive to fat‐water swaps and offsets with five or more echoes. However, two methods remained inaccurate even with seven echoes and SNR = 50, and two other algorithms' precision depended on the echo spacing scheme (p < 0.05). The remaining four algorithms provided reliable performances with limits of agreement under 2% for PDFF and 6 s−1 for . The choice of fat spectrum model influenced quantification of PDFF mildly (<2% bias) and of more severely, with errors up to 20 s−1.ConclusionIn promoting standardized comparisons of MRI‐based fat and iron quantification using chemical‐shift encoded multi‐echo methods, this benchmark work has revealed some discrepancies between recent approaches for PDFF and mapping. Explicit choices and parameterization of the fat‐water algorithm appear necessary for reproducibility. This open‐source toolbox further enables the user to optimize acquisition parameters by predicting algorithms' margins of errors.
Penalty hexahedral element formulation for flexoelectric solids based on consistent couple stress theory
Authors: Shang Yan , Deng Zhuo , Cen Song , Li Chen‐Feng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis work proposes a penalty 20‐node hexahedral element for size‐dependent electromechanical analysis based on the consistent couple stress theory. The nodal rotation degrees of freedom (DOFs) are used to approximate the mechanical rotation, meeting the C1 requirement in a weak sense by using the penalty function method, and to effectively enhance the standard isoparametric interpolation for determining the displacement test function. The normalized stress functions that satisfy the relevant equilibrium equation and strain compatibility equation a priori are employed to formulate the stress trial function. Since the element has only three displacement, three rotation and the electric potential DOFs per node, it has relatively simple formulation and can be readily incorporated into the existing finite element program. Several benchmarks are examined and the results demonstrate that the new element has good numerical accuracy and captures the size dependence effectively. In addition, the influence of the micro‐inertia on electromechanical dynamic responses of flexoelectric solids at small scale are analyzed using the proposed element. It is shown that the nature frequency decreases with the increase of micro‐inertia and in general, the influences are more obvious on higher order modes.
Efficacy of the Bonebridge BCI602 for Adult Patients with Single‐sided Deafness: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Hantai , Park Moo Kyun , Park Shi Nae , Cho Hyong‐Ho , Choi Jae Young , Lee Chi Kyou , Lee Il‐Woo , Moon Il Joon , Jung Jae Yun , Jung Jinsei , Lee Kyu‐Yup , Oh Jeong‐Hoon , Park Hong Ju , Seo Jae‐Hyun , Song Jae‐Jin , Ha Jungho , Jang Jeong Hun , Choung Yun‐Hoon 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel active transcutaneous bone conduction implant (BCI) device for patients with single‐sided deafness (SSD).Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral hospitals.MethodsThis prospective multicenter study was conducted at 15 institutions nationwide. Thirty adult (aged ≥19 years) SSD patients were recruited. They underwent implantation of an active transcutaneous BCI device (Bonebridge BCI602). Objective outcomes included aided pure‐tone thresholds, aided speech discrimination scores (SDSs), and the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and sound localization test results. The Bern Benefit in Single‐Sided Deafness (BBSS) questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were used to measure subjective benefits.ResultsThe mean aided pure‐tone threshold was 34.2 (11.3), mean (SD), dB HL at 500 to 4000 Hz. The mean total BBSS score was 27.5 (13.8). All APHAB questionnaire domain scores showed significant improvements: ease of communication, 33.6 (23.2) versus 22.6 (21.3), P = .025; reverberation, 44.8 (16.6) versus 32.8 (15.9), P = .002; background noise, 55.5 (23.6) versus 35.2 (18.1), P < .001; and aversiveness, 36.7 (22.8) versus 25.8 (21.4), P = .028. Moreover, the THI scores were significantly reduced [47.4 (30.1) versus 31.1 (27.0), P = .003]. Congenital SSD was a significant factor of subjective benefit (−11.643; 95% confidence interval: −21.946 to −1.340).ConclusionThe BCI602 active transcutaneous BCI device can provide functional hearing gain without any adverse effects and is a feasible option for acquired SSD patients with long‐term deafness.
Positive Outcome Bias in the Influential Otolaryngology Clinical Trial Literature
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ho , Tsai Matthew , Mukdad Laith , St. John Maie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess for the presence of positive outcome bias in the otolaryngology clinical trial literature. Specifically, we investigate the prevalence of clinical trials with positive findings (CTP) and clinical trials with negative findings (CTN), as well as their quality of evidence and subsequent impact.Study DesignRetrospective analysis.SettingClinical Trials in the Influential Otolaryngology Literature.MethodsWe reviewed all clinical trials published in 4 major otolaryngology journals between 2000 and 2020. We constructed several multivariable regression models to investigate the relationship of finding direction with randomization status and citation count. Subsequently, we incorporated an interaction term between year and the primary covariate of each model to assess the temporal trajectory of these relationships. All models accounted for sample size, journal, subspecialty, and the affiliated program prestige.ResultsOf the 1367 trials analyzed, 1143 (84%) were CTPs, a rate that persisted throughout the study period (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98‐1.03). CTPs were significantly less likely to be randomized compared to CTNs (aOR 0.25, 0.17‐0.37), a relationship that persisted over time (aOR 1.05, 0.99‐1.03). CTPs received significantly more citations compared to CTNs (aIRR 1.41, 1.25‐1.60), a disparity that also persisted over time (aIRR 0.99, 0.97‐1.01).ConclusionThe otolaryngology clinical trial literature has been heavily dominated by positive findings. CTPs were more frequently cited and published even with a lower level of evidence compared to CTNs. This bias may influence the objectivity of evidence used to guide clinical practice and warrants attention when reviewing findings and changing practices.
“The Pedagogical Legacy of Dr. Chevalier Jackson: An Archival Visit to the John Q. Adams History Center at the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery”
Authors: Alrassi James , Daniels Adam , Rosenfeld Richard M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article explores the historic records of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery's (AAO‐HNS) John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, with particular attention paid to the Dr. Chevalier Jackson Collection. The library houses diverse materials that would be of interest to medical historians seeking to understand the early innovations in our specialty. With a repository of over 2200 items chronicling over 200‐years of otolaryngological history, the library contains special collections dedicated to Drs. Maurice H. Cottle, Samuel Rosen, Adam Politzer, and Chevalier Jackson. An original aim of this visit sought to understand Dr. Jackson's early contributions to the fields of laryngology, bronchology, and esophagology; yet, an intimate review of his works, including autobiographical material, reveals a fascinating pedagogical legacy.