bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐Lasting Antibacterial PDMS Surfaces Constructed from Photocuring of End‐Functionalized Polymers
Authors: Li Biao , Pang Chuming , Chen Shiguo , Hong Liangzhi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA challenge remains in the development of anti‐infectious coatings for the inert surfaces of biomedical devices that are prone to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Here, a facile photocuring method to construct functionalized polymeric coatings on inert polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces, is developed. Using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator bearing thymol group, hydrophilic DMAEMA and benzophenone (BP)‐containing monomers are copolymerized to form polymers with end functional groups. An end‐functionalized biocidal coating is then constructed on the inert PDMS surface in one step using a photocuring reaction. The functionalized PDMS surfaces show excellent antibacterial and antifouling properties, are capable of completely eradiating MRSA within ≈6 h, and effectively inhibit the growth of biofilms. In addition, they have good stability and long‐lasting antibacterial activity in body fluid environments such as 0.9% saline and urine. According to bladder model experiments, the catheter's lifespan can be extended from ≈7 to 35 days by inhibiting the growth and migration of bacteria along its inner surface. The photocuring technique is therefore very promising in terms of surface functionalization of inert biomedical devices in order to minimize the spread of infection.
FAP positive cancer‐associated fibroblasts promote tumor progression and radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by transferring exosomal lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1
Authors: Zhou Xilei , Tong Yusuo , Yu Changhua , Pu Juan , Zhu Weiguo , Zhou Yun , Wang Yuandong , Xiong Yaozu , Sun Xinchen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant and heterogeneous stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment, which play important roles in regulating tumor progression and therapy resistance by transferring exosomes to cancer cells. However, how CAFs modulate esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and radioresistance remains incompletely understood. The expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in CAFs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 174 ESCC patients who underwent surgery and 78 pretreatment biopsy specimens of ESCC patients who underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy. We sorted CAFs according to FAP expression, and the conditioned medium (CM) was collected to culture ESCC cells. The expression levels of several lncRNAs that were considered to regulate ESCC progression and/or radioresistance were measured in exosomes derived from FAP+ CAFs and FAP– CAFs. Subsequently, cell counting kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, transwell, colony formation, and xenograft assays were performed to investigate the functional differences between FAP+ CAFs and FAP– CAFs. Finally, a series of in vitro and in vivo assays were used to evaluate the effect of AFAP1‐AS1 on radiosensitivity of ESCC cells. FAP expression in stromal CAFs was positively correlated with nerve invasion, vascular invasion, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, lack of clinical complete response and poor survival. Culture of ESCC cells with CM/FAP+ CAFs significantly increased cancer proliferation, migration, invasion and radioresistance, compared with culture with CM/FAP– CAFs. Importantly, FAP+ CAFs exert their roles by directly transferring the functional lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 to ESCC cells via exosomes. Functional studies showed that AFAP1‐AS1 promoted radioresistance by enhancing DNA damage repair in ESCC cells. Clinically, high levels of plasma AFAP1‐AS1 correlated with poor responses to dCRT in ESCC patients. Our findings demonstrated that FAP+ CAFs promoted radioresistance in ESCC cells through transferring exosomal lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1; and may be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.
Understanding REM Sleep Behavior Disorder through Functional MRI: A Systematic Review
Authors: Churchill Lachlan , Chen Yu‐Chi , Lewis Simon J.G. , Matar Elie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNeuroimaging studies in rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) can inform fundamental questions about the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Across modalities, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be better suited to identify changes between neural networks in the earliest stages of Lewy body diseases when structural changes may be subtle or absent. This review synthesizes the findings from all fMRI studies of RBD to gain further insight into the pathophysiology and progression of Lewy body diseases. A total of 32 studies were identified using a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines between January 2000 to February 2024 for original fMRI studies in patients with either isolated RBD (iRBD) or RBD secondary to PD. Common functional alterations were detectable in iRBD patients compared with healthy controls across brainstem nuclei, basal ganglia, frontal and occipital lobes, and whole brain network measures. Patients with established PD and RBD demonstrated decreased functional connectivity across the whole brain and brainstem nuclei, but increased functional connectivity in the cerebellum and frontal lobe compared with those PD patients without RBD. Finally, longitudinal changes in resting state functional connectivity were found to track with disease progression. Currently, fMRI studies in RBD have demonstrated early signatures of neurodegeneration across both motor and non‐motor pathways. Although more work is needed, such findings have the potential to inform our understanding of disease, help to distinguish between prodromal PD and prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies, and support the development of fMRI‐based outcome measures of phenoconversion and progression in future disease modifying trials. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms by Yam (Dioscorea japonica Thunb.) and Gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. Et Zucc.) Extracts in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Park Hyejeong , Ha Hyunju , Lee Hyeji , Lee Gyeongwhan , Go Gwang‐woong , Yoon Tae Mi , Kim Tae Yeol , Kim Wooki 
Published: June 2024

ScopeThe decline in estrogen during menopause contributes to a variety of menopausal symptoms, for which hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been extensively applied. Regarding side effects and limited effectiveness of HRT for specific individuals, there is a growing interest in safe alternatives such as phytoestrogens which are structurally analogous to estrogens. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of yam and gromwell extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, and the synergistic effect of extracts on symptoms induced by estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.Methods and resultsOVX mice receive dietary intervention of either yam, gromwell extract, or their mixture for 14 weeks. Sham‐operated mice and E2‐injected OVX mice serve as positive controls. Following 14 weeks of oral administration, blood, adipose tissue, vagina, uterus, femurs, and tibias are harvested for further investigation. Consequently, yam and gromwell extracts ameliorate menopausal conditions such as weight gain, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis in estrogen‐deficient OVX mice. In addition, the mixture of yam and gromwell extracts synergistically aids in the relief of the indications.ConclusionThese results indicate the potential use of yam and gromwell extracts, as well as their mixture, for the development of healthy functional foods to modulate menopausal symptoms.
