bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dendritic Cells in Cord Blood Transplantation: A Review
Authors: Pereira Marta Isabel , Paiva Artur
Published: June 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of antigen-presenting cells derived from hematopoietic progenitors that bridge the transition between the innate and adaptive immune responses, while maintaining self-tolerance and Th1/Th2 homeostasis, by priming other cells in either an immunogenic or tolerogenic direction. Through their role in both innate and adaptive immunity, DCs play a major part in transplant engraftment and rejection and in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Preferentially tolerogenic or immunogenic DC subtypes offer targets for immunotherapy, to optimize transplant success rates and prolong disease-free and overall survival. Cord blood DCs are immature and preferentially tolerogenic, due to maternal-fetal tolerance, leading to better graft acceptance and immune reconstitution and explaining the lower incidence and severity of GvHD in CB transplantation, despite donor-host mismatching. Manipulation of DC maturation and cell loading with tumor-antigens can direct antitumor immunity and target minimal residual disease, as demonstrated for acute myeloid leukemia, optimizing the graft-versus-leukemia effect.
Development of LC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Antidepressant Drug Combination Melitracen Hydrochloride and Flupentixol Dihydrochloride in their Combined Dosage Form
Authors: Chhalotiya Usmangani K. , Bhatt Kashyap K. , Shah Dimal A. , Chauhan Gautam R. , Baldania Sunil L.
Published: June 2011

A simple, specific and stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of melitracen hydrochloride and flupentixol dihydrochloride in tablet dosage form. A Brownlee C-18, 5 μm column having 250×4.6 mm i.d. in isocratic mode, with mobile phase containing 0.025 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate: methanol (10 : 90, v/v; pH 7.3) was used. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and effluents were monitored at 230 nm. The retention times of melitracen hydrochloride and flupentixol dihydrochloride were 7.75 min and 5.50 min, respectively. The linearity for melitracen hydrochloride and flupentixol dihydrochloride were in the range of 0.5–60 μg/mL. The recoveries obtained for melitracen hydrochloride and flupenthixol dihydrochloride was 99.81–100.77% and 99.42–100.12%, respectively. Both the drugs were subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, chemical oxidation, and dry heat degradation and photodegradation. The proposed method was validated and successfully applied to the estimation of melitracen hydrochloride and flupentixol dihydrochloride in combined tablet dosage form.
The Relationship between Natriuretic Peptide Precursor a Gene T2238C Polymorphism and Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niu Wenquan
Published: June 2011

Single studies attempting to associate ANP gene T2238C (rs5065) polymorphism with hypertension have so far reported inconclusive results. We therefore aimed to evaluate this association via a meta-analysis. Data on 7 studies with a total of 4068 subjects were available and analyzed using the random-effects model with assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Overall comparison of 2238C with 2238T yielded a 23% reduced, albeit nonsignificant, risk for hypertension (95% CI: 0.38–1.59;P=.485), while accompanying significant heterogeneity (I2=88.3%) and publication bias (P=.051). Subgroup analysis by study design demonstrated opposite associations between population-based (OR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.13–0.80;P=.015) and hospital-based studies (OR=1.15; 95% CI: 0.79–1.68;P=.454). Further meta-regression analysis exclusively indicated the significant influence of study design (P=.042) on heterogeneity. Taken together, these findings support the notion that carriers of 2238C allele were at moderate decreased risk of developing hypertension, whereas study design was identified as a potentially significant source of between-study heterogeneity.
A case of coexisting Warthin tumor and langerhans cell histiocytosis associated with necrosis, eosinophilic abscesses and a granulomatous reaction in intraparotid lymph nodes
Authors: Tan Char Loo , Raju Gangaraju Changal , Petersson Fredrik
Published: June 2011

We present a patient (50-year-old male) with coexisting Warthin tumor and involvement of two intraparotid lymph nodes by Langerhans cell histiocytosis associated with necrosis, eosinophilic abscesses and a granulomatous reaction. This is the second documented case of this unusual combination of histological changes in nodal Langerhans cell histiocytosis and the first case involving intraparotid lymph nodes occurring together with an ipsilateral Warthin tumor.
On the endomorphism monoid of a profinite semigroup
Authors: Steinberg Benjamin
Published: June 2011

Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the endomorphism monoid of a profinite semigroup to be profinite. A similar result is established for the automorphism group.
The Fibonacci version of the Brocard–Ramanujan Diophantine equation
Authors: Marques Diego
Published: June 2011

