bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study Protocol: A mixed method and multimethod study of implementation and impact of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme in Assam State
Authors: Verma Vivek , Nath Dilip Chandra , Chetri Robina , Sarma Pallavika , Khanam Masuma , Bhattacharyya Bibhangshu , Prasad Pratibha , Yadav Jeetendra , Savatangi Shivanand B , Mazumder Mousumi Nath , Yadav Rohit , John Denny 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), is an Indian Government initiated health insurance scheme, with the purpose to improve access and availability of secondary and tertiary inpatient care and reduce additional financial burden of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) due to medical expenses from economical weaker sections of Indian population. AB-PMJAY was launched in the year 2018 and in the same year was implemented in Assam state. To obtain the evidence of impact and implementation of of AB-PMJAY in terms of healthcare services availability, accessibility, and affordability after the first 5 years of the scheme’s operations in Assam state.
Methods and analysis: The study will follow a mixed methods approach using triangulation mixed methods design along with a multimethod approach. Primary data (qualitative and quantitative surveys) and secondary data (National Sample Survey (NSS) previous rounds – 60th (2004), 71st (2014) and 75th (2017) will be considered. 75th round of NSS of Assam will be considered as the baseline for the present study. The present protocol describes the methodological aspects adopted for evaluation of effectiveness and implementation strategies of AB-PMJAY in five districts viz. Kamrup Metropolitan, Sonitpur, Cachar, Sivasagar, and Kokrajhar of Assam. Quantitative data will be evaluated through descriptive statistical measures under quasi-experimental design and quantitative aspect will be explored through thematic analysis. The study protocol presented is the first attempt to collectively assess the early impacts and implementation procedures of the biggest government funded health insurance programme in Assam State.
Effect of Bond Coating Surface Morphology on the TBC System Lifetime
Authors: Hervier S. , Desagulier M-M. , Monceau D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A study on the effect of bond boating (BC) surface modifications prior ceramic deposition is presented. Grit blasting and polishing were used to modify the BC surface finish. thermal barrier coatings (TBC) systems were made of a commercial yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) deposited by electron beam physical vapor deposition on a β−(Ni,Pt)Al coated Ni-based single crystal superalloy. Surface roughness measurements and scanning electron microscopy observations, before and after thermal cycling at 1100°C, were performed to investigate the influence of the initial surface treatment on the YSZ/BC interface morphology and top coat spallation resistance. Surface states enhancing TBC spallation resistance have been found. In particular, it is shown that rumpling can be avoided even in the presence of phase transformations in the BC, by grinding samples with P600 SiC paper or by applying an “heavy” grit blasting leading to a thinner BC.
Towards automated phenotype definition extraction using large language models
Authors: Tekumalla Ramya , Banda Juan M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Electronic phenotyping involves a detailed analysis of both structured and unstructured data, employing rule-based methods, machine learning, natural language processing, and hybrid approaches. Currently, the development of accurate phenotype definitions demands extensive literature reviews and clinical experts, rendering the process time-consuming and inherently unscalable. Large Language Models offer a promising avenue for automating phenotype definition extraction but come with significant drawbacks, including reliability issues, the tendency to generate non-factual data ('hallucinations'), misleading results, and potential harm. To address these challenges, our study embarked on two key objectives: (1) defining a standard evaluation set to ensure Large Language Models outputs are both useful and reliable, and (2) evaluating various prompting approaches to extract phenotype definitions from Large Language Models, assessing them with our established evaluation task. Our findings reveal promising results that still require human evaluation and validation for this task. However, enhanced phenotype extraction is possible, reducing the amount of time spent in literature review and evaluation.
Multi-hole probe: A Review and a New Take to Improve Accuracy
Authors: Jonsson Isak , Legrady Benjamin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study reviews and addresses long-standing challenges associated with the multi-hole probe (MHP) technique by introducing a novel configuration. The key innovation involves geometric modifications to the centre port, enabling direct measurements of both total and static pressures. This new configuration has been experimentally validated in a jet calibrator and in bluff body wake in a wind tunnel, demonstrating a two-order-of-magnitude improvement in total pressure reading accuracy compared to a traditional MHP. The in-house uncertainty analysis aligns with the findings from existing literature, confirming the enhanced precision of the new MHP design. The innovative MHP configuration maintains the simplicity of traditional probes and the comparability with existing infrastructure and hence replace existing MHP without added complexity. The performance advancement holds substantial potential for applications requiring high precision and reliability by significantly reducing measurement uncertainty and improving accuracy.
