bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microwave Radiation Assisted Construction of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Flexible Sensors
Authors: Hu Xueling , Zheng Yanling , Kuzhandaivel Dhandapani , Ding Xiaohong , Wu Lixin , Wang Jianlei , Lin Xianliang , Hu Xiaoyong , Zhang Xu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of the internet of things, the simple preparation of sensors has become a challenge. The present work presents the simple preparation of flexible sensors by using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing combined with the microwave radiation‐assisted treatment of the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive fillers to create the flexible sensors. The as‐prepared TPU/CNT composites exhibit the 7.27 MPa tensile strength and 401% elongation at break, similar to those of the pure TPU. After 200 tensile cycles, the TPU/CNT composites can still stably convert pressure into electrical signals, which can be used as flexible sensors with high sensitivity (0.879 kPa−1). In addition, shoe insoles and finger cover with sensing performance are fabricated through the FDM 3D printing technology, demonstrating the potential of the sensors to monitor human gait, finger straightening, and bending movements. The as‐proposed method involves the embedding CNTs as conductive fillers on the surface of TPU to form the TPU/CNT composite conductive layers on the surface of TPU, which is beneficial for maintaining the elasticity of the polymer matrix. The challenges in preparing stable, low‐cost, and scalable flexible sensors and highlights of the advantages of 3D printing technology in manufacturing flexible piezoresistive sensors are also deeply discussed.
A Novel Curcumin‐Loaded Nanoplatform Alleviates Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Chondrocyte Ferroptosis
Authors: Sheng Weibei , Li Aikang , Yue Yaohang , Wang Qichang , Yu Fei , Weng Jian , Lin Jianjing , Chen Yingqi , Zeng Hui , Wang Deli , Yang Jun , Liu Peng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage. Recent studies have demonstrated that chondrocyte ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of OA. Consequently, developing nanomedicines that suppress chondrocyte ferroptosis is a promising strategy for OA treatment. However, there are few reports on nanomedicines specifically targeting chondrocyte ferroptosis for OA therapy. In this study, Curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles (Cur‐NPs) are fabricated to suppress chondrocyte ferroptosis by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferrous ion (Fe2⁺), and Acyl‐CoA Synthetase Long‐Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4) levels of chondrocyte. This is achieved by combining the functions of curcumin and an amphiphilic block copolymer with ROS scavenging and iron‐chelating properties. The in vitro anti‐ferroptotic effects of Cur‐NPs are thoroughly investigated. The findings indicate that Cur‐NPs decrease the expression of ferroptosis markers such as ROS, Fe2⁺, and ACSL4, while protecting the mitochondrial membrane potential of chondrocytes. Additionally, Cur‐NPs attenuated lipid peroxidation in chondrocytes. Furthermore, Cur‐NPs significantly reduced the expression of the catabolic factor Matrix Metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) and increased the expression of the anabolic factor Collagen type II (Col II) in vitro. This study demonstrates that Cur‐NPs exhibit enhanced chondroprotective effects through anti‐ferroptotic actions, presenting a promising approach for inhibiting chondrocyte ferroptosis using bioactive nanomaterials in OA treatment.
