bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal nerve fibre loss as a marker to identify the impact of diabetes on Parkinson's disease
Authors: Niu Xuebin , Yin Peixiao , Shao Qiuyue , Chen Lu , Cui Guiyun , Xu Chuanying , Zan Kun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from serious quality of life problems. Diabetes has been demonstrated as an independent risk element for PD, aggravating its severity and accelerating its progression. There are currently no suitable biomarkers to reveal the impact of diabetes on PD. The purpose of our research was to study the impact of diabetes on PD using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), a non‐invasive and objective test.MethodsFourteen PD patients with diabetes (PD‐DM), 60 PD patients without diabetes (PD‐NDM), and 30 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. The clinical symptoms of patients with PD were assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale‐3 (UPDRS‐3) and the Parkinson's Disease Autonomic Symptom Prognosis Scale (SCOPA‐AUT). Participants underwent CCM to quantify the corneal nerve fibres.ResultsCorneal nerve fibre density (CNFD) and corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL) in patients with PD were lower than HC. Furthermore, CNFD in PD‐DM was lower than in PD‐NDM (P < 0.01). We also assessed the relationship between CCM parameters and clinical scores. CNFL and Hamilton anxiety (HAMA) have a negative correlation (r = −0.261, P = 0.032), but this study did not observe a significant correlation between CCM parameters and SCOPA‐AUT. Additionally, CNFD could distinguish PD‐DM from PD‐NDM, achieving an area under the curve of 75.06% (95% CI, 61.76%–88.36%).ConclusionsThe CCM could be served as an objective and sensitive biomarker to investigate the impact of diabetes in PD.
The Unique and Important Jewish Responses to Proposition 8 and Marriage Equality
Authors: Reeder Terry Hawley 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTMarriage equality is a nascent and fragile civil right in the United States. To protect this civil right we must articulate and preserve diverse religious, ethical, and legal positions from the marriage equality debates. Sadly, and incorrectly, both the popular and scholarly narratives of religions' public role and ethics on marriage equality have been told with a Christocentric and “God versus Gay” framing. Here I push the borders of that frame to include the crucially important story of Judaism and the Prop 8 marriage equality debates. Judaism made and still makes vital and unique contributions to the battle for marriage equality: the majority of Jewish congregations and organizations are in favor of marriage equality, as opposed to the majority of Christianities which are against it. Judaism models diversity within the tradition, for example how to be opposed to same‐sex marriage but not expect that it will be illegal. Jewish positions on marriage equality in the public sphere model how the civil rights of marriage equality and religious liberty can coexist and thrive.
Epidemiology of supplemental oxygen in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Torres‐Castro Rodrigo , Hinojosa Williams , Martínez‐Meñaca Amaya , Sala Llinas Ernest , Jiménez Arjona Josefa , Rueda Soriano Joaquín , Aurtenetxe Agueda , Barberà Joan Albert , Escribano‐Subías Pilar , Blanco Isabel ,   REHAP Investigators
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePatients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) may present with hypoxaemia at rest or during daily activities. There is no epidemiological data on the prescription of long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in patients with PH. The study sought to analyse the prevalence and incidence of LTOT prescription among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in Spain and to determine predictors for this prescription.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed from the Spanish Registry of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (REHAP). Collected data included demographics and anthropometric measurements, functional class (FC), arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, haemodynamic measurements, six‐minute walking distance (6MWD) and LTOT prescription. In addition, we assessed the prevalence and incidence of LTOT prescription by PH group and subtype and potential predictors for LTOT initiation in the first 5 years after diagnosis.ResultsWe analysed 4533 patients (69.9% PAH and 30.1% CTEPH), mostly female (64.5%), with a mean age of 53.0 ± 18.3 years. The prevalence of LTOT was 19.3% for all patients. The incidence of LTOT prescriptions decreased from 5.6% to 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, respectively. Predictors for LTOT prescription, excluding those that represent the indication for oxygen therapy were: FC (HR: 1.813), 6MWD (HR: 1.002), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (HR: 1.014), cardiac index (CI) (HR: 1.253), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (HR: 1.023) and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) (HR: 1.294).ConclusionThe prevalence of LTOT in PAH and CTEPH patients is close to 20%. FC, 6MWD, mPAP, CI, PVR and DLCO were predictors for LTOT prescription.image
