Biological characteristics and pathogenicity comparison of Nocardia seriolae isolated from Micropterus salmoides and Channa argus

Nocardia seriolae is the primary pathogen causing nocardiosis in various fish species, leads to significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. In this study, 10 bacterial strains isolated from Micropterus salmoides and Channa argus infected with nocardiosis, were identified as N. seriolae by physiological and biochemical identification, as well as 16S rDNA sequencing. Moreover, the key virulence-related genes such as ESX-1, T7SS-2, T7SS-3, EspG1, sodC, sod2 and ESAT6 were all positive, and showing high homology among different strains. Pathogenicity testing revealed mortality rates ranging from 70 to 100%, accompanied by the presence of white nodules in the viscera of deceased fish. The drug sensitivity test demonstrated that LY21811, the most lethal strain, exhibited high sensitivity to nine types of antibiotics, including azithromycin, doxycycline, florfenicol and compound sulfamethoxazole, yet showed complete resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Additionally, the tannic acid also demonstrated potent inhibitory effects against LY21811, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.0625 mg/mL. These results showed that N. seriolae originated from M. salmoides and C. argus in Zhejiang Province were highly conserved, demonstrating a high homogeneity in genetic characteristics, pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibilities. These results provide a foundation for further research on the pathogenic characteristics and disease prevention of N. seriolae infections.

Top-down Induced Crystallization Orientation toward Highly Efficient p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells

Crystallization orientation plays a crucial role in determining the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), whereas effective strategies for realizing oriented perovskite crystallization is still lacking. Herein, we report a facile and efficient top-down strategy to manipulate the crystallization orientation via treating perovskite wet film with propylamine chloride (PACl) before annealing. The PA+ ions tend to be adsorbed on the (001) facet of the perovskite surface, resulting in the reduced cleavage energy to induce (001) orientation-dominated growth of perovskite film and then reduce the temperature of phase transition, meanwhile, the penetrating Cl ions further regulate the crystallization process. As-prepared (001)-dominant perovskite films exhibit the ameliorative film homogeneity in terms of vertical and horizontal scale, leading to alleviated lattice mismatch and lowered defect density. The resultant PVSC devices deliver a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.07% with enhanced stability, and the unencapsulated PVSC device maintains 95% of its initial PCE after 1000 hours of operation at the maximum power point under simulated AM 1.5G illumination. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Screening of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Color Intensity-Based Textural Features

Background Early screening and diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has always been a major challenge for pathologists. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted screening tools can serve as an adjunct for the objective interpretation of Papanicolaou (PAP)-stained oral smears. Aim This study aimed to develop a handy and sensitive computer-assisted AI tool based on color-intensity textural features to be applied to cytologic images for screening and diagnosis of OSCC. Methodology The study included two groups consisting of 80 OSCC subjects and 80 control groups. PAP-stained smears were collected from both groups. The smears were analyzed in Matlab software computed data and color intensity-based textural features such as entropy, contrast, energy, homogeneity, and correlation, were quantitatively extracted. Results In this study, a statistically significant difference was noted for entropy, energy, correlation, contrast, and homogeneity. It was found that entropy and contrast were found to be higher with a decrease in homogeneity, correlation, and energy in OSCC when compared to the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was done and accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were found to be 88%, 91%, and 81%, respectively. Conclusion The gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) color intensity-based textural features play a significant role in differentiating dysplastic and normal cells in the diagnosis of OSCC. Computer-aided textural analysis has the potential to aid in the early detection of oral cancer, which can lead to improved clinical outcomes.

A Catalyst-Like System Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

High-quality perovskite films are essential for achieving high performance of optoelectronic devices; However, solution-processed perovskite films are known to suffer from compositional and structural inhomogeneity due to lack of systematic control over the kinetics during the formation. Here, the microscopic homogeneity of perovskite films is successfully enhanced by modulating the conversion reaction kinetics using a catalyst-like system generated by a foaming agent. The chemical and structural evolution during this catalytic conversion is revealed by a multimodal synchrotron toolkit with spatial resolutions spanning many length scales. Combining these insights with computational investigations, a cyclic conversion pathway model is developed that yields exceptional perovskite homogeneity due to enhanced conversion, having a power conversion efficiency of 24.51% for photovoltaic devices. This work establishes a systematic link between processing of precursor and homogeneity of the perovskite films.

There is a Lack of Clinical Homogeneity in Lower-Limb Tendinopathy Trials: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear if clinical trials of treatments for lower-limb tendinopathies include clinically homogeneous participant populations (an assumption for pooling in meta-analyses). We assessed the recruitment setting and participant characteristics used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were investigating any treatment for lower-limb tendinopathies. DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases. All RCTs that were investigating treatments for lower-limb tendinopathies in an adult population (≥18 years) were eligible for inclusion. At least 2 authors conducted independent screening and selection of full-text papers, and extracted data from included studies. RESULTS: Of 18 341 records, 342 RCTs (21 897 participants) were eligible for inclusion and data extraction. The most common diagnoses were plantar fasciopathy (n = 195, 57%), Achilles tendinopathy (n = 82, 24%), and patellar tendinopathy (n = 41, 12%). Secondary care (n = 144, 42%) was the most reported recruitment setting, followed by an open setting (n = 44, 13%). In 93 (27%) RCTs, the recruitment setting was not described. We found high heterogeneity in participant characteristics (eg, symptom duration, age, body mass index, and the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment [VISA] questionnaire score) within and between recruitment settings. CONCLUSION: Our results question whether clinical homogeneity can be adequately assumed in clinical trials of lower-limb tendinopathies due to the lack of clear reporting of the recruitment setting and the variability within and between recruitment settings of key participant characteristics. These findings threaten assumptions for meta-analyses in lower-limb tendinopathies. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(1):1-10. Epub 5 December 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11722.

Anion Confinement for Homogeneous Mixed Halide Perovskite Film Growth by Electrospray

Wide-bandgap perovskites are promising absorbers for state-of-the-art tandem solar cells to feasibly surpass Shockley-Queisser limit with low cost. However, the commonly used mixed halide perovskites suffer from poor stability; particularly, photoinduced phase segregation. Electrospray deposition is developed to bridge the gap of growth rate between iodide and bromide components during film growth by spatially confining the anion diffusion and eliminating the kinetic difference, which universally improves the initial homogeneity of perovskite films regardless of device architectures. It thus promotes the efficiency and stability of corresponding solar cells based on wide-bandgap (1.68 eV) absorbers. Remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 21.44% and 20.77% are achieved in 0.08 cm2 and 1.0 cm2 devices, respectively. In addition, these devices maintain 90% of their initial PCE after 1550 h of stabilized power output (SPO) tracking upon one sun irradiation (LED) at room temperature.

Homogeneity Enhancement of Mixtures Containing Epoxy Polymer and 100% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

The utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) could reduce the cost of pavements containing epoxy polymer (EP) materials. This study was aimed at improving the homogeneity of an EP-reclaimed asphalt mixtures (ERAMs) at both the micro- and meso-scale to provide a reference for an ERAM production process. At the microscale, nanoindentation tests were conducted to characterize the diffusion between the EP and aged asphalt mastic. At the mesoscale, computerized tomography (CT) X-ray scanning and MATLAB analysis were employed to investigate the distribution of the aggregate within the ERAM. The results revealed that mixing temperature played a significant role in the diffusion and distribution between the EP and the aged asphalt mastic, thus impacting the mechanical properties of the material. Heating at 180 °C (the recommended mixing temperature of EP) resulted in a wider blending zone between the EP and the aged asphalt mastic compared to heating at 160 °C (the usual mixing temperature of ordinary reclaimed asphalt mixtures). The overall dispersion of the aggregate in the ERAM exhibited greater homogeneity in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Adjusting the gradation of the RAP was found to be effective in reducing horizontal variability in the distribution of the coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and air voids in the ERAM. Adjusting the RAP gradation further enhanced the vertical homogeneity in the distribution of the fine aggregate, while its impact on the vertical distribution of the coarse aggregate was minimal. Short-term aging led to increased variability in the distribution of the coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and air voids within the ERAM. However, adjusting the gradation was effective in mitigating the adverse effects of short-term aging on both horizontal and vertical homogeneity in the aggregate distribution.

Evaluation of intensity-modulated electron FLASH radiotherapy in a clinical setting using veterinary cases

PURPOSE

The increased normal tissue tolerance for FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT), as compared to conventional radiotherapy, was first observed in ultra-high dose rate electron beams. Initial clinical trials in companion animals have revealed a high risk of developing osteoradionecrosis following high-dose single-fraction electron FLASH-RT, which may be related to inhomogeneities in the dose distribution. In the current study, we aim to evaluate the possibilities of intensity-modulated electron FLASH-RT in a clinical setting to ensure a homogeneous dose distribution in future veterinary and human clinical trials.

