bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive complementary neighboring sub‐aperture beamforming for thermoacoustic imaging
Authors: Yang Zeqi , Wang Fuyong , Peng Wanting , Song Ling , Luo Yan , Zhao Zhiqin , Huang Lin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhen applied to thermoacoustic imaging (TAI), the delay‐and‐sum (DAS) algorithm produces strong sidelobes due to its disadvantages of uniform aperture weighting. As a result, the quality of TAI images recovered by DAS is often severely degraded by strong non‐coherent clutter, which restricts the development and application of TAI.PurposeTo address this issue, we propose an adaptive complementary neighboring sub‐aperture (NSA) beamforming algorithm for TAI.MethodsIn NSA, we introduce a coordinate system transformation when calculating the normalized cross‐correlation (NCC) matrix. This approach enables the computation of the NCC coefficient within the specified kernel without complex coordinate calculations. We first conducted the numerical simulation experiment to validate NSA using a tree branch phantom. In addition, we also conducted phantom (five sauce tubes), ex vivo (ablation needle in ex vivo porcine liver), and in vivo (human arm) TAI experiments using our TAI system with a center frequency of 3 GHz.ResultsIn the numerical simulation experiment, the structural similarity index (SSIM) value for NSA is increased from 0.37828 for DAS to 0.75492. In the point target phantom TAI experiment, the generalized contrast‐to‐noise ratio (gCNR) value for NSA is increased from 0.936 for DAS to 0.962. The experimental results show that NSA can recover clearer thermoacoustic images compared to DAS. In the ex vivo TAI experiment, the full width at half maxima (FWHM) of an ablation needle (diameter = 1.5 mm) for coherence factor (CF) weighted DAS and NSA are 0.9 and 1.3 mm, respectively. Furthermore, in the in vivo TAI experiment, CF reduces the signals within the arm compared to NSA. Therefore, compared with CF, NSA can maintain the integrity of target information in TAI while effectively suppressing non‐coherent background clutter.ConclusionsNSA can effectively reduce non‐coherent background noise while ensuring the completeness of the target information. So, NSA offers the potential to provide high‐quality thermoacoustic images and further advance their clinical application.
Onasemnogene abeparvovec gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy: A cohort study from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Mundada Vivek , Narayan Omendra , Arora Siddharth , Beri Nidhi , Abusamra Rania , Mullasery Deepak , Parashar Deepak 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) manifests with progressive motor neuron degeneration, leading to muscle weakness. Onasemnogene abeparvovec is a US Food and Drug Administration‐approved gene replacement therapy for SMA. This study aimed to present short‐term data of children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) treated with onasemnogene abeparvovec, particularly in the context of children requiring invasive ventilatory support via tracheostomy.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 60 children who received onasemnogene abeparvovec. All these children received corticosteroids. They were followed up for up to 3 months. Motor function assessments were performed before and after the gene therapy. Comprehensive clinical evaluations, including pulmonary functions, were performed at baseline and the 3‐month mark.ResultsForty‐three percent were male, and the mean age at the time of infusion was 29.6 months (SD ± 17.2). The mean weight was 10.1 kg (SD 2.6). All children demonstrated marked improvements in motor function within 3 months of gene therapy administration. No adverse effects attributable to corticosteroid therapy were observed. Positive clinical outcomes, including increased ventilator‐free intervals, reduced antibiotic dependency, and fewer hospital admissions, were reported among children with invasive ventilation via tracheostomy.DiscussionThis study demonstrates the favorable tolerability and promising responses to onasemnogene abeparvovec in invasively ventilated pediatric patients. Early improvements in motor function, as observed within 3 months post‐treatment, suggest its potential as a viable therapeutic option for this vulnerable patient population.