Rotary excitation of non‐sinusoidal pulsed magnetic fields: Towards non‐invasive direct detection of cardiac conduction
Authors: Albertova Petra , Gram Maximilian , Blaimer Martin , Bauer Wolfgang Rudolf , Jakob Peter Michael , Nordbeck Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeThere is a need for high resolution non‐invasive imaging methods of physiologic magnetic fields. The purpose of this work is to develop a MRI detection approach for non‐sinusoidal magnetic fields based on the rotary excitation (REX) mechanism which was previously successfully applied for the detection of oscillating magnetic fields in the sub‐nT range.MethodsThe new detection concept was examined by means of Bloch simulations, evaluating the interaction effect of spin‐locked magnetization and low‐frequency pulsed magnetic fields. The REX detection approach was validated under controlled conditions in phantom experiments at 3 T. Gaussian and sinc‐shaped stimuli were investigated. In addition, the detection of artificial fields resembling a cardiac QRS complex, which is the most prominent peak visible on a magnetocardiogram, was tested.ResultsBloch simulations demonstrated that the REX method has a high sensitivity to pulsed fields in the resonance case, which is met when the spin‐lock frequency coincides with a non‐zero Fourier component of the stimulus field. In the experiments, we found that magnetic stimuli of different durations and waveforms can be distinguished by their characteristic REX response spectrum. The detected REX amplitude was proportional to the stimulus peak amplitude (R2 > 0.98) and the lowest field detection was 1 nT. Furthermore, the detection of QRS‐like fields with varying QRS durations yielded significant results in a phantom setup (p < 0.001).ConclusionREX detection can be transferred to non‐sinusoidal pulsed magnetic fields and could provide a non‐invasive, quantitative tool for spatially resolved assessment of cardiac biomagnetism. Potential applications include the direct detection and characterization of cardiac conduction.
Token sales design under network effect
Authors: Liu Zhao , Cai Xiaoqiang , Xu Fasheng , Zhang Lianmin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the use of initial coin offerings (ICOs) as a means of fundraising for companies through the issuance of blockchain‐based tokens. Specifically, we investigate how a company can implement ICOs and issue tokens supported by its products while taking into account the presence of network effects. We examine several aspects of ICOs, including the impacts of network effect on the company's optimal token sales design, such as the optimal token issuance price, the ICO cap (which refers to the number of tokens to be issued), and the amount of funds raised. We also consider the cases of deterministic and uncertain network effects, the impacts of limited speculators purchasing tokens during the ICO period, the comparison between ICOs and traditional bank financing, and the impact of ICO cost. The research unfolds in five key parts. Firstly, leveraging a baseline model, we derive equilibrium outcomes and the optimal token sales design, discerning the impact of deterministic and uncertain network effects. Notably, network effect uncertainty consistently benefits companies, ensuring profit resilience despite potential challenges, although in the face of such uncertainty, the ICO company may decrease the raised fund. Secondly, we investigate the consequences of a limited number of speculators in the ICO landscape, finding that adjustments on the token sales design are not required under low expected network effect. Thirdly, a comparative study between ICOs and bank financing reveals distinctive advantages of ICOs. ICOs prove capable of decreasing profit volatility while maintaining an equivalent profit compared to traditional bank financing. This insight offers valuable guidance for companies seeking optimal financing methods aligned with their risk preferences. Lastly, the impact of ICO cost on outcomes and token sales design is scrutinized. Contrary to expectations, ICO cost does not uniformly lead to an increase in the ICO cap, underscoring the nuanced relationship between costs and fundraising strategies.