METHODS

Our beam model in the treatment planning system electronRT (.decimal, LLC, Sanford, FL, USA) was based on a 10-MeV electron beam from a clinical linear accelerator used to treat veterinary patients with FLASH-RT in a clinical setting. In electronRT, the beam can be intensity-modulated using tungsten island blocks in the electron block cutout, and range-modulated using a customized bolus with variable thickness. Modulations were first validated in a heterogeneous phantom by comparing measured and calculated dose distributions. To evaluate the impact of intensity modulation in superficial single-fraction FLASH-RT, a treatment planning study was conducted, including eight canine cancer patient cases with simulated tumors in the head-and-neck region. For each case, treatment plans with and without intensity modulation were created for a uniform bolus and a range-modulating bolus. Treatment plans were evaluated using a target dose homogeneity index (HI), a conformity index (CI), the near-maximum dose outside the target (D 2 % , Body - PTV ${D_{2{\mathrm{\% }},{\mathrm{\ Body}} - {\mathrm{PTV}}}}$ ), and the near-minimum dose to the target (D 98 % ${D_{98\% }}$ ).

RESULTS

By adding intensity modulation to plans with a uniform bolus, the HI could be improved (p = 0.017). The combination of a range-modulating bolus and intensity modulation provided a further significant improvement of the HI as compared to using intensity modulation in combination with a uniform bolus (p = 0.036). The range-modulating bolus also improved the CI compared to using a uniform bolus, both with an open beam (p = 0.046) and with intensity modulation (p = 0.018), as well as increased theD 98 % ${D_{98\% }}$ (p = 0.036 with open beam and p = 0.05 with intensity modulation) and reduced the medianD 2 % , Body - PTV ${D_{2\% ,{\mathrm{\ Body}} - {\mathrm{PTV}}}}$ (not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

By using intensity-modulated electron FLASH-RT in combination with range-modulating bolus, the target dose homogeneity and conformity in canine patients with simulated tumors in complex areas in the head-and-neck region could be improved. By utilizing this technique, we hope to decrease the dose outside the target volume and avoid hot spots in future clinical electron FLASH-RT studies, thereby reducing the risk of radiation-induced toxicity.

Induction of Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) In Vitro Androgenesis in Anther Cultures of F1 Hybrid Combinations, Varieties and Homogeneity Testing of Offspring Generation

In cereal breeding, in vitro androgenesis methods are frequently applied to achieve doubled haploid (DH) plants. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genotype (three registered varieties and eight F1 crossing combinations) and induction medium (W14mf and P4mf) on anther cultures (ACs) of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack). Androgenesis was induced in the treatment of each tested genotype, and the genotype significantly influenced the efficiency of AC, including in embryo-like structures (ELSs), albinos, green plantlets, and transplanted plantlets. The utilized medium also had a significant effect on the number of ELSs, albinos, and transplanted plantlets. Both media were suitable for AC in triticale DH plant production. The efficiency of AC was higher when using the P4mf medium (103.7 ELS/100 anthers, 19.7 green plantlets/100 anthers) than when using the W14mf medium (90.0 ELS/100 anthers, 17.0 green plantlets/100 anthers). However, the green plantlet regeneration efficiency of microspore-derived structures was 18.0% when using the W14mf medium, while this value was 15.9% in the case of ELSs induced with the P4mf medium. After nursery seed evaluation and propagation (DH1), the genetic homogeneity of the offspring generation (DH2) was tested using a molecular genetic method. Most of the tested DH lines showed homogeneity and were progressed into a breeding program after agronomic selection. Some DH lines showed inhomogeneity, which could be explained by the outcross inclination of triticale. We would like to call breeders' attention to the outcross character of triticale and emphasize the vigilant propagation and maintenance of the triticale DH lines in breeding programs. Due to the outcross nature of triticale, even in self-pollinated genotypes, breeders should focus on careful maintenance, along with isolation in the case of line propagations, in triticale breeding programs.

Characterization of Particle-Size-Based Homogeneity and Mycotoxin Distribution Using Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analysis

Sample homogeneity dictates whether analyzing a test portion of an entire sample can provide representative information about incurred mycotoxins. In this study, we evaluated particle-size-distribution-based homogeneity of laboratory mycotoxin samples using laser diffraction particle size analysis and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 35: 2017. Incurred whole corn, compound feed, peanut butter, and wheat flour (500 g each) were comminuted using wet, cryogenic, or dry milling. We used a sample dividing (riffling) device to obtain representative subsamples (25 g each) and developed a laser diffraction particle size analysis procedure by optimizing key parameters such as the refractive index, absorption, and stirring rate. The homogeneity of the particle size distribution within laboratory subsamples was characterized using the optimized laser diffraction procedure. An assessment of homogeneity was also performed for individual mycotoxins in each incurred matrix sample following the procedure described in ISO Guide 35. The concentrations of the incurred mycotoxins were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Within- and between-subsample variances of incurred aflatoxin B1 in peanut butter; deoxynivalenol in corn, compound feed, and wheat flour; and fumonisins in compound feed corroborated that when the particle size measurements were less than 850 µm, mycotoxins concentrations were consistent across independent test portions, which was confirmed using an analysis of variance (F-test). This study highlights the benefits of laser diffraction particle size analysis and suggests its use as a test procedure to evaluate homogeneity in new sample commodities.

Low-Variance Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using Confined Gold Nanoparticles over Silicon Nanocones

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates are of utmost interest in the analyte detection of biological and chemical diagnostics. This is primarily due to the ability of SERS to sensitively measure analytes present in localized hot spots of the SERS nanostructures. In this work, we present the formation of 67 ± 6 nm diameter gold nanoparticles supported by vertically aligned shell-insulated silicon nanocones for ultralow variance SERS. The nanoparticles are obtained through discrete rotation glancing angle deposition of gold in an e-beam evaporating system. The morphology is assessed through focused ion beam tomography, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The optical properties are discussed and evaluated through reflectance measurements and finite-difference time-domain simulations. Lastly, the SERS activity is measured by benzenethiol functionalization and subsequent Raman spectroscopy in the surface scanning mode. We report a homogeneous analytical enhancement factor of 2.2 ± 0.1 × 10⁷ (99% confidence interval for N = 400 grid spots) and made a comparison to other lithographically derived assemblies used in SERS. The strikingly low variance (4%) of our substrates facilitates its use for many potential SERS applications.

Numerical Modeling of the Mixing of Highly Viscous Polymer Suspensions in Partially Filled Sigma Blade Mixers

This paper presents a non-isothermal, non-Newtonian Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for the mixing of a highly viscous polymer suspension in a partially filled sigma blade mixer. The model accounts for viscous heating and the free surface of the suspension. The rheological model is found by calibration with experimental temperature measurements. Subsequently, the model is exploited to study the effect of applying heat both before and during mixing on the suspension's mixing quality. Two mixing indexes are used to evaluate the mixing condition, namely, the Ica Manas-Zlaczower dispersive index and Kramer's distributive index. Some fluctuations are observed in the predictions of the dispersive mixing index, which could be associated with the free surface of the suspension, thus indicating that this index might not be ideal for partially filled mixers. The Kramer index results are stable and indicate that the particles in the suspension can be well distributed. Interestingly, the results highlight that the speed at which the suspension becomes well distributed is almost independent of applying heat both before and during the process.

Improving Quantum Well Tube Homogeneity Using Strained Nanowire Heterostructures

Bottom-up grown nanostructures often suffer from significant dimensional inhomogeneity, and for quantum confined heterostructures, this can lead to a corresponding large variation in electronic properties. A high-throughput characterization methodology is applied to >15,000 nanoskived sections of highly strained GaAsP/GaAs radial core/shell quantum well heterostructures revealing high emission uniformity. While scanning electron microscopy shows a wide nanowire diameter spread of 540_-60⁺⁶⁰ nm, photoluminescence reveals a tightly bounded band-to-band transition energy of 1546_-3⁺⁴ meV. A highly strained core/shell nanowire design is shown to reduce the dependence of emission on the quantum well width variation significantly more than in the unstrained case.

Penalized robust learning for optimal treatment regimes with heterogeneous individualized treatment effects

The growing popularity of personalized medicine motivates people to explore individualized treatment regimes according to heterogeneous characteristics of the patients. For the large-scale data analysis, however, the data are collected at different times and different locations, i.e. subjects are usually from a heterogeneous population, which causes that the optimal treatment regimes also vary for patients across different subgroups. In this paper, we mainly focus on the estimation of optimal treatment regimes for subjects come from a heterogeneous population with high-dimensional data. We first remove the main effects of the covariates for each subgroup to eliminate non-ignorable residual confounding. Based on the centralized outcome, we propose a penalized robust learning that estimates the coefficient matrix of the interactions between covariates and treatment by penalizing pairwise differences of the coefficients of any two subgroups for the same covariate, which can automatically identify the latent complex structure of the coefficient matrix with heterogeneous and homogeneous columns. At the same time, the penalized robust learning can also select the important variables that truly contribute to the individualized treatment decisions with commonly used sparsity structure penalty. Extensive simulation studies show that our proposed method outperforms current popular methods, and it is further illustrated in the real analysis of the Tamoxifen breast cancer data.