Effect of sequential delivery of 1‐ and 2‐MHz bipolar microneedling radiofrequency energy on thermal tissue reactions in a minipig model
Authors: Cho Sung Bin , Kang Sun Young , Lee Yea‐Jin , Choi Min , Kim Bora , Ahn Jin‐Chul 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundBipolar microneedling radiofrequency (RF) treatment generates different patterns of thermal reactions, depending on the skin impedance and RF treatment parameters, including the frequency, power, conduction time, settings of sub‐pulse packs, and penetrating depth and type of microneedles used. We compared the effect of sequential delivery of 1‐ and 2‐MHz bipolar RF energy to in vivo minipig skin on thermal tissue reaction.MethodsRF treatments at frequencies of 1 and 2 MHz were sequentially delivered to minipigs’ skin in vivo. A histological study was performed to analyze RF‐induced skin reactions at 1‐h and at 3‐, 7‐, and 14‐days post‐treatment.ResultsThe skin specimens demonstrated that the two different frequencies of RF treatment generated mixed patterns of the peri‐electrode coagulative necrosis (PECN) according to the experimental settings and tissue impedance. In the PECN zone, the tissue coagulation induced by the first RF treatment was surrounded by the effect of the later RF treatment at the other RF frequency. In the inter‐electrode non‐necrotic thermal reaction zone, the effect of the latter RF treatment was widespread and deep through the dermis, which had received RF treatment at the other frequency first. The delivery of pulsed‐type RF energy at sub‐pulse packs of 6 or 10 provided effective RF delivery over long conduction time without excessive thermal damage of the epidermis. Nonetheless, by sequential delivery of two different RF frequencies, RF‐induced tissue reactions were found to be markedly enhanced.ConclusionThe sequential delivery of 1‐ and 2‐MHz RF energy induces novel histological patterns of tissue reactions, which can synergistically enhance the thermostimulatory effects of each RF setting. Moreover, variations in patterns of tissue reactions can be generated by regulating the order of frequencies and the number of sub‐pulse packs of RF used.
Catalytic divergence of O‐methyltransferases shapes the chemo‐diversity of polymethoxylated bibenzyls in Dendrobium catenatum
Authors: Ta He , Yang Ya‐Hui , Zhu Ting‐Ting , Du Ni‐Hong , Hao Yue , Fu Jie , Xu Dan‐Dan , Xu Ze‐Jun , Cheng Ai‐Xia , Lou Hong‐Xiang 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARYErianin, crepidatin, and chrysotobibenzyl are typical medicinal polymethoxylated bibenzyls (PMBs) that are commercially produced in Dendrobium species. PMBs' chemo‐diversity is mediated by the manifold combinations of O‐methylation and hydroxylation in a definite order, which remains unsolved. To unequivocally elucidate the methylation mechanism of PMBs, 15 possible intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway of PMBs were chemically synthesized. DcOMT1–5 were highly expressed in tissues where PMBs were biosynthesized, and their expression patterns were well‐correlated with the accumulation profiles of PMBs. Moreover, cell‐free orthogonal tests based on the synthesized intermediates further confirmed that DcOMT1‐5 exhibited distinct substrate preferences and displayed hydroxyl‐group regiospecificity during the sequential methylation process. The stepwise methylation of PMBs was discovered from SAM to dihydro‐piceatannol (P) in the following order: P → 3‐MeP → 4‐OH‐3‐MeP → 4‐OH‐3,5‐diMeP → 3,3'(4′),5‐triMeP → 3,4,4′,5‐tetraMeP (erianin) or 3,3′,4,5‐tetraMeP (crepidatin) → 3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentaMeP (chrysotobibenzyl). Furthermore, the regioselectivities of DcOMTs were investigated by ligand docking analyses which corresponded precisely with the catalytic activities. In summary, the findings shed light on the sequential catalytic mechanisms of PMB biosynthesis and provide a comprehensive PMB biosynthetic network in D. catenatum. The knowledge gained from this study may also contribute to the development of plant‐based medicinal applications and the production of high‐value PMBs.
