bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing performance of an external compound parabolic concentrator solar collector with cascaded latent heat thermal storage
Authors: Sathiya Satchi Christopher , Muthuraman Ponrajan Vikram , Thakur Amrit Kumar , Mert Cuce Pinar , Cuce Erdem , Balavadivel RajaBharathi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study presents quantitative results of charging experiments conducted on cascaded thermal energy storage system (CTESS) integrated with external compound parabolic concentrator solar collector (XCPCSC). Increasing mass flow rate in 2‐stage CTESS integrated with XCPCSC resulted in a 30% reduction in initiation time of phase change materials (PCMs) during charging, with a higher mass flow rate of 0.025 kg/s. However, due to disparate melting point temperatures of PCMs, phase transition in the two‐stage CTESS did not occur simultaneously, leading to poor heat transfer rates within the CTESS. To address this, study extended number of phases from two to three, resulting in a 1.5‐fold increase in rate of heat transfer compared to 2‐stage PCM system. The simultaneous melting processes at various stages in the CTESS maximized energy absorption, leading to a 25% increase in system efficiency. Notably, the values of energy stored efficiency and over‐all efficiency reached their peak values of 95% and 60%, respectively, between t = 12.00 h and t = 13.00 h. This time period also saw a significant increase in collector efficiency to 72%. These quantitative findings highlight importance of mass flow rate and PCM arrangement in achieving efficient heat transfer and system performance in a CTESS integrated with XCPCSC.
Diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children on the ketogenic diet: A case series
Authors: Groveman Sue , Klepper Joerg , Liesenkötter Klaus‐Peter , Grimberg Adda , Bergqvist A. G. Christina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe ketogenic diet (KD) can have a negative impact on the linear growth and body composition of children. The aims of this study were to review two centers' experience with children who developed height deceleration on the KD and determine if the height deceleration was secondary to growth hormone deficiency (GHD), and if growth hormone therapy (GHT) would be effective and safe (not altering ketosis or seizure frequency). Retrospective chart reviews were performed on patients with KD referred to Endocrinology between 2013 and 2018. Seventeen children were identified. Data reviewed included: demographics, growth velocity, KD ratio, protein/calorie intake, lab results, GH dosage, Tanner stage, and seizure frequency, and endocrine recommendations. Descriptive statistics were performed. Of the 17 children referred to the Endocrine Division, seven children were growth hormone deficient and began GHT. Data were provided for six patients (2 males, 4 females; age 2–7 years at the start of KD) on the KD for >6 years and on GHT for >4 years. Growth for all patients stabilized or increased. IGF‐1 z‐scores normalized. GHT did not affect seizure frequency or ketosis. GHT in those with GHD can be an appropriate option allowing better growth while still maintaining ketogenic therapy and seizure control.Plain Language SummaryThe KD can be an effective treatment for difficult‐to‐control epilepsy and some disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. The KD can adversely affect the linear growth (height) of children. This case series reviewed six patients who had slow linear growth. It was found that all six children had growth hormone deficiency, grew better with growth hormone treatments, and that their seizures and ketone levels were not affected.
Mitophagy and its regulatory mechanisms in the biological effects of nanomaterials
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Haitao , Guo Menghao , Niu Shuyan , Xue Yuying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMitophagy is a selective cellular process critical for the removal of damaged mitochondria. It is essential in regulating mitochondrial number, ensuring mitochondrial functionality, and maintaining cellular equilibrium, ultimately influencing cell destiny. Numerous pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancers, and various other conditions, are associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions. Thus, a detailed exploration of the regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy is pivotal for enhancing our understanding and for the discovery of novel preventive and therapeutic options for these diseases. Nanomaterials have become integral in biomedicine and various other sectors, offering advanced solutions for medical uses including biological imaging, drug delivery, and disease diagnostics and therapy. Mitophagy is vital in managing the cellular effects elicited by nanomaterials. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms underpinning mitophagy, underscoring its significant influence on the biological responses of cells to nanomaterials. Nanoparticles can initiate mitophagy via various pathways, among which the PINK1‐Parkin pathway is critical for cellular defense against nanomaterial‐induced damage by promoting mitophagy. The role of mitophagy in biological effects was induced by nanomaterials, which are associated with alterations in Ca2+ levels, the production of reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and lysosomal damage.
