bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Tuina Therapy Combined With Yijinjing Exercise in the Treatment of Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Cheng Zi-ji , Zhang Shuai-pan , Gu Yuan-jia , Chen Zi-ying , Xie Fang-fang , Guan Chong , Fang Min , Yao Fei 
Published: December 2022

ImportanceBoth tuina therapy and yijinjing exercise were beneficial to patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain, but the evidence for this combination is limited.ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of tuina therapy combined with yijinjing exercise compared with tuina therapy alone for patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA 12-week, open-label, analyst-blinded randomized clinical trial (8-week intervention plus 4-week observational follow-up) was conducted from September 7, 2020, to October 25, 2021. A total of 102 participants with nonspecific chronic neck pain were recruited, and data were analyzed from December 10, 2021, to March 26, 2022.InterventionsParticipants in the tuina group or tuina combined with yijinjing group received 3 sessions of tuina therapy per week for 8 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions. Participants in the tuina combined with yijinjing group practiced yijinjing 3 times a week for 8 weeks, including an instructor-guided exercise at the hospital and 2 self-practice exercises at home.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was change in visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline to week 8. Secondary outcomes included Neck Disability Index scores, Self-rating Anxiety Scale scores, tissue hardness, and active range of motion.ResultsThis randomized clinical trial recruited 102 patients (mean [SD] age, 36.5 [4.9] years; 69 [67.6%] female) who were randomized to 2 groups. All 102 patients (100%) completed all the outcome measurements. The mean difference in VAS scores from baseline at week 8 for the tuina combined with yijinjing group was −5.4 (95% CI, −5.8 to −5.1). At week 8, the difference in VAS score was −1.2 (95% CI, −1.6 to −0.8; P &amp;lt; .001) between the tuina group and the tuina combined with yijinjing group. The effectiveness of tuina combined with yijinjing in treating nonspecific chronic neck pain remained at the 12-week follow-up.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this randomized clinical trial, for patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain, tuina combined with yijinjing was more effective than tuina therapy alone in terms of pain, functional recovery, and anxiety at week 8, and effectiveness remained at week 12. A combination of tuina and yijinjing should be considered in the management of nonspecific chronic neck pain.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000036805
Learning causality with graphs
Authors: Ma Jing , Li Jundong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRecent years have witnessed a rocketing growth of machine learning methods on graph data, especially those powered by effective neural networks. Despite their success in different real‐world scenarios, the majority of these methods on graphs only focus on predictive or descriptive tasks, but lack consideration of causality. Causal inference can reveal the causality inside data, promote human understanding of the learning process and model prediction, and serve as a significant component of artificial intelligence (AI). An important problem in causal inference is causal effect estimation, which aims to estimate the causal effects of a certain treatment (e.g., prescription of medicine) on an outcome (e.g., cure of disease) at an individual level (e.g., each patient) or a population level (e.g., a group of patients). In this paper, we introduce the background of causal effect estimation from observational data, envision the challenges of causal effect estimation with graphs, and then summarize representative approaches of causal effect estimation with graphs in recent years. Furthermore, we provide some insights for future research directions in related area. Link to video abstract: https://youtu.be/BpDPOOqw‐ns
Mechanical DNA Origami to Investigate Biological Systems
Authors: Mills Allan , Aissaoui Nesrine , Finkel Julie , Elezgaray Juan , Bellot Gaëtan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe ability to self‐assemble DNA nanodevices with programmed structural dynamics that can sense and respond to the local environment can enable transformative applications in fields including mechanobiology and nanomedicine. The responsive function of biomolecules is often driven by alterations in conformational distributions mediated by highly sensitive interactions with the local environment. In this review, the current state‐of‐the‐art in constructing complex DNA geometries with dynamic and mechanical properties to enable a molecular scale force measurement is first summarized. Next, an overview of engineering modular DNA devices that interact with cell surfaces is highlighted detailing examples of mechanosensitive proteins and the force‐induced dynamic molecular interaction on the downstream biochemical signaling. Finally, the challenges and an outlook on this promising class of DNA devices acting as nanomachines to operate at a low piconewton range suitable for a majority of biological effects or as hybrid materials to achieve higher tension exertion required for other biological investigations, are discussed.
