bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of a super compact UWB antenna for accurate detection of breast tumors using monostatic radar‐based microwave imaging technique
Authors: Grover Priyanka , Singh Hari Shankar , Sahu Sanjay Kumar 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article proposes a low‐profile ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna for breast tumor detection using the monostatic radar‐based microwave imaging (RBMI) technique. The proposed UWB antenna consists of a circular patch and ground plane along with a modified tapered feed line having a total size of 13 × 9 × 1.6 mm3. The designed antenna operates from 4 to 11 GHz based on a −10 dB reflection coefficient with a peak gain of 9.5 dBi at 4.8 GHz. Experimental validation is carried out after fabricating the prototype of the UWB antenna and the breast mimic. The measured backscattered signals are captured using the vector network analyzer (E‐5063A) by keeping the antenna at 10 mm from the breast phantom. After that, post‐processing of the measured data is done to detect the exact depth and location of the malignant tissue. The proposed antenna uses UWB band frequency of operation because it has some unique features, that is, it provides immunity to multipath fading, has a simple design, has a low cost of fabrication, and has biological friendliness. Moreover, due to the proposed antenna's resonance at a lower resonant frequency better depth of penetration is achieved in human body phantoms and the proposed antenna provides specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.877 W/kg over 1 g of tissue at 4.8 GHz, which is an acceptable limit for SAR as per FCC guidelines. Therefore, the proposed antenna and monostatic RBMI technique are good candidates for breast tumor detection.
Modelling reference evapotranspiration using principal component analysis and machine learning methods under different climatic environments
Authors: Raza Ali , Saber Kouadri , Hu Yongguang , L. Ray Ram , Ziya Kaya Yunus , Dehghanisanij Hossein , Kisi Ozgur , Elbeltagi Ahmed 
Published: May 2023

AbstractReference evapotranspiration (ETo) is a complex process in the hydrologic cycle that influences several hydrologic parameters. Although several methods have been developed to model ETo, a reliable method that can use limited climatic input parameters for data‐limited regions is still limited. This study evaluated four machine learning (ML) methods: M5 pruned (M5P) tree, sequential minimal optimization (SMO), radial basis function neural regression (RBFNreg) and multilinear regression (MLR). The major objective of this study was to identify the best approach to estimate ETo with minimum input data in five stations (Multan, Jacobabad, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Skardu) located in Pakistan. The datasets of these stations comprised maximum and minimum temperatures (Tmax, Tmin), average relative humidity (RHavg), average wind speed (Ux), and sunshine hours (n) variables. Two scenarios were used for ETo modelling. In the first scenario, five climatic variables were used as inputs to estimate ETo as obtaining full climatic parameters is the biggest challenge in developing countries. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a clustering technique in the second scenario to reduce the climatic input parameters. The PCA results indicated that Tmax, Tmin and n were identified as effective inputs for ETo estimation. Based on statistical indicators, the M5P tree outperformed the other applied ML methods in estimating ETo under various climatic environments. This study recommends focusing on areas with high ETo values and adequate irrigation scheduling of crops to achieve water sustainability.
Nowcasting from cross‐sectionally dependent panels
Authors: Fosten Jack , Nandi Shaoni 
Published: May 2023

SummaryThis paper builds a mixed‐frequency panel data model for nowcasting economic variables across many countries. The model extends the mixed‐frequency panel vector autoregression (MF‐PVAR) to allow for heterogeneous coefficients and a multifactor error structure to model cross‐sectional dependence. We propose a modified common correlated effects (CCE) estimation technique which performs well in simulations. The model is applied in two distinct settings: nowcasting gross domestic product (GDP) growth for a pool of advanced and emerging economies and nowcasting inflation across many European countries. Our method is capable of beating standard benchmark models and can produce updated nowcasts whenever data releases occur in any country in the panel.