Deep learning‐based prediction of the dose–volume histograms for volumetric modulated arc therapy of left‐sided breast cancer
Authors: Leino Akseli , Heikkilä Janne , Virén Tuomas , Honkanen Juuso T. J. , Seppälä Jan , Korkalainen Henri 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe advancements in artificial intelligence and computational power have made deep learning an attractive tool for radiotherapy treatment planning. Deep learning has the potential to significantly simplify the trial‐and‐error process involved in inverse planning required by modern treatment techniques such as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). In this study, we explore the ability of deep learning to predict organ‐at‐risk (OAR) dose–volume histograms (DVHs) of left‐sided breast cancer patients undergoing VMAT treatment based solely on their anatomical characteristics. The predicted DVHs could be used to derive patient‐specific dose constraints and dose objectives, streamlining the treatment planning process, standardizing the quality of the plans, and personalizing the treatment planning.PurposeThis study aimed to develop a deep learning‐based framework for the prediction of organ‐specific dose–volume histograms (DVH) based on structures delineated for left‐sided breast cancer treatment.MethodsWe used a dataset of 249 left‐sided breast cancer patients treated with tangential VMAT fields. We extracted delineated structures and dose distributions for each patient and derived slice‐by‐slice DVHs for planning target volume (PTV) and organs‐at‐risk. The patients were divided into training (70%, n = 174), validation (10%, n = 24), and test (20%, n = 51) sets. Collected data were used to train a deep learning model for the prediction of the DVHs based on the delineated structures. The developed deep learning model comprised a modified DenseNet architecture followed by a recurrent neural network.ResultsIn the independent test set (n = 51), the point‐wise differences in the slice‐by‐slice DVHs between the clinical and predicted DVHs were small; the mean squared errors were 3.53, 1.58, 2.28, 3.37, and 1.44 [×10−4] for PTV, heart, ipsilateral lung, contralateral lung, and contralateral breast, respectively. With the derived cumulative DVHs, the mean absolute difference ± standard deviation of mean doses between the clinical and the predicted DVH were 0.08 ± 0.04 Gy, 0.24 ± 0.22 Gy, 0.73 ± 0.46 Gy, 0.07 ± 0.06 Gy, and 0.14 ± 0.14 Gy for PTV, heart, ipsilateral lung, contralateral lung, and contralateral breast, respectively.ConclusionsThe deep learning‐based approach enabled automatic and reliable prediction of the DVH based on delineated structures. The predicted DVHs could potentially serve as patient‐specific clinical goals used to aid treatment planning and avoid suboptimal plans or to derive optimization objectives and constraints for automated treatment planning.
Optimization of reconstruction in quantitative brain PET images: Benefits from PSF modeling and correction of edge artifacts
Authors: Verrecchia‐Ramos Emilie , Ginet Merwan , Morel Olivier , Engels‐Deutsch Marc , Ben Mahmoud Sinan , Retif Paul 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundModern PET reconstruction algorithms incorporate point‐spread‐function (PSF) correction to mitigate partial volume effect. However, PSF correction can introduce edge artifacts that lead to quantification errors. Consequently, current international guidelines advise against using PSF correction in brain PET reconstruction.PurposeWe aimed to investigate PSF‐induced quantification errors in recent digital PET systems and identify conditions that mitigate them. This study utilized brain PET imaging with alginate‐based realistic phantoms, simulating lesion‐to‐background activity ratios of 10:1 and 2:1, with eleven reconstruction parameter sets.MethodsPhantoms were prepared using a commercial anthropomorphic head phantom and two homemade inserts. Each insert contained a homogeneous 18F‐FDG alginate background with hot spheres of varying diameter (3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 mm). PET imaging was conducted on a digital PET‐CT system Biograph Vision 600 (Siemens), with a 10 min scan duration. Imaging was performed with and without PSF correction, with 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, or 24 iterations in reconstruction, and with or without additional Gaussian postfiltering. We assessed the recovery coefficient (RC), contrast recovery coefficient (CRC), variability, and CRC‐to‐variability ratios for each sphere size and reconstruction parameter set.ResultsPSF‐corrected images of the 10:1 spheres exhibited a nonmonotonic CRC‐to‐sphere diameter relationship due to edge artifacts overshoot in the 10 mm‐diameter sphere. In contrast, PSF images of the 2:1 spheres showed a monotonically increasing relationship. Non‐PSF images of both phantoms showed an expected monotonically increasing CRC‐to‐sphere diameter relationship but with lower CRC values compared to PSF images. The nonmonotonic relationship observed with 10:1 spheres was mitigated by applying a 3‐mm FWHM Gaussian postfiltering. For both phantoms, reconstructions with 6 iterations, PSF correction, and additional 3‐mm FWHM Gaussian postfiltering demonstrated the highest CRC‐to‐variability ratios.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that Gaussian postfiltering suppresses PSF artifacts. This parameter set corrected the nonmonotonic CRC‐to‐sphere diameter relationship and improved the CRC‐to‐variability ratio compared to non‐PSF reconstructions. Therefore, to enhance lesion detectability without compromising quantification accuracy, PSF correction coupled with Gaussian postfiltering should be used in brain PET.