Texture analysis of ultrasonography to differentiate metastatic from nonmetastatic cervical lymph nodes in mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kawashima Yusuke , Abe Hiroshi , Hagimoto Aya , Miyakoshi Masaaki , Kawabata Yoshihiro , Indo Hiroko , Tanaka Tatsuro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to distinguish between metastatic and nonmetastatic cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) in patients with mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma using texture analysis of lymph nodes on ultrasonography images.MethodsA total of 29 metastatic and 34 nonmetastatic CLNs were selected for this study. Fifty‐six texture characteristics were retrieved from the ultrasonography images using the LIFEx software.The Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate measurable differences in texture characteristics between metastatic and nonmetastatic CLNs. The ability of the surface features to distinguish between metastatic and nonmetastatic CLNs was illustrated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Youden's J statistic was used to determine the receiver operating characteristic curve cutoff values with maximal sensitivity and specificity.ResultsGray‐level nonuniformity, run length nonuniformity, coarseness, strength, and zone size nonuniformity showed the most notable contrast between the metastatic and nonmetastatic CLNs (p < 0.001). Zone size nonuniformity showed an area under the curve value of 0.827, sensitivity of 0.645, and specificity of 0.972 at the cutoff value of 1010.538.ConclusionQualitative characteristics may be the optimal surface features to distinguish between metastatic and nonmetastatic CLNs and predict CLN metastasis in patients with mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma.
Bilabial double lip with blepharochalasis in Laffer‐Aschers syndrome: Report of a rare association
Authors: Ujjya  , Lonyal Jatin , Singh Khushboo , Gupta Srishti R. , Gupta Shalini R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLaffer‐Aschers syndrome (LAS), a rare congenital idiopathic condition, is characterized by double upper lip, recurrent edema of upper eyelids (blepharochalasis), and occasional nontoxic goiter (NTG).Case PresentationTwo rare cases of bilabial double lip involvement in LAS are presented in young males with blepharochalasis, causing aesthetic concerns and requiring surgical correction for rehabilitation. Evaluation for NTG was negative in both cases. A rare association with alopecia areata was also noted in one case, reported only once before.ConclusionThe etiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigations, and management are discussed with review of literature of bilabial double lip in LAS.
Comparative fracture surface analysis of adhesively bonded dissimilar lap joints: Nanosilica effect
Authors: Dizaji Shahram A. , Khabaz‐Aghdam Ata , Kandemir Ayşe Çağıl 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis research presents a comparative analysis of the fracture surfaces of adhesively bonded dissimilar single lap joints (DSLJs) and investigates the effect of nanosilica (NS) additives on their fracture behavior and performance. The study focuses on DSLJs composed of aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SS), copper (Cu), and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) adherends bonded with an epoxy adhesive. The fracture surface of DSLJs is further analyzed by introducing two parameters: fractional total fracture area (aT) and the surface sensitivity of each adherend (aSurface). These parameters serve as benchmarks to predict the final load capacity of the adhesive joints. It is found that a decrease in and an increase in the sensitivity of the adherend with a lower Young's modulus lead to higher load capacity. Tensile tests revealed that incorporating NS up to a critical weight percentage of 0.6 wt% improves the proposed surface parameters and significantly contributes to higher levels of load capacity and absorbing greater amounts of energy to failure. Furthermore, numerical simulations offer insights into stress distribution and the mechanism of plastic deformation propagation, providing additional support for the experimental findings.Highlights
NS up to 0.6 wt% enhances the mechanical properties of DSLJs.
NS–epoxy interactions characterized through Fourier transform infrared and transmission electron microscopy analysis.
Fracture surface patterns help to predict the final load capacity of DSLJs.
Plastic propagation in epoxy verifies fracture surface pattern in DSLJs.
Deformation and energy absorption properties of hollow glass microsphere/polyurethane lightweight core reinforced carbon fiber tubes under lateral compression
Authors: Wang He , Deng Qingyang , Wang Xiao , Chen Lijie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPolyurethane has been widely studied as a lightweight reinforcing material. This paper uses two types of hollow glass microspheres to modify polyurethane in different proportions to prepare a variety of lightweight cores for reinforcing carbon fiber tubes. A quasi‐static lateral compression test was performed on the reinforced carbon fiber tube to analyze the effect of reinforcement materials on mechanical properties, failure modes and crashworthiness. The results show that BR20 reinforcement material has the best effect on enhancing the mechanical properties and crashworthiness of the structure, and its energy absorption is 3.5 times higher than that of carbon fiber tubes. Hollow glass microspheres can improve the reinforcing effect of polyurethane. Lightweight cores prepared from different types of hollow glass microspheres show different failure modes during lateral compression (polyurethane and BR60 show better ductility, and BR20 shows shear failure). The BR20 and BR60 are mixed in different proportions, the reinforced polyurethane foam reinforced carbon fiber tube can have little difference in the energy absorption. The addition of BR20 and BR60 showed a large difference in the force‐displacement curve during the compression stage. A qualitative analysis is conducted based on the effect of the total energy absorption of the structure on the reinforcement materials.Highlights
The lightweight core is prepared by hollow glass microspheres and polyurethane.