Surface modification of montmorillonite - MMT nanofiller: How it affects both the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) and the physical properties of polyamide 66
Authors: Ismail Mohamed A. , Yousef Ebtisam A. , Nasr G. M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Studying the impact of type (organo-modified montmorillonite - MMT) into polyamide 66 (PA66) on molecular motion of polymers within the space between polymer and nanoparticle is important to understand the improved properties of nanocomposites. The thermal, mechanical and electrical properties have been investigated using Dynamical Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. DMTA technique is valuable and most sensitive thermal analysis methods to determine the glass transition temperature, Tg. DMTA in terms of loss modulus, G", storage modulus, G' and dissipation factor, tan δ were characterized for all samples, and show their unique dependence on temperature and MMT modified nanofiller types. The reinforcing effect of PA66 matrix by MMT loading justified by the increase in G' by 83% with C30B MMT nanofiller and lowering the Tg by 5.0 oC. The rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) of polyamide 66 based nanocomposites as a function of filler type was analyzed from heat capacity data obtained from StepScan TM differential scanning calorimetry (SSDSC). For polyamide 66 based nanocomposites, two different parts of RAF were detected; one is due to the interaction between inorganic nanofiller and polymer matrix and the other is due to the incorporation between crystallites and amorphous polymer. The fraction of immobilized interphase, RAF, caused by the filler increased especially in case of Cloisite30B nanocomposites and is about 32% of the polymer fraction. The disruption of crystallinity in the polymer is explained by the presence of RAF surrounding the nanofiller. Independent on the filler content crystallinity proceeds until growth is limited by mobility. However, the nonisothermal crystallization of PA66 in the nanocomposites is obstructed due to nanofiller. Using DRS technique, the electric and dielectric behavior of these tested samples was measured through the frequency range 0.03 Hz- 107 Hz. The conduction mechanism inside all tested samples was confirmed to follow the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) mechanism.
Sub-structural damage identification through Craig-Bampton sub-structuring and Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO)
Authors: Darijani Vahid , Banan Mohammad Reza , Banan Mahmoud Reza 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, a method is proposed for damage identification of 2D moment resisting frames by utilizing Craig-Bampton sub-structuring and GWO. Initially, an index based on the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) of the first mode shape variation is employed to identify the potentially damaged substructures. Subsequently, the global structure is partitioned into damaged and undamaged substructures, making modal analysis of each substructure more computationally efficient, easier, and less time-consuming. Additionally, an iterative GWO procedure is conducted at a lower computational cost due to the reduction in the size of the decision variable vector, which corresponds to the number of elements in the damaged substructures. Finally, the extent of the damaged elements located in the suspected substructures from the previous stage is estimated based on the GWO results.
Dispensable role of mitf in melanogenesis of Xenopus tropicalis oocytes
Authors: Yi Hongyang , Hang Jing , Shen Jiayin , Yang Sumei , Liu Han , Deng Jiayu , Han Shuhong , Feng Xiaohui , Cheng Wenjie , Liang Weizheng , Chen Yonglong , Lu Hongzhou , Ran Rensen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Melanin pigmentation in oocytes is a critical feature for both the aesthetic and developmental aspects of oocytes, influencing their polarity and overall development. Despite substantial knowledge of melanogenesis in melanocytes and retinal pigment epithelium cells, the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte melanogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we compare the oocytes of wild-type, tyr-/-, and mitf-/- Xenopus tropicalis and found that mitf-/- oocytes exhibit normal melanin deposition at the animal pole, whereas tyr-/- oocytes show no melanin deposition at this site. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that melanogenesis in mitf-/- oocytes proceeds normally, similar to wild-type oocytes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that mitf-/- oocytes regulate the expression of melanogenesis-related genes to complete melanogenesis. Additionally, in Xenopus tropicalis oocytes, the expression of the MiT subfamily factor tfe3 is relatively high, while tfeb, mitf, and tfec levels are extremely low. The expression pattern of tfe3 is similar to that of tyr and other melanogenesis-related genes. Thus, melanogenesis in Xenopus tropicalis oocytes is dependent on Tyr rather than Mitf, possibly due to the regulation of tyr, dct, and tyrp1 by other MiT subfamily factors such as tfe3. Furthermore, transcriptomic data revealed that changes in the expression of genes related to mitochondrial cloud formation represent the most significant molecular changes during oocyte development. Overall, these findings suggest that further elucidation of Tyr-dependent, Mitf-independent mechanisms of melanin deposition at the animal pole will enhance our understanding of melanogenesis and Oogenesis.