Millimeter‐range Induced Flexo‐Pyrophotronic Effect in Centrosymmetric Heterojunction for Ultrafast Night‐Photomonitoring
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Seo Hyungtak 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUnlike the structure‐specific piezoelectric effect, flexoelectricity is a universal phenomenon that can offer a wide range of energy‐efficient, cost‐effective, mechano‐opto‐electro‐coupled applications. Even though the flexoelectric effect has been extensively studied at nanoscale, a fundamental, yet unresolved, the issue is how it can be exploited at larger scales for potential applications. Herein, the long‐range (>millimeter) stimulated and regulated impact of the localized inhomogeneous strain‐induced flexoelectric potential on centrosymmetric metal/titanium oxide heterojunction with nanoscale precision (≈5.8 nm) is demonstrated. The noticed phenomenon is attributed to the long‐range interaction between flexoelectric and build‐in potentials, which is further utilized to develop mechanically regulated (enhancement > 104%), self‐powered (i.e., 0 V), ultrafast (>10 million bits per second), and broadband (λ = 365–1720 nm) pyro‐photosensors having high responsivity (≈1.18 mA W−1). As prospective applications, proof‐of‐concept ultrafast night movement monitors (>720 km h−1), high‐performing stationery, and dynamic obstacle sensors with possible impact alerts are developed. These findings lay the groundwork for the micro‐to‐millimeter‐range flexo‐opto‐electrical coupling in centrosymmetric materials, which can have a wide variety of practical applications.
Graphene‐Based Nanocomposites as Antibacterial, Antiviral and Antifungal Agents
Authors: Gungordu Er Seda , Edirisinghe Mohan , Tabish Tanveer A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOver the past decade, there have been many interesting studies in the scientific literature about the interaction of graphene‐based polymeric nanocomposites with microorganisms to tackle antimicrobial resistance. These studies have reported variable intensities of biocompatibility and selectivity for the nanocomposites toward a specific strain, but it is widely believed that graphene nanocomposites have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Such antibacterial activity is due to several mechanisms by which graphene nanocomposites can act on cells including stimulating oxidative stress; disrupting membranes due to sharp edges; greatly changing core structure mechanical strength and coarseness. However, the underlying mechanisms of graphene nanocomposites as antiviral and antifungal agents remain relatively scarce. In this review, recent advances in the synthesis, functional tailoring, and antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal applications of graphene nanocomposites are summarized. The synthesis of graphene materials and graphene‐based polymeric nanocomposites with techniques such as pressurized gyration, electrospinning, chemical vapor deposition, and layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly is first introduced. Then, the antimicrobial mechanisms of graphene membranes are presented and demonstrated typical in vitro and in vivo studies on the use of graphene nanocomposites for antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal applications. Finally, the review describes the biosafety, current limitations, and potential of antimicrobial graphene‐based nanocomposites.
Fully Printed Temperature Sensor Array Comprising 625 60×60 µm2 pixels
Authors: Huber Robert , Eizaguirre Santiago , Mescher Henning , Willig Christian , Zhang Qiaoshuang , Lemmer Uli 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWith further digitalization and automation, new applications fields require new solutions and sensors. Healthcare, soft robotics, and battery research are only three examples striving for sensor solutions capable of measuring the spatial and temporal temperature distribution of surfaces. This requires the deposition of multiple sensor pixels with a high spatial resolution on potentially flexible substrates. Printing technologies are well suited to fulfill the associated requirements of quality, speed, feature size, and costs. Combining screen printing and aerosol jet printing allows for fast large‐scale processing and when needed high‐precision fabrication for small features. The presented high‐density temperature sensor array provides 625 sensor pixels with a size of 60×60 µm2, evenly distributed over an area of 12×12 mm2. The sensor is operated without encapsulation between 5 and 90 °C showing an average deviation of less than 0.5 °C. The sensor stack consists of a bottom and top electrode sandwiching a carbon black based thermistor layer. The material shows a strong negative‐temperature‐coefficient (NTC) effect with a sensitivity of 3.6 % °C−1 at 5 °C. As an application example, the temperature profile induced by a laser beam is mapped with the temperature sensor array.
