bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing IL‐10 induced anti‐inflammatory response in maturing macrophages in presence of electrospun dexamethasone‐loaded PLLA scaffold
Authors: Iraji Asiabadi Arash , Esmaeil Nafiseh , Zargar Kharazi Anousheh , Dabiri Arezou , Varshosaz Jaleh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe ultimate goal of tissue engineering is to repair and regenerate damaged tissue or organ. Achieving this goal requires blood vessel networks to supply oxygen and nutrients to new forming tissues. Macrophages are part of the immune system whose behavior plays a significant role in angiogenesis and blood vessel formation. On the other hand, macrophages are versatile cells that change their behavior in response to environmental stimuli. Given that implantation of a biomaterial is followed by inflammation; therefore, we reasoned that this inflammatory condition in tissue spaces modulates the final phenotype of macrophages. Also, we hypothesized that anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid dexamethasone improves modulating macrophages behavior. To check these concepts, we investigated the macrophages that had matured in an inflammatory media. Furthermore, we examined macrophages' behavior after maturation on a dexamethasone‐containing scaffold and analyzed how the behavioral change of maturing macrophages stimulates other macrophages in the same environment. In this study, the expression of pro‐inflammatory markers TNFa and NFκB1 along with pro‐healing markers IL‐10 and CD163 were investigated to study the behavior of macrophages. Our results showed that macrophages that were matured in the inflammatory media in vitro increase expression of IL‐10, which in turn decreased the expression of pro‐inflammatory markers TNFa and NFκB in maturing macrophages. Also, macrophages that were matured on dexamethasone‐containing scaffolds decreased the expression of IL‐10, TNFa, and NFκB and increase the expression of CD163 compared to the control group. Moreover, the modulation of anti‐inflammatory response in maturing macrophages on dexamethasone‐containing scaffold resulted in increased expression of TNFa and CD163 by other macrophages in the same media. The results obtained in this study, proposing strategies to improve healing through controlling the behavior of maturing macrophages and present a promising perspective for inflammation control using tissue engineering scaffolds.
Physics‐informed neural network assisted automated design of power amplifier by user defined specifications
Authors: Bhargava Gaurav , Kumari Hemant , Vadalà Valeria , Majumdar Shubhankar , Crupi Giovanni 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article presents a model that can automatically produce a power amplifier's (PA) design parameters, that is, transmission lines (TLs) dimension, from a dataset of user‐specified design goals like gain, efficiency, linearity, and scattering (S‐) parameters. Based on the applied boundary conditions, a synthetic dataset is generated with the best range of design parameters (W and L). This dataset is utilized for training the physics‐informed neural network (PINN) model with user‐specified design goals as input and design parameters as target to produce the optimum value of W and L as the resultant output. Furthermore, utilizing the obtained dimensions, design, simulation, fabrication, and measurement of a PA are performed to validate our proposed model. The results of large signal measurements of PA are drain efficiency (DE) of 26.9%, power added efficiency (PAE) of 24.7%, output power (Pout) of 30.98 dBm at an input power of 19 dBm, and gain of 12.41 dB at an operating frequency of 1.625 GHz. It has been observed that the design parameters produced by the model have a significant agreement with the validated output. Also, the statistical error analysis is done by calculating the error metrics between the validated output and the actual output of the PA design.