Characterization of Three Types of Recycled Aggregates from Different Construction and Demolition Waste: An Experimental Study for Waste Management

Achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources stands out as one of the goals included in the Goals for Sustainable Development in the 2030 Agenda. The construction sector is currently far from presenting an efficient model in terms of treating waste generated by it. Variations in the physical and chemical properties of recycled aggregates coming from construction and demolition waste are one of the main reasons of their limited use in the production of construction materials. This research presents a physicochemical characterization of three different types of recycled aggregates coming from different types of waste: concrete, ceramic and mixed. Physical characterization shows that recycled concrete aggregate has better physical properties compared with mixed recycled aggregate and ceramic recycled aggregate, which makes it more suitable for use in masonry mortars and concrete, due to its higher dry density (2210.33 kg/m3), its lower content of fines (5.17%), its lower friability coefficient (24.60%), and its water absorption coefficient (6.70%). Chemical characterization shows that none of the tested recycled aggregates contains traces of harmful chemical agents that exceed the limits established by the reference regulations. Finally, the statistical analysis shows good homogeneity for these raw materials, obtaining low coefficients of variation and values within the recommended in each of the calculated confidence intervals.

Effects of Birthweight of Piglets in a Multi-Suckling System on Mortality, Growth Rate, Catch-Up Growth, Feed Intake and Behaviour

Multi-suckling systems aim to improve animal welfare, but in these systems, a large variation is seen in piglet growth rate. Birthweight (BiW) plays an important role in explaining the variation in body weight (BW) gain of piglets. This study aims to investigate the relationships between BiW and piglet traits up to day 44 postpartum (p.p.). A total of 55 sows were used. The growth rate and mortality were assessed for all piglets. Feed and milk intake, behaviours, and skin lesions were assessed in four focal piglets per litter. Focal piglets were divided into four groups based on their BiW class (high BiW (HBiW) vs. low BiW (LBiW)) and growth rate class (fast vs. slow). Results showed that increased mortality was observed in piglets with a BiW below 1.1 kg. Birthweight was positively related with the number of sucklings (β = 2.8 no./kg of BiW per 7.5 h), corresponding to milk intake (β = 102 g/kg of BiW per day), and to a lesser extent, to the intake of sow feed (β = 44 g/kg of BiW per day) in week 6. Birthweight was positively related with the number of skin lesions (β = 4.3 no./kg of BiW) in week 4. We found no indications that fast-growing LBiW piglets differed from fast-growing HBiW piglets, however, fast-growing piglets of both HBiW and LBiW tended to eat more feed (485 ± 18 vs. 420 ± 17 g/day, p = 0.068), were present less often at teats of alien sows (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, p = 0.010), and had more skin lesions (9.0 ± 0.6 vs. 7.4 ± 0.4, p = 0.047), compared to slow growing piglets. Our study, thus, provides little insight into the traits that affect catchup growth in a multi-suckling environment but increases insight into the differences between fast-growing and slow-growing piglets, regardless of their birthweight class.

Maturation of Aluminium Adsorbed Antigens Contributes to the Creation of Homogeneous Vaccine Formulations

Although aluminium-based vaccines have been used for almost over a century, their mechanism of action remains unclear. It is established that antigen adsorption to the adjuvant facilitates delivery of the antigen to immune cells at the injection site. To further increase our understanding of aluminium-based vaccines, it is important to gain additional insights on the interactions between the aluminium and antigens, including antigen distribution over the adjuvant particles. Immuno-assays can further help in this regard. In this paper, we evaluated how established formulation strategies (i.e., sequential, competitive, and separate antigen addition) applied to four different antigens and aluminium oxyhydroxide, lead to formulation changes over time. Results showed that all formulation samples were stable, and that no significant changes were observed in terms of physical-chemical properties. Antigen distribution across the bulk aluminium population, however, did show a maturation effect, with some initial dependence on the formulation approach and the antigen adsorption strength. Sequential and competitive approaches displayed similar results in terms of the homogeneity of antigen distribution across aluminium particles, while separately adsorbed antigens were initially more highly poly-dispersed. Nevertheless, the formulation sample prepared via separate adsorption also reached homogeneity according to each antigen adsorption strength. This study indicated that antigen distribution across aluminium particles is a dynamic feature that evolves over time, which is initially influenced by the formulation approach and the specific adsorption strength, but ultimately leads to homogeneous formulations.

Differential sensitivity of climate conditions on birth weight genetic values in mice divergently selected for birth weight residual variance

After 32 generations of a divergent selection experiment for residual variance of birth weight in mice, two divergent lines were thus obtained: the heterogeneous line (H-line) and the homogeneous line (L-line). Throughout the generations, differences were observed between the two lines in traits such as litter size, survival at weaning, and birth weight variability caused by unidentified environmental conditions. The L-line exhibited advantages in terms of higher survival rates, larger litter sizes, and less sensitivity to changes in food intake. The study is an examination of the effects of climate as an environmental factor on the performance of these animals. Climate factors including maximum, minimum, and mean temperature (T), humidity (H), and TH index; at three stages (the fecundation, a week before the parturition and the parturition), were linked to a birth weight dataset consisting of 22,614 records distributed as follows: 8,853 corresponding to the H-line, 12,649 to the L-line, and 1,112 to the initial population. Out of the 27 analyzed climatic variables, the maximum temperature 1 wk before parturition (MXTW) was identified as the most influential when comparing heteroscedastic models with the deviance information criterion. The order of Legendre polynomial to apply in the following random regression model was tested by a cross-validation using homoscedastic models. Finally, MXTW was compared on how it affected the two divergent lines by analyzing predicted breeding values (PBV) obtained from a random regression heteroscedastic model. The mean PBV of the H-line in the first generation showed a range of 0.070 g with a negative slope, which was 35 times higher than the range obtained for the L-line, which varied within 0.002 g. In the last generation of selection, the H-line exhibited greater instability of PBV across temperatures, with a difference of 0.101 g between the maximum and minimum mean PBV, compared to 0.017 g for the L-line. The standard deviations of the slopes in the H-line were more dispersed than in the L-line. Unlike the H-line, the L-line had slopes that were not significantly different from 0 throughout the generations of selection, indicating greater stability in response to MXTW variations. The H-line exhibited a higher sensitivity to changes in MXTW, particularly in birth weight, with the L-line being more stable. The selection for uniformity of birth weight could lead to less sensitive animals under environmental changes.

A Dosimetric Comparison of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy in Patients Treated with Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy

Objective

Radiotherapy continues to play an important role in the management of breast cancer. This study compared the dosimetric differences between the techniques of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in breast cancer patients who had radiotherapy after mastectomy.

Materials and Methods

Forty post-mastectomy patients (19 right-sided breast and 21 left-sided breast) treated with the IMRT technique using 7-9 fields who were re-planned with VMAT using 2 coplanar arc on the Varian Vital beam linear accelerator between January, 2020 and August, 2021 were included in this study. The patients received 42 Gy in 15 fractions to the chest wall, lymph nodes and supraclavicular nodes. The dosimetric parameter for planning target volume (PTV), organs at risk (OAR) and the integral dose to the body were analysed. Student's t-test for two independent means was used to analyse the dosimetric differences between the plans.

Results

Clinical goals were achieved for both techniques. In terms of PTV coverage at 95% (IMRT: 712.17±233) vs (VMAT: 694.9±214) and the homogeneity index (IMRT: 0.075±0.04) vs (VMAT: 0.104±0.03), IMRT resulted in better dose coverage and homogeneity than VMAT. However, with the conformity index, no significant difference was seen. As regards the OARs, the mean doses, V₅, V₁₀, V₂₀, V₃₀, and V₄₀ for the Ipsilateral-lung were lower in IMRT plans than in VMAT plans with a non-significant variation (p-values = 0.141, 0.416, 0.954, 0.443, and 1 respectively). Regarding the mean dose to the heart, low-dose volumes V₅, V₁₀, and high-dose volume V30 were significantly reduced in IMRT compared to VMAT. When comparing the dose to the contralateral breast, IMRT achieved a significantly lower mean dose than VMAT (2.9 vs 3.62, p = 0.0148). For MU, VMAT showed lower MU compared to IMRT with a non-significant difference.

Conclusion

With IMRT, better PTV coverage, homogeneity and OAR sparing were observed. Additionally, VMAT resulted in a lower delivery time than IMRT. Overall, both techniques offered dosimetric qualities that were clinically acceptable.

