bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-Coupling Mitigation in Polarimetric PAR via Antenna Tilt
Authors: Ivić Igor R. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The existence of significant cross-polar antenna patterns, as well as the scan-dependent measurement biases, inherent to the polarimetric phased array radar (PPAR), are among the most important risk factors for using this technology in weather observations. The cross-polar patterns on receive induce cross coupling between returns from the two orthogonal fields causing biases in polarimetric variable estimates. Furthermore, the electromagnetic coupling in hardware may exacerbate the cross-coupling effects. To address this problem, a pulse-to-pulse phase coding in either the horizontal or vertical ports of the transmission elements has been proposed. However, it does not affect the scan-dependent system biases in PPAR estimates, which require corrections via calibration mechanisms. Further, the cross-coupling signals are proportional to the cross-polar pattern power levels, rendering mitigation effective only at steering angles where these levels are sufficiently low (e.g., approximately less than −25 dB). In that regard, any approach that augments the number of such steering angles benefits the cross-coupling mitigation effectiveness. Herein, a simple approach that has a potential to achieve this via antenna tilt is presented.

Significance Statement
The issue of biases caused by cross coupling (due to significant cross-polar patterns in PPARs) is one of the biggest challenges for their weather observation applications. Numerous approaches have been proposed to address this issue, but none has been comprehensive. This suggests that the solution to the cross-coupling issue should be a combination of various mitigation approaches. In that regard, it is suggested in this work that a small antenna tilt can aid in the mitigation of the cross-coupling issue.
Perspectives of Frequent Users of Emergency Departments on a Case Management Intervention: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Schaad Luana , Graells Madison , Kasztura Miriam , Schmutz Elodie , Moullin Joanna , Hugli Olivier , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Ambrosetti Julia , Ombelli Julien , Golay Michel , Ribordy Vincent , Grazioli Véronique S. , Bodenmann Patrick 
Published: March 2023

Background: Effective management of frequent users of emergency departments (FUED) remains challenging. Case management (CM) has shown to improve patient quality of life while reducing ED visits and associated costs. However, little data is available on FUED’s perception of CM outside of North America to further improve CM implementation. Objectives: Explore the FUED’s perspectives about CM in Switzerland. Design, Setting & Participants: Semi-structured qualitative interviews eliciting FUED’s experiences of CM were conducted among 20 participants (75% female; mean age = 40.6, SD = 12.8) across 6 hospital ED. Outcomes measures & Analysis: Inductive content analysis. Main Results: Most participants were satisfied with the CM program. In particular, FUEDs identified the working relationship with the case manager (cm) as key for positive outcomes, and also valued the holistic evaluation of their needs and resources. Overall, patients reported increased motivation and health literacy, as well as facilitated interactions within the healthcare system. Conversely, a small number of participants reported negative views on CM ( ie, stigmatization, lack of concrete outcomes). Barriers identified were cm’s lack of time, COVID-19′s negative impact on CM organization, as well as lack of clarity on the objectives of CM. FUED perceived CM as useful, in particular establishing a working relationship with the cm. Our results suggest that CM can be further improved by (1) professionals remaining non-judgmental toward FUED, (2) making sure the aims and objectives of the CM are understood by the participants, and (3) allowing more time for the cm to carry out their work.
A Novel Approach for Sunflower Oil Based Polyol Production by Ring Opening of Epoxidized Linoleic Acid
Authors: Azmi Intan Suhada , Ab Kadir Mohd Zulkipli , Sharif Noor Atiqah , Azlan Raofuddin Danial Nuruddin , Jalil Mohd Jumain 
Published: March 2023

In numerous chemical industrial sectors, the utilization of epoxidized vegetable oil has emerged as a prospective growing market for polymer development. The experiment was to discover the effectiveness of formic acid to sunflower oil molar ratio and catalysts type toward epoxidation reaction for polyols formation. Hydrolysis of an epoxide involved the reaction of an epoxide with water, resulting in the formation of a diol. Sunflower-based epoxide was carried out by in situ using performic acid mechanism with the temperature of 80°C. The optimum relative conversion to oxirane was obtained within 50 min which is 41.37% from 1:1 molar ratio of formic acid to sunflower oil and natural zeolite as a catalyst. The genetic algorithm was used to find the optimal set of parameters in the mathematical model, and MATLAB is used to implement the numerical integration and the optimization process. The kinetic rate, k parameters obtained k11 = 0.169, k12 = 33.072, k2 = 5.244 for epoxidation palm oil, and k3 = 3.89 × 10−5 in degradation process.
Analysis of systemic inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers in advanced cervical cancer: Prognostic and predictive significance
Authors: Li Ningfeng , Zhang Yan , Qu Wenjie , Zhang Chao , Ding Zhaoxia , Wang Linlin , Cui Baoxia 
Published: March 2023