Locally released dexamethasone and its effects on osteogenic activity at implant‐tissue interface
Authors: Kerem Gizem , Önder Sakip , Kılıç Abdulhalim 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe osseointegration of titanium implants within the host tissue holds crucial importance. The introduction of functional coatings at tissue—implant interface enhances the bioactivity of titanium implants, improves their therapeutic outcomes, and enhances the effectiveness of treatments. In this study, we focused on enhancing the bioactivity of titanium‐based implant materials by coating the titanium surfaces with chitosan microspheres, which are loaded with osseointegration‐promoting agent dexamethasone (DEX). Initially, chitosan microspheres were successfully produced, followed by DEX loading through diffusion, resulting in a drug loading efficiency of around 50.2 (wt %). The subsequent drug release profile displayed a 24‐hour duration, releasing approximately 32.6 (wt %) of the loaded DEX. In cell proliferation assays using human osteosarcoma (SAOS‐2) cells, Ti surfaces coated with DEX‐loaded chitosan microspheres initially exhibited lower cell numbers compared with DEX‐free ones. This observation was attributed to transient osteogenic differentiation effects of DEX, since a notable increase in cell proliferation was observed on the 7th day. Von Kossa staining revealed mineralization beginning on the 14th day, particularly evident in DEX‐loaded samples. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity displayed a pattern of initial increase and subsequent decrease, with DEX release from chitosan microspheres showing a clear influence on the osteogenic differentiation, especially on the 7th day. These findings align with literature, highlighting DEX's potential to enhance osteogenic differentiation and cellular behavior on chitosan microsphere‐coated titanium surfaces. This study emphasizes the promising implications for functionalizing surfaces of implant materials with DEX‐loaded chitosan microspheres to improve their biocompatibility and bioactivity.
One Stone Several Birds: Self‐Localizing Submicrocages With Dual Loading Points for Multifunctional Drug Delivery
Authors: Liu Shuxuan , Wang Jifei , Jiang Yong , Wang Yao , Yang Bin , Li Hao , Zhou Guofu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs the core index, how to improve bioavailability of loaded cargoes is a hot topic of drug carriers. In this study, aminated β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as a cross‐linking points is first integrated into 3D poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylonitrile) (P(AAm‐co‐AN)) network to build up a unique submicrocage (466.2 ± 47.6 nm), featuring upper critical solution temperature (UCST; ≈40 °C), high volume expansion coefficient, and excellent biocompatibility. Hereinto, hydrophobic β‐elemene (ELE) is locally loaded in β‐CD with high loading efficiency (8.72%) and encapsulation efficiency (78.60%) through hydrophobic desolvation and host–guest interaction. Above UCST, the release of the loaded ELE is accelerated to 72.87% in 24 h, together with the enhanced sensitization effect of synergized radiotherapy. Given spontaneous long‐lasting delivery, targeted embolization, and post‐treatment removal of such UCST‐type submicrocage, it is anticipated to provide a novel, facile, efficient, and versatile strategy of comprehensive anticancer treatments for high drug bioavailability.
MRI‐based clinical‐radiomics nomogram model for predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Zhou Yongjie , Yang Hongan , Zhang Jingrun , Zeng Xianjun , Tan Yongming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative microvascular invasion (MVI) of liver cancer is an effective method to reduce the recurrence rate of liver cancer. Hepatectomy with extended resection and additional adjuvant or targeted therapy can significantly improve the survival rate of MVI+ patients by eradicating micrometastasis. Preoperative prediction of MVI status is of great clinical significance for surgical decision‐making and the selection of other adjuvant therapy strategies to improve the prognosis of patients.PurposeEstablished a radiomics machine learning model based on multimodal MRI and clinical data, and analyzed the preoperative prediction value of this model for microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodThe preoperative liver MRI data and clinical information of 130 HCC patients who were pathologically confirmed to be pathologically confirmed were retrospectively studied. These patients were divided into MVI‐positive group (MVI+) and MVI‐negative group (MVI‐) based on postoperative pathology. After a series of dimensionality reduction analysis, six radiomic features were finally selected. Then, linear support vector machine (linear SVM), support vector machine with rbf kernel function (rbf‐SVM), logistic regression (LR), Random forest (RF) and XGBoost (XGB) algorithms were used to establish the MVI prediction model for preoperative HCC patients. Then, rbf‐SVM with the best predictive performance was selected to construct the radiomics score (R‐score). Finally, we combined R‐score and clinical‐pathology‐image independent predictors to establish a combined nomogram model and corresponding individual models. The predictive performance of individual models and combined nomogram was evaluated and compared by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).ResultAlpha‐fetoprotein concentration, peritumor enhancement, maximum tumor diameter, smooth tumor margins, tumor growth pattern, presence of intratumor hemorrhage, and RVI were independent predictors of MVI. Compared with individual models, the final combined nomogram model (AUC: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.920–1.000) constructed by radiometry score (R‐score) combined with clinicopathological parameters and apparent imaging features showed the optimal predictive performance.ConclusionThis multi‐parameter combined nomogram model had a good performance in predicting MVI of HCC, and had certain auxiliary value for the formulation of surgical plan and evaluation of prognosis.
