bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of patellofemoral osteoarthritis with knee joint malalignment and lateral patellar dislocation after hindlimb suspension in growing rats
Authors: Ozawa Junya , Ikeda Airi , Kanehara Marina , Moriyama Hideki , Kaneguchi Akinori 
Published: February 2024

AbstractKnee malalignment is a risk factor for patellar instability and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA), but etiologies remain unknown. We investigated the potential effects of decreased weight loading during growth on knee alignments and patellofemoral (PF) joint pathology. Hindlimb suspension (HS) was performed in 4‐week‐old female rats for 2, 4, and 8 weeks (HS groups). Age‐matched rats were used as controls. Three‐dimensional reconstructed images of the knee were obtained using X‐ray computed tomography. Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance, patellar tilt angle, and bisect offset were measured as indices of knee alignment. Histological analysis was also performed to evaluate the changes in cartilage and synovium in the PF joints. At Week 8, TT–TG distance, patella tilt angle, and bisect offset were significantly larger in the HS group than in the control group, respectively, indicating tibial external rotation, outward patellar tilt, and external displacement of the patella. Lateral patellar dislocation was frequently found in the HS group at Week 8 (five of eight knee joints, p < 0.05). Degenerative changes in the cartilage of the trochlear groove were observed at Week 8, and synovial changes such as hypertrophy and synovitis were observed at Weeks 4 and 8. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between the Mankin score and bisect offset, and between the OARSI synovitis score and all knee alignments indices. These results suggest that decreased weight loading on the lower extremities in growing rats resulted in knee malalignments characterized by external rotation of tibia and high incidence of lateral patellar dislocation with concomitant PFOA.
Evaluation of tendon and ligament microstructure and mechanical properties in a canine model of mucopolysaccharidosis I
Authors: Lau Yian Khai , Iyer Keerthana , Shetye Snehal , Friday Chet S. , Dodge George R. , Hast Michael W. , Casal Margret L. , Gawri Rahul , Smith Lachlan J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by deficient alpha‐l‐iduronidase activity, leading to abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cells and tissues. Synovial joint disease is prevalent and significantly reduces patient quality of life. There is a strong clinical need for improved treatment approaches that specifically target joint tissues; however, their development is hampered by poor understanding of underlying disease pathophysiology, including how pathological changes to component tissues contribute to overall joint dysfunction. Ligaments and tendons, in particular, have received very little attention, despite the critical roles of these tissues in joint stability and biomechanical function. The goal of this study was to leverage the naturally canine model to undertake functional and structural assessments of the anterior (cranial) cruciate ligament (CCL) and Achilles tendon in MPS I. Tissues were obtained postmortem from 12‐month‐old MPS I and control dogs and tested to failure in uniaxial tension. Both CCLs and Achilles tendons from MPS I animals exhibited significantly lower stiffness and failure properties compared to those from healthy controls. Histological examination revealed multiple pathological abnormalities, including collagen fiber disorganization, increased cellularity and vascularity, and elevated GAG content in both tissues. Clinically, animals exhibited mobility deficits, including abnormal gait, which was associated with hyperextensibility of the stifle and hock joints. These findings demonstrate that pathological changes to both ligaments and tendons contribute to abnormal joint function in MPS I, and suggest that effective clinical management of joint disease in patients should incorporate treatments targeting these tissues.