Reinforcement materials enhance the lateral compression performance.
Reinforcement materials enhance the crashworthiness performance.
Reinforcement materials affect failure modes.
The proportion of BR20 and BR60 affects the performance of the lightweight core.
A new approach to photochromic nanofiber‐based ultraviolet sensors with grayscale adaptation
Authors: Morsümbül Seniha , Akçakoca Kumbasar E. Perrin , Alır Kıyak Simge , Alemdar Iraz Gizem 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe purpose of UV sensors is to detect ultraviolet radiation, which is crucial for various applications, such as skin protection, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes where UV exposure poses risks. These sensors provide real‐time data to ensure safety and optimize performance in relevant fields. In this context, the aim of this study was to develop easy‐to‐use UV sensors using photochromic nanofibrous materials. Photochromic nanofibers were obtained by electrospinning thermoplastic polyurethane and a spirooxazine dye. Two solvent systems (only dimethylformamide and a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane mixture) and three dye concentrations (0.5%, 2%, and 5%) were used to produce the nanofibers. Uniform and bead‐free nanofibers were obtained using a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane solvent system. The fatigue resistance of the photochromic nanofibers was tested, revealing a maximum color loss of 14% after 20 on‐off UV cycles. Nanofibers produced with a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane solvent system and a 0.5% dye concentration were chosen for UV sensor design due to their high total color difference. These photochromic nanofibers served as UV indicators, and a grayscale‐ adapted scale was used for evaluation. A UV sensor prototype capable of accurately determining UV exposure levels was successfully developed using photochromic nanofibers. This spectrally selective UV sensor can offer remarkable potential in managing the impact of UVR in our day‐to‐ day life.Highlights
Bead‐free, uniform nanofibers were obtained using a DMF:DCM solvent system.
The nanofibers returned to their original colorless state in 5 min.
The photochromic nanofibers showed high fatigue resistance.
The nanofiber color indicated the UV intensity by comparing via adapted grayscale.
Use of the iPRISM webtool in a learning community to assess implementation context and fit of a novel clinical decision support tool for physical therapy triage in acute care hospitals
Authors: Johnson Joshua K. , Sullivan Jennifer L. , Trinkley Katy E. , Lapin Brittany , Passek Sandra , Asp Valerie , Ford Bryan , Rabin Borsika A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe iPRISM webtool is an interactive tool designed to aid the process of applying the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) for the assessment of and fit with context. A learning community (LC) is a multidisciplinary group of partners addressing a complex problem. Our LC coproduced the Physical TheraPy frEqueNcy Clinical decIsion support tooL (PT‐PENCIL) to guide the use of physical therapist services in acute care hospitals.ObjectiveTo describe our LC's activities to co‐produce the PT‐PENCIL, use of the iPRISM webtool to assess its preimplementation context and fit, and develop a multicomponent implementation strategy for the PT‐PENCIL.DesignA descriptive research design.SettingThree tertiary care hospitals.ParticipantsThirteen LC partners: six clinical physical therapists, three rehabilitation managers, three researchers, and a bioinformaticist.InterventionsNot applicable.Outcome MeasuresUsing the iPRISM webtool, expected fit of the PT‐PENCIL was rated 1 (not aligned) to 6 (well aligned) for each PRISM domain and expected reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance were rated 1 (not likely at all) to 6 (very likely). Discrete implementation strategies were identified from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change.ResultsThe process spanned 18 meetings over 8 months. Ten LC partners completed the iPRISM webtool. PRISM domains with the lowest expected alignment were the “implementation and sustainability infrastructure” (mean = 4.7 out of 6; range = 3–6) and the “external environment” (mean = 4.9 of 6; range = 4–6). Adoption was the outcome with the lowest expected likelihood (mean = 4.5 out of 6; range = 1–6). Six discrete implementation strategies were identified and combined into a multicomponent strategy.ConclusionsWithin a LC, we used existing implementation science resources to co‐produce a novel clinical decision support tool for acute care physical therapists and develop a strategy for its implementation. Our methodology can be replicated for similar projects given the public availability of each resource used.