Calibration of a hybrid sea ice model during an expedition to the Arctic
Authors: Mehlmann Carolin , Richter Thomas 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe describe the acquisition and evaluation of data during the ArcWatch II expedition into the Arctic Ocean on board of the icebreaker Polarstern. The data is used to calibrate a hybrid sea ice model that focuses on modeling the marginal ice zone, which is the transition zone between pack ice and the open ocean. We describe the experimental setup used to track the motion of individual ice floes as well as the measurement of the wind and the ocean current. In the literature, the motion of an ice floe in the free‐drift regime is often estimated by Nansen's rule of thumb, which assumes the sea ice drifts at of the wind speed, deflected up to in clockwise direction. Analyzing the first datasets, we noticed that observed small ice floes in free drift often have a larger relative angle to the wind direction. Based on numerical simulation we quantify that these larger angles are related to the geometry of larger sea ice floes in the vicinity of the observed ice floe. These large icefloes influence the ocean current, which in turn, impacts the motion of the small ice floes in the surrounding.
Development of a kinematic model for a free kinematic forming process to compute the tool trajectory
Authors: Ekanayaka Virama , Hürkamp André , Dröder Klaus 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the production of hybrid composites made of thermoplast and metal sheets, certain limitations in the linear forming process can be overcome through a free kinematic forming process. This process involves distributing the thermoplast press mass using a tumbling or cyclic rolling movement of the forming tool. Due to this special kinematics, only a small part of the tool is ever in engagement with the workpiece, so the component is formed incrementally. Therefore, the final geometry does not have to be created in one stroke but can be carried out step by step in several partial strokes. In order to determine the optimal trajectory of the forming tool, the kinematic interplay between the workpiece, forming tool, and toolpath should be numerically captured in a mathematical model. The specific toolpath depends on the component being formed, as well as the actual geometry of the forming tool. In this research, the free kinematic forming process is modeled and the optimal toolpath is determined using a genetic algorithm. The optimal toolpath enables a uniform distribution of the thermoplast to a specified thickness and collisions between the upper and lower tool are avoided. This enables key insights into the free kinematic forming process and opens up further avenues of research for this innovative and future‐oriented manufacturing concept.
A note on the nonlinear viscoelastic Schapery model applied to PMMA and asphalt
Authors: Margalho de Barros Marcos Andre , Govindjee Sanjay , Schröder Jörg 
Published: September 2024

AbstractViscoelastic phenomena are present in every‐day materials in engineering for example, polymers and bitumen. These materials usually present linear behavior for small deformations and small perturbations from the thermodynamic equilibrium. More generally, nonlinear behaviors may arise due to stress, temperature, ageing, and other drivers. In this work, the single‐integral Schapery model, derived from thermodynamic theory of irreversible processes including nonlinearities due to stress and temperature, is considered in this work.The aim is to collect data from experiments and simulate the nonlinear behavior with the material parameters, nonlinear functions and time scale shift factors. A finite element scheme for the Schapery model based on a stress‐update algorithm is proposed. For this, the decoupled deviatoric and volumetric responses and the strain tensor decomposition into instantaneous and hereditary parts are developed. The Schapery model depicts precisely the nonlinear viscoelastic phenomenon in creep and recovery strain tests, notably when all the nonlinear functions are considered.
Birds as sacred ‘children of god’, beholders of spirit and symbols of twinhood: Human–bird interaction among the Nuer in western Ethiopia
Authors: Aticho Abebayehu , Beyene Abebe , Zelelew Shimelis Aynalem , Puok Changkuoth , Gosler Andrew G. , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Chala Desalegn 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The deep connection between Indigenous communities and nature plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation. Ethiopia, one of Africa's priority countries for bird conservation, harbours 821 bird species and 83 ethnic groups of Indigenous people. However, cultural and spiritual ties between Indigenous peoples and bird species remain largely unexplored. This is particularly true for remote Indigenous communities such as the Nuer.

