bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of acquisition parameters for cortical inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) imaging using a rapid gradient echo readout
Authors: Rowley Christopher D. , Campbell Jennifer S. W. , Leppert Ilana R. , Nelson Mark C. , Pike G. Bruce , Tardif Christine L. 
Published: June 2023

PurposeImaging biomarkers with increased myelin specificity are needed to better understand the complex progression of neurological disorders. Inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) imaging is an emergent technique that has a high degree of specificity for myelin content but suffers from low signal to‐noise ratio (SNR). This study used simulations to determine optimal sequence parameters for ihMT imaging for use in high‐resolution cortical mapping.MethodsMT‐weighted cortical image intensity and ihMT SNR were simulated using modified Bloch equations for a range of sequence parameters. The acquisition time was limited to 4.5 min/volume. A custom MT‐weighted RAGE sequence with center‐out k‐space encoding was used to enhance SNR at 3 T. Pulsed MT imaging was studied over a range of saturation parameters, and the impact of the turbo factor on the effective ihMT resolution was investigated. 1 mm isotropic ihMTsat maps were generated in 25 healthy adults.ResultsGreater SNR was observed for larger number of bursts consisting of 6–8 saturation pulses each, combined with a high readout turbo factor. However, that protocol suffered from a point spread function that was more than twice the nominal resolution. For high‐resolution cortical imaging, we selected a protocol with a higher effective resolution at the cost of a lower SNR. We present the first group‐average ihMTsat whole‐brain map at 1 mm isotropic resolution.ConclusionThis study presents the impact of saturation and excitation parameters on ihMTsat SNR and resolution. We demonstrate the feasibility of high‐resolution cortical myelin imaging using ihMTsat in less than 20 min.
Experimental‐based study of gear vibration characteristics incorporating the fractal topography of tooth surface
Authors: Lei Qi'ao , Yuan Lei , Yu Xin , Sun Yunyun , Li Hongguang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMicroscopic roughness is inevitable on the gear meshing surface, which is also a key parameter affecting the dynamic response. The surface roughness exhibits self‐affine characteristics across multiscales. To explore the influence of surface fractal topography on the vibration amplitude of the gear system under different rotational speeds and loads, an experimental setup of spur gear transmission is devised. The fractal dimension and fractal roughness of the meshing surface are calculated by the power spectral density method. The relationships between gear response and fractal parameters are revealed experimentally. Results indicate that a rougher tooth surface, that is, a smaller fractal dimension or larger fractal roughness, corresponds to an intense vibration amplitude. The sensitivity of dynamic response to the tooth surface topography varies at different rotational speeds and loads. Under low speed and light load conditions, the fractal dimension and fractal roughness have a more obvious influence on the dynamic response of the gear transmission system. With the increase of speed and load, the macroworking conditions gradually become the main factor attributed to vibration amplitude.
3D printing‐based frugal manufacturing of glass pipettes for minimally invasive delivery of therapeutics to the brain
Authors: Qiao Guanda , Gulisashvili David , Jablonska Anna , Zhao Guiling , Janowski Miroslaw , Walczak Piotr , Liang Yajie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveIntracerebral delivery of agents in liquid form is usually achieved through commercially available and durable metal needles. However, their size and texture may contribute to mechanical brain damage. Glass pipettes with a thin tip may significantly reduce injection‐associated brain damage but require access to prohibitively expensive programmable pipette pullers. This study is to remove the economic barrier to the application of minimally invasive delivery of therapeutics to the brain, such as chemical compounds, viral vectors, and cells.MethodsWe took advantage of the rapid development of free educational online resources and emerging low‐cost 3D printers by designing an affordable pipette puller (APP) to remove the cost obstacle.ResultsWe showed that our APP could produce glass pipettes with a sharp tip opening down to 20 μm or less, which is sufficiently thin for the delivery of therapeutics into the brain. A pipeline from pipette pulling to brain injection using low‐cost and open‐source equipment was established to facilitate the application of the APP.ConclusionIn the spirit of frugal science, our device may democratize glass pipette‐puling and substantially promote the application of minimally invasive and precisely controlled delivery of therapeutics to the brain for finding more effective therapies of brain diseases.