3D numerical study of geothermal reservoir performance of homogeneous sectors of Mesozoic sandstone formations in the North German Basin developed by smart multi-well systems
Authors: Mantei Niklas , Rioseco Ernesto Meneses , Moeck Inga Sigrun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the context of the heat transition in Germany, the decarbonization of the heating and cooling industry via renewable energy sources requires the usage of comprehensive strategies and novel engineering solutions. With regard to district heating in urban areas, middle-deep geothermal resources offer a great potential which has not been fully utilized yet due to the required minimum temperature on district heating networks. However, the controlling factors on the optimal and sustainable development of those middle-deep geothermal resources are not fully elucidated yet. Within the ArtemIS project, we systematically analyze the impact of reservoir quality and operational controlling factors on the performance of homogeneous sectors of Mesozoic sandstone reservoirs in the North German Basin (NGB) targeted by smart multi-well arrangements. For the first time, we compare in a comprehensive manner previous analytical results with our numerical findings to quantify the influence of different controlling factors on the thermal breakthrough occurrence time, the maximum cooling rate after the occurrence of the thermal breakthrough and the end production temperature. Moreover, we especially focus and illustrate the controls on the behavior of the production temperature after the thermal breakthrough has occurred and conduct a parametric analysis with regard to the thermal utilization time or life span of a geothermal facility. Based on our numerical results, we set up a ranking scheme showing the influence of varying controlling parameters on the considered performance parameters. Our comprehensive numerical study therefore illustrates in detail the complex thermo-hydraulic interaction of geothermal doublet arrays, the controls on the defined thermal lifetime as well as the optimization possibilities of middle-deep geothermal resources. Ultimately, numerical experiments demonstrate that the heat demand of towns and villages in the NGB can be met to a large extent by middle-deep geothermal energy in an optimized sustainable way.
Unveiling miRNA Biomarkers for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy through Integrated Bioinformatics and Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Yamasan Bilge Eren , Korkmaz Selçuk 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study explores microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), an inherited cardiac disease with clinical diversity and sudden death risk. Using bioinformatics and machine learning (ML), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were analyzed to identify miRNA signatures for early detection, risk assessment, and personalized treatment of HCM. Differential expression analysis of three GEO datasets identified 155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 5 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs). Functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed their roles in inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix organization, and cellular stress responses. Notably, upregulated (COL21A1, PROM1) and downregulated (FOS, BTG2, ELL2, PDK4, SERPINE1, SRGN, TIPARP) genes were detected as potential DE-miRNA targets. Validation highlighted importance of ELL2 and PDK4 in HCM pathology. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) models demonstrated high predictive accuracy for HCM using DE-miRNAs, suggesting new paths for early diagnosis and personalized therapy.
An Optimized RNA Extraction Method from Micro-Quantities of Guinea Pig Cartilage and Synovium for Osteoarthritis Research
Authors: Bhardwaj Nidhi , Rana Diksha , Kaur Jyotdeep 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the primary cause of joint impairment, particularly in the knee. The prevalence of OA has significantly increased, with knee OA being a major contributor whose pathogenesis remains unknown. Articular cartilage and synovium play critical roles in OA, but extracting high-quality RNA from these tissues is challenging due to high extracellular matrix content and low cellularity. This study aimed to identify the most suitable RNA isolation method for obtaining high-quality RNA from micro-quantities of guinea pig cartilage and synovium tissues, a relevant model for idiopathic OA.
Methods and Results: We compared the traditional Trizol® method with modifications against spin-column-based methods (TRIspin -Trizol®/ RNeasy™, RNeasy™ kit, RNAqueous™ kit, Quick-RNA™ Miniprep Plus Kit) and an optimized RNA isolation protocol was developed to enhance RNA yield and purity. The procedure involved meticulous sample collection, specialized tissue processing, and measures to minimize RNA degradation. RNA quality was assessed using spectrophotometry and RT-qPCR. The results demonstrated that among the tested methods, the Quick-RNA™ Miniprep Plus Kit with proteinase K treatment provided the highest quality RNA from limited cartilage and synovium samples.
Conclusions: Preparation, storage, homogenization, and the method of RNA isolation are critical for obtaining high-purity RNA from guinea pig cartilage and synovium tissues. Our developed protocol significantly enhances RNA quality and purity, making it particularly effective for RT-qPCR and gene expression studies in osteoarthritis research using small animal models like Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs. Further refinements can potentially enhance RNA yield and purity but this protocol facilitates more accurate molecular analyses, contributing to a better understanding of OA pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic strategies.
In situ soil environment-based evaluation on degradation of biodegradable plastics
Authors: Ok Yong Sik , Cho Yoora , Jang Min , Hwang Geonwook , Park Jeyoung , Oh Dongyeop , Choi Yujin , Hwang Sung Yeon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The biodegradability of plastic is a critical factor in environmental sustainability. However, plastic degradation has been focused on closed systems via physical changes and CO2 generation. We innovated a methodology on open system degradation in soil environments to reveal the authentic process of plastic degradation in nature. Polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHVB), and polylactic acid (PLA) were buried in a soil equipped with the lysimeter, the field applicable instrument that preserves and measures the in-situ soil conditions. Over two years, we tracked the soil electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, water content, and the plastic degradation products in the leachate−the monomers. The seasonal change in soil EC proved the plastic degradation, due to the decomposed plastic particles increasing the electrolyte concentration. The quantity of monomers increased over time, spiking during the summer months. A correlation was observed between the soil EC and monomer concentration. Despite the degradation-derived soil properties fluctuating with seasonal changes, the resilience of soils was maintained. Through long-term field experiments, we identified the seasonal degradation conditions of the actual soil environment and proposed a methodology of degradability that allows plastic targeting without disturbing the degradation media. These insights provide crucial knowledge for the biodegradable plastics market.