miR‐136‐5p/FZD4 axis is critical for Wnt signaling‐mediated myogenesis and skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Zhang Donghao , Yin Lingqian , Lin Zhongzhen , Yu Chunlin , Li Jingjing , Ren Peng , Yang Chaowu , Qiu Mohan , Liu Yiping 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSkeletal muscle can undergo a regenerative process in response to injury or disease to maintain muscle quality and function. Myogenesis depends on the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts, and miRNAs can maintain the balance between them by precisely regulating many key factors in the myogenic network. Here, we found that miR‐136‐5p was significantly upregulated during the proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 cells. We demonstrate that miR‐136‐5p acts as a myogenic negative regulator during the development of mouse C2C12 myoblasts. In terms of mechanism, miR‐136‐5p inhibits the formation of β‐catenin/LEF/TCF DNA‐binding factor transcriptional regulatory complex by targeting FZD4, a gating protein in the Wnt signaling pathway, thereby enhancing downstream myogenic factors and finally promoting myoblast proliferation and differentiation. In addition, in BaCl2‐induced muscle injury mouse model, miR‐136‐5p knockdown accelerated the regeneration of skeletal muscle after injury, and further led to the improvement of gastrocnemius muscle mass and muscle fiber diameter, while being suppressed by shFZD4 lentivirus infection. In summary, these results demonstrate the essential role of miR‐136‐5p/FZD4 axis in skeletal muscle regeneration. Given the conservation of miR‐136‐5p among species, miR‐136‐5p may be a new target for treating human skeletal muscle injury and improving the production of animal meat products.
Development, reach, acceptability and associated clinical changes of a group intervention to improve caregiver‐adolescent relationships in the context of adolescent depression
Authors: Aitken Madison , Sagar Ameeta , Courtney Darren , Szatmari Peter 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents with depression often experience relationship problems with their caregivers, which predict poorer treatment outcomes. Personalising interventions by targeting factors associated with poor treatment outcomes may enhance the effectiveness of interventions. We report the development and initial evaluation of an intervention designed to target caregiver‐adolescent relationship problems in the context of adolescent depression.MethodsFollowing a literature search to identify established caregiver interventions, we developed a new group intervention for caregivers through an iterative process including six rounds of the group with n = 53 caregivers of adolescents age 13–18 in the context of an integrated care pathway for adolescent depression. Caregivers rated their family functioning at the beginning and end of the program and provided anonymous satisfaction ratings. Enrolment and attendance data were examined. Youth with lived experience of depression and their caregivers provided input that was incorporated in the final version of the intervention.ResultsThe final intervention consists of 8 weekly, 1.5 h group sessions, delivered face‐to‐face, addressing: psychoeducation, the cognitive‐behavioural model and caregiving, positive caregiving, listening and validation, expressing emotions effectively, and problem solving. Reach (56%), attendance (M = 63%, SD = 31%), and satisfaction (M = 92%; SD = 7%) supported the feasibility of the program. Caregivers reported significant improvements in family functioning, t(21) = 2.68, p = .014, dz = 0.56 [95% CI 0.11–1.0].DiscussionA group intervention is acceptable to caregivers of adolescents with depression and may be associated with improved family functioning. Further research is needed, including a randomised controlled trial to test effects of the intervention on various dimensions of the caregiver‐youth relationship and on youth depression outcomes.