In this note we prove that the Fibonacci version of the Brocard–Ramanujan Diophantine equation

n!+1=m^2

, that is,

F_n\dots F_1+1=F_m^2

has no solution in positive integers

n

,

m

.
In situ measurements of tropical cloud properties in the West African Monsoon: upper tropospheric ice clouds, Mesoscale Convective System outflow, and subvisual cirrus
Authors: Frey W. , Borrmann S. , Kunkel D. , Weigel R. , de Reus M. , Schlager H. , Roiger A. , Voigt C. , Hoor P. , Curtius J. , Krämer M. , Schiller C. , Volk C. M. , Homan C. D. , Fierli F. , Di Donfrancesco G. , Ulanovsky A. , Ravegnani F. , Sitnikov N. M. , Viciani S. , D'Amato F. , Shur G. N. , Belyaev G. V. , Law K. S. , Cairo F.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. In situ measurements of ice crystal size distributions in tropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UT/LS) clouds were performed during the SCOUT-AMMA campaign over West Africa in August 2006. The cloud properties were measured with a Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP-100) and a Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP) operated aboard the Russian high altitude research aircraft M-55 Geophysica with the mission base in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 117 ice particle size distributions were obtained from the measurements in the vicinity of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS). Two to four modal lognormal size distributions were fitted to the average size distributions for different potential temperature bins. The measurements showed proportionately more large ice particles compared to former measurements above maritime regions. With the help of trace gas measurements of NO, NOy, CO2, CO, and O3 and satellite images, clouds in young and aged MCS outflow were identified. These events were observed at altitudes of 11.0 km to 14.2 km corresponding to potential temperature levels of 346 K to 356 K. In a young outflow from a developing MCS ice crystal number concentrations of up to (8.3 ± 1.6) cm−3 and rimed ice particles with maximum dimensions exceeding 1.5 mm were found. A maximum ice water content of 0.05 g m−3 was observed and an effective radius of about 90 μm. In contrast the aged outflow events were more diluted and showed a maximum number concentration of 0.03 cm−3, an ice water content of 2.3 × 10−4 g m−3, an effective radius of about 18 μm, while the largest particles had a maximum dimension of 61 μm. Close to the tropopause subvisual cirrus were encountered four times at altitudes of 15 km to 16.4 km. The mean ice particle number concentration of these encounters was 0.01 cm−3 with maximum particle sizes of 130 μm, and the mean ice water content was about 1.4 × 10−4 g m−3. All known in situ measurements of subvisual tropopause cirrus are compared and an exponential fit on the size distributions is established for modelling purposes. A comparison of aerosol to ice crystal number concentrations, in order to obtain an estimate on how many ice particles may result from activation of the present aerosol, yielded low ratios for the subvisual cirrus cases of roughly one cloud particle per 30 000 aerosol particles, while for the MCS outflow cases this resulted in a high ratio of one cloud particle per 300 aerosol particles.
Cluster observations of trapped ions interacting with magnetosheath mirror modes
Authors: Soucek J. , Escoubet C. P.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Mirror modes are among the most intense low frequency plasma wave phenomena observed in the magnetosheaths of magnetized planets. They appear as large amplitude non-propagating fluctuations in the magnetic field magnitude and plasma density. These structures are widely accepted to represent a non-linear stage of the mirror instability, dominant in plasmas with large ion beta and a significant ion temperature anisotropy T⊥/T∥>1. It has long been recognized that the mirror instability both in the linear and non-linear stage is a kinetic process and that the behavior of resonant particles at small parallel velocities is crucial for its development and saturation. While the dynamics of the instability and the effect of trapped particles have been studied extensively in theoretical models and numerical simulations, only spurious observations of the trapped ions were published to date. In this work we used data from the Cluster spacecraft to perform the first detailed experimental study of ion velocity distribution associated with mirror mode oscillations. We show a conclusive evidence for the predicted cooling of resonant ions at small parallel velocities and heating of trapped ions at intermediate pitch angles.
Longitudinal study of the ionospheric response to the geomagnetic storm of 15 May 2005 and manifestation of TADs
Authors: Sharma S. , Galav P. , Dashora N. , Pandey R.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Response of low latitude ionosphere to the geomagnetic storm of 15 May 2005 has been studied using total electron content (TEC) data, obtained from three GPS stations namely, Yibal, Udaipur and Kunming situated near the northern crest of equatorial ionization anomaly at different longitudes. Solar wind parameters, north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz) and AE index data have been used to infer the strength of the geomagnetic storm. A large value of eastward interplanetary electric field at 06:15 UT, during the time of maximum southward IMF Bz has been used to infer the transmission of an eastward prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) which resulted in a peak in TEC at 07:45 UT due to the local uplift of plasma in the low latitudes near the anomaly crest over a wide range of longitudes. Wave-like modulations superposed over the second enhancement in TEC between 09:15 UT to 10:30 UT have been observed at all the three stations. The second enhancement in TEC along with the modulations of up to 5 TECU have been attributed to the combined effect of super plasma fountain and traveling atmospheric disturbances (TAD). Observed large enhancements in TEC are a cause of concern for satellite based navigation and ground positioning. Increased [O/N2] ratio between 09:15 UT to 10:15 UT when modulations in TEC have been also observed, confirms the presence of TADs over a wide range of longitudes.
Abortion Provision and Delays to Care in a Clinic Network in Washington State After Dobbs
Authors: Riley Taylor , Fiastro Anna E. , Benson Lyndsey S. , Khattar Anuj , Prager Sarah , Godfrey Emily M.
Published: May 2024

Importance

The Supreme Court decision Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization (Dobbs) overturned federal protections to abortion care and altered the reproductive health care landscape. Thus far, aggregated state-level data reveal increases in the number of abortions in states where abortion is still legal, but there is limited information on delays to care and changes in the characteristics of people accessing abortion in these states after Dobbs.