Objective Peripheral systemic inflammatory, nutritional, and coagulation biomarkers have prognostic and predictive value in various malignancies. We evaluated the prognostic and predictive roles of systemic inflammatory, nutritional, and coagulation biomarkers in the circulating blood of patients with advanced cervical cancer. Methods A retrospective study of 795 patients with cervical cancer who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy was performed. Overall survival was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine prognostic factors associated with overall survival. Results The median follow-up time was 76 months. In the univariate analysis, overall survival showed positive prognostic value in patients with a platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) <164.29 ( P = 0.010), and a plasma fibrinogen (FIB) level <4 g/L( P = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, the PLR ( P = 0.036), and FIB level ( P = 0.047) maintained their significance for overall survival. Therefore, the PLR and FIB levels are independent prognostic factors in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Conclusions Systemic inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers could help to understand survival differences in the clinical treatment of advanced cervical cancer. The PLR and FIB levels are independent prognostic factors of poor survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer.
Effect of synovial fluid temperature on wear resistance of different polymer acetabular materials
Authors: Li Dahan , Wang Songquan , Lin Hao , Wang Kaijun , Guo Yongbo , Yu Lu , Fang Xingxing 
Published: March 2023

In order to investigate the effect of frictional heat on the wear resistance characteristics of polymeric acetabular materials, the tribological tests and wear numerical analysis of three common polymer acetabular materials were carried out under different synovial fluid temperatures. The study results show that XLPE and VE-XLPE exhibit superior wear resistance compared to UHMWPE in high-temperature, heavy load environments. The coefficient of friction of three materials gradually decreases as the temperature of the synovial fluid increases. The wear depth and wear volume of the three materials increased with the increase of the temperature of the synovial fluid, and the forms of wear at 46°C and 55°C were mainly adhesive wear and plastic deformation. The higher temperature of the synovial fluid accelerates the oxidative degradation of the material surface and generates oxidation functional groups, which leads to the breakage of C-C bonds in the surface molecular chains under the sliding shear effect, thus reducing the mechanical properties of the material. Specifically, the surface of the polymer material will soften at a higher ambient temperature, mainly due to the decrease of hardness, and then deteriorate in the friction property, and finally increase the wear rate. Ansys results showed that the volume wear of the three materials increased with the increase of synovial fluid temperature, and the trend could be approximately linear. Numerical calculations predict that VE-XLPE has the highest wear of 0.693 mm3 among the three materials at 37°C, followed by XLPE at 0.568 mm3 and UHMWPE with the lowest wear of 0.478 mm3. At higher synovial fluid temperatures (46°C, 55°C), VE-XLPE still has the largest wear volume among the three materials, while XLPE and UHMWPE have similar wear. The wear cloud pictures showed that the maximum wear volume occurred near the edge of the acetabulum.
Azilsartan suppresses the antiapoptotic biomarker and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat model of cisplatin-induced retinal and optic nerve toxicity
Authors: Raheem Noor Majid , Mohammed Ali Mahmood Naza 
Published: March 2023

Background The local renin-angiotensin system has been discovered in the eyes; thus, this study evaluates the Azilsartan effect in the retina and optic nerve toxicity induced by Cisplatin in vivo. Methodology Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned into six groups of 8 animals. Group 1 was healthy control that received 0.5 mL/day of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) orally (PO). Group 2 received a single dose of the 7.0 mg/kg CIS intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL/day of 0.5% CMC-PO. Groups 3 and 4 received 3.5 and 7.0 mg/kg/day of AZIL-PO, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 received 3.5 and 7.0 mg/kg/day of AZIL-PO, respectively together with a single dose of 7.0 mg/kg of CIS-IP. The ocular tissue and serum estimated the TNF-α, NF-kβ, and Casp-3. A complete blood count was also measured, and the eye was sent for histological examination. Results The administration of the 3.5 mg/kg AZIL significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced the ocular tissue and serum TNF-α, NF-kB, and Casp-3 levels, when given to CIS treated group, while the 7.0 mg/kg AZIL does not. Additionally, azilsartan shows no negative impact on the CBC in rats. Finally, the eye histological examination showed a significant ( p < 0.05) drop in the signs of inflammation and cellular degeneration, particularly after administration of the 3.5 mg/kg AZIL to the CIS-treated group. Conclusion A low dose of AZIL exerts an anti-inflammation and an anti-apoptotic effect through significant suppression of the pro-inflammatory mediators and an apoptotic biomarker by blocking the local angiotensin II type
Triptonide Ameliorates Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion-induced Cerebral Ischemic Damage in Rats via Regulation of In flammatory Response
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Hongguang , Chen Tao 
Published: March 2023