Cucurbitacin B attenuates osteoarthritis development by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis through activating Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Lou Chao , Fang Yuqin , Mei Yifan , Hu Wei , Sun Liaojun , Jin Chen , Chen Hua , Zheng Wenhao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a complicated joint disorder characterized by inflammation that causes joint destruction. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid compound derived from plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role and mechanisms of CuB in a mouse model of OA. This study identified the key targets and potential pathways of CuB through network pharmacology analysis. In vivo and in vitro studies confirmed the potential mechanisms of CuB in OA. Through network pharmacology, 54 potential targets for CuB in treating OA were identified. The therapeutic potential of CuB is associated with the nod‐like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and pyroptosis. Molecular docking results indicate a strong binding affinity of CuB to nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and p65. In vitro experiments demonstrate that CuB effectively inhibits the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors induced by interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), including cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL‐1β, and IL‐18. CuB inhibits the degradation of type II collagen and aggrecan in the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs‐5. CuB protects cells by activating the Nrf2/hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) pathway and inhibiting nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)/NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis. Moreover, in vivo experiments show that CuB can slow down cartilage degradation in an OA mouse model. CuB effectively prevents the progression of OA by inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and ECM degradation. This action is further mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway to inhibit NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, CuB is a potential therapeutic agent for OA.
Transition towards circular economy in EU countries: A composite indicator and drivers of circularity
Authors: Galdeano‐Gómez Emilio , García‐Fernández Rosa M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe transition to a circular economy (CE) has become one of the main issues of sustainable development policies in many countries worldwide. The present paper offers an empirical analysis of this transition to circularity in European Union (EU) countries. It provides multidimensional indicators for CE performance and observes the interrelationship between macroeconomic indicators and the level of CE implementation. Taking data from 26 EU member states during the period 2010–2019, weighted indicators are constructed for the assessment and comparison between heterogenous countries. Subsequently, a multivariant analysis is performed to quantify the impact of different macroeconomic variables on circularity indicators, such as R + D, sectoral added value, renewable energy usage and population density. The results reveal three distinct groups: those whose indicators display a positive sign, those that show a negative sign, and those that display a changeable evolution throughout the period studied. The panel data regressions carried out to assess the determinants of circularity show the positive impact of expenditure on R + D. Also, it is worth mentioning the existing differences in the implementation status of CE among countries, contingent upon on when they joined the EU.
A sparse empirical Bayes approach to high‐dimensional Gaussian process‐based varying coefficient models
Authors: Kim Myungjin , Goh Gyuhyeong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDespite the increasing importance of high‐dimensional varying coefficient models, the study of their Bayesian versions is still in its infancy. This paper contributes to the literature by developing a sparse empirical Bayes formulation that addresses the problem of high‐dimensional model selection in the framework of Bayesian varying coefficient modelling under Gaussian process (GP) priors. To break the computational bottleneck of GP‐based varying coefficient modelling, we introduce the low‐cost computation strategy that incorporates linear algebra techniques and the Laplace approximation into the evaluation of the high‐dimensional posterior model distribution. A simulation study is conducted to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed Bayesian method compared to an existing high‐dimensional varying coefficient modelling approach. In addition, its applicability to real data analysis is illustrated using yeast cell cycle data.
Population assignment of migratory Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WCT) in the Clark Fork–Pend Oreille River basin
Authors: Wells Craig D. , Connor Jason , Small Maureen P. , Spruell Paul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Clark Fork–Pend Oreille River basin of northeastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle historically supported a robust metapopulation of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WCT) Oncorhynchus lewisi, a western native salmonid of high cultural and economic value. The construction of impassible hydroelectric dams and smaller instream barriers has prevented the return of migratory WCT to spawning tributaries, leading to the fragmentation of this metapopulation over the past 100 years. One such impassible barrier is Albeni Falls Dam (AFD) near Newport, Washington, which was completed without fish passage capabilities in 1955. We sought to examine large-scale genetic patterns in the study area and determine the most likely spawning tributary of origin for migratory WCT captured below AFD.

Methods
We created a genetic baseline representative of populations within the Clark Fork–Pend Oreille River basin from upstream and downstream of the dam using 191 biallelic single-nucleotide polymorphism genetic markers. Our data set included 124 collections, which allowed for an examination of population structure and hatchery influence across the study area and provided a robust tool for population assignment. Population assignment tests were conducted using the program RUBIAS.

Result
Population assignment tests were successful for all pure WCT of unknown origin despite potential influence from hatchery lineages across the study area. Of 83 migratory WCT captured below AFD, approximately 80% were assigned to tributaries upstream of AFD with a posterior assignment probability of at least 90%. Only one fish was assigned to a tributary downstream of AFD.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that AFD disrupts the natural metapopulation dynamics of WCT populations in the basin. Passage for WCT at this barrier would reestablish metapopulation connectivity within the basin by allowing migratory individuals to make genetic contributions to populations upstream of the dam.
