bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corrections for Rabi oscillations in cardiac chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI under the influence of very short preparation pulses
Authors: Schache Daniel , Peddi Ajay , Nahardani Ali , Faber Cornelius , Hoerr Verena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVery short chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pulses are beneficial in cardiac continuous wave (cw) CEST MRI, especially in small animals because of their rapid heartbeat; however, they result in signal modulations caused by Rabi oscillations. Therefore, we implemented two different filter techniques, DOwnsampling by SEparation of CEST spectrum into two parts (DOSE) and time domain (TD)‐based filtering, to correct for these signal corruptions, allowing a reliable quantification of glucose‐weighted CEST (glucoCEST) MRI contrast. In our study, cw CEST measurements were performed on a 9.4‐T small animal BioSpec system using CEST pulses in the range of 10 to 200 ms. Experimental dependencies of Rabi oscillations on key MRI parameters were validated by Bloch–McConnell (BM) simulations. Filter efficiency was explored in a glucose concentration series as well as in the myocardium of healthy mice (n = 8), and glucoCEST contrast was subsequently quantified. The experimental results showed that the impact of Rabi oscillations on CEST spectra increased with decreasing CEST pulse length, optimized B0 homogeneity, and shorter T2 relaxation time, in accordance with results from BM simulations. Both investigated filter techniques reduced these signal modulations significantly, with DOSE filtering preserving the amplitude and TD filtering the spectral information of CEST data more accurately. Upon filter application, a significant decrease in glucoCEST contrast in the myocardium of healthy mice was observed after glucose infusion (pTD = 0.0079, pDOSE = 0.0044). To conclude, this study offers comprehensive experimental insights into Rabi oscillations within CEST MRI data along with methodological considerations that could be further advanced into a robust and precise cardiac cw CEST protocol by integrating DOSE and TD filtering into the standard CEST analysis pipeline.
Fetuin B in white adipose tissue induces inflammation and is associated with peripheral insulin resistance in mice and humans
Authors: Pasmans Kenneth , Goossens Gijs H. , Groenhuijzen Evi , Kemper Esther J. , Reijnders Dorien , Most Jasper , Blaak Ellen E. , Watt Matthew J. , Meex Ruth C. R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveFetuin B is a steatosis‐responsive hepatokine that causes glucose intolerance in mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely described. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of fetuin B by investigating its putative effects on white adipose tissue metabolism.MethodsFirst, fetuin B gene and protein expression was measured in multiple organs in mice and in cultured adipocytes. Next, the authors performed a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp in mice and in humans to examine the link between white adipose tissue fetuin B content and indices of insulin sensitivity. Finally, the effect of fetuin B on inflammation was investigated in cultured adipocytes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and full RNA sequencing.ResultsThis study demonstrated in adipocytes and mice that fetuin B was produced and secreted by the liver and taken up by adipocytes and adipose tissue. There was a strong negative correlation between white adipose tissue fetuin B content and peripheral insulin sensitivity in mice and in humans. RNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that fetuin B induced an inflammatory response in adipocytes.ConclusionsFetuin B content in white adipose tissue strongly associated with peripheral insulin resistance in mice and humans. Furthermore, fetuin B induced a proinflammatory response in adipocytes, which might drive peripheral insulin resistance.