Very‐long T2‐weighted imaging of the non‐lesional brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Bontempi Pietro , Marangoni Sabrina , Cazzoletti Lucia , Bajrami Albulena , Giometto Bruno , Farace Paolo , Rozzanigo Umberto 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate that T2‐weighted imaging with very long echo time (TE > 300 ms) can provide relevant information in neurodegenerative/inflammatory disorder. Twenty patients affected by relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis with stable disease course underwent 1.5 T 3D FLAIR, 3D T1‐weighted, and a multi‐echo sequence with 32 echoes (TE = 10–320 ms). Focal lesions (FL) were identified on FLAIR. T1‐images were processed to segment deep gray matter (dGM), white matter (WM), FL sub‐volumes with T1 hypo‐intensity (T1FL), and dGM volumes (atrophy). Clinical‐radiological parameters included Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, patient age, T1FL, and dGM atrophy. Correlation analysis was performed between the mean signal intensity (SI) computed on the non‐lesional dGM and WM at different TE versus the clinical‐radiological parameters. Multivariable linear regressions were fitted to the data to assess the association between the dependent variable EDSS and the independent variables obtained by T1FL lesion load and the mean SI of dGM and WM at the different TE. A clear trend is observed, with a systematic strengthening of the significance of the correlation at longer TE for all the relationships with the clinical‐radiological parameters, becoming significant (p < 0.05) for EDSS, T1FL volumes, and dGM atrophy. Multivariable linear regressions show that at shorter TE, the SI of the T2‐weighted sequences is not relevant for describing the EDSS variability while the T1FL volumes are relevant, and vice versa, at very‐long TEs (around 300 ms); the SI of the T2‐weighted sequences significantly (p < 0.05) describes the EDSS variability. By very long TE, the SI primarily originates from water with a T2 longer than 250 ms and/or free water, which may be arising from the perivascular space (PVS). Very‐long T2‐weighting might detect dilated PVS and represent an unexplored MR approach in neurofluid imaging of neurodegenerative/inflammatory diseases.
Inflammatory Profile of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyp Patients in Brazil: Multicenter Study
Authors: Romano Fabrizio R. , Valera Fabiana C. P. , Fornazieri Marco A. , Lopes Natália M. D. , Miyake Marcel M. , Dolci Ricardo L. L. , Nakanishi Marcio , Freire Gustavo S. M. , Sakano Eulália , Toro Mariana D. C. , Kosugi Eduardo M. , Gregorio Luciano L. , dos Santos Marco C. J. , Murata Juliana , Fernandes Atilio M. , Moras Luis L. , Avelino Melissa A. G. , Camargo Leandro A. , Lessa Marcus M. , Almeida Laiana do C. , Roithmann Renato , Redeker Nicole , Tepedino Miguel S. , Vianna Pedro M. , Piltcher Otávio B. , Meotti Camila D. , Bezerra Thiago F. P. , Voegels Richard L. , de Mendonça Pilan Renata R. , Batista Murashima Adriana de A. , da Silva Lilian E. C. M. , Arruda Eurico , Garcia Denny M. , Tamashiro Edwin , Anselmo‐Lima Wilma 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the inflammatory profile of CRSwNP in Brazil and characterize the subgroups of CRSwNP patients in this population through cluster analysis.Study DesignMulticenter cross‐sectional study involving 15 centers representing different regions of Brazil.Subjects and MethodsClinical data of 166 patients and 80 controls, aged 18 to 70 years old, number of surgeries for CRS, history of asthma and aspirin sensitivity, and Lund‐Mackay scores on CT scans. During nasal endoscopy, we obtained the Lund‐Kennedy scores and collected 2 samples of nasal polyps: one for eosinophil and neutrophil tissue counts and one to quantify different cytokines.Results79.6% of our patients had 10 or more eosinophils/HPF. CRSwNP groups exhibited significantly lower concentrations of TNF‐alpha and significantly higher concentrations of IFN‐gamma, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL24/Eotaxin‐2/MPIF‐2, and CCL26/Eotaxin‐3 versus the control group (Kruskal‐Wallis test). Comparison between CRSwNP groups (≥10 vs <10 eosinophils/HPF) showed no difference in cytokine concentration (Mann‐Whitney test). Hierarchical clustering and PCA according to cytokine concentrations revealed 2 main Clusters, with a significantly higher concentration of all cytokines in Cluster 1 (n = 35) than in Cluster 2 (n = 121), except IL‐6 and IL‐33 (Mann‐Whitney test). According to ROC curve analysis the best cut‐off to differentiate the 2 clusters was 43 eosinophils/HPF. The group with ≥43 presented a higher prevalence of men and a higher Lund‐Mackay score (Mann‐Whitney test).ConclusionsCRSwNP patients in Brazil present mixed inflammation, with 2 distinct groups (high and low inflammatory pattern) that can be distinguished by tissue eosinophilia of ≥43 eosinophils/HPF cut‐off in nasal polyps.