Migratory passage and run size of American Shad and river herring in the Raritan River, New Jersey, USA
Authors: Jensen Olaf P. , Vastano Anthony R. , Allen Michael C. , Hernandez Mario F. , Lockwood Julie L. , Vasslides James M. , Weldon Orion 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Restoration of many populations of anadromous American Shad Alosa sapidissima and river herring (Alewife A. pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis) has been hampered by the presence of barriers to their spawning migrations and insufficient monitoring of run size. Here, we describe results of a 10-year (2012–2021) study of American Shad and river herring passage at the Island Farm Weir (IFW), the downstream-most migration barrier on the Raritan River, New Jersey, United States.

Methods
We used passive integrated transponder tags applied to fish that were captured and released downstream of the IFW to estimate passage rates and migration delays associated with upstream movements through an antenna array on a vertical slot fishway within the weir. By combining estimated passage rates with video monitoring of the total numbers of American Shad and river herring transiting the fishway, we estimated the annual run size below the weir.

Result
Results suggest that the fishway on the IFW is moderately effective for American Shad (passage rate = 41%; 95% credible interval [CI] = 21–61%) but ineffective for the smaller-bodied river herring (passage rate = 0.5%, 95% CI = 0–2%; fallback-adjusted passage rate = 1.1%, 95% CI = 0.0–4.5%). The IFW may have also delayed the spawning migrations of those fish that did pass, with total passage times ranging from 0.4 to 20.9 days (mean ± standard deviation = 8.2 ± 5.3 days) for American Shad and 15.0 days for the one river herring that passed within the same year that it was tagged. Run size estimates during the study period ranged from 103 to 2624 individuals for American Shad and from 1486 to 53,334 for river herring.

Conclusion
Restoration of these species in the Raritan River will likely require removal of the IFW or replacement of its current fish passage device with one that increases the passage rates of alosines.
Diallyl disulfide antagonizes DJ‐1 mediated proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Su Jian , Xia Hong , He Hui , Tang Huan , Zhou Juan , Xun Yi , Liu Fang , Su Bo , Su Qi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDiallyl disulfide (DADS), an organic component of allicin abstracted from garlic, possesses multi‐target antitumor activity. DJ‐1 performs a vital function in promoting AKT aberrant activation via down‐regulating phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) in tumors. It is unknown the involvement of DJ‐1 in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether diallyl disulfide (DADS) intervenes in the role of DJ‐1 in GC. Based on the identification that the correlation between high DJ‐1 and low PTEN expression in GC was implicated in clinical progression, we illuminated that down‐regulation of DJ‐1 by DADS aided in an increase in PTEN expression and a decrease in phosphorylated AKT levels, which was in line with the results manifested in the DJ‐1 knockdown and overexpressed cells, concurrently inhibiting proliferation, EMT, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, the antagonistic effects of DADS on DJ‐1 were observed in in vivo experiments. Additionally, DADS mitigated the DJ‐1‐associated drug resistance. The current study revealed that DJ‐1 is one of potential targets for DADS, which hopefully provides a promising strategy for prevention and adjuvant chemotherapy of GC.
Children's anthropomorphism of inanimate agents
Authors: Goldman Elizabeth J. , Poulin‐Dubois Diane 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis review article examines the extant literature on animism and anthropomorphism in infants and young children. A substantial body of work indicates that both infants and young children have a broad concept of what constitutes a sentient agent and react to inanimate objects as they do to people in the same context. The literature has also revealed a developmental pattern in which anthropomorphism decreases with age, but social robots appear to be an exception to this pattern. Additionally, the review shows that children attribute psychological properties to social robots less so than people but still anthropomorphize them. Importantly, some research suggests that anthropomorphism of social robots is dependent upon their morphology and human‐like behaviors. The extent to which children anthropomorphize robots is dependent on their exposure to them and the presence of human‐like features. Based on the existing literature, we conclude that in infancy, a large range of inanimate objects (e.g., boxes, geometric figures) that display animate motion patterns trigger the same behaviors observed in child‐adult interactions, suggesting some implicit form of anthropomorphism. The review concludes that additional research is needed to understand what infants and children judge as social agents and how the perception of inanimate agents changes over the lifespan. As exposure to robots and virtual assistants increases, future research must focus on better understanding the full impact that regular interactions with such partners will have on children's anthropomorphizing.This article is categorized under:
Psychology > Learning
Cognitive Biology > Cognitive Development
Computer Science and Robotics > Robotics