Biallellic variants in CACNA1S cause fetal akinesia sequence, progressive hydrops and stillbirth
Authors: Seed Emma , Noon Fallon , Milnes Di , Roscioli Tony , Kristensen Karl , Ellwood David , DaSilva Costa Fabricio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFetal arthrogryposis is a well‐recognised ultrasonographic phenotype, caused by both genetic, maternal and extrinsic factors. When present with fetal growth restriction, pulmonary hypoplasia and multiple joint contractures, it is often referred to as fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS). Historically, elucidating genetic causes of arthryogryposis/FADS has been challenging; there are now more than 150 genes known to cause arthrogryposis through myopathic, neuromuscular and metabolic pathways affecting fetal movement. FADS is associated with over 400 medical conditions making prenatal diagnosis challenging. Here we present a case of FADS diagnosed at 19 weeks gestation with progression to severe fetal hydrops and stillbirth at 26‐weeks gestation. Initial investigations including combined first trimester screening, TORCH (infection) screen and chromosomal microarray were normal. Trio whole exome sequencing (WES) detected compound heterozygous likely pathogenic CACNA1S gene variants associated with autosomal dominant (AD) and autosomal recessive (AR) congenital myopathy and FADS. To our knowledge, this is the first prenatal diagnosis of this condition.
Structure‐based development of a canine TNF‐α‐specific antibody using adalimumab as a template
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Chung , Kuo Wen‐Chih , Chang Ya‐Wen , Hsu Shu‐Fang , Wu Chia‐Hung , Chen Ya‐Wen , Chang Jui‐Jen , Wang Andrew H.‐J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe canine anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) monoclonal antibody is a potential therapeutic option for treating canine arthritis. The current treatments for arthritis in dogs have limitations due to side effects, emphasizing the need for safer and more effective therapies. The crystal structure of canine TNF‐α (cTNF‐α) was successfully determined at a resolution of 1.85 Å, and the protein was shown to assemble as a trimer, with high similarity to the functional quaternary structure of human TNF‐α (hTNF‐α). Adalimumab (Humira), a known TNF‐α inhibitor, effectively targets and neutralizes TNF‐α to reduce inflammation and has been used to manage autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. By comparing the structure of cTNF‐α with the complex structure of hTNF‐α and adalimumab‐Fab, the epitope of adalimumab on cTNF‐α was identified. The significant structural similarities of epitopes in cTNF‐α and hTNF‐α indicate the potential of using adalimumab to target cTNF‐α. Therefore, a canine/human chimeric antibody, Humivet‐R1, was created by grafting the variable domain of adalimumab onto a canine antibody framework derived from ranevetmab. Humivet‐R1 exhibits potent neutralizing ability (IC50 = 0.05 nM) and high binding affinity (EC50 = 0.416 nM) to cTNF‐α, comparable to that of adalimumab for both hTNF‐α and cTNF‐α. These results strongly suggest that Humivet‐R1 has the potential to provide effective treatment for canine arthritis with reduced side effects. Here, we propose a structure‐guided antibody design for the use of a chimeric antibody to treat canine inflammatory disease. Our successful development strategy can speed up therapeutic antibody discovery for animals and has the potential to revolutionize veterinary medicine.
Greedy maximal independent sets via local limits
Authors: Krivelevich Michael , Mészáros Tamás , Michaeli Peleg , Shikhelman Clara 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe random greedy algorithm for finding a maximal independent set in a graph constructs a maximal independent set by inspecting the graph's vertices in a random order, adding the current vertex to the independent set if it is not adjacent to any previously added vertex. In this paper, we present a general framework for computing the asymptotic density of the random greedy independent set for sequences of (possibly random) graphs by employing a notion of local convergence. We use this framework to give straightforward proofs for results on previously studied families of graphs, like paths and binomial random graphs, and to study new ones, like random trees and sparse random planar graphs. We conclude by analysing the random greedy algorithm more closely when the base graph is a tree.