Joint probabilistic behaviour of climate extremes over the Godavari River basin, India
Authors: Kumar Sachidanand , Das Prabal , Mandal Nehar , Chanda Kironmala , Pasupuleti Srinivas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractClimate change has an adverse effect on the global hydrological cycle and hence climatic extremes are becoming more persistent. Therefore, the present study analyses the characteristics of the compound extremes in India using the Godavari River basin as a test bed. The study examines the individual return period (IRP) and pairwise joint return period (JRP) of several climate extreme indices such as consecutive dry days (CDD), consecutive wet days (CWD), percentage rainfall of very dry days (R5Tot) and very hot days (TX95) considering historical and future period of two scenarios, SSP245 and SSP585, from the CMIP6 consortium. Both SSPs indicates an upward trend in the indices for CWD and TX95, whilst showcasing a declining trend for CDD and R5Tot at 5% significance level. Under SSP585, the values of JRPs , , and ranges from 3 to 5 years, 14–55 years, 35–274 years and 104 to >1000 during epoch‐1 (2023–2060). During epoch‐2 (2061–2100), the JRPs values are generally higher. Regions displaying lower JRPs values suggest a higher likelihood of simultaneous occurrences of extremes such as floods and droughts, as well as very dry days and warm days within the same year. Under SSP585, the maximum (minimum) value of change rate (CR) of JRP for and during epoch‐1 is more than 900% (−80%) and 1000% (−90%), whereas during epoch‐2, the corresponding CR values are greater than 700% (−80%) and 1000% (−90%). The future possibility of co‐occurrence of ‘CDD and CWD’ and ‘R5Tot and TX95’, both exceeding their 10‐ and 25‐year IRP, in a single year, is highly likely for the regions with low CR values and unlikely for the regions with high CR values. The study would help in understanding the spatial and temporal variability of compound climate extremes over the Godavari River basin.
Next‐generation Sequencing of MicroRNA in Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma
Authors: Han Sung Jun , Kim Sung Kyun , Hong Seok Min 
Published: May 2024

Objectives/HypothesisThe pathophysiology of cholesteatoma is not precisely understood, and research on the associated microRNAs (miRNAs) is also deficient. We demonstrated the expression of miRNA in normal skin and middle ear cholesteatoma by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The profiles of miRNA and relevant molecular interaction pathways were investigated.Study DesignCase–control experimental study.MethodsMiddle ear cholesteatoma and post‐auricular skin tissue specimens were collected from 13 adult patients. Total RNA was extracted, and miRNA expression profiles were analyzed by NGS technology. Functional gene classification to predict target genes and relevant biological pathways was performed using DIANA‐microT‐CDS and the Kyoto Encyclopedia Gene and Genome database (KEGG) pathways.ResultsThe expression of 2588 miRNAs from middle ear cholesteatoma and skin tissue samples was analyzed. The expression of 76 upregulated and 128 downregulated miRNAs was identified in the cholesteatoma samples compared to normal skin (FC ≥2 and p < 0.05). Ninety‐nine differentially expressed miRNAs (FC ≥4 and p < 0.05) were used to explore the biological pathways involved in the etiopathogenesis of cholesteatoma. The most predicted pathway in cholesteatoma in the upregulated miRNA group was the ErbB signaling pathway and it was extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction in the downregulated miRNA group.ConclusionsThis was the first study investigating small miRNAs in human acquired cholesteatoma using NGS technique. We were able to identify new miRNAs and pathways related to cholesteatoma. The results of this study are expected to be helpful in revealing new pathophysiologies of cholesteatoma.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 134:4374–4382, 2024
Improved motion correction in brain MRI using 3D radial trajectory and projection moment analysis
Authors: Li Bowen , She Huajun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop a generalized rigid body motion correction method in 3D radial brain MRI to deal with continuous motion pattern through projection moment analysis.MethodsAn assumption was made that the multichannel coil moves with the head, which was achieved by using a flexible head coil. A two‐step motion correction scheme was proposed to directly extract the motion parameters from the acquired k‐space data using the analysis of center‐of‐mass with high noise robustness, which were used for retrospective motion correction. A recursive least‐squares model was introduced to recursively estimate the motion parameters for every single spoke, which used the smoothness of motion and resulted in high temporal resolution and low computational cost. Five volunteers were scanned at 3 T using a 3D radial multidimensional golden‐means trajectory with instructed motion patterns. The performance was tested through both simulation and in vivo experiments. Quantitative image quality metrics were calculated for comparison.ResultsThe proposed method showed good accuracy and precision in both translation and rotation estimation. A better result was achieved using the proposed two‐step correction compared to traditional one‐step correction without significantly increasing computation time. Retrospective correction showed substantial improvements in image quality among all scans, even for stationary scans.ConclusionsThe proposed method provides an easy, robust, and time‐efficient tool for motion correction in brain MRI, which may benefit clinical diagnosis of uncooperative patients as well as scientific MRI researches.