Objective

To examine changes in abortion provision and delays to care after Dobbs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective cohort study of all abortions performed at an independent, high-volume reproductive health care clinic network in Washington state from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2023. Using an interrupted time series, the study assessed changes in abortion care after Dobbs.

Exposure

Abortion care obtained after (June 24, 2022, to July 31, 2023) vs before (January 1, 2017, to June 23, 2022) Dobbs.

Main Outcome and Measure

Primary outcomes included weekly number of abortions and out-of-state patients and weekly average of gestational duration (days) and time to appointment (days).

Results

Among the 18 379 abortions during the study period, most were procedural (13 192 abortions [72%]) and funded by public insurance (11 412 abortions [62%]). The mean (SD) age of individuals receiving abortion care was 28.5 (6.44) years. Following Dobbs, the number of procedural abortions per week increased by 6.35 (95% CI, 2.83-9.86), but then trended back toward pre-Dobbs levels. The number of out-of-state patients per week increased by 2 (95% CI, 1.1-3.6) and trends remained stable. The average gestational duration per week increased by 6.9 (95% CI, 3.6-10.2) days following Dobbs, primarily due to increased gestations of procedural abortions. The average gestational duration among out-of-state patients did not change following Dobbs, but it did increase by 6 days for in-state patients (5.9; 95% CI, 3.2-8.6 days). There were no significant changes in time to appointment.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings provide a detailed picture of changes in abortion provision and delays to care after Dobbs in a state bordering a total ban state. In this study, more people traveled from out of state to receive care and in-state patients sought care a week later in gestation. These findings can inform interventions and policies to improve access for all seeking abortion care.
Differential Outcomes of Placebo Treatment Across 9 Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Bschor Tom , Nagel Lea , Unger Josephine , Schwarzer Guido , Baethge Christopher
Published: May 2024

Importance

Placebo is the only substance systematically evaluated across common psychiatric diagnoses, but comprehensive cross-diagnostic comparisons are lacking.

Objective

To compare changes in placebo groups in recent high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) across a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders in adult patients.

Data Sources

MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched in March 2022 for the latest systematic reviews meeting predetermined high-quality criteria for 9 major psychiatric diagnoses.

Study Selection

Using these reviews, the top 10 highest-quality (ie, lowest risk of bias, according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool) and most recent placebo-controlled RCTs per diagnosis (totaling 90 RCTs) were selected, adhering to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Following the Cochrane Handbook, 2 authors independently carried out the study search, selection, and data extraction. Cross-diagnosis comparisons were based on standardized pre-post effect sizes (mean change divided by its SD) for each placebo group. This study is reported following the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary outcome, pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes (dav) with 95% CIs per diagnosis, was determined using random-effects meta-analyses. A Q test assessed statistical significance of differences across diagnoses. Heterogeneity and small-study effects were evaluated as appropriate.

Results

A total of 90 RCTs with 9985 placebo-treated participants were included. Symptom severity improved with placebo in all diagnoses. Pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes differed across diagnoses (Q = 88.5; df = 8; P < .001), with major depressive disorder (dav = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.24-1.56) and generalized anxiety disorder (dav = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.41) exhibiting the largest dav. Panic disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and mania showed dav between 0.68 and 0.92, followed by OCD (dav = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51-0.78) and schizophrenia (dav = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41-0.76).

Conclusion and Relevance

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that symptom improvement with placebo treatment was substantial in all conditions but varied across the 9 included diagnoses. These findings may help in assessing the necessity and ethical justification of placebo controls, in evaluating treatment effects in uncontrolled studies, and in guiding patients in treatment decisions. These findings likely encompass the true placebo effect, natural disease course, and nonspecific effects.
Concussion burden and later‐life cardiovascular risk factors in former professional American‐style football players
Authors: Tan Can Ozan , Grashow Rachel , Thorpe Roland , Miller Karen K. , Nathan David M. , Izzy Saef , Radmanesh Farid , Kim Jonathan H. , Weisskopf Marc G. , Taylor Herman A. , Zafonte Ross D. , Baggish Aaron L.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Mid‐life cardiovascular risk factors are associated with later cognitive decline. Whether repetitive head injury among professional athletes impacts cardiovascular risk is unknown. We investigated associations between concussion burden and postcareer hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes among former professional American‐style football (ASF) players.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study of 4080 professional ASF players conducted between January 2015 and March 2022, we used an mulitsymptom concussion symptom score (CSS) and the number of loss‐of‐consciousness (LOC) episodes as a single severe symptom to quantify football‐related concussion exposure. Primary outcomes were hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, defined by current or recommended prescription medication use.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes among former players (52 ± 14 years of age) was 37%, 34%, and 9%. Concussion burden was significantly associated with hypertension (lowest vs. highest CSS quartile, odds ratio (OR) = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.33–2.98; p < 0.01) and high cholesterol (lowest vs. moderate CSS, OR = 1.46, 95%CI, 1.11–1.91; p < 0.01), but not diabetes. In fully adjusted models, the prevalence of multiple CVD was associated with CSS. These results were driven by younger former players (≤ 40 year of age) in which the odds of hypertension were over three times higher in those in the highest CSS quartile (OR = 3.29, 95%CI: 1.39–7.61; p = 0.01). Results were similar for LOC analyses.