A systematic assessment and optimization of photon‐counting CT for lung density quantifications
Authors: Sotoudeh‐Paima Saman , Segars W. Paul , Ghosh Dhrubajyoti , Luo Sheng , Samei Ehsan , Abadi Ehsan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhoton‐counting computed tomography (PCCT) has recently emerged into clinical use; however, its optimum imaging protocols and added benefits remains unknown in terms of providing more accurate lung density quantification compared to energy‐integrating computed tomography (EICT) scanners.PurposeTo systematically assess the performance of a clinical PCCT scanner for lung density quantifications and compare it against EICT.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study involved a retrospective analysis of subjects scanned (August‐December 2021) using a clinical PCCT system. The influence of altering reconstruction parameters was studied (reconstruction kernel, pixel size, slice thickness). A virtual CT dataset of anthropomorphic virtual subjects was acquired to demonstrate the correspondence of findings to clinical dataset, and to perform systematic imaging experiments, not possible using human subjects. The virtual subjects were imaged using a validated, scanner‐specific CT simulator of a PCCT and two EICT (defined as EICT A and B) scanners. The images were evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE) of lung and emphysema density against their corresponding ground truth.ResultsClinical and virtual PCCT datasets showed similar trends, with sharper kernels and smaller voxel sizes increasing percentage of low‐attenuation areas below ‐950 HU (LAA‐950) by up to 15.7 ± 6.9% and 11.8 ± 5.5%, respectively. Under the conditions studied, higher doses, thinner slices, smaller pixel sizes, iterative reconstructions, and quantitative kernels with medium sharpness resulted in lower lung MAE values. While using these settings for PCCT, changes in the dose level (13 to 1.3 mGy), slice thickness (0.4 to 1.5 mm), pixel size (0.49 to 0.98 mm), reconstruction technique (70 keV‐VMI to wFBP), and kernel (Qr48 to Qr60) increased lung MAE by 15.3 ± 2.0, 1.4 ± 0.6, 2.2 ± 0.3, 4.2 ± 0.8, and 9.1 ± 1.6 HU, respectively. At the optimum settings identified per scanner, PCCT images exhibited lower lung and emphysema MAE than those of EICT scanners (by 2.6 ± 1.0 and 9.6 ± 3.4 HU, compared to EICT A, and by 4.8 ± 0.8 and 7.4 ± 2.3 HU, compared to EICT B). The accuracy of lung density measurements was correlated with subjects’ mean lung density (p < 0.05), measured by PCCT at optimum setting under the conditions studied.ConclusionPhoton‐counting CT demonstrated superior performance in density quantifications, with its influences of imaging parameters in line with energy‐integrating CT scanners. The technology offers improvement in lung quantifications, thus demonstrating potential toward more objective assessment of respiratory conditions.
Novel pore size‐controlled, susceptibility matched, 3D‐printed MRI phantoms
Authors: Witherspoon Velencia J. , Komlosh Michal E. , Benjamini Dan , Özarslan Evren , Lavrik Nickolay , Basser Peter J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeWe report the design concept and fabrication of MRI phantoms, containing blocks of aligned microcapillaires that can be stacked into larger arrays to construct diameter distribution phantoms or fractured, to create a “powder‐averaged” emulsion of randomly oriented blocks for vetting or calibrating advanced MRI methods, that is, diffusion tensor imaging, AxCaliber MRI, MAP‐MRI, and multiple pulsed field gradient or double diffusion‐encoded microstructure imaging methods. The goal was to create a susceptibility‐matched microscopically anisotropic but macroscopically isotropic phantom with a ground truth diameter that could be used to vet advanced diffusion methods for diameter determination in fibrous tissues.MethodsTwo‐photon polymerization, a novel three‐dimensional printing method is used to fabricate blocks of capillaries. Double diffusion encoding methods were employed and analyzed to estimate the expected MRI diameter.ResultsSusceptibility‐matched microcapillary blocks or modules that can be assembled into large‐scale MRI phantoms have been fabricated and measured using advanced diffusion methods, resulting in microscopic anisotropy and random orientation.ConclusionThis phantom can vet and calibrate various advanced MRI methods and multiple pulsed field gradient or diffusion‐encoded microstructure imaging methods. We demonstrated that two double diffusion encoding methods underestimated the ground truth diameter.