Magnetic‐Dielectric Complementary Fe‐Co‐Ni Alloy/Carbon Composites for High‐Attenuation C‐Band Microwave Absorption via Carbothermal Reduction of Solid‐Solution Precursor
Authors: Su Zhe , Yi Shan , Zhang Wanyu , Tian Liying , Zhang Yayun , Zhou Shenghu , Niu Bo , Long Donghui 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFerromagnetic alloys/carbon composites with excellent electrical and magnetic properties are highly desirable as electromagnetic wave absorption materials, but achieving high‐attenuation performance in C‐band (4–8 GHz) remains a challenge. Herein, a direct carbothermal reduction of organic gluconate solid‐solution precursor method is developed to synthesize ferromagnetic Fe‐Co‐Ni alloy/carbon composites, which realize high‐attenuation electromagnetic wave absorption in C‐band. By virtue of Fe, Co, and Ni elements homogeneously dispersing at the molecular level in the solid‐solution precursor with the regulated mole ratio, serial FeCo2Ni/C, Co7Fe3/C, FeNi3/C, and Co3Ni/C composites can be deliberately prepared. First‐principles calculations and off‐axis electron holograms can clearly unravel that these Fe‐Co‐Ni alloys could perform as excellent dielectric‐magnetic complementary loss units to trigger synergistic electronic dipole polarization oscillation, magnetic moment resonance, and magnetic coupling interaction. Meanwhile, the rich alloy–carbon interfaces and conductive carbon skeleton can facilitate delightful interfacial polarization and conductive loss. Combining these positive electromagnetic energy dissipation characteristics, FeCo2Ni/C with strengthened dipole polarization oscillation and outstanding impedance matching realizes an extremely high‐attenuation absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −82.2 dB at 5.21 GHz. This work provides a feasible and flexible insight into producing magnetic‐dielectric complementary Fe‐Co‐Ni alloys/carbon composites with various alloy compositions as excellent electromagnetic wave absorbers.
Environmental decision support system for Plane trees failure prediction: A comparison of multi‐layer perceptron and random forest modeling approaches
Authors: Jahani Ali , Saffariha Maryam 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTree risk is the likelihood of property damage or personal injury from a potentially hazardous tree in cities. We aimed to compare multilayer perceptron (MLP) and random forest (RF) model techniques to predict Plane trees failure hazard in urban areas. In this research, 500 Plane trees in different urban structures were selected, and 12 variables were measured for target trees prediction as model independent variables. Tree failure hazard (tree fails along next 3 yr) was modeled by two machine learning techniques: MLP and RF. The RF model represents the higher accuracy in training (100%), test (94.4%), and all data sets (98.4%). The results of variable importance calculation of designed RF model revealed that wind‐protected aspects, soil depth, length of cracks and cavities, and internal decay are the most important variables respectively that influence the classes of Plane tree failure. The urban foresters or designers can easily determine the possibility of Plane trees risk by running the designed graphical user interface and entering 12 variables of Plane tree. As a result, it will help foresters and urban area managers to make better decisions and predict the proper time to decrease harm from Plane tree failure.
Identification of potential neuroprotective compound from Ganoderma lucidum extract targeting microtubule affinity regulation kinase 4 involved in Alzheimer's disease through molecular dynamics simulation and MMGBSA
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Singh Gagandeep , Soni Hemant , Tandon Smriti 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveAlzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurological ailments, affecting around 50 million individuals globally. The condition is characterized by nerve cell damage due to the formation of amyloid‐beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Only a few US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved medications are available in the market which are devoid of side effects, thus, making it imperative to investigate new alternatives for countering this disease. According to a recent study, microtubule affinity regulation kinase 4 (MARK4) is attributed as one of the most promising drug targets for AD, thus, being selected for this study. Compounds from Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) extracts were selected to be used as ligands for this study.MethodsIn this study, the five most potent compounds from Ganoderma lucidum were selected and their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis was performed, followed by molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation of each compound with MARK4 and supported by molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MMGBSA) binding free energy calculations.ResultsThe promising compounds were selected based on their ADMET profile and interactions with the active site residues of MARK4. Based on docking scores of −9.1 and −10.3 kcal/ mol, respectively, stability assessment by molecular dynamics simulation, and MMGBSA calculations, ganoderic acid A and ganoderenic acid B were found to be the most promising compounds against MARK4 which will require further in vitro and in vivo validations.ConclusionThrough this study, it is suggested that ganoderic acid A and ganoderenic acid B might be a class of promising compounds against AD, based on computational research, and can be further studied for preclinical and clinical studies.