Effects of dry aging and heating on the structural characteristics and transformation of hexagonal turbostratic birnessite
Authors: Yin Hui , Zhang Shuang , Xiang Yongjin , Zuo Wenbin , Hou Jingtao , Zhang Jing , Hong Mei , Feng Xionghan , Tan Wenfeng , Liu Fan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNatural birnessite‐like minerals are commonly enriched in various transition metals, such as iron (Fe). Though the fates of metals associated with birnessites during mineral transformation in aqueous conditions are thoroughly studied, we determined the Fe behaviors in Fe‐doped hexagonal turbostratic birnessites during mineral evolution in dry state at room temperature for 8 years and upon thermal treatments at temperatures ranging from 323 to 773 K, covering the temperatures in extreme environments such as wildfires. These Fe‐containing birnessites were very stable upon aging in the dry state. Upon thermal treatment, the birnessite sample with a small amount of Fe (≤2.8 wt.%) was transformed to cryptomelane at 573–673 K, while for the sample with ∼5.6 wt.% Fe, the transformation temperature increased to 673–773 K. This indicated that Fe adsorption enhanced the birnessite's thermal stability. Further, there was a linear relationship between the fraction of edge‐sharing Fe–Fe(Mn) pairs and temperature over 298–473 K. This implied the migration of Fe adsorbed on vacancies into birnessite layers and/or increased edge‐sharing of Fe around vacancies from adjacent layers during heating. The average manganese (Mn) valences in the Mn dioxides were almost constant with the increase in temperature when the layer structure was kept, but greatly increased when the tectomanganate was formed. These results provided deep insights into the mechanisms of Mn dioxide mineral transformation and the fates of associated metals under extreme conditions in terrestrial environments.
A Zinc Oxide Nanowire‐Modified Mineralized Collagen Scaffold Promotes Infectious Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Li Zixin , Guo Bowen , Wang Qibo , Chen Liyuan , Zhu Lisha , Zhang Ting , Wang Ruoxi , Li Weiran , Luo Dan , Liu Yan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBone infection poses a major clinical challenge that can hinder patient recovery and exacerbate postoperative complications. This study has developed a bioactive composite scaffold through the co‐assembly and intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen fibrils and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (IMC/ZnO). The IMC/ZnO exhibits bone‐like hierarchical structures and enhances capabilities for osteogenesis, antibacterial activity, and bacteria‐infected bone healing. During co‐cultivation with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), the IMC/ZnO improves BMMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation even under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, it suppresses the activity of Gram‐negative Porphyromonas gingivalis and Gram‐positive Streptococcus mutans by releasing zinc ions within the acidic infectious microenvironment. In vivo, the IMC/ZnO enables near‐complete healing of infected bone defects within the intricate oral bacterial milieu, which is attributed to IMC/ZnO orchestrating M2 macrophage polarization, and fostering an osteogenic and anti‐inflammatory microenvironment. Overall, these findings demonstrate the promise of the bioactive scaffold IMC/ZnO for treating bacteria‐infected bone defects.
Self‐Powered and Broadband Photodetectors Based on High‐performance Mixed Dimensional Sb2O3/PdTe2/Si Heterojunction for Multiplex Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Wang Jingyao , Ling Cuicui , Xue Xin , Ji Hongguang , Rong Chen , Xue Qingzhong , Zhou Peiheng , Wang Chuanke , Lu Haipeng , Liu Wenpeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSolar‐blind ultraviolet (SBUV) to near‐infrared (NIR) broadband photodetectors (BB‐PD) have important applications in environmental monitoring and other applications. However, it is challenging to prepare SBUV–IR photosensitive materials via simple steps and to construct SBUV–IR broadband devices for multiplex detection with high sensitivity at different wavelengths. Here, self‐powered and broadband photodetectors using a high‐performance mixed dimensional Sb2O3 nanorod 1‐dimension (1D)/monodisperse microdiamond‐like PdTe2 3‐dimension (3D)/Si (3D) heterojunction for multiplex detection of environmental pollutants with high sensitivity at broadband wavelength are developed. The 1D/3D mixed dimensional Sb2O3/PdTe2/Si structure combines the advantages of strong light absorption, high carrier transport efficiency of 1D Sb2O3 nanorods, and expansion of interface barrier caused by 3D microdiamond‐like PdTe2 interlayer to improve the photocurrent density and self‐powered ability. The efficient photogenerated charge separation enables anon/off ratio of more than 5 × 106. The device exhibits excellent photoelectric properties from 255 to 980 nm with the responsivity from 4.56 × 10−2 to 6.55 × 10−1 AW−1, the detectivity from 2.36 × 1012 to 3.39 × 1013 Jones, and the sensitivity from 3.90 × 107 to 1.10 × 1010 cm2 W−1 without external bias. Finally, the proposed device is applied for the multiplex monitoring of environmental pollution gases NO2 with the detection limit of 200 ppb and PM2.5 particles at mild pollution at broadband wavelength. The proposed BB‐PD has great potential for multiplex detection of environmental pollutants and other analytes at broadband wavelength.