Tensor denoising of quantitative multi‐parameter mapping
Authors: Herthum Helge , Hetzer Stefan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeQuantitative multi‐parameter mapping (MPM) provides maps of physical quantities representing physiologically meaningful tissue characteristics, which allows to investigate microstructure‐function relationships reflecting normal or pathologic processes in the brain. However, the achievable spatial resolution and stability of MPM for basic research or clinical applications is severely constrained by SNR limits of the MR acquisition process, resulting in relatively long acquisition times. To increase SNR, we denoise MPM acquisitions using principal component analysis along tensors exploiting the Marchenko‐Pastur law (tMPPCA).MethodstMPPCA denoising was applied to three sets of MPM raw data before the quantification of maps of proton density, magnetization transfer saturation, R1, and R2*. The regional SNR gain for high‐resolution MPM was investigated as well as reproducibility gains for clinically optimized protocols with moderate and high acceleration factors at different image resolutions.ResultsSubstantial noise reduction in raw data was achieved, resulting in reduced noise for quantitative mapping up to sixfold without introducing bias of mean values (below 1%). Scan–rescan fluctuations were reduced up to threefold. Denoising allowed to decrease the voxel volume fourfold at the same scan time or reduce the scan time twofold at same voxel volume without loss of sensitivity.ConclusionstMPPCA denoising can (a) improve of fine spatial and temporal patterns, (b) considerably reduce scan time for clinical applications, or (c) increase resolution to potentially push cutting‐edge MPM protocols from the upper to the lower limit of the mesoscopic scale.
Observer‐based output feedback event‐triggered consensus tracking for linear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Zhang Xuxi , Song Jinbao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the consensus tracking of multi‐agent systems (MASs) with general linear dynamics and directed graphs via observer‐based event‐triggered (ET) control. For each follower, a dynamic event‐triggered (DET) unknown input observer (UIO) is constructed to estimate the relative states, which utilizes the discrete relative output information among neighboring agents, and the estimate errors can exponentially converge to zero. Then, an observer‐based DET controller, which has the superiority of reducing the communication burden, is presented. Unlike most existing works, a dual ET mechanism of observer and controller is proposed, whose triggering functions are independent of each other. In addition, the time‐varying item in the triggering functions is further extended to be a class of positive functions, including some existing exponential functions as its special cases. Under the proposed DET UIO and DET control protocol, it is rigorously demonstrated that consensus tracking can be achieved asymptotically, and Zeno behavior is ruled out. Finally, a numerical example is provided to verify the validity of the results.
The impact of paid sick leave mandates on women's employment and economic security
Authors: Slopen Meredith 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTThe United States does not guarantee job‐protected paid leave to workers when they or a family member are ill or need to seek medical care. Prior research shows that women are less likely to have access to paid sick leave (PSL) through their employers. I examine the impacts of three recent state‐level paid sick leave policies in California, Massachusetts, and Oregon on women's employment and economic security using data from the American Community Survey. Using difference‐in‐differences and dynamic effects models, I find that PSL mandates increase women's employment by 1.2 percentage points (a 1.7% increase over the pre‐policy baseline mean) with an average increase in income from wages and salary of $2,347, accompanied by steady decreases in poverty in the years after policy implementation. Effects are strongest among mothers and women without college degrees. This study demonstrates that PSL improves women's employment and economic security and may play an essential role in the package of policies supporting women's employment and earnings.
On the Generalized Lemaitre Tolman Bondi Metric: Classical Sensitivities and Quantum Einstein‐Vaz Shells
Authors: Molaei Mohammadreza , Corda Christian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, in the classical framework, the lower bounds for the sensitivities of the generalized Lemaitre Tolman Bondi metric are evaluated. The calculated lower bounds via the linear dynamical systems , , and are , and respectively. The sensitivities and the lower sensitivities via are zero are also shown. In the quantum framework, the properties of the Einstein‐Vaz shells which are the final result of the quantum gravitational collapse arising from the Lemaitre Tolman Bondi discussed by Vaz in 2014 are analyzed. In fact, Vaz showed that continued collapse to a singularity can only be obtained if one combines two independent and entire solutions of the Wheeler‐DeWitt equation. Forbidding such a combination leads naturally to matter condensing on the Schwarzschild surface during quantum collapse. In that way, an entirely new framework for black holes (BHs) has emerged. The approach of Vaz was also consistent with Einstein's idea in 1939 of the localization of the collapsing particles within a thin spherical shell. Here, following an approach of oned of us (CC), we derive the BH mass and energy spectra via a Schrodinger‐like approach, by further supporting Vaz's conclusions that instead of a spacetime singularity covered by an event horizon, the final result of the gravitational collapse is an essentially quantum object, an extremely compact “dark star”. This “gravitational atom” is held up not by any degeneracy pressure but by quantum gravity in the same way that ordinary atoms are sustained by quantum mechanics. Finally, the time evolution of the Einstein‐Vaz shells is discussed.