Interpretation

Prior concussion burden is associated with postcareer atherogenic cardiovascular risk profiles among former professional American football players.
Bioinspired Superhydrophobic All‐In‐One Coating for Adaptive Thermoregulation
Authors: Liu Bing‐Ying , Wu Jiawei , Xue Chao‐Hua , Zeng Yijun , Liang Jun , Zhang Shiliang , Liu Mingxiang , Ma Chao‐Qun , Wang Zuankai , Tao Guangming
Published: May 2024

The development of scalable and passive coatings that can adapt to seasonal temperature changes while maintaining superhydrophobic self‐cleaning functions is crucial for their practical applications. However, the incorporation of passive cooling and heating functions with conflicting optical properties in a superhydrophobic coating is still challenging. Herein, an all‐in‐one coating inspired by the hierarchical structure of a lotus leaf that combines surface wettability, optical structure, and temperature self‐adaptation is obtained through a simple one‐step phase separation process. This coating exhibits an asymmetrical gradient structure with surface‐embedded hydrophobic SiO2 particles and subsurface thermochromic microcapsules within vertically distributed hierarchical porous structures. Moreover, the coating imparts superhydrophobicity, high infrared emission, and thermo‐switchable sunlight reflectivity, enabling autonomous transitions between radiative cooling and solar warming. The all‐in‐one coating prevents contamination and over‐cooling caused by traditional radiative cooling materials, opening up new prospects for the large‐scale manufacturing of intelligent thermoregulatory coatings.
Capturing of neurotoxins causing diabetes stress and nervous breakdown in the aqueous medium by naphthazarin esters
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Gulati Ashu
Published: May 2024

The fear of an increase in blood sugar can be very traumatic. Being diabetic either type I or type II leads to a disorder called diabetes distress having traits of stress, depression, and anxiety. Among risk factors of diabetes mellitus heavy and trace metal toxicity emerges as new risk factors reported in many studies. In this study we target toxic metals, viz., Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+, involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic stress with naphthazarin esters. The compounds C1–C3 isolated from the leaves and roots of Arnebia guttata were tested for their metal‐binding ability in an aqueous medium in UV–Visible and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. These probes are well‐known naphthoquinones present in the Arnebia species. In the UV–Visible titrations of compounds C1–C3 with Na2+, K2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions, significant binding was observed with Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions in MeOH/H2O. There occurs a beautiful formation of red‐shifted bands between the 520 to 620 nm range with a synergistic increase in absorbance. Also, the disappearance of proton peaks in the 1H NMR spectrum on addition of metal ions confirmed binding. Compounds C1–C3 isolated from A. guttata came out as potent Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ sensors that are reportedly involved in islet function and induction of diabetes.
An integrated multi‐system to screen quality markers of blossom of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. via combining lipid‐lowering and expectorant assays
Authors: Zeng Wenhui , Wu Dong , Li Mengchu , Huang Wenping , Zhang Jie , Jiang Ying , Li Jing
Published: May 2024

The present research demonstrated that an integrated multi‐system based on the assays of lipid‐lowering and expectorant effects was used to screen quality markers of an edible and medical material—the blossom of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. (BCAVA)—and a portion of active constituents were quantified in multiple batches to provide scientific data to establish a quality standard for BCAVA. Mouse models were developed to evaluate the lipid‐lowering and expectorant effects, facilitating the investigation of medicinal parts through different polar extractions of BCAVA. Subsequently, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was utilized for the in vivo and in vitro identification of chemical profiles within the medicinal parts of BCAVA. This methodological approach led to the selection and quantification of several active compounds from 21 batches of BCAVA sourced from different geographical regions samples. Notably, the ethanol extract of BCAVA exhibited significant lipid‐lowering and expectorant effects while 183 compounds were identified in vitro and 109 in vivo, respectively. Then, five key ingredients were quantified, and the quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis to discriminate between samples from various geographical regions. Overall, the findings underscore the significance of an integrated, assay‐based approach for the characterization and quality assessment of BCAVA.
A dynamic multigraph and multidimensional attention neural network model for metro passenger flow prediction
Authors: Xi Yuliang , Yan Xin , Jia Zhao‐hong , Yang Bo , Su Rui , Liu Xin
Published: May 2024