Free‐breathing high‐resolution respiratory‐gated radial stack‐of‐stars magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen at 7 T
Authors: Maatman Ivo T. , Schulz Jenni , Ypma Sjoerd , Block Kai Tobias , Schmitter Sebastian , Hermans John J. , Smit Ewoud J. , Maas Marnix C. , Scheenen Tom W. J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUltrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (≥ 7 T) has the potential to provide superior spatial resolution and unique image contrast. Apart from radiofrequency transmit inhomogeneities in the body at this field strength, imaging of the upper abdomen faces additional challenges associated with motion‐induced ghosting artifacts. To address these challenges, the goal of this work was to develop a technique for high‐resolution free‐breathing upper abdominal MRI at 7 T with a large field of view. Free‐breathing 3D gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) water‐excited radial stack‐of‐stars data were acquired in seven healthy volunteers (five males/two females, body mass index: 19.6–24.8 kg/m2) at 7 T using an eight‐channel transceive array coil. Two volunteers were also examined at 3 T. In each volunteer, the liver and kidney regions were scanned in two separate acquisitions. To homogenize signal excitation, the time‐interleaved acquisition of modes (TIAMO) method was used with personalized pairs of B1 shims, based on a 23‐s Cartesian fast low angle shot (FLASH) acquisition. Utilizing free‐induction decay navigator signals, respiratory‐gated images were reconstructed at a spatial resolution of 0.8 × 0.8 × 1.0 mm3. Two experienced radiologists rated the image quality and the impact of B1 inhomogeneity and motion‐related artifacts on multipoint scales. The images of all volunteers showcased effective water excitation and were accurately corrected for respiratory motion. The impact of B1 inhomogeneity on image quality was minimal, underscoring the efficacy of the multitransmit TIAMO shim. The high spatial resolution allowed excellent depiction of small structures such as the adrenal glands, the proximal ureter, the diaphragm, and small blood vessels, although some streaking artifacts persisted in liver image data. In direct comparisons with 3 T performed for two volunteers, 7‐T acquisitions demonstrated increases in signal‐to‐noise ratio of 77% and 58%. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of free‐breathing MRI in the upper abdomen at submillimeter spatial resolution at a magnetic field strength of 7 T.
Prevention of treatment abandonment remains an important challenge to increase survival of Wilms tumor in sub‐Saharan Africa: A report from Wilms Africa—CANCaRe Africa
Authors: Atwiine Barnabas , Mdoka Cecilia , Branchard Mushabe , Chagaluka George , Fufa Diriba , Ayalew Mulugeta , Khofi Harriet , Amankwah Emmanuel , Chokwenda Nester , Birhane Feven , Mezgebu Esubalew , Eklu Bernice , Jator Brian , Kudowa Evaristar , Mbah Glenn , Wassie Mulugeta , Dondo Vongai , Paintsil Vivian , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Renner Lorna Awo , Sung Lillian , Kouya Francine , Molyneux Elizabeth , Chitsike Inam , Israels Trijn 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Wilms Africa studies implemented an adapted Wilm's tumor (WT) treatment protocol in sub‐Saharan Africa in two phases. Phase I began with four sites and provided out‐of‐pocket costs. Phase II expanded the number of sites, but lost funding provision. Objective is to describe the outcomes of Phase II and compare with Phase I.MethodsWilms Africa Phase I (n = 4 sites; 2014–2018) and Phase II (n = 8 sites; 2021–2022) used adapted treatment protocols. Funding for families’ out‐of‐pocket costs was provided during Phase I but not Phase II. Eligibility criteria were age less than 16 years and newly diagnosed unilateral WT. We documented patients’ outcome at the end of planned first‐line treatment categorized as treatment abandonment, death during treatment, and disease‐related events (death before treatment, persistent disease, relapse, or progressive disease). Sensitivity analysis compared outcomes in the same four sites.ResultsWe included 431 patients in Phase I (n = 201) and Phase II (n = 230). The proportion alive without evidence of disease decreased from 69% in Phase I to 54% in Phase II at all sites (p = .002) and 58% at the original four sites (p = .04). Treatment abandonment increased overall from 12% to 26% (p < .001), and was 20% (p = .04) at the original four sites. Disease‐related events (5% vs. 6% vs. 6%) and deaths during treatment (14% vs. 14% vs. 17%) were similar.ConclusionProvision of out‐of‐pocket costs was important to improve patient outcomes at the end of planned first‐line treatment in WT. Prevention of treatment abandonment remains an important challenge.