Concomitant Wilms tumor and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Fleming Andrew M. , Gehle Daniel B. , Perrino Melissa R. , Graetz Dylan E. , Bissler John J. , McCarville Beth , Krasin Matthew J. , Brennan Rachel C. , Zhang Jinghui , Yang Wentao , Sapkota Yadav , Hudson Melissa M. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Green Daniel M. , Murphy Andrew J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundConcomitant Wilms tumor (WT) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is exceedingly rare, presenting a diagnostic and technical challenge to pediatric surgical oncologists. The simultaneous workup and management of these disease processes are incompletely described.ProcedureWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated at our institution with concomitant diagnoses of WT and ADPKD. We also review the literature on the underlying biology and management principles of these conditions.ResultsWe present three diverse cases of concomitant unilateral WT and ADPKD who underwent nephrectomy. One patient had preoperative imaging consistent with ADPKD with confirmatory testing postoperatively, one was found to have contralateral renal cysts intraoperatively with confirmatory imaging post nephrectomy, and one was diagnosed in childhood post nephrectomy. All patients are alive at last follow‐up, and the patient with longest follow‐up has progressed to end‐stage kidney failure requiring transplantation and dialysis in adulthood. All patients underwent germline testing and were found to have no cancer predisposition syndrome or pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants for WT.ConclusionConcomitant inheritance of ADPKD and development of WT are extremely rare, and manifestations of ADPKD may not present until late childhood or adulthood. ADPKD is not a known predisposing condition for WT. When ADPKD diagnosis is made by family history, imaging, and/or genetic testing before WT diagnosis and treatment, the need for extensive preoperative characterization of cystic kidney lesions in children and increased risk of post‐nephrectomy kidney failure warrant further discussion of surgical approach and perioperative management strategies.
Pediatric TAFRO syndrome: A multi‐institution case series illustrating clinical challenges and excellent outcomes
Authors: Johnson Amanda K. , Goteti Sasidhar , Devald Bar , Mestnik Shelby , Ghosh Taumoha , Williams Robin , Doughty Elizabeth S. , Linden Michael A. , Beckman Amy , Williams Todd , Richardson Kelsey , Martinelli Marie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA rare lymphoproliferative disorder involving thrombocytopenia (T), anasarca (A), fever (F), reticulin fibrosis (R), renal dysfunction (R), and organomegaly (O), called TAFRO syndrome, was first reported in 2010. Considered a variant of idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease, the recent discovery and rarity of this syndrome pose challenges to diagnosis and management. Herein, we review three pediatric cases, including an infant, that illustrate the heterogeneity of TAFRO syndrome. Despite differences in presentation and treatment responses, all patients experienced excellent outcomes. This multi‐institutional case series highlights the need to work toward earlier diagnosis and improved long‐term management recommendations for patients with TAFRO syndrome.
Characterization of loading, relaxation, and recovery behaviors of high‐density polyethylene using a three‐branch spring‐dashpot model
Authors: Shi Furui , Jar P.‐Y. Ben 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of the stress evolution of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) at loading, relaxation, and recovery stages in a multi‐relaxation‐recovery (RR) test. The analysis is based on a three‐branch spring‐dashpot model that uses the Eyring's law to govern the viscous behavior. The spring‐dashpot model comprises two viscous branches to represent the short‐ and long‐term time‐dependent stress responses to deformation, and a quasi‐static branch to represent the time‐independent stress response. A fast numerical analysis framework based on genetic algorithms was developed to determine values for the model parameters so that the difference between the simulation and the experimental data could be less than 0.08 MPa. Using this approach, values of the model parameters were determined as functions of deformation and time so that the model can simulate the stress response at loading, relaxation, and recovery stages of the RR test. The simulation also generated 10 sets of model parameter values to examine their consistency. The study concludes that the three‐branch model can serve as a suitable tool for analyzing the mechanical properties of HDPE, and values for the model parameters can potentially be used to characterize the difference among PEs for their mechanical performance.Highlights
Developed computer programs to determine parameter values automatically.