[Homogeneity of Two Semisolid Formulations Using Simple In-tube Mixing Method]

To accelerate therapeutic effects, the mixtures of two or more topical pharmaceutical products having different medicinal purposes are often applied in the medical field. In this study, we aimed to develop a simple mixing method/procedure to achieve excellent homogeneity in the mixture of two topical products, a steroidal ointment and a skin moisturizer. To assess an in-tube mixing method as a simple mixing procedure, we injected both topical products into an empty resin tube, a flexible hollow tube with an open end that can be closed on one side, and a closed end on the other, removed as less air as possible inside the tube, and then thermocompressed (sealed) the open end to close it. The two topical products were then mixed uniformly by repeated finger pressure along the longitudinal axis of the tube. The homogeneity of the two topical products in the tube was evaluated by measuring the content of methyl paraoxybenzoate (MP), an additive loaded in the skin moisturizer. In addition, the mixability was qualitatively evaluated from the distribution of white petrolatum, another additive loaded in the steroid ointment, using Raman spectroscopy. As a result, the measured value of MP relative to the label claim was in the range of 100±12%, and the coefficients of variation value was also less than 12%. These results indicate that the in-tube mixing method using two topical products is approximately hologenetic preparations that do not cause therapeutic problems.

Microtubule nucleation complex behavior is critical for cortical array homogeneity and xylem wall patterning

Plant cell walls are versatile materials that can adopt a wide range of mechanical properties through controlled deposition of cellulose fibrils. Wall integrity requires a sufficiently homogeneous fibril distribution to cope effectively with wall stresses. Additionally, specific conditions, such as the negative pressure in water transporting xylem vessels, may require more complex wall patterns, e.g., bands in protoxylem. The orientation and patterning of cellulose fibrils are guided by dynamic cortical microtubules. New microtubules are predominantly nucleated from parent microtubules causing positive feedback on local microtubule density with the potential to yield highly inhomogeneous patterns. Inhomogeneity indeed appears in all current cortical array simulations that include microtubule-based nucleation, suggesting that plant cells must possess an as-yet unknown balancing mechanism to prevent it. Here, in a combined simulation and experimental approach, we show that a limited local recruitment of nucleation complexes to microtubules can counter the positive feedback, whereas local tubulin depletion cannot. We observe that nucleation complexes preferentially appear at the plasma membrane near microtubules. By incorporating our experimental findings in stochastic simulations, we find that the spatial behavior of nucleation complexes delicately balances the positive feedback, such that differences in local microtubule dynamics-as in developing protoxylem-can quickly turn a homogeneous array into a banded one. Our results provide insight into how the plant cytoskeleton has evolved to meet diverse mechanical requirements and greatly increase the predictive power of computational cell biology studies.

Crosslinking Methodology for Imidazole-Grafted Silicone Elastomers Allowing for Dielectric Elastomers Operated at Low Electrical Fields with High Strains

For improved actuation at low voltages of dielectric elastomers, a high dielectric permittivity has been targeted for several years but most successful methods then either increase the stiffness of the elastomer and/or introduce notable losses of both mechanical and dielectric nature. For polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based elastomers, most high-permittivity moieties inhibit the sensitive platinum catalyst used in the addition curing scheme. In contrast to the classical addition curing pathway to prepare PDMS elastomers, here, an alternative strategy is reported to prepare PDMS elastomers via the crosslinking reaction between multifunctional imidazole-grafted PDMS with difunctional bis(1-ethylene-imidazole-3-ium) bromide ionic liquid (bis-IL). The prepared IL-elastomer entails uniformly dispersed IL and presents stable mechanical and dielectric properties due to the covalent nature of the crosslinking as opposed to previously reported physical mixing in of ILs. The relative permittivity was improved up to 200% by including the bis-IL in the elastomer, and Young's modulus was around 0.04 MPa. As a result of the excellent combination of properties, the dielectric actuator developed exhibits an area strain of 20% at 15 V/μm. The novel strategy to prepare PDMS elastomers provides a new paradigm for achieving high-performance dielectric elastomer actuators by a simple methodology.

An Application of Inverse Reinforcement Learning to Estimate Interference in Drone Swarms

Despite the increasing applications, demands, and capabilities of drones, in practice they have only limited autonomy for accomplishing complex missions, resulting in slow and vulnerable operations and difficulty adapting to dynamic environments. To lessen these weaknesses, we present a computational framework for deducing the original intent of drone swarms by monitoring their movements. We focus on interference, a phenomenon that is not initially anticipated by drones but results in complicated operations due to its significant impact on performance and its challenging nature. We infer interference from predictability by first applying various machine learning methods, including deep learning, and then computing entropy to compare against interference. Our computational framework begins by building a set of computational models called double transition models from the drone movements and revealing reward distributions using inverse reinforcement learning. These reward distributions are then used to compute the entropy and interference across a variety of drone scenarios specified by combining multiple combat strategies and command styles. Our analysis confirmed that drone scenarios experienced more interference, higher performance, and higher entropy as they became more heterogeneous. However, the direction of interference (positive vs. negative) was more dependent on combinations of combat strategies and command styles than homogeneity.

Toxic Effects of Two Representative Rare Earth Elements (La and Gd) on Danio rerio Based on Transcriptome Analysis

The expanding applications of rare earth elements (REEs) in various fields have raised concerns about their biosafety. However, previous studies are insufficient to elucidate their toxic effects and mechanisms of action and whether there are uniform or predictable toxicity patterns among REEs. Herein, we investigated the toxic effects of two representative REEs (lanthanum (La) and gadolinium (Gd)) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) through toxicity experiments and transcriptome analysis. The results of the toxicity experiments showed that the two REEs have similar lethality, with half-lethal concentrations (LC50) at micromolar levels and mixed toxicity showing additive effects. Differential expression gene screening and functional group enrichment analysis showed that La and Gd might affect the growth and development of Danio rerio by interfering with some biological molecules. The two REEs showed significant effects on the metabolic pathways of exogenous or endogenous substances, including glutathione sulfotransferase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Moreover, some basic biological processes, such as DNA replication, the insulin signaling pathway, and the p53 signaling pathway, were significantly enriched. Overall, the toxicity patterns of La and Gd may affect some biological processes with different intensities; however, there are many similarities in their toxicity mechanisms and modes of action. The concentrations investigated in this study were comparable to those of REE residues at highly contaminated sites, thus mimicking the ecotoxicological effects at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Homogeneity of Supported Single-Atom Active Sites Boosting the Selective Catalytic Transformations

Selective conversion of specific functional groups to desired products is highly important but still challenging in industrial catalytic processes. The adsorption state of surface species is the key factor in modulating the conversion of functional groups, which is correspondingly determined by the uniformity of active sites. However, the non-identical number of metal atoms, geometric shape, and morphology of conventional nanometer-sized metal particles/clusters normally lead to the non-uniform active sites with diverse geometric configurations and local coordination environments, which causes the distinct adsorption states of surface species. Hence, it is highly desired to modulate the homogeneity of the active sites so that the catalytic transformations can be better confined to the desired direction. In this review, the construction strategies and characterization techniques of the uniform active sites that are atomically dispersed on various supports are examined. In particular, their unique behavior in boosting the catalytic performance in various chemical transformations is discussed, including selective hydrogenation, selective oxidation, Suzuki coupling, and other catalytic reactions. In addition, the dynamic evolution of the active sites under reaction conditions and the industrial utilization of the single-atom catalysts are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and frontiers are identified, and the perspectives on this flourishing field is provided.

Method for the Evaluation of the Homogeneity of Asphalt Mixtures by 2-Dimensional Image Analysis

In order to evaluate the homogeneity of asphalt mixture quantitatively, the distribution characteristic of internal phases of asphalt mixture were identified based on digital image processing technique and stereology theory, and the homogeneity coefficient (i.e., K) was proposed. At the same time, the trend of variation and reliability of homogeneity of asphalt mixture were analyzed by changing the nominal maximum aggregate size, aggregate gradation and asphalt content. The results suggest that the homogeneity of asphalt mixture could be comprehensively described using DIP technique combined with stereology theory. The smaller the K, the better the distribution homogeneity of the asphalt mixture. An improvement in the homogeneity of an asphalt mixture is achieved with the decrease of the nominal maximum aggregate size and a finer aggregate gradation. The asphalt content corresponding to the optimal homogeneity of the internal structure of asphalt mixture specimen is the optimum asphalt content. According to the experimental study, the suggested values of the homogeneity coefficient were given, which provides theoretical support to control the construction quality of the hot mixture asphalt.