Relying on preexisting bird survey data, we conducted focussed group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with Indigenous Nuer in western Ethiopia to explore human–bird interactions and documented associated traditional ecological knowledge and considered their conservation implications.

We found that Nuers have strong ties with birds. In Nuer community, birds are collectively known by three interchangeable terms: ‘gaatkuoth’ to mean sacred children of god, ‘kuoth’ meaning bearers of spirit and ‘diit’ symbols of human twins (since birds nurture multiple offspring, they associate the incidence of twins in human with birds). We identified 71 culturally important bird species that were used in seven different use categories. Among these species, 10 were used as bushmeat, five for traditional medicine, eight as fish indicators, seven as omens (believed to indicate upcoming misfortunes), three as amulets (believed to protect against danger when bird's body parts are used as necklaces and bracelets), three as season indicators and 45 for their scenic beauty. An informant consensus factor for species in all use categories was >90%, except for the scenic value, indicating a high homogeneity of knowledge about species uses. Bird species with multiple uses have significant cultural values among locals, emphasizing the need to understand these values in conservation efforts. Nuer traditional systems regulate the direct use of birds including for bushmeat. Hunting is permitted only by impoverished households during severe food shortages and is prohibited for those with a history of twins in their ancestry.

The Nuer people exhibit a profound cultural connection to birds, viewing them as sacred and spiritually valuable beings. This deep‐seated reverence and traditional knowledge highlight the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into bird conservation strategies to enhance their effectiveness and respect cultural values.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Preparation, mechanical analysis and investigation of swelling behavior of boron nitride reinforced hydrogel polymer composite films
Authors: Saltan Fehmi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study presents the preparation, hydrogel kinetics, and mechanical analysis of Boron Nitride (BN) reinforced PVA/PVP/PEO‐BN hydrogel composite films using Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and Polyethylene oxide (PEO) commercial polymers. Dynamic mechanical analysis tests reveal that PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN composite films exhibit plastic‐viscoelastic behavior under a maximum force of 18 N. The Young's Modulus values for PVA90PEO5PVP5, PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%10, and PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%20 are 0.22, 0.32, and 0.44 MPa, respectively. The highest % Strain value is observed in PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%20, reaching 279.80%. In the hydrogel kinetics study, Schott's and Fickian models are utilized. The regression from the Fickian model is quite low, with exponential diffusion index, n, values lower than 0.5, indicating a classical Fickian water diffusion mechanism. Schott's model provides graphs with significantly higher regression compared to the Fickian model. The results indicate compatibility with the other model and confirm the presence of water‐based diffusion. Equilibrium swelling values (Se, g H2O/g gel) are 6.71, 7.03, and 7.91 for PVA90PEO5PVP5, PVA90PEO5PVP5, PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%10, and PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%20, respectively. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis results show that the glass transition temperatures, Tg, are 52.37, 60.20, and 63.05°C for PVA90PEO5PVP5, PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%10, and PVA90PEO5PVP5‐BN%20, respectively.
A de novo int22h‐1/int22h‐2‐flanked Xq28 deletion‐associated preferential X‐inactivation in a female with severe hemophilia B
Authors: Chen Wan‐Chun , Kao Hsiao‐Jung , Kwok Pui‐Yan , Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Kuo Yu‐Ling , Hsu Wan‐Yi , Lu Ping‐Tao , Wu Cian‐Rong , Lin Pei‐Chin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA 5‐year‐old female diagnosed with severe hemophilia B began experiencing frequent muscular and joint bleeds at 19 months old. Molecular studies, including Sanger sequencing, Giemsa banding, human androgen receptor (HUMARA) assay, array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), whole‐exome sequencing (WES), and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), revealed a heterozygous factor IX (F9) intron 3 substitution (c.277+1G>T) inherited from her mother and a de novo heterozygous 441 kb deletion in the Xq28 region, which flanked intron 22 homologous regions 1 (int22h1) and 2 (int22h2). This rare genetic profile explains her severe phenotype and guides hereditary consultation for family planning.