Active sites modulation with Runge–Gross theorem: CO2 capture by porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks at excited states
Authors: Qi Shi‐Chao , Yu Yan‐Fei , Yang Zhi‐Hui , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Lu Xiao‐Jie , Liu Xiao‐Qin , Sun Lin‐Bing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTraditionally chemical modifications altering molecular skeletons (MSs) were the only solution to modulate material active sites at ground states. According to Runge–Gross theorem, the MS and the adjoint electron‐configuration (MS‐AEC) can be tuned at excited states (ESs), even without chemical modifications. A porphyrinic metal–organic framework PCN‐222 and its metalloporphyrin homologs are used for adsorptive carbon capture both at ground states and with photoexcitation (350–780 nm). Instead of passive photothermal effects, the carbon capture performances of all the adsorbents get promotions. The dominant first ESs with long lifetimes meet the time‐scale of molecular adsorption equilibrium, meanwhile tune the MS‐AEC of the porphyrin ligands to generate new active sites with much more negative electrostatic‐potentials, of which the distribution gradient is crucial for inducing CO2 and can be further modulated by the central‐coordinated metal cations at ground and excited states. This work demonstrates the availability of static ESs and possibility of nonchemical modifications.
Fatal gastrointestinal complications in Pitt‐Hopkins syndrome
Authors: Koppen Ilan J. N. , Menke Leonie A. , Westra Wytske M. , Struik Femke , Mesman Simone , van Wijk Michiel P. , Huisman Sylvia A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPitt‐Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations of the transcription factor 4 (Tcf4) gene. Individuals with PTHS often suffer from severe abdominal bloating and constipation. In this short communication, we discuss two individuals with PTHS who died unexpectedly due to gastrointestinal complications. We aim to increase awareness among healthcare professionals who care for individuals with PTHS, to ensure adequate screening and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in this population. Moreover, we discuss how fatal gastrointestinal complications may be related to PTHS and provide an overview of the literature.
Longitudinal Effects of Asymptomatic C9orf72 Carriership on Brain Morphology
Authors: van Veenhuijzen Kevin , Westeneng Henk‐Jan , Tan Harold H. G. , Nitert Abram D. , van der Burgh Hannelore K. , Gosselt Isabel , van Es Michael A. , Nijboer Tanja C. W. , Veldink Jan H. , van den Berg Leonard H. 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveWe investigated effects of C9orf72 repeat expansion and gene expression on longitudinal cerebral changes before symptom onset.MethodsWe enrolled 79 asymptomatic family members (AFMs) from 9 families with C9orf72 repeat expansion. Twenty‐eight AFMs carried the mutation (C9+). Participants had up to 3 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, after which we compared motor cortex and motor tracts between C9+ and C9− AFMs using mixed effects models, incorporating kinship to correct for familial relations and lessen effects of other genetic factors. We also compared cortical, subcortical, cerebellar, and connectome structural measurements in a hypothesis‐free analysis. We correlated regional C9orf72 expression in donor brains with the pattern of cortical thinning in C9+ AFMs using meta‐regression. For comparison, we included 42 C9+ and 439 C9− patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in this analysis.ResultsC9+ AFM motor cortex had less gyrification and was thinner than in C9− AFMs, without differences in motor tracts. Whole brain analysis revealed thinner cortex and less gyrification in parietal, occipital, and temporal regions, smaller thalami and right hippocampus, and affected frontotemporal connections. Thinning of bilateral precentral, precuneus, and left superior parietal cortex was faster in C9+ than in C9− AFMs. Higher C9orf72 expression correlated with thinner cortex in both C9+ AFMs and C9+ ALS patients.InterpretationIn asymptomatic C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers, brain MRI reveals widespread features suggestive of impaired neurodevelopment, along with faster decline of motor and parietal cortex than found in normal aging. C9orf72 expression might play a role in cortical development, and consequently explain the specific brain abnormalities of mutation carriers. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:668–680