Background Cerebral ischemic stroke is the second major cause of mortality worldwide that results in persisting disability and mental agony. Ischemic stroke is induced by the diminished blood circulation to the brain, which can be due to obstruction by arteriosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, or thrombosis. Triptonide is a diterpene triepoxide, purified out of extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, and is an emerging target against, for example, cancers and inflammatory insults. Materials and Methods Taking this into consideration, this study was designed to analyze the effect of triptonide on ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) cerebral infarction stroke rats. Results Our study showed that triptonide decreased the infarct volume and brain edema produced by I/R. Moreover, triptonide protected the rats from any neurological deficits, which were analyzed using a five-point scoring system, augmented antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione content, and lowered the activity of acetylcholinesterase. Triptonide also decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β), TNF- α, and IL-6, while it augmented anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor. In this study, cerebral infarction stroke rats showed an increase in malondialdehyde levels. Triptonide preserved the normal brain architecture from various neurotoxic effects. Conclusion Thus, triptonide can be targeted for drug discovery in the future to protect against cerebral infarction stroke.
Euxanthone Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Human Medulloblastoma Cells by Inhibiting the RANK/RANKL Pathway
Authors: Xu Chengyan , He Zixia , Shen Zhipeng 
Published: March 2023

Background: Euxanthone is a plant-based flavonoid that is mostly isolated from a Chinese medicinal plant, Polygala caudate. This study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of euxanthone against human medulloblastoma cells. Materials and Methods: Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 and EdU assays. Apoptotic cell percentage was determined by annexin V/PI assay. The mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion. Results: The results revealed aberrant activation of RANK/RANKL pathway in human medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines. Euxanthone suppressed the proliferation of the D425 medulloblastoma cells with comparatively lower cytotoxic effects against the normal human cerebellar granule cells. The IC50 of euxanthone against the D425 cells was found to be 10 µM. Interestingly, silencing of receptor activator of nuclear factor kβ (RANK) could also suppress the proliferation of the D425 cells via induction of apoptosis. Nonetheless, overexpression of RANK could abolish the cytotoxic effects of euxanthone on the D425 cells. Finally, wound-heal and transwell assay showed that euxanthone suppressed the migration and invasion of the D425 medulloblastoma cells. Conclusion: Collectively, the results revealed the anticancer effects of euxanthone against human medulloblastoma cells via RANK/RANKL pathway. These results suggest the potential of euxanthone as a lead molecule in the development of chemotherapy for medulloblastoma.
Association between long-term use of prolactin-elevating antipsychotics in women and the risk of breast cancer: What are the clinical implications?
Authors: Hope Judith D , Keks Nicholas A , Copolov David L 
Published: March 2023

Background Some antipsychotic drugs elevate prolactin, and hyperprolactinaemia is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with schizophrenia have an increased incidence of breast cancer, but also multiple risk factors for the condition. Method This paper will critically review recent epidemiological studies concerning antipsychotics and breast cancer from a psychiatric perspective. Results Two recent epidemiological studies have found an association between use of prolactin-elevating antipsychotics and breast cancer in women with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Prolactin-elevating drugs include paliperidone, risperidone, amisulpride and haloperidol, whilst prolactin-sparing antipsychotics included aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, cariprazine and quetiapine. In the two studies, estimated increased risks of breast cancer were disconcertingly high (up to 62%), but a third recent study found only a weak dose-response association. There are extensive methodological complications in this research, including the extent to which studies measure other risk factors for breast cancer and disagreement about the extent of prolactin elevation by some antipsychotics. Conclusion Although causation between prolactin elevating antipsychotics and breast cancer in women has not been demonstrated, recent epidemiological reports are worrying. For women on antipsychotics, informed consent should ideally include discussion of breast cancer concerns within the wider context of treatment benefits and risks.
Managing Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivorship: Communication Challenges and Opportunities as Described by Cancer Survivors
Authors: O’Regan Amy , Fish Laura J. , Makarushka Christina , Somers Tamara , Fitzgerald Jones Katie , Merlin Jessica S. , Dinan Michaela , Oeffinger Kevin , Check Devon 
Published: March 2023