The work status of nurses in long‐term care institutions in elderly care: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Jiang Menglin , Zeng Jing , Liao Mingshu , Li Quanlei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimTo understand the work status of nurses in long‐term care institutions in China for elderly care to provide a reference for further formulating management strategies and promoting the development of long‐term care teams.MethodsUsing qualitative descriptive research methods, 31 nurses from three long‐term care institutions were selected through purposive sampling for in‐depth interviews, and a three‐week participatory observation was conducted on the daily work of nurses in the above three long‐term care institutions. Content analysis was used to analyse data.ResultsIn our sample, nurses in long‐term care institutions had insufficient manpower, generally had low academic qualifications, and lacked professional ability. Their work enthusiasm and initiative need to be further improved. Long‐term care nurses were moderately paid, and their salary satisfaction was lower than in other trades. At the same time, the social understanding of the long‐term care industry was insufficient, and the social identity of nurses in long‐term care institutions was low.ConclusionThe development of long‐term care requires the joint efforts of nurses, medical institutions, and society. By improving the system, cultivating talents and building a harmonious atmosphere, we aim to enhance the work enthusiasm of long‐term care nurses and promote the stable and orderly development of the long‐term care team.Implications for nursing managementNurses in long‐term care institutions are at the core of the ageing age and play a vital role in coping with the ageing problem, meeting long‐term care needs, improving the quality of life of old people and reducing the cost of long‐term care. The training and management of nurses in long‐term care institutions and the construction of the entire long‐term care system should be based on China's national conditions and actual needs.
The effect of trauma advanced practice nurse programme at a Level I regional trauma centre in mainland China
Authors: Sa Wang , Shuihong Chen , Jingfen Jin , Mao Zhang , Zhiting Guo , Danping Yan , Chang Huang , Yuwei Wang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsTrauma is the fifth‐leading cause of death in China. Despite the establishment of the Chinese Regional Trauma Care System (CRTCS) in 2016, advanced trauma nurse practice has not been incorporated. This study aimed to identify the roles and responsibilities of trauma advanced practice nurse (APN), and to investigate the impact on patient outcomes in a Level I regional trauma centre in mainland China.DesignA single‐centre pre‐ and post‐control design was used.MethodsThe trauma APN programme was established based on multidisciplinary experts' consultation. A retrospective study was conducted on all Level I trauma patients over a period of 5 years, spanning from January 2017 to December 2021, with a sample size of 2420. The data were divided into two comparison groups: a pre‐APN programme (January 2017–December 2018; n = 1112) and post‐APN programme (January 2020–December 2021; n = 1308). A comparison analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of trauma APN who were integrated into the trauma care team, with a focus on patient outcomes and time‐efficiency indicators.ResultsThe certification of the regional Level I trauma centre resulted in a 17.63% increase in the number of trauma patients. The integration of advanced practice nurses (APN) into the trauma care system led to significant improvements in time‐efficiency indicators, with the exception of advanced airway establishment time (p < 0.05). The average emergency department length of stay (LOS) decreased 21%, from 168 to 132 min (p < 0.001); additionally, the mean intensive care unit LOS decreased by nearly 1 day (p = 0.028). Trauma patients who were treated by trauma APN had a higher likelihood of survival, with an odds ratio of 1.816 (95%CI: 1.041, 3.167; p = 0.033), compared to patients who received care prior to the implementation of the trauma APN program.ConclusionA trauma APN programme has the potential to enhance the quality of trauma care in the CRTCS.ImpactThis study elucidates the roles and responsibilities of trauma advanced practice nurses (APN) in a Level I regional trauma centre in mainland China. Trauma care quality was significantly improved after the application of a trauma APN programme. In regions with inadequate medical resources, the utilization of advanced practice trauma nurses can enhance the quality of trauma care. In addition, trauma APN can provide a trauma nursing education programme within the regional centres as a strategy to augment the proficiency of regional trauma nursing.No patient or public contribution, the research data all from trauma data bank.
Influence of active, nano, and functionalized zinc oxide particles on the mechanical, cytotoxicity, and thermal stability of carbon black filled SBR/NR blends
Authors: Sreethu T. K. , Jana Sudipta , Jana Nihar Ranjan , Naskar Kinsuk 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study examines the viability of functionalized, nano, and active zinc oxide (ZnO) as an alternative activator in styrene butadiene rubber–natural rubber (SBR–NR) blends filled with carbon black. Concerns about the environmental impact and toxicity of Zn leaching into aquatic organisms necessitate reducing the amount of ZnO in rubber compounding. The mechanical properties, crosslink density, and thermal and morphological qualities of the SBR/NR blends made with these ZnO (F2BB, N2BB, and A2BB) were studied and compared to conventional ZnO loaded blend (C5BB). Thermal stability was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and temperature scanning stress relaxation. A2BB showed the highest thermal stability, while F2BB exhibited a 35% increase in tensile strength and a 28% increase in elongation at break due to polysulfide linkages. N2BB and A2BB increased tensile strength by 28 and 16% compared to C5BB. Cytotoxicity of various ZnO concentrations on HT‐22 hippocampal cells was investigated, and active and nano ZnO were found to be less toxic. Using active and nano ZnO can improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the blend while reducing environmental toxicity, allowing for a 60% reduction in ZnO concentration in rubber compounds and resulting in cost savings and a sustainable alternative to conventional ZnO.