The inter‐history iteration method for seismic response analysis of seismically isolated structures and its secondary development based on ABAQUS
Authors: Jia Chuanguo , Li Yutao , Su Hongchen , Gan Min , Chen Longchang , Guo Weinan 
Published: December 2023

SummaryIn seismic response analysis of seismically isolated structures (SISs), the nonlinearity is concentrated in the isolation layer while the upper structure behaves linearly, making SISs locally nonlinear systems. This paper proposed a novel seismic analysis method based on equivalent linearization (EL) and iterative solution for SISs. In this method, the equilibrium equations of an SIS are expressed by the second‐order ordinary differential equations of the structural system as well as the hysteretic force of seismic isolation bearings (SIBs). Based on EL theory, the linearized equilibrium equations of the overall system were reconstructed in which the EL parameters are derived theoretically. The inter‐history iteration (IHI) method was proposed to solve the linearized equation system and calculate the EL parameters in sequence iteratively for seismic response analysis of SISs, thus reducing computational cost without excessive loss of accuracy. In addition, the secondary development of the proposed method was programmed in ABAQUS for ease of engineering applications. Finally, the convergence and accuracy of the method were investigated through numerical simulation of an SIS case study. As the numerical investigation indicates, the proposed method considers the coupling between structural response and the EL parameters, achieving a high convergence rate and satisfactory solution accuracy. The ABAQUS secondary development program utilizes the powerful pre‐processor, post‐processor, and solvers of ABAQUS, making the IHI method more appropriate for engineering applications.
Shaking table test of the shock absorbing performance of a new cable‐damper stopper for coal‐fired thermal power plants
Authors: Jiang Yuheng , Duan Liping , Yue Feng , Zhao Jincheng 
Published: December 2023

SummaryCoal‐fired thermal power plants play important roles in daily life but are vulnerable to earthquakes. This paper presents a novel cable‐damper stopper with linear damping and carries out a series of shaking table tests to evaluate its performance on a 1/25‐scaled coal‐fired thermal power plant. The stopper consists of a cable, a linear viscous damper and a steel block attached to the boiler. The seismic responses of the structure equipped with different sets of cable‐damper stoppers which are of different damping coefficients and diameters of cables were studied and evaluated, where three seismic ground motions with two intensities were selected as input motions. The obtained acceleration and displacement responses of the support structure and the boiler reveal that the stopper cable effectively restrains the relative displacement between the boiler and the support structure. Furthermore, it can be found that the damping affects the seismic protection performance of the stopper depending on the intensity of the boiler vibration. In the paper, the working mechanism of the stopper is also analyzed based on the test data. It turns out that the stopper is more effective when it works under severe earthquakes.