Passenger flow prediction is an important part of daily metro operation, and its accuracy affects the deployment of train resources management. Due to the complex spatiotemporal correlation characteristics of metro passenger flow, it is necessary to describe it to improve the accuracy of passenger flow prediction. However, the existing models mainly construct the weight matrix based on the static graph and the similarity between stations when describing the spatial correlation of station passenger flow but ignore the time‐varying characteristics of the spatial correlation of station passenger flow. To address this problem, this study introduces a dynamic multi‐graph and multidimensional attention spatiotemporal model. Specifically, the Graph Convolutional Neural Network combined with dynamic multigraph extracts spatial features and the Gated Recurrent Unit extracts temporal features of passenger flow. The multidimensional attention can obtain the spatiotemporal correlation of passenger flow data by assigning weights to them. Finally, this model has been used to conduct experiments on Beijing metro passenger flow datasets with time granularity of 10 and 15 min. The result indicates that the DGMANN model outperforms state‐of‐the‐art other deep learning methods in passenger flow prediction. In addition, the effectiveness of its key submodules has been verified through ablation experiments.
Deriving and interpreting robust features for survival prediction of brain tumor patients
Authors: Rajput Snehal , Kapdi Rupal A. , Raval Mehul S. , Roy Mohendra , Bhalodiya Jayendra M.
Published: May 2024

Accurate prediction of survival days (SD) is vital for planning treatments in glioma patients, as type‐IV tumors typically have a poor prognosis and meager survival rates. SD prediction is challenging and heavily dependent on the extracted feature sets. Additionally, comprehending the behavior of complex machine learning models is a vital yet challenging aspect, particularly to integrate such models into the medical domain responsibly. Therefore, this study develops a robust feature set and an ensemble‐based regressor model to predict patients' SD accurately. We aim to understand how these features behave and contribute to predicting SD. To accomplish this, we employed post‐hoc interpretable techniques, precisely Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Partial Dependence Plots (PDP), and Accumulated Local Effects (ALE) plots. Furthermore, we introduced an investigation to establish a direct connection between radiomic features and their biological significance to enhance the interpretability of radiomic features. The best SD scores on the BraTS2020 training set are 0.504 for accuracy, 59927.38 mean squared error (MSE), 20101.86 median squared error (medianSE), and 0.725 Spearman ranking coefficient (SRC). The validation set's accuracy is 0.586, MSE is 76529.43, medianSE is 41402.78, and SRC is 0.52. The proposed predictor model exhibited superior performance compared with leading contemporary approaches across multiple performance metrics.
SwinRes: A hybrid model that effectively diagnoses COVID‐19 through x‐ray lung images
Authors: He Xuanlong , Yang Hong , Xu Jipan , Mu Hongbo
Published: May 2024

COVID‐19 has been ravaging the world for a long time, and although its effects are currently the same as those of a cold or a fever, timely diagnosis of COVID‐19 in the elderly and in patients with related illnesses is still a matter of great urgency. To address this challenge, we propose a model that combines the strengths of the Swin Transformer and ResNet34 architectures to efficiently diagnose COVID‐19 in elderly and vulnerable patients. In this paper, we design a model that integrates Swin transformer and resnet34, which not only integrates the advantages of transformer and CNN but also achieves excellent performance in this image classification problem. Moreover, a pre‐processing method is also proposed to increase the accuracy of the model to 99.08%. In this paper, experiments were conducted on Kaggle's publicly available three‐classification and four‐classification datasets, respectively, and on the three main evaluation metrics of Accuracy, Precision, and Recall, the first dataset obtained 98.81%, 99.49%, and 97.99%, while the second dataset obtained 88.82%, 88.92%, and 86.38%. These findings highlight the validity and potential of our proposed model for diagnosing the presence or absence of COVID‐19 in elderly and vulnerable patients.
Machine Learning Model for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinically Node Positive Breast Cancer Based on Peritumoral Ultrasound Radiomics and SHAP Feature Analysis
Authors: Wang Si‐Rui , Cao Chun‐Li , Du Ting‐Ting , Wang Jin‐Li , Li Jun , Li Wen‐Xiao , Chen Ming
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study seeks to construct a machine learning model that merges clinical characteristics with ultrasound radiomic analysis—encompassing both the intratumoral and peritumoral—to predict the status of axillary lymph nodes in patients with early‐stage breast cancer.

Methods

The study employed retrospective methods, collecting clinical information, ultrasound data, and postoperative pathological results from 321 breast cancer patients (including 224 in the training group and 97 in the validation group). Through correlation analysis, univariate analysis, and Lasso regression analysis, independent risk factors related to axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer were identified from conventional ultrasound and immunohistochemical indicators, and a clinical feature model was constructed. Additionally, features were extracted from ultrasound images of the intratumoral and its 1–5 mm peritumoral to establish a radiomics feature formula. Furthermore, by combining clinical features and ultrasound radiomics features, six machine learning models (Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, and K‐Nearest Neighbors) were compared for diagnostic efficacy, and constructing a joint prediction model based on the optimal ML algorithm. The use of Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) enhanced the visualization and interpretability of the model during the diagnostic process.