Convergent behavior of extended stalk regions from staphylococcal surface proteins with widely divergent sequence patterns
Authors: Yarawsky Alexander E. , Ori Andrea L. , English Lance R. , Whitten Steven T. , Herr Andrew B. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractStaphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are highly problematic bacteria in hospital settings. A major challenge is their ability to form biofilms on abiotic or biotic surfaces. Biofilms are well‐organized, multicellular bacterial aggregates that resist antibiotic treatment and often lead to recurrent infections. Bacterial cell wall‐anchored (CWA) proteins are important players in biofilm formation and infection. Many have putative stalk‐like regions or regions of low complexity near the cell wall‐anchoring motif. Recent work demonstrated the strong propensity of the stalk region of S. epidermidis accumulation‐associated protein (Aap) to remain highly extended under solution conditions that typically induce compaction. This behavior is consistent with the expected function of a stalk‐like region that is covalently attached to the cell wall peptidoglycan and projects the adhesive domains of Aap away from the cell surface. In this study, we evaluate whether the ability to resist compaction is a common theme among stalk regions from various staphylococcal CWA proteins. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to examine secondary structure changes as a function of temperature and cosolvents along with sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation, size‐exclusion chromatography, and SAXS to characterize structural characteristics in solution. All stalk regions tested are intrinsically disordered, lacking secondary structure beyond random coil and polyproline type II helix, and they all sample highly extended conformations. Remarkably, the Ser‐Asp dipeptide repeat region of SdrC exhibited nearly identical behavior in solution when compared to the Aap Pro/Gly‐rich region, despite highly divergent sequence patterns, indicating conservation of function by various distinct staphylococcal CWA protein stalk regions.
The School Transition Estimation and Projection (STEP) model: A flexible framework for analysing and projecting school enrolments
Authors: Xiang Lili , Raymer James , Gray Edith 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAccurate school‐level enrolment predictions are critical for local government and planners to allocate education‐related resources and ensure necessary school infrastructure is provided. Although individual‐level school census data are increasingly available for education departments, there is little evidence that these data are being used to improve school enrolment projections. This paper fills this methodological void by developing a School Transition Estimation and Projection (STEP) modelling framework. The STEP model simultaneously projects all schools in a city or region by all academic levels (e.g., Preschool to Year 12) and across three school sectors (Public, Catholic and Independent) using cohort information on the sources of enrolment change (i.e., Preschool entries, within district transfers, in‐migration, out‐migration, Year 12 graduates) and their trends over time. In this paper, we present the model and its application to schools in the Australian Capital Territory. We also show how the model greatly increases the capacity to understand and predict enrolment change, while increasing efficiency and reducing bias.
An adaptive control scheme for switched nonlinear cyber‐physical systems against state‐dependent sensor attacks and input‐dependent actuator attacks
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhao Ping 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article considers the problem of adaptive control against deception attacks for a class of switched nonlinear cyber‐physical systems (CPSs), in which each subsystem has more general and unknown nonlinearities. Specifically, an adaptive controller is designed for CPSs with unknown switching mechanisms to mitigate the impact of state‐dependent sensor attacks and input‐dependent actuator attacks. Compared with the existing researches, the actuator attacks considered in our article are input‐dependent, which means the controller is substantially attacked, besides, the signs of unknown time‐varying gains caused by state‐dependent sensor attacks and input‐dependent actuator attacks are all unknown. To deal with these scenarios, Nussbaum‐type functions are introduced. In addition, by constructing a common Lyapunov function for all subsystems, the closed‐loop system signals are proved to be globally bounded under arbitrary switchings. Finally, we give a simulation example of a continuously stirred tank reactor system with state‐dependent sensor attacks and input‐dependent actuator attacks to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
Effects of biostimulant application on soil biological and physicochemical properties: A field study
Authors: Wadduwage Jenendra , Liu Hongwei , Egidi Eleonora , Singh Brajesh K. , Macdonald Catriona A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionDespite their potential benefits, it is not well understood how the application of biostimulants influences soil biological properties and their microbial communities in field conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impacts of biostimulants on soil biological and physicochemical properties relevant to soil health.Materials and MethodsTo achieve this, we conducted a field study to investigate the effects of two types of commercially available biostimulants, Universal Natural Plant food (UNP) and Converte Seed Primer (CSP), on microbial activity, bacterial and fungal abundance, community structure and diversity, and soil chemical and physical properties across two depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm) from five sites under either wheat or pasture cultivation.ResultsOur findings suggest that application of UNP stimulated microbial activity by 40.1% in surface (0–10 cm) and 36.4% in deeper (10–20 cm) soil, but was dependant on site. Effects were generally greater in grasslands compared with arable soils. At sites where UNP stimulated microbial respiration, substrate‐induced respiration was also stimulated in surface soils and was associated with increased soil moisture content and higher total carbon and nitrogen. At the one site where UNP was combined with CSP, soil enzymes associated with carbon and nitrogen cycling were stimulated in UNP and UNP + CSP treatments. Total bacterial and fungal abundance and their alpha diversity did not respond to biostimulant treatment. However, microbial indicator communities were identified that responded positively to UNP and CSP addition across the two depths. Bacterial indicator species included Elsterales, Propionibacteriales, Solibacterales, Candatus, Reyranellales and Sphingomonadales, but differed between depths. For the fungal indicator species Filobasidiales (Basidiomycota) and Pleosporales (Ascomycota) were strong responders and common across both depths.ConclusionOverall, our results suggest some positive effects of biostimulants on soil biological and physicochemical properties. Further long‐term studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of biostimulants on crop yield and farm resilience.