Explained the unusual stress drop during stress recovery after unloading.
Evaluated the statistical range of the parameter values for the good fitting.
Epoxy resin composites reinforced with upcycled fabrics: Mechanical, thermal, and morphological analysis
Authors: Al Mahmud Md. Zobair , Chowdhury Md. Shakil , Rayhan Md. Thohid , Sarker Md. Abdul Hannan , Reja Rafiqul Islam , Hossain Nazmul , Rabbi S. M. Fazle , Mobarak Md Hosne , Hossain Nayem 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of epoxy resin composites reinforced using repurposed textiles are examined in this work. This study investigates reusing textile waste to produce composite materials using sustainable alternatives. This study shows how epoxy resin may be improved by mixing recycled materials with powdered coconut shells. 10% of the total weight, or the powdered coconut shell, was combined with fabric and epoxy resin in a 2:1 ratio with hardener. After the mixture was put into molds, it was given a 72‐h cure. Two samples were then ready to be tested for their mechanical, morphological, and thermal characteristics. Tensile, bending, impact, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were used to evaluate performance. The force obtained in the tensile test was 1236.705 N, the bending test produced 86.76 N, and the impact test produced 3.33 J. The fabric and resin were found to have strong binding by SEM examination, and the TGA investigation indicated a notable heat absorption capability. The study offers insightful information on improving material performance through sustainable methods, which benefits the building, automobile, and aerospace sectors—industries where durability and environmental responsibility are critical.Highlights
Used textiles enhance epoxy resin in composite materials.
Tensile tests reveal structural integrity and longevity.
Impact tests show resistance to dynamic loads.
TGA and SEM analyses clarify thermal stability and bonding.
A case of pleural and pericardium amyloidosis with effusion associated with multiple myeloma relapse
Authors: Ishibashi Naoya , Sugawara Takafumi , Ashino Yugo , Yabe Ryuga , Nonomura Ryo , Oshima Yutaka , Sasaki Takanobu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAn 80‐year‐old man with a history of Bence‐Jones potein (BJP) λ‐type multiple myeloma (MM), which had been in remission for 16 years, was examined for shortness of breath and was found to have bilateral pleural and pericardial effusions. A pleural fluid test and a pleural biopsy under local anaesthesia performed by a previous physician failed to make the diagnosis. Despite diuretic therapy, his condition necessitated frequent thoracentesis. The patient was referred to our hospital and thoracoscopic pleural and pericardial biopsies performed under general anaesthesia revealed λ‐type AL amyloidosis, indicating a relapse of MM. Despite drug therapy for MM, the patient died from aspiration pneumonia. The case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis in differential diagnoses for refractory effusions, especially in patients with a history of MM, even after long‐term remission.
Role of immune cells in the establishment of implantation and maintenance of pregnancy and immunomodulatory therapies for patients with repeated implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Saito Shigeru 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundImmune cells play an important role in the establishment of pregnancy, and abnormalities in the immune system can cause implantation failure and miscarriage.MethodsPrevious papers have been summarized and the role of immune cells in reproduction is reviewed.ResultsThe immune environment in the uterus changes drastically from before implantation to after pregnancy to maintain pregnancy. In allogeneic pregnancies, immature dendritic cells (DCs) that induce immune tolerance from outside the uterus flow into the uterus, and mature DCs that remain in the uterus express programmed cell death ligand 2, which suppresses the immune response. Macrophages are classified into M1‐macrophages, which induce inflammation, and M2‐macrophages, which suppress inflammation; M1‐macrophages are required for luteinization, and M2‐macrophages induce the differentiation of endometrial epithelial cells to enable implantation. Regulatory T cells, which suppress rejection, are essential for the implantation and maintenance of allogeneic pregnancies. Implantation failure and fetal loss are associated with decreased numbers or qualitative abnormalities of DCs, macrophages, and regulatory T cells. The clinical usefulness of immunomodulatory therapies in patients with repeated implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss has been reported.ConclusionThe provision of individualized medical care in cases of implantation failure or miscarriage may improve clinical outcomes.