Detection of Treatment Response in Triple‐Negative Breast Tumors to Paclitaxel Using MRI Cell Size Imaging
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , McKinley Eliot T. , Xie Jingping , Gore John C. , Xu Junzhong 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundBreast cancer treatment response evaluation using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) guidelines, based on tumor volume changes, has limitations, prompting interest in novel imaging markers for accurate therapeutic effect determination.PurposeTo use MRI‐measured cell size as a new imaging biomarker for assessing chemotherapy response in breast cancer.Study TypeLongitudinal; animal model.Study PopulationTriple‐negative human breast cancer cell (MDA‐MB‐231) pellets (4 groups, n = 7) treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or 10 nM of paclitaxel for 24, 48, and 96 hours, and 29 mice with MDA‐MB‐231 tumors in right hind limbs treated with paclitaxel (n = 16) or DMSO (n = 13) twice weekly for 3 weeks.Field Strength/SequenceOscillating gradient spin echo and pulsed gradient spin echo sequences at 4.7 T.AssessmentMDA‐MB‐231 cells were analyzed using flowcytometry and light microscopy to assess cell cycle phases and cell size distribution. MDA‐MB‐231 cell pellets were MR imaged. Mice were imaged weekly, with 9, 6, and 14 being sacrificed for histology after MRI at weeks 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Microstructural parameters of tumors/cell pellets were derived by fitting diffusion MRI data to a biophysical model.Statistical TestsOne‐way ANOVA compared cell sizes and MR‐derived parameters between treated and control samples. Repeated measures 2‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni post‐tests compared temporal changes in MR‐derived parameters. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that the mean MR‐derived cell sizes of paclitaxel‐treated cells increased significantly with a 24‐hours treatment and decreased (P = 0.06) with a 96‐hour treatment. For in vivo xenograft experiments, the paclitaxel‐treated tumors showed significant decreases in cell size at later weeks. MRI observations were supported by flowcytometry, light microscopy, and histology.Data ConclusionsMR‐derived cell size may characterize the cell shrinkage during treatment‐induced apoptosis, and may potentially provide new insights into the assessment of therapeutic response.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage4.
Clinical effectiveness of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir in patients with COVID‐19 and substance use disorders based on real‐world data
Authors: Liu Ting‐Hui , Huang Po‐Yu , Wu Jheng‐Yan , Chuang Min‐Hsiang , Hsu Wan‐Hsuan , Tsai Ya‐Wen , Chang Chih‐Cheng , Lai Chih‐Cheng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study assessed the clinical efficacy of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (NMV‐r) in treating patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) and substance use disorders (SUDs). This study included two cohorts: the first examined patients with SUDs, with and without a prescription for NMV‐r, while the second compared patients prescribed with NMV‐r, with and without a diagnosis of SUDs. SUDs were defined using ICD‐10 codes, related to SUDs, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, opioid, and tobacco use disorders (TUD). Patients with underlying SUDs and COVID‐19 were identified using the TriNetX network. We used 1:1 propensity score matching to create balanced groups. The primary outcome of interest was the composite outcome of all‐cause hospitalization or death within 30 days. Propensity score matching yielded two matched groups of 10 601 patients each. The results showed that the use of NMV‐r was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization or death, 30 days after COVID‐19 diagnosis (hazard ratio (HR), 0.640; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.543–0.754), as well as a lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization (HR, 0.699; 95% CI: 0.592–0.826) and all‐cause death (HR, 0.084; 95% CI: 0.026–0.273). However, patients with SUDs had a higher risk of hospitalized or death within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis than those without SUDs, even with the use of NMV‐r (HR, 1.783; 95% CI: 1.399–2.271). The study also found that patients with SUDs had a higher prevalence of comorbidities and adverse socioeconomic determinants of health than those without SUDs. Subgroup analysis showed that the benefits of NMV‐r were consistent across most subgroups with different characteristics, including age (patients aged ≥60 years [HR, 0.507; 95% CI: 0.402–0.640]), sex (women [HR, 0.636; 95% CI: 0.517–0.783] and men [HR, 0.480; 95% CI: 0.373–0.618]), vaccine status (vaccinated <2 doses [HR, 0.514; 95% CI: 0.435–0.608]), SUD subtypes (alcohol use disorder [HR, 0.711; 95% CI: 0.511– 0.988], TUD [HR, 0.666; 95% CI: 0.555–0.800]) and Omicron wave (HR, 0.624; 95% CI: 0.536–0.726). Our findings indicate that NMV‐r could reduce all‐cause hospitalization and death in the treatment of COVID‐19 among patients with SUDs and support the use of NMV‐r for treating patients with SUDs and COVID‐19.