Effect of ear cleaning on treatment outcome for canine otitis externa
Authors: Corb Erin , Griffin Craig E. , Bidot Willie , Hall Melissa , Kirby Allison , Rosenkrantz Wayne 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundEar cleaning is often recommended for management of canine otitis externa (OE). Few in vivo studies evaluate how ear cleaning affects treatment outcome.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine the effect of ear cleaning on canine OE by comparing treatment outcome in cleaned versus noncleaned ears.AnimalsTwenty‐three client‐owned dogs with ceruminous or purulent OE.Materials and MethodsForty ears were randomised to one of two groups: 20 ears were wiped with dry or saline‐moistened gauze (grp1), and 20 external ear canals received manual cleaning (grp2) with a commercial product. One millilitre of a commercial otic suspension containing hydrocortisone aceponate, miconazole nitrate and gentamicin sulfate was applied to affected ears every 24 h for five days. Cytological scores, modified otitis index score (OTIS3), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), modified PVAS and client questionnaire were compared on Day (D)0 and D7.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between cytological scores, modified OTIS3, PVAS, modified PVAS or client assessments between groups at D7. Both groups had significant reduction in all treatment parameters from D0 to D7 with the exception of cytological rod scores that were only significantly decreased in cleaned ears. There was a significant difference in OTIS3 before and after cleaning on D0.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceBoth groups achieved successful outcome regardless of cleaning. Ear cleaning may be more important when rod‐shaped bacteria are present.
Correlation between meibomian gland dysfunction and sebaceous adenitis in dogs
Authors: Striuli Giulia , Vandenabeele Sophie , Nachtegaele Filip , Devriendt Nausikaa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSebaceous adenitis (SA) is an immune‐mediated disease targeting the sebaceous glands. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a disease affecting meibomian glands with inflammatory features. Sebaceous and meibomian glands share anatomical, physiological and embryological similarities. The involvement of meibomian glands in dogs with SA is currently unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate meibomian glands in dogs affected by SA and compare them with healthy dogs.AnimalsEighteen dogs were enrolled. Nine dogs with SA were retrospectively identified from clinical records and represented the case group. Nine healthy, breed‐ and age‐matched dogs were prospectively enrolled in the control group.Materials and MethodsBoth groups underwent dermatological examination, Schirmer tear test‐1 (STT‐1), tear meniscus height (TMH), slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, interferometry (INT) and noncontact infrared meibography (NIM).ResultsOne third of SA dogs presented subepithelial crystalline opacities. No significant difference between groups was observed in TMH (p = 0.944) and STT‐1 values (p = 0.066). INT (p = 0.016) and NIM grades (p = 0.010) were significantly higher and lower in the SA group compared to the control group, respectively. INT values decreased with age (η = 0.930), while NIM scores (η = 0.935) increased.ConclusionsClinical Relevance: Subepithelial crystalline opacities in SA dogs might reflect a reduced tear film quality. In the absence of standardised methods, INT and NIM proved to be noninvasive and useful methods to examine meibomian glands. Dogs with SA showed a thinner lacrimal lipid layer and more severe meibomian gland abnormalities than control dogs, which seemed to progress with age.
One-Step Solving the Robot-World and Hand–Eye Calibration Based on the Principle of Transference
Authors: Wang Xiao , Song Hanwen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Principle of transference is very important in the kinematic analysis of spatial mechanisms, which enables the extension of point transformations to line transformations inbuilt with the dual mapping. An ideal conceptualization for applying kinematic calibration is to extend the solution of the rotational equations to the kinematic equations via dual mapping. However, this necessitates an analytic representation of the rotational solution, a task that is typically unachievable. Duffy and his coauthors used the principle of transference to generate the spatial equations from the spherical equations. Therefore, the application of the principle of transference to kinematic calibration allows one to start with the process of deriving and solving the equations of kinematics. In this article, the kinematic calibration problem is used as an application to discuss the implementation process of principle of transference in detail. First, the process of transforming the rotational equations into a linear null-space computational system based on quaternion matrix operators is reviewed. Then, fusing the dual matrix operators converts the kinematic equations into the dual linear system of equations, which reflects the forward process of principle of transference. Finally, eliminating the dual operations in the dual linear system of equations turns it into a high-dimensional linear null-space computational system, which embodies the inverse process of principle of transference. This article provides a new closed-form solution for the AX=YB problem.