Optimal output feedback control for networked control systems with dual multi‐memoryless channels
Authors: Li Xueyang , Han Chunyan , Wang Wei , Xu Juanjuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper delves into the output feedback control of systems with dual multi‐memoryless channels, where the data packets transmitted from the sensor to the controller (S/C) and from the controller to the actuator (C/A) are suffered from two different multi‐parallel Markovian fading channels. Two new multi‐state Markovian chains are introduced, by which the multiple fading channels system is transformed into a new jumping parameter system. Then a stochastic maximum principle is given along with an optimal state feedback controller for the case that the state is known. When the state is unknown, a Markov jump linear estimator is designed by using the completing square method. In this case, an output feedback controller is obtained by substituting the real system state with its estimation. Meanwhile, the separation principle is shown. Finally, the validity of these methods is verified by simulation examples.
The Complex Relationship between Teachers' Instructional Practices and Students' Reading Amount
Authors: Tegmark Mats , Vinterek Monika , Alatalo Tarja , Winberg Mikael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to develop understanding of the relation between instructional practices and students' reading amount. As part of a larger mixed‐methods study of reading practices across the curriculum in Swedish compulsory school, a selection of 14 classes from Grades 6 and 9 were observed over a total of 59 lessons. The data generated were coded and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results reveal a great variation in teachers' instructional practices which is shown to have both direct and more indirect consequences for students' reading amount. By combining the results from quantitative and qualitative analyses in the light of Self‐Determination Theory, the study shows that most reading is done in classrooms where teachers manage to fulfill students' need for competence, relatedness, and autonomy while maintaining classroom structure and ensuring lesson time for reading. The findings are discussed considering previous research on instructional practices in relation to students' reading motivation and reading amount, adding to our understanding of what makes students read in everyday classrooms. Limitations of the study, directions for further research, and implications for practice are also discussed.
Three‐in‐One: Molecular Engineering of D–A–π–A Featured Type I and Type II Near‐Infrared AIE Photosensitizers for Efficient Photodynamic Cancer Therapy and Bacteria Killing
Authors: Quan Yun‐Yun , Pan Tingting , Zhang Zhongda , Wang Shihua , Wang Guiyun , Yu Lichao , Wang Ye , Zang Xu‐Feng , Zhang Fangjun , Ye Xiaoxia , Pan Xuebo , Huang Zu‐Sheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBacterial infections are closely correlated with the genesis and progression of cancer, and the elimination of cancer‐related bacteria may improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. However, the combinatorial therapy that utilizes two or more chemodrugs will increase potential adverse effects. Image‐guided photodynamic therapy is a highly precise and potential therapy to treat tumor and microbial infections. Herein, four donor–acceptor–π‐bridge–acceptor (D–A–π–A) featured near‐infrared (NIR) aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) (TQTPy, TPQTPy, TQTC, and TPQTC) with type I and type II reaction oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities are synthesized. Notably, TQTPy shows mitochondria targeted capacity, the best ROS production efficiency, long‐term tumor retention capacity, and more importantly, the three‐in‐one fluorescence imaging guided therapy against both tumor and microbial infections. Both in vitro and in vivo results validate that TQTPy performs well in practical biomedical application in terms of NIR‐fluorescence imaging‐guided photodynamic cancer diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the amphiphilic and positively charged TQTPy is able to specific and ultrafast discrimination and elimination of Gram‐positive (G+) Staphylococcus aureus from Gram‐negative (G−) Escherichia coli and normal cells. This investigation provides an instructive way for the construction of three‐in‐one treatment for image‐guided photodynamic cancer therapy and bacteria elimination.