Seismic performance evaluation of reinforced concrete hilly buildings under sequence of earthquakes
Authors: Aggarwal Yati , Kulariya Mahipal , Saha Sandip Kumar 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe present study investigates the effect of earthquake sequences on the response of reinforced concrete hilly buildings having typical configurations, that is, stepback and split‐foundation, with three different story ratios. A set of 30 as‐recorded mainshock‐aftershock sequence of earthquake ground motions is considered for this study. Mainshock acceleration time histories are scaled at two distinct intensity levels to obtain the mainshock‐damaged building. These mainshock‐damaged hilly buildings are then subjected to aftershocks. A comparative study is performed for various response quantities, such as peak interstory drift ratio, peak floor acceleration, and peak roof displacement of undamaged and mainshock‐damaged buildings under aftershocks. Further, fragility analysis is carried out to study the effect of aftershocks on undamaged and mainshock‐damaged hilly buildings. Subsequently, component‐wise seismic loss estimation due to damage in the non‐structural and structural components is performed. It is concluded from the study that the building components that contribute maximum to the expected repair cost ratio vary with respect to the intensity of the aftershocks. Also, the estimated seismic loss is higher in mainshock‐damaged split‐foundation buildings in comparison to stepback buildings.
Etiology and management outcomes of adult mechanical bowel obstruction in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Falola Adebayo Feranmi , Dada Oluwasina Samuel , Ndong Abdourahmane , Akande Damilola Grace 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdult mechanical bowel obstruction (AMBO) has been previously reported to be majorly caused by hernias in developing countries. In Nigeria, however, there has been a recent change in pattern with adhesions now being the leading cause. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the changing pattern of the causes, and outcomes of patients managed for AMBO in Nigeria.MethodsRelevant keywords relating to AMBO were used to conduct a search on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AJOL. The search returned 507 articles, which were subjected to title, abstract, and full text screenings, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This generated 10 articles which were included in the final qualitative synthesis.ResultsThe total sample size across the 10 studies was 1033. Adhesions, hernias, and intra‐abdominal tumors, responsible for 46.25%, 26.31%, and 12.23% of cases respectively, were the major causes of AMBO in Nigeria. 65.6% of cases were managed operatively and 34.4% were managed conservatively. The meta‐analysis revealed high morbidity and mortality rates of 31% (95% CI: 17; 44, 5) and 11% (95% CI: 6; 15, 5), respectively, among adult patients managed for mechanical bowel obstruction in Nigeria.ConclusionsAdhesion, which results predominantly from appendicectomy is the most common cause of AMBO in Nigeria. This is unlike former reports where hernia was the most common cause. Morbidity results majorly from wound infection, recurrent adhesions, and postoperative enterocutaneous fistula. The mortality rate is similar to reports from various West African studies, and it is significantly influenced by surgical intervention time.
Long‐term outcome of retroperitoneoscopic partial versus total adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Alesina P. F. , Kniazeva P. , Pinto G. , Pontin A. , Walz M. K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe analyze the long‐term outcome of surgery for Cushing's syndrome (CS) and the influence of the extent of surgical resection on the duration of postoperative cortisone substitution.MethodsOne‐hundred forty‐one patients (129 female, 12 males; mean age: 45.7 ± 12.8 years) operated between January 2000 to June 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients suffered from manifest (124) or subclinical (17) CS due to benign unilateral adrenal neoplasia. All tumors were removed by the posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach. 105 patients had total (TA) and 36 partial (PA) adrenalectomies. All patients were discharged with ongoing corticosteroid supplementation therapy.ResultsFollow‐up data could be obtained for 83 patients. Twenty‐four (1 male, 23 females; mean age 42.3 years) underwent PA and 59 TA (6 males, 53 females; mean age 44.6 years). Mean follow‐up time was 107 ± 68 months (range: 6–243 months). The median duration of postoperative corticosteroid therapy was 9.5 months after PA and 11 months after TA (p = 0.1). Significantly, more patients after total adrenalectomy required corticosteroid therapy for more than 24 months (25% vs. 4%; p = 0.03). Recurrent ipsilateral disease occurred in one case after partial adrenalectomy and was treated by completion adrenalectomy. A case of contralateral recurrence associated with subclinical Cushing's syndrome was observed after total adrenalectomy.ConclusionsThe risk of local recurrence after partial adrenalectomy in CS is low. Cortical‐sparing surgery may shorten corticosteroid supplementation therapy after surgery.