Advanced Exergy Analysis of GT-sCO2 Combined Cycle
Authors: Wang Du , Xue Mujie , Ren Xin , Hu Yuxuan , Wang Zhigang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The use of the supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle (SCBC) for waste heat recovery from the gas turbine cycle (GTC) can enhance system performance and reduce CO2 emissions. To analyze the possibility of component optimization and the characteristics of the exergy destruction, a model of a gas turbine-supercritical carbon dioxide (GT-sCO2) combined system with a triple cascade layout has been established, and the exergy destruction of the GT-sCO2 combined system has been analyzed for the first time using an advanced exergy analysis based on a conventional exergy analysis, which further classified the exergy destruction into endogenous, exogenous, avoidable, and unavoidable, and pointed out the direction for the optimization of the new system. The results reveal that the GTC subsystem has larger destruction than the SCBC subsystem. The endogenous exergy destruction ratio of the GT-sCO2 combined cycle is 88.86%, while the endogenous avoidable part is 20.94%. The combustion chamber has the largest endogenous avoidable exergy destruction in the GTC subsystem (51.42 MW), while the sCO2 compressor has the largest endogenous avoidable exergy destruction in the SCBC subsystem (1.89 MW). Depending on the endogenous avoidable exergy destruction, the order of optimization of components is: combustion chamber, gas turbine, air compressor, sCO2 compressor, high-temperature sCO2 turbine, cooler, high-temperature recuperator, low-temperature sCO2 turbine, and low-temperature recuperator, and the corresponding component improvement suggestions are made to aid in subsequent optimization efforts.
Methodology for Real-Time Torque Estimation in a Ship Propulsion Digital Twin
Authors: Purcell Etienne , Nejad Amir R. , Bekker Anriëtte 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The safe operation of ships requires the condition of propulsion components to be maintained. Digital twins are a promising alternative for intelligent monitoring of these complex systems. Digital twins require models which ensure that the digital representation is able to mimic the behavior of the physical system. Alternate modeling solutions must be found when intellectual property restrictions or lack of available information limit the usability of physics-based models. This paper considers such a case where a system model of the propulsion system requires a real-time capable model of the propeller hydrodynamic torque. The creation of a data-driven hydrodynamic torque model based on full-scale, operational measurements is discussed. The described method focuses on the significant challenges associated with data cleaning and preparation while also evaluating whether well-known machine learning methods are suited for this application. The methods use speed-over-ground, heading, course, rotational speed, and propeller pitch as inputs. The outputs of the models are the single quadrant propeller torque coefficient and the amplitude of harmonic torsional excitation. These outputs are then combined to create a holistic prediction of the torque. Results indicate that both a polynomial least-squares fit and a shallow neural network predict the mean and the amplitude of harmonic components of the torque well. This prediction can be used to isolate the hydrodynamic torque when more than one torque source is present or to simulate what-if scenarios in a digital twin environment.
A Review on Mechanical and Wear Characteristics of Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Ammisetti Dhanunjay Kumar , Sai Sarath K , Kruthiventi S. S. Harish 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys provide a desirable mixture of characteristics, including minimal density and an excellent strength/weight ratio. Nevertheless, these materials have limitations in relation to their thermal conductivity, wear and corrosion resistance, among various other attributes. The limits described above place restrictions on the use of these alloys in various applications. Currently, various methods are being employed to efficiently address and alleviate those limitations through the utilization of composite materials. The incorporation of micro/nanosized elements has been utilized to elevate the properties of Mg. Various methods are utilized to provide a homogeneous dispersal of reinforcement throughout the matrix, resulting in the production of magnesium metal matrix composites (MgMMCs). The use of MgMMCs has experienced a notable rise across many sectors such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and biomedical. This may be attributed to their exceptional attributes, which consist of enhanced specific strength, reduced weight, and congruence with biological systems. The current study objective is to perform an exhaustive examination of the different reinforcements employed in the fabrication of MgMMCs and their impact on mechanical and tribological characteristics. Furthermore, the study presented in this paper showcases the development of prediction models for the wear properties of MgMMCs through the utilization of diverse machine learning approaches.