Gallium(III)-Mediated Dual-Cross-Linked Alginate Hydrogels with Antibacterial Properties for Promoting Infected Wound Healing

The metal gallium has enormous promise in fighting infections by disrupting bacterial iron metabolism via a "Trojan horse" trick. It is well worth trying to study the potential of gallium-mediated hydrogel for treating infected wounds. Herein, on the basis of a conventional gelation strategy of sodium alginate combined with metal ions, Ga³⁺ has been innovatively given a dual role in a dual-cross-linked hydrogel. It acts nor only as a cross-linking agent to form a hydrogel material but also as a therapeutic agent to slow-release and continuously treat infected wounds. Further photo-cross-linking is introduced to improve the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Thus, a new gallium ionic- and photo-dual-cross-linked alginate hydrogel, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and strengthened mechanical performance, for the treatment of infected wounds is reported. The morphology, degradability, swelling behavior, rheological properties, and gallium release kinetics together indicated the homogeneous and the strengthened mechanical performance of this hydrogel but did not impede the release of gallium ions. Interestingly, in vitro and in vivo results also demonstrated its favorable biocompatibility, reduced bacterial growth, and accelerated infected wound healing, making the gallium-incorporated hydrogel an ideal antimicrobial dressing.

Structure Formation in Antifriction Composites with a Nickel Matrix and Its Effect on Properties

The paper is devoted to studying the chemical elements distribution in the material’s structure depending on the manufacturing technological parameters and their effect on properties of a new self-lubricating antifriction composite based on powder nickel alloy EP975 with CaF₂ solid lubricant for operation at temperature 800 °C and loads up to 5.0 MPa, in air. The study is focused on the features of alloying elements distribution in the composite matrix, which depends on the manufacturing technology. A uniform distribution of all alloying elements in the studied composite was shown. The chemical elements’ uniform distribution in the material is associated with one of the most important preparatory technological operations in the general manufacturing technology used. This is a technological operation of mixing powders with subsequent analysis of the finished mixture. The uniform distribution of chemical elements determines the uniform arrangement of carbides and intermetallics in the composite. General manufacturing technology, which includes the main operations, such as hot isostatic pressing technology and hardening heat treatment, contributed to the obtainment of a practically isotropic composite with almost the same properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Because of the composite’s structural homogeneity, without texturing, characteristics are isotropic. Improving the material’s structural homogeneity helps to keep its mechanical and anti-friction qualities stable at high temperatures and stresses in the air. The performed studies demonstrated the correctness of the developed manufacturing technology that was confirmed by the electron microscopy method, micro-X-ray spectral analysis, mechanical and tribological tests. The developed high-temperature antifriction composite can be recommended for severe operating conditions, such as friction units of turbines, gas pumping stations, and high-temperature units of foundry metallurgical equipment.

Surfactant Treatment Shows Higher Correlation Between Ventilator and EIT Tidal Volumes in an RDS Animal Model

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition of pulmonary surfactant insufficiency in the premature newborn. As such, artificial pulmonary surfactant administration is a key treatment. Despite continued improvement in the clinical outcomes of RDS, there are currently no established bedside tools to monitor whether pulmonary surfactant is effectively instilled throughout the lungs. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an emerging technique in which physiological functions are monitored on the basis of temporal changes in conductivity of different tissues in the body. In this preliminary study, we aimed to assess how EIT tidal volumes correlate with ventilator tidal volumes in an RDS animal model, namely untreated, surfactant-treated, and normal control rabbit pups. Tidal volumes were measured simultaneously on an EIT system and a mechanical ventilator and compared at different peak inspiratory pressures. The linear correlation between tidal volumes measured by EIT and by ventilator had an R² of 0.71, 0.76 and 0.86 in the untreated, surfactant-treated, and normal control groups, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis showed a good correlation between the measurements obtained with these two modalities. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between ventilator tidal volume and EIT tidal volume were 0.83, 0.87, and 0.93 (all p < 0.001) in the untreated, surfactant-treated, and normal control groups, respectively, indicating that the higher ICC value, the better inflated status of the lung. In conclusion, we demonstrated that EIT tidal volume correlated with ventilator tidal volume. ICC was higher in the surfactant treated group.

A quantitative comparison of plantar soft tissue strainability distribution and homogeneity between ulcerated and non-ulcerated patients using ultrasound strain elastography

The primary objective of this study was to develop a method that allows accurate quantification of plantar soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate if the differences in soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity can be detected between ulcerated and non-ulcerated foot. Novel measures of individual pixel stiffness, named as quantitative strainability (QS) and relative strainability (RS) were developed. Strain Elastography data obtained from 39 (nine with active diabetic foot ulcers) patients with diabetic neuropathy. The patients with active diabetic foot ulcer had wound in parts of the foot other than the first metatarsal head and the heel where the elastography measures were conducted. RS was used to measure changes and gradients in the stiffness distribution of plantar soft tissues in participants with and without active diabetic foot ulcer. The plantar soft tissue homogeneity in superior-inferior direction in the left forefoot was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in ulcerated group compared to non-ulcerated group. The assessment of homogeneity showed potentials to further explain the nature of the change in tissue that can increase internal stress. This can have implications in assessing the vulnerability to plantar soft tissue damage and ulceration in diabetes.

A comparison of variability between absolute and relative blood flow restriction pressures

Recommendations are that blood flow restriction (BFR) be applied relative to arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) to provide a similar stimulus.

PURPOSE

Compare variability of the change in blood flow, shear rate, and discomfort between recommended relative pressures and an absolute pressure.

METHODS

During one visit, brachial arterial blood flow was measured in 91 participants using pulse-wave Doppler ultrasonography. After 5-min seated rest, AOP was measured. Following another 5-min rest, blood flow and discomfort were assessed twice before cuff inflation as controls (C1 and C2), then again with a cuff inflated to each BFR pressure (all measures separated by 1-min). Change scores from C1 to all subsequent measures were calculated (i.e., C2-C1; 40%AOP-C1; 80%AOP-C1; 100mmHg-C1). Variability of the changes were compared via pairwise modified Pitman-Morgan tests (α=.008).

RESULTS

Variance (95%CI) of the change for blood flow (mL/min), shear rate (1/sec), and discomfort (AU) had similar trends. C2-C1 differed from all conditions (all p<.001), 40%AOP-C1 differed from 80%AOP-C1 and 100mmHg-C1 (all p<.001), which did not differ (both p≥.117). Blood flow: C2-C1=469.79 (357.90, 644.07), 40%AOP-C1=1263.18 (962.34, 1731.80), 80%AOP-C1=1752.90 (1335.42, 2403.18), 100mmHg-C1=1603.18 (1221.36, 2197.92); Shear rate: C2-C1=6248.24 (4760.10, 8566.15), 40%AOP-C1=14625.30 (11142.06, 20050.95), 80%AOP-C1=22064.02 (16809.13, 30249.27), 100mmHg-C1=20778.76 (15829.98, 28487.21); Discomfort: C2-C1=0.07 (0.05, 0.08), 40%AOP-C1=2.03 (1.55, 2.78), 80%AOP-C1=4.26 (3.25, 5.84), 100mmHg-C1=4.50 (3.43, 6.17).

CONCLUSION

Contrary to previous suggestions, applying relative pressures does not necessarily guarantee a similar stimulus. It seems that higher pressures produce more variable changes even if the external pressure applied is made relative to each individual. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Features that best define the heterogeneity and homogeneity of autism in preschool-age children: A multisite case-control analysis replicated across two independent samples

The heterogeneous nature of children with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes it difficult to identify risk factors and effective treatment options. We sought to identify behavioral and developmental features that best define the heterogeneity and homogeneity in 2-5-year-old children classified with ASD and subthreshold ASD characteristics. Children were enrolled in a multisite case-control study of ASD. Detailed behavioral and developmental data were gathered by maternal telephone interview, parent-administered questionnaires, child cognitive evaluation, and ASD diagnostic measures. Participants with a positive ASD screen score or prior ASD diagnosis were referred for comprehensive evaluation. Children in the ASD group met study criteria based on this evaluation; children who did not meet study criteria were categorized as having subthreshold ASD characteristics. There were 1480 children classified as ASD (81.6% boys) and 594 children classified as having subthreshold ASD characteristics (70.2% boys) in the sample. Factors associated with dysregulation (e.g., aggression, anxiety/depression, sleep problems) followed by developmental abilities (e.g., expressive and receptive language skills) most contributed to heterogeneity in both groups of children. Atypical sensory response contributed to homogeneity in children classified as ASD but not those with subthreshold characteristics. These findings suggest that dysregulation and developmental abilities are clinical features that can impact functioning in children with ASD and other DD, and that documenting these features in pediatric records may help meet the needs of the individual child. Sensory dysfunction could be considered a core feature of ASD and thus used to inform more targeted screening, evaluation, treatment, and research efforts. LAY SUMMARY: The diverse nature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes it difficult to find risk factors and treatment options. We identified the most dissimilar and most similar symptom(s) in children classified as ASD and as having subthreshold ASD characteristics. Factors associated with dysregulation and developmental abilities contributed to diversity in both groups of children. Sensory dysfunction was the most common symptom in children with ASD but not those with subthreshold characteristics. Findings can inform clinical practice and research.