Invasive fungal infections are rare in pediatric and young adult autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Koo Jane , Huber John , Badia Priscila , Dunseath Chloe , O'Connor Gabby , Davies Stella M. , Dandoy Christopher E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPediatric and young adult patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto‐HSCT) face a crucial, yet understudied, risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI), especially compared to allogeneic transplants. This gap underscores the need for research in pediatric patients undergoing auto‐HSCT. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of IFI in pediatric and young adult patients during the first year after auto‐HSCT.Materials and methodsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective analysis of 150 pediatric and young adult auto‐HSCT patients who underwent transplant from January 2013 to January 2023. We focused on IFI incidence within the first‐year post transplant, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria for IFI identification.ResultsAmong the 150 patients analyzed, with 240 unique transplant episodes, the primary indication was neuroblastoma (37.3%), and micafungin was extensively used for prophylaxis (82.7%). There was an absence of IFI from yeast and mold species, suggesting a low IFI risk in this cohort. The incidence of IFI in pediatric auto‐HSCT recipients receiving micafungin primary antifungal prophylaxis is rare.ConclusionsThe findings advocate for further research to refine prophylaxis guidelines and highlight the need for individualized risk assessment to optimize post‐transplant care.
Acarbose might be associated with reduced risk of gastric cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Mao Pili Chih‐Min , Chung Mei‐Ing , Hung Yao‐Min , Chen Hsiu‐Min , Chen Chien‐Liang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeveral epidemiologic studies have revealed a higher risk of cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) relative to the general population. To investigate whether the use of acarbose was associated with higher/lower risk of new‐onset cancers.MethodWe conducted a retrospective cohort study, using a population‐based National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Both inpatients and outpatients with newly onset DM diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 were collected. The Adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) was used to adjust the severity of DM. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of disease.ResultsA total of 22 502 patients with newly diagnosed DM were enrolled. The Cox proportional hazards regression model indicating acarbose was neutral for risk for gastroenterological malignancies, when compared to the acarbose non‐acarbose users group. However, when gastric cancer was focused, acarbose‐user group had significantly lowered HR than non‐acarbose users group (p = 0.003). After adjusted for age, sex, cancer‐related comorbidity, severity of DM, and co‐administered drugs, the HR of gastric cancer risk was 0.43 (95% CI = 0.25–0.74) for acarbose‐user patients.ConclusionThis long‐term population‐based study demonstrated that acarbose might be associated with lowered risk of new‐onset gastric cancer in diabetic patients after adjusting the severity of DM.
Impact of Regulatory Interventions on Ulipristal Acetate 5 mg (Esmya) Use in Spain: An Interrupted Time‐Series Analysis
Authors: Monreal‐Di Bello Marta , González‐Bermejo Diana , Castillo‐Cano Belén , Rodriguez‐Pascual Alfonso , Montero‐Corominas Dolores 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeSince late 2017, the use of ulipristal acetate 5 mg (UPA; Proprietary name: Esmya) has been under review in the European Union, due to an emerging hepatic risk. In February 2018 and in July 2018, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices and the marketing authorization holder put two risk minimization measures (RMM) in place, in order to inform about new safety information and to mitigate this risk. This study aims to assess RMM effectiveness in Spain, by performing an interrupted time‐series (ITS) analyses, between 2014 and 2019.MethodTwo quasi‐experimental ITS analyses to examine the use of UPA before and after the RMM release were performed: (a) an ecological study using aggregated data from a drug consumption database; and (b) a study using primary healthcare data gathered from electronic clinical records.ResultsRegulatory interventions were associated with an immediate and significant decrease level of DID (the number of DDD dispensed per 100 000 inhabitants and day) and incidence. The DID was 70% less than expected 12 months after the interventions. This value was 59% for the incidence. However, a change in the slope was not observed and the use started rising again in the last segment of the study period.ConclusionDespite RMM had an immediate strong impact on UPA use, the last segment upward trend in the long‐term might have been affected by the lack of comparable therapeutic alternatives. Further studies should be performed to confirm the increase trend observed and analyze subsequent measures and additional data.