Non-Invasive, Portable Optical Imaging Device for Early Detection of Melanoma in Aging Populations Using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Jeff J.H. , Lee James W.Y. , Bhaththiwala Hrishikesh , Sandu Shashank , Dhingra Shaurya , Yeh Hyelin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer, with melanoma being the most deadly form. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, yet it remains challenging, as accurate diagnosis often requires expert medical knowledge. This study presents a novel, portable, and non-invasive optical imaging device designed for early detection of melanoma in clinical and non-clinical settings. By leveraging diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and incorporating a new 'Z criterion' into the established ABCD rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter), the device offers an enhanced assessment. The preliminary study on a cohort of elderly patients demonstrated the device's feasibility in detecting melanoma, showing significant promise for application in portable diagnostics and athome care.
Feasibility Testing of a Novel Suture and Scaffold Dressing Device as an Alternative to Gauze Pad Compression for Wound Dressings
Authors: Tan Kordell Mitchell 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The properties of a novel 3D-printed medical dressing accessory, designed to provide additional support for wound compression, are explored. Traditional wound dressings often require multiple layers of gauze or other absorbable dressings to provide sufficient pressure for blood coagulation and wound healing. This research investigates the magnitude of compressive force exerted by the novel device when applied to simulated skin and its durability as a substitute for soft fabric materials usually used to pack wound dressings. This is an early-stage study that investigates the feasibility of this device to provide better compression, due to its rigid material and higher tensile modulus, and compares the compressive force of the hard dressing device with commonly used gauze dressings. A force sensor is used to capture and quantify the applied pressure. A linear static finite element analysis simulates the displacement of the device when its peak maximum rated force is exerted on it, confirming weak points under load. The results demonstrate that the novel dressing device exhibits a greater natural compressive force than gauze pads when compared using similar dressing configurations, contributing valuable insights into the mechanical characteristics of supportive wound care devices, and aiding in the development of more effective medical dressings.
On Lead Durability: Materials with Performance for Extreme Service Implantable Leads
Authors: Schaffer Jeremy E. , Griebel Adam J. , Foster Art J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In this work, lead subcomponent performance is examined with a drop-in nitinol-silver composite wire system expected to deliver 50% improved flexibility, shape memory capability, and 50% improved strain-fatigue durability for next generation, extreme mechanical service, implantable leads. Leads produced from this advanced conductor could be useful in a variety of applications including service life extension of cardiac pacing, defibrillation, and nerve stimulation and sensing.
Design of a Segmented Brace for Optimal 3D Printing
Authors: Rizza Robert , Liu XueCheng , Anewenter Vince 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
For stabilization of scoliotic curves the Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) has become very popular. This device applies flexion, extension and lateral bending forces to the torso to decrease the curvature of the scoliotic spine. The brace is typically worn 23 hours per day.
3D printing is being applied to the manufacture of these braces as it offers the ability to manufacture the brace quickly, accurately and with much lower labor costs. However, the application of this method to adolescent braces requires the use of larger, more expensive printers making these large sized braces commercially unviable.
Rather than print the brace in one piece it is possible to print the brace in multiple pieces and assemble these pieces into a functional brace. The pieces may be printed on smaller printers so that upon assembly, a commercially competitive functional brace may be obtained.
In this study, a full size adolescent brace printed in several pieces was designed, assembled and tested. It is shown that the pieces may be assembled using a joint which is stronger than the substrate material. Furthermore, brace provides the structural integrity needed to generate the corrective biomechanical forces to stabilize the scoliotic spine.