Utilizing a Diffractive Focus Beam Shaper to Enhance Pattern Uniformity and Process Throughput during Direct Laser Interference Patterning

Uniform periodic microstructure formation over large areas is generally challenging in Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) due to the Gaussian laser beam intensity distribution inherent to most commercial laser sources. In this work, a diffractive fundamental beam-mode shaper (FBS) element is implemented in a four-beam DLIP optical setup to generate a square-shaped top-hat intensity distribution in the interference volume. The interference patterns produced by a standard configuration and the developed setup are measured and compared. In particular, the impact of both laser intensity distributions on process throughput as well as fill-factor is investigated by measuring the resulting microstructure height with height error over the structured surface. It is demonstrated that by utilizing top-hat-shaped interference patterns, it is possible to produce on average 44.8% deeper structures with up to 60% higher homogeneity at the same throughput. Moreover, the presented approach allows the production of microstructures with comparable height and homogeneity compared to the Gaussian intensity distribution with increased throughput of 53%.

Developing Qualitative Plasmid DNA Reference Materials to Detect Mechanisms of Quinolone and Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Foodborne Pathogens

The aim of this study was to develop homogeneous and stable plasmid DNA reference materials for detecting the mechanisms of resistance to quinolones and fluoroquinolones in foodborne pathogens. The DNA fragments of 11 target genes associated with quinolone and fluoroquinolone resistance were artificially synthesized, inserted into plasmid vectors, and transferred into recipient cells. PCR and sequencing of DNA were performed to assess the genetic stability of the target DNA in recombinant Escherichia coli DH5α cells during subculturing for 15 generations. The limit of detection (LOD) of the target DNA was determined using PCR and real-time qualitative PCR (qPCR). The homogeneity and storage stability of plasmid DNA reference materials were evaluated in terms of plasmid DNA quantity, PCR-measured gene expression, and qPCR threshold cycle. All 11 target DNAs were successfully synthesized and inserted into vectors to obtain recombinant plasmids. No nucleotide mutations were identified in the target DNA being stably inherited and detectable in the corresponding plasmids during subculturing of recombinant strains. When the target DNA was assessed using PCR and qPCR, the LOD was ≤1.77 × 105 and 3.26 × 104 copies/μL, respectively. Further, when the reference materials were stored at 37 °C for 13 days, 4 °C for 90 days, and -20 °C for 300 days, each target DNA was detectable by PCR, and no mutations were found. Although the threshold cycle values of qPCR varied with storage time, they were above the LOD, and no significant differences were found in the quantity of each plasmid DNA at different timepoints. Further, the homogeneity and stability of the materials were highly consistent with the requirements of standard reference materials. To summarize, considering that our plasmid DNA reference materials conformed to standard requirements, they can be used to detect the mechanisms of quinolone and fluoroquinolone resistance in foodborne pathogens.

Globally Aging Cortical Spontaneous Activity Revealed by Multiple Metrics and Frequency Bands Using Resting-State Functional MRI

Most existing aging studies using functional MRI (fMRI) are based on cross-sectional data but misinterpreted their findings (i.e., age-related differences) as longitudinal outcomes (i.e., aging-related changes). To delineate aging-related changes the of human cerebral cortex, we employed the resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) data from 24 healthy elders in the PREVENT-AD cohort, obtaining five longitudinal scans per subject. Cortical spontaneous activity is measured globally with three rsfMRI metrics including its amplitude, homogeneity, and homotopy at three different frequency bands (slow-5: 0.02-0.03 Hz, slow-4: 0.03-0.08 Hz, and slow-3 band: 0.08-0.22 Hz). General additive mixed models revealed a universal pattern of the aging-related changes for the global cortical spontaneous activity, indicating increases of these rsfMRI metrics during aging. This aging pattern follows specific frequency and spatial profiles where higher slow bands show more non-linear curves and the amplitude exhibits more extensive and significant aging-related changes than the connectivity. These findings provide strong evidence that cortical spontaneous activity is aging globally, inspiring its clinical utility as neuroimaging markers for neruodegeneration disorders.

[Particle design for improving taste and homogeneity of traditional Chinese medicinal powder: taking Zhuhuang Chuihou Powder as an example]

Due to the complex source and different physical and chemical properties of traditional Chinese medicines(TCM) powder, there are many common pharmaceutical problems in its preparation, such as large particle size difference, poor mixing uniformity, and poor compliance with oral intake, which has directly affected the quality of solid preparations as well as their clinical efficacy and safety. This study observed the property of Zhuhuang Chuihou Powder and extract its pharmaceutical defects. It was found that realgar and calcined Borax in Zhuhuang Chuihou Powder were heavy in texture and toxic, and they were easy to be isolated, indicating the potential safety hazard. At the same time, Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex were the main sources of its bitterness. Therefore, based on the idea of &quot;drug-excipients unity&quot;, the particle design technology was used to prepare core/shell-type composite particles with bitter medicines as the core and mineral medicines as shell. Both infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy results indicated the formation of composite particles, and the taste of these composite particles were improved. Compared with the physical mixtures, the composite particles exhibited significantly decreased RSD values in the content uniformity of berberine hydrochloride, arsenic disulfide, and sodium tetraborate and appearance uniformity. The introduction of particle design technology solved the problem of uneven dispersion of Zhuhuang Chuihou Powder, thus ensuring its uniform dispersion, stability, and control and improving the quality of the original preparation. This has provided a scientific basis for the quality control of TCM powder.

Thermoelectric Ag2Se: Imperfection, Homogeneity, and Reproducibility

Ag₂Se is a narrow band gap n-type semiconductor with high carrier mobility and low lattice thermal conductivity. It has high thermoelectric performance near room temperature. However, there is a noticeable data discrepancy for thermoelectric performance in the reported literature studies, which greatly hinders the rational understanding and potential application of this material. In this work, we comprehensively studied the homogeneity, reproducibility, and thermal stability of bulk Ag₂Se prepared by melting and mechanical alloying methods followed by spark plasma sintering. By virtue of the atom probe topology technique, we revealed nanosized Ag- or Se-rich precipitates and micropores with Se-aggregated interfaces that have not been detected previously. The samples prepared by melting and spark plasma sintering exhibit the best homogeneity and repeatability in thermoelectric properties despite abundant nanoprecipitates. Moreover, the thermoelectric performance of Ag₂Se is greatly improved by introducing a slight amount of excess selenium. The average zT can steadily reach 0.8-0.9 in the range of 300-380 K, which is among the highest values reported for Ag₂Se-based materials. This work will rationalize the evaluation of the thermoelectric performance of Ag₂Se.

A Numerical Investigation into the Effect of Homogeneity on the Time-Dependent Behavior of Brittle Rock

To investigate the brittle creep failure process of rock material, the time-dependent properties of brittle rocks under the impact of homogeneity are analyzed by the numerical simulation method, RFPA-Creep (2D). Deformation is more palpable for more homogeneous rock material under the uniaxial creep loading condition. At a low stress level, diffusion creep may occur and transition to dislocation creep with increasing applied stress. The law for increasing creep strain with the homogeneity index under a constant confined condition is similar to the uniaxial case, and dislocation creep tends to happen with increasing confining pressure for the same homogeneity index. The dilatancy index reaches its maximum at a high stress level when rock approaches failure, and the evolution of the dilatancy index with the homogeneity index under the same confining pressure is similar to the uniaxial case and is more marked than that under the unconfined condition. Both uniaxial and triaxial creep failure originate from the ductile damage accumulation inside rock. The dominant shear-type failure is exhibited by uniaxial creep and the conventional compression case presents the splitting-based failure mode. Under confining pressure, the creep failure pattern is prone to shear, which is more notable for the rock with higher homogeneity.