Objectives Many cancer survivors experience chronic pain after completing curative-intent treatment. Based on available data, chronic pain may be undertreated in this context; however, little is known about cancer survivors’ experiences with clinical management of chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to better understand cancer survivors’ pain management experiences after curative-intent treatment. Methods We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of cancer survivors who had completed treatment for stage I-III breast, head/neck, lung or colorectal cancer. We used a thematic approach to qualitative data analysis. Results Participants described that chronic pain often goes unrecognized by their providers, potentially due to limitations in how pain is assessed clinically and the tendency of both cancer survivors and providers to minimize or invalidate the pain experience. To improve communication, participants suggested that providers ask more open-ended questions about their pain, help them to establish functional goals, and provide patients with options for pain management. Significance of Results This study demonstrates the importance of provider-initiated communication around pain management for cancer survivors to make them feel more supported in their care. Communication and shared decision-making interventions may improve cancer survivor-provider communication around chronic pain management, addressing an important gap in survivorship care.
Preparation and Characterisation of Polyacrylic Acid Leucaena Gum as a Thickener in Reactive Dye Printing Pastes
Authors: Kantouch F. , Ragheb A. 
Published: March 2023

Polyacrylic acid-leucaena gum was prepared by the polymerisation of acrylic acid on leucaena gum using potassium persulphate as initiator. The rheological properties of the gums and their utilisation as thickening agents in printing cotton fabrics with reactive dyes were investigated. It was found that polyacrylic acid-leucaena gum pastes are characterised by a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour. The apparent viscosity depends on the amount of acrylic acid. Cotton fabric samples printed with cibacron blue 3R acquire soft handle and colour fastness properties nearly identical with those printed using sodium alginate paste; the highest colour strength was obtained using a mixture of polyacrylic acid/leucaena gum with sodium alginate at a ratio of 1:3 w/w.
Mechanical and Impact Properties of Composite Laminates Reinforced with Kevlar Multiaxial Warp Knit Fabrics
Authors: Kang Tae Jin , Kim Cheol 
Published: March 2023

The mechanical and impact properties of multiaxial warp knit fabric reinforced composite laminates have been studied. Kevlar® fibre was used to fabricate the multiaxial warp knit structure for unidirectional reinforcing as well as stitching yarns. Tensile, flexural, short beam shear, and impact properties have been compared with those of woven laminated composites. The results showed that increased interlaminar shear strength is the main characteristic feature of the multiaxial warp knit composite compared with plain woven laminates. The interlaminar shear strength of multiaxial warp knit composites showed up to 52% increase compared with that of woven laminates composites. Also the delamination was retarded due to the increase in interlaminar shear strength of the multiaxial warp knit composites. It is shown that the through-the-thickness reinforcing loops resist any delamination. The tensile strength of the multiaxial warp knit composites increased by about 5–12% compared with the theoretical values computed from classical lamination theory. It is generally accepted that impact induced delamination area increases with the increase in the total absorbed impact energy in collisions with foreign objects. But the multiaxial warp knit composites showed that the total absorbed impact energy decreased with the increase in through-the-thickness reinforcement fibres. The multiaxial warp knit composites showed reduced vertical deformations compared with woven laminates, as the reinforcing loop density increased.
New Evidence Supporting the Interfacial Model of Electrically Conductive Polymer Composites. 2. Indication of Phase Separation during Ageing of Polyaniline-Poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) Composites
Authors: Tsanov Tihomir , Terlemezyan Levon 
Published: March 2023

Phase separation in conductive polyaniline-poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PANI-EVA) composite films, resulting in formation of PANI enriched (lower side) and PANI deficient (upper side) layers was found during storage of these composites. A distinct difference in the conductivity of the two sides of the films reaching a half order of magnitude was detected. It was shown that phase separation and conductive pathways formation resulted from flocculation of PANI particles during ageing of the films. Subsequently, the total electrical conductivity of the composites of lower PANI content (up to 2.5 wt. %) was substantially enhanced (ca. five orders of magnitude). The observed conductivity jump and phase separation phenomena have been discussed using mathematical terms. Moreover, for the first time a mathematical interpretation of the evolution in percolation behaviour of PANI-EVA composites over time is presented. Coefficients of correlation (rxy) between average conductivity, σ, (y) and PANI content (x) in the composites were calculated to be ca. 0.85 - 0.99. Besides, the shape of percolation curves (σ vs. PANI content) was found to change during storage of the films. The unstable conducting properties (both conductivity jump and phase separation phenomena) of PANI-EVA composites over time revealed their dissipative nature, and have to be regarded as evidence supporting the dynamic interfacial model of conductive polymer composites.
Centrifugal Casting of Polyamide 6 I. Influence of Thermal Treatment
Authors: Rusu M. , Ibanescu Constanta , Murariu M. , Bordeianu Alexandrina , Balint S. , Andrei Elena 
Published: March 2023

Centrifugal casting combined with anionic polymerisation of ε-caprolactam was used to obtain polyamide 6 tubes. These tubes were thermally treated (7 - 8 hours at 170°C) to improve their properties. Comparative analysis of thermally treated and untreated products allows the conclusion that the thermal treatments improved the polymers’ crystallinity and the products became more suitable for certain specific applications (such as slide bearings).