Results

Among the 321 breast cancer patients, 121 had axillary lymph node metastasis, and 200 did not. The clinical feature model had an AUC of 0.779 and 0.777 in the training and validation groups, respectively. Radiomics model analysis showed that the model including the Intratumor +3 mm peritumor area had the best diagnostic performance, with AUCs of 0.847 and 0.844 in the training and validation groups, respectively. The joint prediction model based on the XGBoost algorithm reached AUCs of 0.917 and 0.905 in the training and validation groups, respectively. SHAP analysis indicated that the Rad Score had the highest weight in the prediction model, playing a significant role in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

Conclusion

The predictive model, which integrates clinical features and radiomic characteristics using the XGBoost algorithm, demonstrates significant diagnostic value for axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. This model can provide significant references for preoperative surgical strategy selection and prognosis evaluation for breast cancer patients, helping to reduce postoperative complications and improve long‐term survival rates. Additionally, the utilization of SHAP enhancing the global and local interpretability of the model.
Feasibility study on hybrid manufacturing – combining laser‐based powder‐bed fusion and chill casting on the example of EN AC‐42000 alloy
Authors: Brozio M. , Apfelbacher L.‐S. , Hitzler L. , Krempaszky C.
Published: May 2024

Laser‐based powder‐bed fusion can be combined with casting into a hybrid manufacturing process. This is done to simultaneously utilize advantages of both processes. To examine related challenges stemming from this combination when using aluminium alloys, first experiments were conducted with EN AC‐42000 alloy, an alloy common in both standalone processes. EN AC‐42000 alloy samples with different surface treatments were placed into a sand mould and cast on to with an aluminium melt. The contact region between the partially molten insert and the cast material was examined with light microscopy. The main challenges were shown to be comprised of bonding issues due to present oxides and a high porosity. The high porosity was traced back to a porosity increase in the laser‐based powder‐bed fusion insert.
Effect of Ni and Sr on the microstructure and tensile properties of the squeeze cast Al‐Si‐Cu alloy at elevated temperatures
Authors: Fang L. , Hu A. , Shen W. , Hu H.
Published: May 2024

The influence of the transition alloying element nickel and the alkaline earth element strontium on the microstructure and tensile properties of squeeze cast Al−Si‐Cu alloy under as‐cast condition at elevated temperature of 100 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C is investigated in comparison with the conventional Al−Si‐Cu alloy (A380). Aluminum alloy A380 is alloyed and modified with 2 wt% additional nickel (Ni) and 0.02 wt% strontium (Sr). Squeeze casting is employed to cast the modified A380 under an applied pressure of 90 MPa. The results of tensile testing at the selected elevated temperatures indicate that the Ni and Sr containing A380 alloy exhibits a significantly improvement on tensile properties, specifically ultimate tensile strength and yield strength with 10 %‐30 % increases. The as‐cast microstructures of both the conventional and Ni and Sr‐containing alloys are observed by an optical microscope and further analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of Ni‐containing intermetallic phases with Ni addition, and the modified eutectic Si phase with refined morphologies due to the Sr addition should be responsible for the considerable enhancement on the as‐cast strengths of the squeeze cast Ni‐ and Sr‐containing alloy over those of the conventional A380 alloy.
Properties of silicon dioxide coatings obtained by nano physical vapor deposition (PVD) method on the titanium 13‐niobium 13‐zirconium alloy
Authors: Basiaga M. , Walke W. , Paszenda Z. , Taratuta A. , Rynkus B. , Kolasa J. , Cichoń T. , Kompert‐Konieczna E.
Published: May 2024

Surface modification techniques play an important role in adjusting the physicochemical properties of titanium and its alloys. To reduce the penetration of alloying element ions into the body, various types of oxide coatings are used to protect it from the corrosive environment. Another important issue related to the surface layer requirement is ensuring an appropriate set of mechanical properties. Accordingly, in this study, the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the silicon dioxide layers formed by the deposition of nano physical vapor deposition on the surface of titanium and titanium 13‐niobium 13‐zirconium alloy samples were investigated. To evaluate the mechanical properties of the layers produced by this method, hardness tests were carried out, as well as tests on the adhesion of these layers to the metal substrate. On the other hand, electrochemical properties were studied using potentiodynamic measurements to assess the resistance to pitting corrosion, followed by impedance measurements to interpret the processes and phenomena occurring at the silicon dioxide layer/electrolyte interface. The data obtained showed different mechanical and electrochemical properties of the silicon dioxide layers generated with varying process parameters.
Correlation of structure development and electric characteristics within high pressure torsion processed copper
Authors: Kocich R. , Kopeček J. , Marek M.
Published: May 2024