Investigation of the energy absorption behavior and damage mechanisms of aramid/carbon/jute fiber hybrid epoxy composites
Authors: Özsoy Mehmet İskender 
Published: May 2024

AbstractToday, various fiber reinforcements are used in automotive, aerospace and defense industries. Many of these fibers are synthetic structures, which can cause problems such as environmental pollution and high manufacturing costs. Researchers have turned to the use of more environmental‐friendly and cost‐effective natural materials to minimize these problems. In this study energy absorption properties of the fiber laminate‐hybrid epoxy composites were investigated with dynamic loadings. Fiber type and hybridization effects were investigated under drop weight impact tests with 10, 20, 30 and 50 Joule impact energies. Besides, mechanical characteristics were examined via quasi‐static bending tests. In this context, double and triple fiber reinforced natural/synthetic and synthetic/synthetic hybrid composites were manufactured as sandwich type. Furthermore, it is also aimed an evaluation of using natural fibers in ballistic activities with this study. Fiber materials consist of woven type carbon, aramid and jute fibers. Hybrid composites were manufactured with the aim of providing mechanical optimization between the fibers and enabling the fiber layers to absorb more impact energy. In addition, performance evaluation was made by comparing natural/synthetic reinforced hybrid composites with full synthetic hybrid composites. The results show that significant improvements were achieved in bending and impact resistance of the composites by using jute fibers to the inner layers.Highlights
Drop weight impact tests were carried out to determine the energy absorption behavior of the hybrid composites.
Fiber type is effective in the mechanical behavior of the composite materials.
Natural hybrid composites show well enough mechanical properties as well as low cost.
Impact on mechanical and thermal characteristics of epoxy nanocomposites by waste derived carbon nanotubes, carbon black, and hybrid CNT/FCB reinforcing materials
Authors: Dwivedi Parul , Rathore Ashwani Kumar , Srivastava Deepak , Vijayakumar R. P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this present investigation, epoxy nanocomposites were formulated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes derived from plastic (p‐MWCNTs), carbon black from tires (t‐CB), and a combination of p‐MWCNTs and functionalized carbon black (FCB). A comparative analysis was conducted between the properties of the original composites and epoxy nanocomposites containing a mixture of carbon nanotube (CNT) and FCB. Morphology, carbon content, and oxide content of CB and FCB were assessed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS or EDX). The dispersion of CNT and the CNT/FCB blend in water was observed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS). Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction analyses were performed on CNT, CB, and FCB to comprehend the presence of functional groups and structural changes with chemical treatment. The nanocomposites were created by employing diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGBEA) epoxy resin through a simple sonication and casting method. The tensile strength of CNT/FCB epoxy composites showed a significant increase, rising from 66.26 MPa to 158.48 MPa, marking a 139.17% improvement over pure epoxy. This improvement is likely due to the bonding interaction between the epoxy, FCB, and CNTs which resulted a uniform dispersion of fillers onto epoxy matrix. Conversely, the impact strength initially increased from 112.84 J/m (pure epoxy) to 144.05 J/m (FCB), but then decreased to 115.7 J/m for CNT/FCB composites. FCB demonstrated a 27.65% increase in impact strength compared to pure epoxy. Moreover, the thermal stability of the samples exhibited improvement from neat epoxy to CNT/FCB‐based nanocomposites.Highlights
Oxygen content of CB increased from 25.17% to 54.60%.
CNT/FCB epoxy composites exhibited a 139.17% increase in tensile strength.
FCB epoxy composites shows 27.65% increase in impact strength.
Thermal stability of CNT/FCB composites increased by 1.89%.
Crosslinking via covalent bonding occurred between FCB and epoxy.