Clinically Meaningful Magnetic Resonance Endpoints Sensitive to Preataxic Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1 and 3
Authors: Chandrasekaran Jayashree , Petit Emilien , Park Young Woo , du Montcel Sophie Tezenas , Joers James M. , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Považan Michal , Banan Guita , Valabregue Romain , Ehses Philipp , Faber Jennifer , Coupé Pierrick , Onyike Chiadi U. , Barker Peter B. , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Ratai Eva‐Maria , Subramony S. H. , Mareci Thomas H. , Bushara Khalaf O. , Paulson Henry , Durr Alexandra , Klockgether Thomas , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Lenglet Christophe , Öz Gülin ,   for the READISCA Consortium
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to identify magnetic resonance (MR) metrics that are most sensitive to early changes in the brain in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and type 3 (SCA3) using an advanced multimodal MR imaging (MRI) protocol in the multisite trial setting.MethodsSCA1 or SCA3 mutation carriers and controls (n = 107) underwent MR scanning in the US‐European READISCA study to obtain structural, diffusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy data using an advanced protocol at 3T. Morphometric, microstructural, and neurochemical metrics were analyzed blinded to diagnosis and compared between preataxic SCA (n = 11 SCA1, n = 28 SCA3), ataxic SCA (n = 14 SCA1, n = 37 SCA3), and control (n = 17) groups using nonparametric testing accounting for multiple comparisons. MR metrics that were most sensitive to preataxic abnormalities were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.ResultsAtrophy and microstructural damage in the brainstem and cerebellar peduncles and neurochemical abnormalities in the pons were prominent in both preataxic groups, when patients did not differ from controls clinically. MR metrics were strongly associated with ataxia symptoms, activities of daily living, and estimated ataxia duration. A neurochemical measure was the most sensitive metric to preataxic changes in SCA1 (ROC area under the curve [AUC] = 0.95), and a microstructural metric was the most sensitive metric to preataxic changes in SCA3 (AUC = 0.92).InterpretationChanges in cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways underlie the earliest symptoms of both SCAs. MR metrics collected with a harmonized advanced protocol in the multisite trial setting allow detection of disease effects in individuals before ataxia onset with potential clinical trial utility for subject stratification. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:686–701
Olefin‐Dihydroxylierung mit Nitroarenen als Photosensibilisatoren
Authors: Hampton Charlotte , Simonetti Marco , Leonori Daniele 
Published: December 2022

AbstractVicinale Diole sind in vielen natürlichen und synthetischen Molekülen zu finden, und ebenso wertvolle Zwischenprodukte in der organischen Synthese. Die Dihydroxylierung eines Alkens ist eine effektive Strategie um Zugang zu diesen Derivaten zu verschaffen, da es ein breites Angebot von ungesättigten Rohstoffen gibt. Osmiumtetroxid ist eines der am häufigsten verwendeten Reagenzien für diese Transformation, doch die hohe Toxizität und hohen Kosten sind nach wie vor problematisch und limitieren die verbreitete Annahme dieser Methode für die Herstellung vicinaler Diole. In dieser Publikation stellen wir eine mechanistisch einzigartige Strategie für Dihydroxylierung von Olefinen vor, welche durch die Verwendung von Nitroaromaten als Photosensibilisatoren ermöglicht wird. Durch violetter LED‐Bestrahlung der Reaktionsmischung geschieht eine [3+2]‐Photocycloaddition zwischen Alken und Nitroaromat, die zu einem stabilen 1,3,2‐Dioxazolidinintermediat führt. Diese Intermediate können anschließend zu den gewünschten Diolen reduziert werden. Verwendet werden einfach zu handhabende Reagenzien welche als Wasserstoffsurrogat dienen.