The Capabilities and Characteristics of Helical Tomotherapy and Co-Planar Dual Arcs Volumetric-Modulated arc Therapy Associated with Hippocampal Sparing During Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation

Objective: To investigate the features of helical tomotherapy and co-planar dual Arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy during prophylactic cranial irradiation associated with bilateral hippocampal tissue sparing. Materials and methods: Helical tomotherapy and co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy treatment plans were generated with a dose of 30 Gy/10 fractions in 16 patients treated with prophylactic cranial irradiation. The dose to the bilateral hippocampal tissues, organs at risk, and planning target volume were determined when the average dose of bilateral hippocampal tissues was reduced by approximately 4 Gy as an observation point. Changes in dosimetry when sparing the bilateral hippocampal tissues were determined for both modalities. Results: When bilateral hippocampal tissues were restricted to 8 Gy, D_{40%mean-bilateral hippocampal tissues} = 7.64 ± 0.41 Gy in helical tomotherapy, while D_{40%mean-bilateral hippocampal tissues} = 10.96 ± 0.38 Gy in co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Helical tomotherapy was associated with significantly lower doses to organs at risk, including D_{mean-bilateral hippocampal tissues} (P = .03), D_{98%-bilateral hippocampal tissues} (P = .01), D_{2%-bilateral hippocampal tissues} (P = .01), D_{mean-inner ear} (P = .02), D_{mean-parotid glands} (P = .02), D_max-lens (P = .02), and D_{max-brainstem} (P = .02), but not D_{max-optic nerves} (P = .87). Helical tomotherapy provided better target coverage, with lower average D_2%-PTV (P = .02), higher average D_98%-PTV (P = .02), and better conformal index (0.87 vs 0.84, P = .02) and homogeneity index (0.15 vs 0.21, P = .05). With smaller bilateral hippocampal tissues doses, the planning target volume dose changed across 3 dosimetry regions for both modalities; the plateau region (>20.0 Gy for helical tomotherapy versus >16.0 Gy for co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy), gradient region (20.0-12.0 Gy vs 16.0-11.0 Gy), and falling region (<12.0 Gy vs <11.0 Gy). The average delivery duration of helical tomotherapy was almost 7.7 times longer than that of co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Conclusions: Helical tomotherapy was better at sparing the bilateral hippocampal tissues and organs at risk and had better target coverage but a significantly longer treatment duration than co-planar dual arcs volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Further dose decreases in the bilateral hippocampal tissues would yield worse target dose coverage.

Reliability and Fall-Risk Predictability of the Short Form of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in Iranian Older Adults

Recently, a short form of the Fullerton Advanced Balance (SF-FAB) scale was reported as a good predictor of falls in older adults. However, we found no evidence regarding its reliability in non-American older adults. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the reliability and homogeneity of the SF-FAB scale to measure postural balance in Iranian older adults. Eighty-five community-dwelling older adults (70.75 ± 4.97 years) performed the SF-FAB test on two occasions 1 week apart. In both instances, four raters assessed the performance on the test. The SF-FAB scale (mean total score: 12.46 ± 3.53) revealed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .77), excellent intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .94-.99), and excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .92-.99). The overall prediction success rate was 83.5% with correctly classifying 95.6% of nonfallers and 35.3% of fallers. The SF-FAB scale can provide a quick screen of balance status in older adults to trigger referral to clinicians for a more comprehensive assessment.

Model Reduction Captures Stochastic Gamma Oscillations on Low-Dimensional Manifolds

Gamma frequency oscillations (25–140 Hz), observed in the neural activities within many brain regions, have long been regarded as a physiological basis underlying many brain functions, such as memory and attention. Among numerous theoretical and computational modeling studies, gamma oscillations have been found in biologically realistic spiking network models of the primary visual cortex. However, due to its high dimensionality and strong non-linearity, it is generally difficult to perform detailed theoretical analysis of the emergent gamma dynamics. Here we propose a suite of Markovian model reduction methods with varying levels of complexity and apply it to spiking network models exhibiting heterogeneous dynamical regimes, ranging from nearly homogeneous firing to strong synchrony in the gamma band. The reduced models not only successfully reproduce gamma oscillations in the full model, but also exhibit the same dynamical features as we vary parameters. Most remarkably, the invariant measure of the coarse-grained Markov process reveals a two-dimensional surface in state space upon which the gamma dynamics mainly resides. Our results suggest that the statistical features of gamma oscillations strongly depend on the subthreshold neuronal distributions. Because of the generality of the Markovian assumptions, our dimensional reduction methods offer a powerful toolbox for theoretical examinations of other complex cortical spatio-temporal behaviors observed in both neurophysiological experiments and numerical simulations.

Evaluation of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) - based total body irradiation (TBI) in pediatric patients

Background

The dosimetric characterization of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)-based total-body irradiation (TBI) in pediatric patients is evaluated.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two patients between the ages of 2 and 12 years were enrolled for VMAT-based TBI from 2018 to 2020. Three isocenters were irradiated over three overlapping arcs. While prescribing 90% of the TBI dose to the planning treatment volume (PTV), two fractions (2 Gy each) were delivered each day; hence 12 Gy was delivered in six fractions. During treatment optimization, the mean lung and kidney doses were set not to exceed 7 Gy and 7.5 Gy, respectively. The maximum lens dose was also set to less than 4 Gy. Patient quality assurance was carried out by comparing treatment planning system doses to the 3-dimensional measured doses by the ArcCHECK^® detector. The electronic portal imaging device (EPID) gamma indices were also obtained.

Results

The average mean lung dose was 7.75 ± 0.18 Gy, mean kidney dose 7.63 ± 0.26 Gy, maximum lens dose 4.41 ± 0.39 Gy, and the mean PTV dose 12.69 ± 0.16 Gy. The average PTV heterogeneity index was 1.15 ± 0.03. Average differences in mean kidney dose, mean lung dose, and mean target dose were 2.79% ± 0.88, 0.84% ± 0.45 and 0.93% ± 0.47, respectively; when comparing planned and ArcCHECK^® measured doses. Only grade 1-2 radiation toxicities were recorded, based on CTCAE v5.0 scoring criteria.

Conclusions

VMAT-TBI was characterized with good PTV coverage, homogeneous dose distribution, planned and measured dose agreement, and low toxicity.

The Effects of Electric Field Dynamics on the Quality of Large-Area Nanofibrous Layers

This paper presents technological modifications of an electrostatic spinning device, which significantly increase the thickness homogeneity (i.e., quality) of produced layers by creating auxiliary dynamic electric fields in the vicinity of the spinning and collector electrodes. A moving body was installed above the needleless spinning electrode, which destabilized the standing wave occurring on the free surface of the spinning solution. Furthermore, an endless belt design was used for the collector electrode instead of a roll-to-roll design, which made it possible to substantially increase the surface speed of the substrate and, therefore, the dynamics of the electric field at the place of collection of the fibers being spun. As a result, the coefficient of variation of the area weight of 912 samples cut out from the deposited nanofibrous layer, which was (1000 × 500) mm2 in size and had an average area weight of (17.2 ± 0.8) g/m2, was less than 4.5%. These results were obtained only when the dynamics of both the spinning and collector electrodes were increased at the same time. These modifications resulted in a significant increase in the quality of deposited nanofibrous layers up to the standard required for their use in pharmaceutical applications.

Impact of Mixing on Content Uniformity of Thin Polymer Films Containing Drug Micro-Doses

The impact of mixer type and critical process parameters (CPPs) on critical quality attributes (CQAs), including the drug content uniformity (CU) of slurry-cast polymer films loaded with micro-sized poorly water-soluble drugs were investigated. Previously untested hypothesis was that the best mixer at suitable CPPs promotes uniform drug dispersion within film precursors leading to acceptable dried-film CU at low, ~0.6 wt% drug concentrations. Taguchi design was utilized to select the best of three mixers; low-shear impeller, high-shear planetary, and high-intensity vibrational, for dried-film drug concentration of ~23 wt%. As-received fenofibrate, a model poorly water-soluble drug (~6 µm) was directly mixed with the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and glycerin aqueous solution. Impeller and planetary mixers yielded desirable film relative standard deviation (RSD), while vibrational mixer could not. For the lowest dried-film drug concentration of ~0.6 wt%, only planetary mixer yielded RSD <6%. The precursor drug homogeneity was a sufficient but not a necessary condition for achieving dried-film RSD <6%. Thus, proper selection of mixer and its CPPs assured desirable film CQAs. However, minor drug particle aggregation was identified via re-dispersion testing which also led to incomplete drug release.

Characterization of Four Copper Materials for Application as Reference Materials for High Precision Copper Isotope Analysis by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Multi-Collector Mass Spectrometry