Rolling balls or trapping ions? How students relate models to real‐world phenomena in the physics laboratory
Authors: Kilde Löfgren Sebastian , Weidow Jonathan , Enger Jonas 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe creation and use of models in science is of great importance for knowledge production and communication. For example, toy models are often used as idealized explanatory models in physics education. Models can be a powerful tool for exploring phenomena in ways that facilitate learning. However, careful consideration of instruction and explanations needs to be considered to guide how students relate models to real‐world phenomena in subject‐correct ways. A design experiment was conducted to investigate how upper secondary school students can use models for learning in the physics laboratory. The intervention used in the study was a laboratory exercise developed over three phases where students worked with a mechanical Paul trap and a simulation to understand the principle behind a real Paul trap. Each phase of the study consisted of three to five laboratory sessions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the learning process was understood using the theoretical framework of variation theory. From the results, it was possible to identify patterns of variation for successful lab groups and critical aspects and features students need to discern to effectively modelize the mechanical Paul trap. The findings also indicate that having students work with models can be a meaningful clarificatory process to develop a deeper understanding of the use and limitations of models in science.
Degradation of Lignin Pollutants by Persulfate Activated with a Graphene Oxide Loaded Cu2(OH)3NO3 Composite
Authors: Peng Wenyao , Wang Shanshan , An Junjian , Hu Chenyang , Zhang Jian , Wang Peng 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO)‐Cu2(OH)3NO3 composite was prepared by a thermal calcination process and evaluated as an effective heterogeneous catalytic material. The composite displayed prominent activated performance to persulfate, which was influenced by preparation condition and the reaction parameters in catalytic system. Under optimal reactive conditions, the GO‐Cu2(OH)3NO3 composite yielded rapid degradation of ferulic acid, which the corresponding apparent rate constant was 1.12×10−1 min−1. Catalytic mechanism analysis showed that the main oxygen species were ⋅SO4− and ⋅OH. Among them, ⋅OH made the main contribution in the catalytic system. The analysis of degradation intermediates of ferulic acid showed that the compound could be mineralized to small molecules. The remarkable enhanced heterogeneous catalytic performance of GO‐Cu2(OH)3NO3 was due to a larger specific surface area, high adsorption capacity and a high mass transfer efficiency of oxidizing radicals in the reactive system.
Synthesis, structure, oxygen content and properties of layered Dy1.2Ba1.8Fe1.8Co1.2O8‐δ
Authors: Bastron I. A. , Volkova N. E. , Suntsov A. Yu. , Cherepanov V. A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIt is shown that an excess of Dy in A‐site (in amount of 0.2 in formula units) allows synthesizing a single‐phase perovskite‐related oxide with the 123‐type structure at 1100 °C in air. Cobalt ions completely fill the octahedrally coordinated positions in the structure of 123‐type Dy1.2Ba1.8Fe1.8Co1.2O8‐δ, while iron together with excess Co is in the pyramidal oxygen coordination. The oxygen content at room temperature of 7.86 decreases with temperature. A slight increase in the slope of thermal expansion observed at T >200 °C. The electrical conductivity, carried out mainly by holes, increases non‐linearly with temperature, reaching a maximum value 14.8 S ⋅ cm−1 at 900 °C. Magnetic measurements allow assuming that Fe3+ are in low spin state, all Co2+ ions are in high spin, and Co3+ can be split into several states depending on coordination.
Laves phases: superstructures induced by coloring and distortions
Authors: Gießelmann Elias C. J. , Pöttgen Rainer , Janka Oliver 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe structural chemistry of Laves phases, especially with respect to their superstructures induced by coloring and distortions is discussed. Starting from the three classical Laves phases MgCu2, MgZn2 and MgNi2, the more complex Komura phases are derived. Different possibilities of their description are summarized. In the second part, the superstructures are discussed based on their respective prototypes. The crystal chemical relationships are illustrated based on group‐subgroup descriptions using the Bärnighausen formalism.