Isolated brain stem death: case report with demonstration of preserved cerebral perfusion in 99-TC biscicinate brain death study.
Authors: Shadmani Ghazal , Jahromi Amin Haghighat 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background The brainstem anatomy is complex, and the diagnosis of brain death (BD) in patients with isolated catastrophic posterior fossa lesions may pose a diagnostic dilemma. This is because all brainstem reflexes (which are the basis of neurologic examination) are lost; however, from an anatomical standpoint, the mesopontine tegmental reticular formation (MPT-RF) can theoretically be intact in patients with brainstem death. Moreover, supratentorial perfusion and electrical activity may be present. The significance of preserved supratentorial perfusion in the context of isolated catastrophic brainstem damage is not clear. We report the outcomes of an adult patient with catastrophic basilar artery thrombosis with preserved cerebral perfusion on brain scintigraphy.Patient presentation: A 47-year-old woman presented in an obtunded state and was found to have distal basilar artery thrombosis. After mechanical thrombectomy, her condition deteriorated, and a head CT scan revealed brain stem edema. Subsequently, brain death was suspected, and a 99mTc bicisate brain blood flow study was performed, which revealed the complete absence of blood flow to the cerebellum despite intact circulation to the cerebral hemispheres. Accordingly, life support continued. The next day, the patient was declared clinically brain dead with no follow-up imaging.Conclusions The significance of preserved supratentorial brain perfusion in the context of isolated catastrophic posterior fossa lesions is unclear. In keeping with a few additional cases in the literature, preserved supratentorial perfusion in our patient quickly evolved. The complex brain stem anatomy warrants further ancillary tests for the confirmation of brain death in patients with isolated fatal posterior fossa lesions.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips bark beetles in China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Liang Lingyu , Wang Huimin , Decock Cony , Lu Quan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ips bark beetles are a genus of borer pests spanning throughout the Northern Hemisphere, many of which are conifer-killers and extremely destructive to forests and plantations. Fungal symbionts, especially ophiostomatoid fungi, have contributed to the success of Ips bark beetles. Recently, climate change has a multiplier effect, accelerating the tree mortality caused by bark beetle and fungal symbionts. However, few ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips bark beetles have been reported in China. This study aimed to investigate the ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ipsbark beetles from China and deduce the patterns of ophiostomatoid fungal assemblages on Ips. In this study, 14,512 strains of the ophiostomatoid fungi were isolated from 1,265 vigorous adult beetles and 826 fresh galleries belong to eleven Ips species infesting 16 coniferous trees (including pines, spruces and larches) from 48 sampling sites in nine provinces or autonomous regions located in northeast, northwest and southwest China. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic analysis, 71 taxa belonging to eight genera were accurately identified (Ceratocystiopsis, Graphilbum,Grosmannia, Leptographium, Masuyamyces and Ophiostomain Ophiostomatales; Endoconidiophora and Graphium in Microascales), of which 38 new species were described in this paper. By comparing patterns of fungal assemblages, we found that the fungi showed a tendency to genetically co-differentiate with their vectors, and speculated that the host tree reinforces the coarse species-specific association between ophiostomatoid fungi and Ips bark beetles. This work further demonstrated the high diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ipsbark beetles, and provided insight into their symbiotic associations.
Optimal Frequency in Second Messenger Signaling: Quantifying cAMP Information Transmission in Bacteria
Authors: JIN Fan , Xiong Jiarui , Wang Liang , Lin Jialun , Ni Lei , Zhang Rongrong , Yang Shuai , Huang Yajia , Chu Jun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Bacterial second messengers are crucial for transmitting environmental information to cellular responses. However, quantifying their information transmission capacity remains challenging. Here, we engineer an isolated cAMP signaling channel in Pseudomonas aeruginosa using targeted gene knockouts, optogenetics, and a fluorescent cAMP probe. This design allows precise optical control and real-time monitoring of cAMP dynamics. By integrating experimental data with information theory, we reveal an optimal frequency for light-mediated cAMP signaling that maximizes information transmission, reaching ~40 bits/h. This rate correlates strongly with cAMP degradation kinetics and employs a two-state encoding scheme. Our findings suggest a mechanism for fine-tuned regulation of multiple genes through temporal encoding of second messenger signals, providing new insights into bacterial adaptation strategies. This approach offers a framework for quantifying information processing in cellular signaling systems.