Copper of a high purity features excellent electric conductivity, but generally very low mechanical properties. Nevertheless, optimized deformation/thermomechanical treatment can introduce favorable combinations of both. The presented study characterizes the correlation of microstructure development and electric properties within copper processed by the severe plastic deformation method of high pressure torsion, the primary advantage of which is that it enables to achieve grains with the sizes in the ultra‐fine, or even nano scales. The study investigates structure development during progressive deformation. In other words, samples processed by single and double high pressure torsion revolutions were evaluated from the viewpoints of grain sizes and grain boundaries, and the results were correlated with the experimentally measured electric conductivity. The single high pressure torsion revolution contributed to grain size decrease, while the structure after double revolution exhibited very fine grains, especially at the sample periphery featuring the highest imposed strain. Both the samples also exhibited increases in microhardness (especially after double revolution), and electric conductivity higher than 100 % IACS. The results confirmed that copper conductors featuring enhanced mechanical properties and favorable electric conductivity can be manufactured by severe plastic deformation.
University innovation and start‐ups: Barriers and facilitators experienced by nursing faculties – A content analysis study
Authors: Jamshidi Zahra , Aieen Mojtaba , Jafari‐Oori Mehdi
Published: May 2024

Aim

University start‐ups have gained significant popularity as a means of translating knowledge and research into practical applications. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the experiences and perspectives of nursing faculties engaged in start‐up ventures. The objective of this study was to explore valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators within this context for promoting success, generating entrepreneurial attitudes, as well as enhancing the sustainability of nursing faculty‐led start‐ups.

Design

We employed a content analysis methodology to capture the real‐life experiences of nursing faculties involved in university start‐ups. This approach is an effective way to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Methods

Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews. Graneheim and Lundman's step was used for analysis and to identify recurring patterns and themes within the collected data. Sampling was done purposefully, with convenience and snowball techniques until data saturation. The MAXQDA version 10 software was utilised to easily analyse, code and present data.

Results

The analysis revealed four major themes encompassed: motivational factors, personal attributes, limited entry support and barriers to scaling. These themes shed light on factors, support systems, challenges faced during growth as well as personal characteristics highlighted by the participants. Our study highlighted the factors influencing entrepreneurship in nursing faculties. Addressing the challenges of this study requires enhancing support systems and fostering personal development for entrepreneurial success in healthcare innovation. Policymakers can promote university education to expand the entrepreneurship process using more facilities and make more services accessible.
Performance enhancement of phenolic resin by glycol‐modified lignin
Authors: Kimura Hajime , Yonekawa Morio , Shimokawaji Tomohiro , Ohashi Yasunori , Takata Eri , Yamada Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2024

Without using fossil resources such as petroleum and coal, which are likely to be depleted and have a large load on the environment, we studied the improvement of the performance of phenolic resin using lignin‐based natural material, which is a non‐fossil resource that is less likely to cause environmental problems. Using modified lignin with polyethylene glycol, the modified lignin phenolic novolac resin was synthesized, and the properties of the phenolic resin molding material and molded article containing the modified lignin were evaluated. As a result, it was found that the phenolic resin into which the modified lignin was introduced not only has excellent moldability, but also excellent heat resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation, and can achieve both heat resistance and flexibility.
Influence of amine surface treatments of carbon nanotube and boron nitride hybrid fillers on the thermal and mechanical properties of flexible amine‐based acrylate composites via 3D vat photopolymerization
Authors: Cho Youngsung , Cho Jangwoo , Han Seungjae , Kim Hyunsung , Kim Jooheon
Published: May 2024

Owing to the rapid advancement in electronic devices, thermal interface materials have been introduced to solve the thermal dissipation and electrical insulation problems in electronic parts and packaging materials. In this study, flexible thermally conductive acrylate‐based composites were fabricated via 3D vat photopolymerization. The effects of amine functional groups on the thermal and mechanical properties of acrylate polymers were explored. Surface‐treatment agents, namely, (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and octadecylamine (ODA), were selected to enhance the poor dispersibility of fillers in the resin matrix caused by aggregation. The APTES‐treated carbon nanotube (CNT)–boron nitride (BN) hybrid composite exhibited the highest thermal conductivity of 0.990 W m−1 K−1, which was remarkably 482.35% higher than that of the matrix owing to the addition of 30 wt% BN, 0.5 wt% CNTs, and APTES treatment. The ODA‐treated CNT composite, which contained only 0.5 wt% CNTs, exhibited a thermal conductivity of 0.540 W m−1 K−1, which was 217.65% higher than that of the matrix. The electrical insulation properties of the composites were characterized, and the composites exhibited low electrical conductivity as electrical insulation materials. The advantages of the 3D‐printed flexible thermally conductive acrylate polymers usher in a new era of using polymer composites to address heat dissipation problems in complex structures.
Unlocking opportunities for the EV industry with beam shaping of high‐power lasers
Authors: Bocksrocker Oliver , Fiechtner Kai , Beranek Matthias , Speker Nicolai , Hesse Tim
Published: May 2024