Dynamic Shear Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Deformation Characteristics of Laser Cladding IN625 Alloy
Authors: Liu Tao , Ding Musen , Bao Hong , Lei Jingfa , Wang Lu 
Published: February 2024

To reveal the dynamic shear mechanical properties of laser cladding Inconel 625 (IN625) alloy, dynamic shear mechanical properties experiments are conducted on forged specimens and laser cladding specimens by split Hopkinson press bar experimental device. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) are used to characterize the microscopic morphology, crystal orientation, and grain size of laser cladding specimens before and after dynamic shear deformation. In the results, it is shown that the yield strength and shear strength of both forged and laser clad specimens increase with the increase of shear strain rate, reflecting a remarkable strain‐rate‐strengthening effect, and the shear strength of the laser cladding specimen is higher than that of the forged specimen. After dynamic shear loading, the grains in the shear region of the laser cladding specimen are severely deformed, deformation bands appear, and some dendrites are transformed into equiaxed crystal. After shear deformation, the preferred orientation strength of the crystal increases, the small‐size grain and low‐angle grain boundary increase, and a large number of dislocations are formed in the shear region, which dominates the dynamic shear deformation behavior of the material. Dislocation is an important dominant mechanism of dynamic shear deformation.
Mathematical modeling of lung mechanics and pressure‐controlled ventilation design for barotrauma minimization: A numerical simulation study
Authors: D'Orsi Laura , Borri Alessandro , De Gaetano Andrea 
Published: February 2024

SummaryMechanical ventilation represents a fundamental mode of therapy for severely ill patients who cannot breathe autonomously. At the same time, it has the potential of determining Ventilator‐Induced Lung Injury (VILI) and further damaging the patient's respiratory system. In this work we present a model‐based approach for pressure delivery optimization in the context of pressure‐control mechanical ventilation, with the aim of maintaining oxygenation while minimizing barotrauma. A simple compartmental model of respiration describes both mechanical ventilation, alveolar oxygen exchange and blood oxygen transport. Model Predictive Control is used to optimize delivered air pressure at the mouth at each inspiration, optimizing a trade‐off between oxygenation and barotrauma. Numerical simulations with different values of the trade‐off parameter and in two emblematic pulmonary disease scenarios (ARDS and COPD) show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Image‐Guided Photothermal and Immune Therapy of Tumors via Melanin‐Producing Genetically Engineered Bacteria
Authors: Song Weijian , He Yaling , Feng Yanan , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Xiaoying , Wu Yingnan , Zhang Shanxin , Zhong Lin , Yan Fei , Sun Litao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhotothermal therapy (PTT) is a new treatment modality for tumors. However, the efficient delivery of photothermal agents into tumors remains difficult, especially in hypoxic tumor regions. In this study, an approach to deliver melanin, a natural photothermal agent, into tumors using genetically engineered bacteria for image‐guided photothermal and immune therapy is developed. An Escherichia coli MG1655 is transformed with a recombinant plasmid harboring a tyrosinase gene to produce melanin nanoparticles. Melanin‐producing genetically engineered bacteria (MG1655‐M) are systemically administered to 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice. The tumor‐targeting properties of MG1655‐M in the hypoxic environment integrate the properties of hypoxia targeting, photoacoustic imaging, and photothermal therapeutic agents in an “all‐in‐one” manner. This eliminates the need for post‐modification to achieve image‐guided hypoxia‐targeted cancer photothermal therapy. Tumor growth is significantly suppressed by irradiating the tumor with an 808 nm laser. Furthermore, strong antitumor immunity is triggered by PTT, thereby producing long‐term immune memory effects that effectively inhibit tumor metastasis and recurrence. This work proposes a new photothermal and immune therapy guided by an “all‐in‐one” melanin‐producing genetically engineered bacteria, which can offer broad potential applications in cancer treatment.