Comparison of the immunogenicity of nasal‐spray rVSV vector, adenovirus vector, and inactivated COVID‐19‐based vaccines in rodent models
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Liu Jiandong , Li Hongyue , Yuan Fei , Jiang Congli , Cang Tianle , Li Kelei , Hu Qiang , Liu Jiankai , Zheng Aihua 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntranasal (i.n.) vaccines can induce mucosal and systemic immunity against respiratory pathogens. Previously, we demonstrated that the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)‐based COVID‐19 vaccine rVSV‐SARS‐CoV‐2, with poor immunogenicity via the intramuscular route (i.m.), is more suitable for i.n. administration in mice and nonhuman primates. Here, we found that the rVSV‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Beta variant was more immunogenic than the wild‐type strain and other variants of concern (VOCs) in golden Syrian hamsters. Furthermore, the immune responses elicited by rVSV‐based vaccine candidates via the i.n. route were significantly higher than those of two licensed vaccines: the inactivated vaccine KCONVAC delivered via the i.m. route and the adenovirus‐based Vaxzevria delivered i.n. or i.m. We next assessed the booster efficacy of rVSV following two i.m. doses of KCONVAC. Twenty‐eight days after receiving two i.m. doses of KCONVAC, hamsters were boosted with a third dose of KCONVAC (i.m.), Vaxzevria (i.m. or i.n.), or rVSVs (i.n.). Consistent with other heterologous booster studies, Vaxzevria and rVSV elicited significantly higher humoral immunity than the homogenous KCONVAC. In summary, our results confirmed that two i.n. doses of rVSV‐Beta elicited significantly higher humoral immune responses than commercial inactivated and adeno‐based COVID vaccines in hamsters. As a heterologous booster dose, rVSV‐Beta induced potent, persistent, and broad‐spectrum humoral and mucosal neutralizing responses against all VOCs, highlighting its potential to be developed into a nasal‐spray vaccine.
Inferences of the ecological habits of extinct giant sloths from the Brazilian Intertropical Region
Authors: Santos Adaiana Marta Andrade , Mcdonald H. Gregory , Dantas Mário André Trindade 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTThree indices estimated from measurements of the humerus and ulna were used to suggest possible ecological habits of eight extinct giant sloths from the Late Pleistocene of the Brazilian Intertropical Region. To make these inferences, data from extant primates and xenarthras representing suspensory, climbing and digging forms were compared. The results indicate niche differentiation existed between these species; Ahytherium aureum, Australonyx aquae and Nothrotherium maquinense could have been climbers, Catonyx cuvieri, Ocnotherium giganteum and Glossotherium phoenesis were diggers, while Valgipes bucklandi and Eremotherium laurillardi were strictly terrestrial in their habits. These results suggest a general pattern in which members of the Megalonychidae and Nothotheriidae were mainly climbers, whereas mylodontines were mainly diggers, and scelidotheres were strictly terrestrial along with members of the giant Megatheriidae.
Effects of different food ingredients and additives on the digestibility of extruded and roller‐dried maize starch and its application in low glycemic index nutritional formula powder
Authors: Cheng Yong , Chen Qiuming , Wang Zhaojun , Zeng Maomao , Qin Fang , Chen Jie , He Zhiyong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDComplex interactions that occur among starch, protein, and fat during food processing affect the taste, texture, and digestibility of starch‐based food. The physicochemical properties of starch, in particular its slow digestibility, are greatly influenced by processing techniques such as extrusion and roller‐drying. This study investigated the effects of various food ingredients and additives on the digestion properties of maize starch treated with extrusion and roller drying. It designed a nutritional formula to develop low glycemic index products.RESULTSThe extruded group containing raw maize starch, soybean protein isolate, soybean oil, lecithin and microcrystalline cellulose in the ratio of 580:250:58:20:3 had the best slow digestion properties. Nutritional formulas were designed at the above ratio, with supplements including calcium casein peptide, multi‐vitamins, sodium ascorbate, fructooligosaccharides, xylitol, and peanut meal. The sample containing 10% peanut meal and a 1:3 ratio of fructooligosaccharides and xylitol additions obtained the highest sensory evaluation scores. An obvious slow digestion effect was observed in samples produced from the optimal formula.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study could contribute to the development and production of a low glycemic index, nutritional powder. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dissipation, residue distribution, and risk assessment of ethiprole and its metabolites in rice under various open field conditions