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by the global shift towards sustainable transportation. Laser welding has emerged as an important technology in this sector, offering a welcome way of reducing production costs and expanding the options in manufacturing new batteries and e‐drive technology. While laser sources have rapidly evolved, introducing power levels of 24 kW and beyond, the efficient application of such high laser power in welding processes remains a challenge.
Photonic technologies for implantable medical devices
Authors: Castelo‐Porta Antonio
Published: May 2024

Medical implants have benefited in the last years from established photonics manufacturing processes such as laser cutting and marking, but also from emerging ones such as additive manufacturing and surface structuring. The orthopedic sector has been using them for many years to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing processes and as a way to provide traceability and quality control for each part. Their use has been extended to a large number of new implants. We will review in this article some novel photonics technologies applied to the manufacturing and post‐processing of medical implants.
Ring‐opening polymerization of lactide catalyzed using metal‐coordinated enzyme‐like amino acid assemblies
Authors: Tiwari Om Shanker , Rawat Varun , Zhang Hang , Chibh Sonika , Rencus‐Lazar Sigal , Diesendruck Charles E. , Gazit Ehud
Published: May 2024

Polylactide (PLA), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, is widely used in diverse biomedical applications. However, the industry standard for converting lactide into PLA involves toxic tin (Sn)‐based catalysts. To mitigate the use of these harmful catalysts, other environmentally benign metal‐containing agents for efficient lactide polymerization have been studied, but these alternatives are hindered by complex synthesis processes, reactivity issues, and selectivity limitations. To overcome these shortcomings, we explored the catalytic activity of Cu‐(Phe)2 and Zn‐(Phe)2 metal‐amino acid co‐assemblies as potential catalysts of the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide into PLA. Catalytic activity of the assemblies was monitored at different temperatures and solvents using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy to determine the catalytic parameters. Notably, Zn‐(Phe)2 achieved >99% conversion of lactide to PLA within 12 h in toluene under reflux conditions and was found to have first‐order kinetics, whereas Cu‐(Phe)2 exhibited significantly lower catalytic activity. Following Zn‐(Phe)2‐mediated catalysis, the resulting PLA had an average molecular weight of 128 kDa and a dispersity index of 1.25 as determined by gel permeation chromatography. Taken together, our minimalistic approach expands the realm of metal‐amino acid‐based supramolecular catalytic nanomaterials useful in the ROP of lactide. This advancement shows promise for the future design of simplified biocatalysts in both industrial and biomedical applications.
Survey‐based investigation of sports and leisure horse owners’ approaches to, and expectations of, equine veterinary care
Authors: Elte Yteke , Wolframm Inga , van Grevenhof Ilse , Nielen Mirjam , van Weeren René
Published: May 2024

Background

Client satisfaction depends on the balance between expectations and service experience. Previous research identified seven aspects of equine veterinary professional conduct that are important for client satisfaction: quality of care, quality of service, horsemanship, transfer of knowledge, financial aspects, interpersonal skills and professionalism.

Methods

By employing a cross‐sectional study design through a survey‐based investigation, horse owners' initial contact preferences and their perceptions of the importance of various aspects of veterinary care in different scenarios were explored. Categories included professional versus amateur and competitive versus non‐competitive horse owners. Quantitative data analysis was performed.

Results

Data from 1153 participants revealed that horse owners promptly contacted veterinarians for colic (92.7%) but delayed for lameness (51.8%) and pre‐purchase examinations (63.0%). Overall, quality of care emerged as the most important aspect of veterinary care for horse owners, with financial aspects considered least important. Competitive and professional horse owners prioritised financial aspects and professionalism, whereas non‐professional and non‐competitive horse owners prioritised quality of care and interpersonal skills (p < 0.005).

Limitations

Survey distribution relied on a snowball effect, internet access was necessary and the study exclusively represents the Western equine community. Potential bias should be acknowledged.

Conclusion

The perceived importance of various aspects of veterinary care varies depending on the nature of the consultation and the horse owner type. Tailoring veterinary services can improve client satisfaction by aligning with diverse expectations.
Calculating a minimum overlap period for successful intercalibration of soil moisture sensors
Authors: Walker Victoria A. , Cosh Michael H. , Ochsner Tyson E.
Published: May 2024

Long‐term in situ soil moisture monitoring inevitably requires sensors to be replaced. Ensuing discontinuities in the data record can be mitigated by intercalibration, however it is unclear how long the existing sensor needs to remain alongside the newly installed before there is enough overlapping data to generate a robust intercalibration. We used 154 pairs of established and newly installed sensors within the Marena, Oklahoma, In Situ Sensor Testbed to determine if there is a minimum overlap time that should be considered when planning upcoming replacements. Hourly observations of the existing sensor were linearly calibrated to those of the newly installed sensor with coefficients determined from overlap periods incremented by 30 days until a reference period of 2 years was reached. The resulting bias, root‐mean‐square error, and correlation coefficient for sensor pairs indicate that a minimum of 6 to 9 months of overlapping data are required to generate a successful intercalibration. Extending that to a full year before decommissioning the old sensor results in a stable intercalibration with higher confidence.