Prognostic impact of MALs and potential immunotherapy targets in uveal melanoma
Authors: Yang Jing , Fu Zhou , Xiang Qin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary ocular malignancy in adults, and the 5‐year disease‐related mortality rate is 30%. MAL proteolipid family (MALs), including T‐cell differentiation protein (MAL), T‐cell differentiation protein 2 (MAL2), and T‐cell differentiation protein like (MALL), were involved in the progression and prognosis of many different cancers. However, the role of MALs in UM was not reported. UM samples were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas. R software (R3.6.3) was used to comprehensively analyze the roles of the MALs (signiﬁcance threshold: p < 0.05). MALs mRNA expression was changed in UM tissues. In terms of tumor stage, MAL2 was highly expressed in T4 (p = 0.021). The ROC curves indicated that MAL2 and MALL were prognostic biomarkers for 1‐ and 3‐year survival in UM patients, and MAL2 also could predict 5‐year survival for UM patients. Then, the univariable and multivariable analysis showed that MAL2 and MALL were independent prognostic biomarkers. Next, we assessed the immune microenvironment of MALs in UM. MAL had no correlation with B7‐H3, but MAL2 and MALL had a positive correlation with B7‐H3. Our results revealed that the MAL proteolipid family may be prognostic biomarkers for UM patients and that B7‐H3 may be a novel immunotherapy target for UM.
Preparation and characterization of long‐chain branched PA6 by UV‐irradiation of included methacrylate monomers after extrusion
Authors: Guo Chao , He Guang‐Jian , Huang Wei‐Tao , Yin Xiao‐Chun , Cao Xian‐Wu , Qin Sen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo improve melt strength and toughness of polyamide 6 (PA6), an on‐line UV radiation method is introduced into reaction extrusion to induce free radical reaction for efficient preparation of long‐chain branched PA6 materials. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate are adopted as chain extenders to synergistically introduce long‐chain branches onto PA6 macromolecules. Gel permeation chromatography results show the increase of molecular weight of PA6, implying the successful graft of chain extenders onto molecular chains. Based on rheological measurement results, modified PA6 exhibits better melt strength than pure PA6 owing to a larger storage modulus. The elongation at break and impact strength of modified PA6 at T1G1 are about 5.3 and 2.2 times those of pure PA6, respectively, without sacrificing tensile strength. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results, we propose reaction mechanisms between trimethylolpropane triacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate and PA6 under on‐line UV radiation. This study offers a practical approach for the efficient preparation of long‐chain branched PA6, thereby broadening the potential applications of the material.Highlights
An on‐line UV radiation method is introduced into reaction extrusion.
The melt strength and toughness of polyamide 6 are realized simultaneously at low cost.
The synergistic effect mechanism of trimethylolpropane triacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate is proposed.
Provides a feasible way to efficiently prepare long‐chain branched polyamide 6.
The dynamic of photovoltaic resources on its performance predictability, based on two new approaches
Authors: Soler‐Castillo Yhosvany , Sahni Manoj , Leon‐Castro Ernesto 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe manuscript is a digest, which puts forward findings from previous research papers, combined with new proposals. Approaches comprise two full models' derivation for photovoltaic (PV) systems energy conversion predictability. It brings in several models for key physical observables formulated as functions of the operating conditions. The proposals encompass mean spectral reflectance, coefficient for reflections and spatial geometry, incident angular losses factor, angular losses, and fill factor along with its coefficient of temperature. Applying the superposition principle, these models are integrated into two full approaches for performance predictability. The underlying physics description is mathematically consistent with experimental measurements of the physical observables involved, reported in other studies. To the authors' knowledge, these full models have been reported previously nowhere. Simulation results from the more inaccurate of two full models show good agreement of these findings with the experimental evidence, reported of its performance. The resulting key performance indicators (KPIs), after simulating a grid‐connected PV system located in Cuba, yield 1.61%, 13.10%, −1.61%, 2.02%, and 0.81 of MAE, MAPE, MBE, RMSE, and R2, respectively, which they confirm the model's good behavior. Approaches formulations, as functions of solar irradiance and module temperature, its derivations, applications, and model's simulation results are considered the main manuscript novelties.