Authors: Dong Bizhang , Hu Jiye 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDEthiprole has been registered to control planthoppers in rice fields for many years in Asia. However, its dissipation and residues in rice under natural field conditions and health hazards are largely unclear. In the present study, a modified QuEChERS (i.e. Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe) and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was established to detect ethiprole and its metabolites, ethiprole amide and ethiprole sulfone, in brown rice, rice husks, and rice straw. The field experiments were implemented in 12 representative provinces of China under Good Agricultural Practices aiming to investigate the fate and terminal residues of ethiprole and its metabolites in rice. Finally, the dietary risk of ethiprole was evaluated.RESULTSThe average recoveries of these analytes in all matrices were 86.4–99.0% with a repeatability of 0.575–9.38%. The limits of quantification for each compound were 0.01 mg kg−1. Dissipation of ethiprole followed the single first‐order, first + first‐order, and first‐order multi‐compartment kinetic models with a half‐life of 2.68–8.99 days in rice husks. The dissipation half‐life of ethiprole combining all metabolites was 5.20–16.2 days in rice husks. The terminal residues of ethiprole and its metabolites at preharvest intervals of 21 days were < 0.011, 0.25, and 0.20 mg kg−1 in brown rice, rice husks, and rice straw, respectively. Ethiprole amide was undetectable in all matrices, and the risk quotient of ethiprole was far less than 100%.CONCLUSIONEthiprole rapidly converted to ethiprole sulfone in rice, and ethiprole and ethiprole sulfone mainly remained in rice husks and straws. The dietary risk of ethiprole was acceptable for Chinese consumers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Trauma and mental health among North Korean refugees living in South Korea: The role of acculturative stress
Authors: Choi Yuni A. , Park Soim , Lee Hayoung , Cha Jiho , Surkan Pamela J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe psychological impact of indirect trauma is unknown among North Korean (NK) refugees. We aimed to investigate the effects of direct and indirect trauma on the mental health of NK refugees in South Korea and evaluate the potential moderating effect of acculturative stress in this association. Using respondent‐driven sampling, we recruited 323 NK refugees for this retrospective study. We measured exposure to direct and indirect trauma as independent variables, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and symptoms of depression and anxiety as dependent variables. After implementing multivariate imputation using chained equations, the associations between trauma type and psychological outcomes were assessed using ordinary least squares regression analyses, controlling for demographic covariates; the potential effect modification of acculturative stress was studied by adding an interaction term to the analyses. PTSS and symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly associated with exposure to both direct, Bs = 0.24, 0.16, 0.19, respectively, p < .001s, and indirect trauma, Bs = 0.13, 0.08, 0.07, respectively, ps < .001. Although we did not observe significant effect modification, the magnitude of association between indirect trauma and PTSS significantly differed between the high, B = 0.18, p < .001, and low acculturative stress groups, B = 0.08, p = .024. These findings suggest that indirect trauma is associated with a more severe mental health consequence among NK refugees who experience high acculturative stress. Efforts to mitigate acculturative stress may reduce the mental health consequences of indirect trauma exposure.
Analysis of the kinetic growth of an electrochemically formed bronze patina using the layer‐pore resistance model
Authors: Gonzalez‐Parra Rafael , Bañuelos Guadalupe , Covelo‐Villar Alba , Hernández‐Gallegos Miguel A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe growth of patinas on artistic or archeological copper alloys is a determining stage to reproduce similar surface conditions such as corrosion protection of cultural heritage materials. In this work, the kinetic growth and protective properties of the corrosion products layer of a quaternary copper alloy have been characterized using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy‐EDS, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The results of LSV show that the patina formation is a mixed process consisting of dissolution and direct film formation. EIS results show that the kinetic formation modifies the characteristics of the corrosion layer allowing a Warburg‐like diffusive mechanism or the response of a porous oxide layer without diffusive phenomena. The roughness and thickness of the patina enhance with the decrease in the scan rate. The patina is mainly composed of copper and tin corrosion products.