An Appraisal for Providing Charge Transfer (CT) Through Synthetic Porous Frameworks for their Semiconductor Applications
Authors: Shahmirzaee Mozhgan , Nagai Atsushi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent years, there has been considerable focus on the development of charge transfer (CT) complex formation as a means to modify the band gaps of organic materials. In particular, CT complexes alternate layers of aromatic molecules with donor (D) and acceptor (A) properties to provide inherent electrical conductivity. In particular, the synthetic porous frameworks as attractive D–A components have been extensively studied in recent years in comparison to existing D–A materials. Therefore, in this work, the synthetic porous frameworks are classified into conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and compare high‐quality materials for CT in semiconductors. This work updates the overview of the above porous frameworks for CT, starting with their early history regarding their semiconductor applications, and lists CT concepts and selected key developments in their CT complexes and CT composites. In addition, the network formation methods and their functionalization are discussed to provide access to a variety of potential applications. Furthermore, several theoretical investigations, efficiency improvement techniques, and a discussion of the electrical conductivity of the porous frameworks are also highlighted. Finally, a perspective of synthetic porous framework studies on CT performance is provided along with some comparisons.
Mechanocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia by Titanium Dioxide with Bridge‐Oxygen Vacancies: Investigating Mechanism from the Experimental and First‐Principle Approach
Authors: He Chengli , Chen Yang , Hao Zixiang , Wang Linrui , Wang Mingyan , Cui Xiaoli 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMechanochemical ammonia (NH3) synthesis is an emerging mild approach derived from nitrogen (N2) gas and hydrogen (H) source. The gas‐liquid phase mechanochemical process utilizes water (H2O), rather than conventional hydrogen (H2) gas, as H sources, thus avoiding carbon dioxide (CO2) emission during H2 production. However, ammonia yield is relatively low to meet practical demand due to huge energy barriers of N2 activation and H2O dissociation. Here, six transition metal oxides (TMO) such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), copper(II) oxide (CuO), niobium(V) oxide(Nb2O5), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) are investigated as catalysts in mechanochemical N2 fixation. Among them, TiO2 shows the best mechanocatalytic effect and the optimum reaction rate constant is 3.6‐fold higher than the TMO‐free process. The theoretical calculations show that N2 molecules prefer to side‐on chemisorb on the mechano‐induced bridge‐oxygen vacancies in the (101) crystal plane of TiO2 catalyst, while H2O molecules can dissociate on the same sites more easily to provide free H atoms, enabling an alternative‐way hydrogeneration process of activated N2 molecules to release NH3 eventually. This work highlights the cost‐effective TiO2 mechanocatalyst for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions and proposes a defect‐engineering‐induced mechanocatalytic mechanism to promote N2 activation and H2O dissociation.
Intermetallic Cobalt Indium Nanoparticles as Oxygen Evolution Reaction Precatalyst: A Non‐Leaching p‐Block Element
Authors: Hausmann J. Niklas , Ashton Marten , Mebs Stefan , Walter Carsten , Selve Sören , Haumann Michael , Sontheimer Tobias , Dau Holger , Driess Matthias , Menezes Prashanth W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMerely all transition‐metal‐based materials reconstruct into similar oxyhydroxides during the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), severely limiting the options for a tailored OER catalyst design. In such reconstructions, initial constituent p‐block elements take a sacrificial role and leach into the electrolyte as oxyanions, thereby losing the ability to tune the catalyst's properties systematically. From a thermodynamic point of view, indium is expected to behave differently and should remain in the solid phase under alkaline OER conditions. However, the structural behavior of transition metal indium phases during the OER remains unexplored. Herein, are synthesized intermetallic cobalt indium (CoIn3) nanoparticles and revealed by in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning transmission microscopy that they undergo phase segregation to cobalt oxyhydroxide and indium hydroxide. The obtained cobalt oxyhydroxide outperforms a metallic‐cobalt‐derived one due to more accessible active sites. The observed phase segregation shows that indium behaves distinctively differently from most p‐block elements and remains at the electrode surface, where it can form lasting interfaces with the active metal oxo phases.