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma multi-collector mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) allows rapid, in situ, highly precise measurements of Cu isotope ratios of native Cu and Cu-bearing minerals. However, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cu-metal isotope standard NIST SRM976 that is commonly used to calibrate LA-MC-ICP-MS Cu isotope measurements of native Cu is no longer available. We have investigated the suitability of four Cu metal materials, SSC-1, SSC-3 and SSC-4 (cathode Cu metal rods) and CUPD-1 (Cu anode sawings), originally developed by the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) as certified reference materials for trace element analysis, as Cu isotope reference materials for LA-MC-ICP-MS analysis and solution nebulization (SN) of Cu. The Cu isotopic composition and homogeneity of these four materials were characterised by SN- and LA-MC-ICP-MS, and are reported for the first time. The bulk Cu isotopic compositions, expressed as δ⁶⁵Cu_SRM976 in per mil (‰) relative to NIST SRM976 with combined uncertainties (U, k = 2), of SSC-1, SSC-3 and SSC-4, determined utilizing SN-MC-ICP-MS, are identical within analytical uncertainty at 0.03 ± 0.07‰ (n = 29), 0.04 ± 0.04‰ (n = 28), and 0.05 ± 0.08‰ (n = 29), respectively; the composition of CUPD-1 is 2.14 ± 0.08‰ (n = 28). The compositions are 0.01 ± 0.07‰ (n = 29), 0.04 ± 0.06‰ (n = 29), 0.03 ± 0.06‰ (n = 28) and 2.15 ± 0.06‰ (n = 28), respectively, relative to the European Reference Material ERM®-AE633 Cu isotope standard. The Cu isotope homogeneity of the four new reference materials was assessed by determining whether multiple individual in situ Cu isotope measurements made by LA-MC-ICP-MS analysis (43 µm spot size), using each of the other three reference materials as a calibrator, approximate a single normal distribution. We also investigate whether there are statistically significant differences between the mean δ⁶⁵Cu values of three independent data sets for each of the Cu isotope reference materials using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Normality tests (graphical assessment of normal distribution quantile-quantile plots, and the Shapiro-Wilk, Jarque-Bera and reduced chi-squared statistic tests) show that: 1) the Cu isotope data acquired on SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1 do not depart significantly from a normal distribution, 2) the scatter of the Cu isotope data is due to analytical uncertainty with 95% confidence, and 3) there are no other significant sources of scatter; e.g. heterogeneity of the reference materials. The results of one-way ANOVA reveal that the mean difference of the δ⁶⁵Cu value for each of the reference materials SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1 is statistically not significant at the 0.05 level. The mean δ⁶⁵Cu_SRM976 values with combined uncertainties (U, k = 2) of SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1, determined by LA-MC-ICP-MS using each of the other three reference materials as a calibration standard, are 0.03 ± 0.09‰ (n = 132), 0.05 ± 0.09‰ (n = 154), 0.03 ± 0.09‰ (n = 144) and 2.14 ± 0.10‰ (n = 106), respectively. These values are in agreement with those determined by SN-MC-ICP-MS analysis at the 95% confidence level and have excellent precision (2 s.d. ≤ 0.10‰). These results suggest that SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1 can be considered isotopically homogeneous at a spatial resolution of 43 μm, and they are suitable reference materials for calibration and quality control of in situ and solution nebulization Cu isotope analyses of Cu.

Overview of Prognostic Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and ITA.LI.CA External Validation of MESH and CNLC Classifications

Prognostic assessment in patients with HCC remains an extremely difficult clinical task due to the complexity of this cancer where tumour characteristics interact with degree of liver dysfunction, patient general health status, and a large span of available treatment options. Several prognostic systems have been proposed in the last three decades, both from the Asian and European/North American countries. Prognostic scores, such as the CLIP score and the recent MESH score, have been generated on a solid statistical basis from real life population data, while staging systems, such as the BCLC scheme and the recent CNLC classification, have been created by experts according to recent HCC prognostic evidences from the literature. A third category includes combined prognostic systems that can be used both as prognostic scores and staging systems. A recent example is the ITA.LI.CA prognostic system including either a prognostic score and a simplified staging system. This review focuses first on an overview of the main prognostic systems for HCC classified according to the above three categories, and, second, on a comprehensive description of the methodology required for a correct comparison between different systems in terms of prognostic performance. In this second section the main studies in the literature comparing different prognostic systems are described in detail. Lastly, a formal comparison between the last prognostic systems proposed for each of the above three categories is performed using a large Italian database including 6882 HCC patients in order to concretely apply the comparison rules previously described.

Jet flow rate and needle position govern distal airway pressures during low-frequency jet ventilation

OBJECTIVES

Although jet ventilation is frequently used during surgery for airway stenosis, little is known about distal airway pressures during jet ventilation. The objective of the study is to determine how jet pressure, flow rate, and position of the ventilation needle relate to distal airway pressure magnitude and homogeneity.

METHODS

Two 3D models of the first five generations of the human airway tree were created. One is a duplicate of a human airway from a 15-year-old healthy male's computed tomography scan, and the other is an idealized symmetric model of human lung morphometry. Pressure transducers measured fifth-generation distal airway pressures in both models. A computer-controlled jet needle positioning system was used to ventilate the lung casts. The effects of jet needle position, jet pressure, and jet flow rate on distal airway pressure and homogeneity were measured.

RESULTS

Total entrained jet flow rate was the most reliable predictor of distal airway pressure. Pressure supplied to the jet ventilation needle had a positive linear relationship with distal airway pressure; however, this relationship was dependent on the jet needle flow resistance. As the ventilation needle moved closer to the tracheal wall, ventilation homogeneity decreased. Depth into the trachea was positively correlated with sensitivity of the needle to the tracheal wall.

CONCLUSION

In this model, total entrained jet flow rate is a more robust predictor of distal airway pressure than jet inlet pressure. More homogeneous ventilation was observed in our model with the ventilation needle centered in the proximal region of the trachea.

GAKTpore: Stereological Characterisation Methods for Porous Foams in Biomedical Applications

In tissue engineering, scaffolds are a key component that possess a highly elaborate pore structure. Careful characterisation of such porous structures enables the prediction of a variety of large-scale biological responses. In this work, a rapid, efficient, and accurate methodology for 2D bulk porous structure analysis is proposed. The algorithm, "GAKTpore", creates a morphology map allowing quantification and visualisation of spatial feature variation. The software achieves 99.6% and 99.1% mean accuracy for pore diameter and shape factor identification, respectively. There are two main algorithm novelties within this work: (1) feature-dependant homogeneity map; (2) a new waviness function providing insights into the convexity/concavity of pores, important for understanding the influence on cell adhesion and proliferation. The algorithm is applied to foam structures, providing a full characterisation of a 10 mm diameter SEM micrograph (14,784 × 14,915 px) with 190,249 pores in ~9 min and has elucidated new insights into collagen scaffold formation by relating microstructural formation to the bulk formation environment. This novel porosity characterisation algorithm demonstrates its versatility, where accuracy, repeatability, and time are paramount. Thus, GAKTpore offers enormous potential to optimise and enhance scaffolds within tissue engineering.

Heterogeneity of Microbial Communities in Soils From the Antarctic Peninsula Region

Ice-free areas represent less than 1% of the Antarctic surface. However, climate change models predict a significant increase in temperatures in the coming decades, triggering a relevant reduction of the ice-covered surface. Microorganisms, adapted to the extreme and fluctuating conditions, are the dominant biota. In this article we analyze the diversity and composition of soil bacterial communities in 52 soil samples on three scales: (i) fine scale, where we compare the differences in the microbial community between top-stratum soils (0-2 cm) and deeper-stratum soils (5-10 cm) at the same sampling point; (ii) medium scale, in which we compare the composition of the microbial community of top-stratum soils from different sampling points within the same sampling location; and (iii) coarse scale, where we compare communities between comparable ecosystems located hundreds of kilometers apart along the Antarctic Peninsula. The results suggest that in ice-free soils exposed for longer periods of time (millennia) microbial communities are significantly different along the soil profiles. However, in recently (decades) deglaciated soils the communities are not different along the soil profile. Furthermore, the microbial communities found in soils at the different sampling locations show a high degree of heterogeneity, with a relevant proportion of unique amplicon sequence variants (ASV) that appeared mainly in low abundance, and only at a single sampling location. The Core90 community, defined as the ASVs shared by 90% of the soils from the 4 sampling locations, was composed of 26 ASVs, representing a small percentage of the total sequences. Nevertheless, the taxonomic composition of the Core80 (ASVs shared by 80% of sampling points per location) of the different sampling locations, was very similar, as they were mostly defined by 20 common taxa, representing up to 75.7% of the sequences of the Core80 communities, suggesting a greater homogeneity of soil bacterial taxa among distant locations.

DNA methylomic homogeneity and heterogeneity in muscles and testes throughout pig adulthood

DNA methylome pattern is significantly different among tissues, ages, breeds, and genders. We assessed 20 methylome and transcriptome data in longissimus dorsi (LD) or testicles from Bamaxiang (BMX) and Large White pigs (LW) by deep sequencing technology. We identified ~55.7M CpGs and 5.30M, 0.20M, 1.20M, and 0.16M differential CpGs (P<0.01) between tissues, ages, breeds, and genders, respectively. Interestingly, 7.54% of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are co-localized with promoters, which potentially regulate gene expression. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 23.42% CpGs are significantly correlated with gene expression (mean |r|=0.58, P<0.01), most of which are enriched in tissue-specific functions. Specially, we also found that the methylation levels in promoters of 655 genes were strongly associated with their expression levels (mean |r|=0.66, P<0.01). In addition, differentially methylated CpGs (DMCpGs) between breeds in HOXC gene cluster imply important regulatory roles in myocytes hypertrophy and intermuscular fat (IMF) deposition. Dramatically, higher similarity of methylation pattern was observed within pedigree than across pedigrees, which indicates the existence of heritable methylation regions. In summary, a part of CpGs in promoter can change its methylation pattern and play a marked regulatory function in different physiological or natural environments.