bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audit of data from examination image headers collected for quality assurance in the ECOG‐ACRIN EA1151 tomosynthesis mammographic imaging screening trial (TMIST)
Authors: Maki Aili K. , Mawdsley Gordon E. , Mainprize James G. , Pisano Etta , Shen Sam Z. , Alonzo‐Proulx Olivier , Yaffe Martin J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

A comprehensive, centrally‐monitored physics quality control (QC) program was developed for the Tomosynthesis Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST), a randomized controlled trial of digital breast tomosynthesis (TM) versus digital mammography (DM) for cancer screening. As part of the program, in addition to a set of phantom‐based tests, de‐identified data on image acquisition and processing parameters were captured from the DICOM headers of all individual patient images in the trial. These data were analyzed to assess the potential usefulness of header data from digital mammograms and tomosynthesis images of patients for quality assurance in breast imaging.

Methods

Data were automatically extracted from the headers of all de‐identified patient mammograms and tomosynthesis images in the TMIST study. Image acquisition parameters and estimated radiation doses were tracked for individual sites, systems and across system types. These parameters included (among others) kV, target/filter use, number of acquired views per examination, AEC mode, compression thickness and force and detector temperature. Consistency of manually entered study data parameters (subject ID, screening time‐point) from TMIST was evaluated. Preliminary observations from the program are presented.

Results

We report on data from 812 651 images from 135 525 examinations acquired between October, 2017 and December, 2022. Data came from 6 system models from 3 manufacturers. There was greater variability both in the number of views used and in the estimated (proxy) doses received in DM exams compared to TM. Mean proxy doses per examination varied among manufacturers from 2.76–4.54 mGy for DM and 3–4.84 mGy for the tomosynthesis component in the TM arm with maximum examination proxy doses of 20 and 26 mGy for DM and TM respectively. Mean proxy doses per examination for the combination examination in TM (tomosynthesis plus digital mammography) varied from 6.6 to 7.6 mGy among manufacturers with a maximum of 44.5 mGy.

Conclusions

Overall, modern digital mammography and tomosynthesis systems used in TMIST have operated very reliably. Doses vary considerably due to variation in the number of views per examination, thickness and fibro‐glandularity of the breast, and choices in the use of synthesized versus actual 2D mammography in the TM examination. These data may also be useful in predicting equipment problems. Header information is valuable not only for automated QC, but also for cross‐checking accuracy and consistency of data in a clinical study.
The utility of diaphragm ultrasound thickening indices for assessing respiratory decompensation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Spiliopoulos Kanellos C. , Lykouras Dimosthenis , Veltsista Dimitra , Skaramagkas Vasileios , Karkoulias Kiriakos , Tzouvelekis Argyrios , Chroni Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

Introduction/Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to diaphragmatic weakness at some point during its course, which is a major cause of respiratory insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasound‐based measures for assessing the diaphragmatic competency and the need for ventilatory support.

Methods

Twenty‐six subjects with ALS and 12 healthy controls were enrolled. All participants underwent B‐mode diaphragm ultrasound (DUS). Diaphragm thickness and thickening indices were recorded. In the subjects with ALS, further assessments included functional scales and spirometry. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of DUS thickening indices in predicting diaphragmatic dysfunction and the correlation between clinical, spirometric, and DUS data.

Results

Significant relationships were found between forced vital capacity and all diaphragmatic thickening indices. Similarly, all diaphragmatic thickening indices correlated with both Milano Torino staging and disease progression rate. Only thickening fraction (TFdi) correlated with score on the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (r = 0.459, P = .024). TFdi had better accuracy in predicting diaphragmatic dysfunction (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.839, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.643 to 0.953) and the need for initiation of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) (AUC = 0.989, 95% CI 0.847 to 1.000) compared with the other indices. A TFdi cut‐off point of 0.50 was a sensitive threshold to consider NIV.

Discussion

DUS successfully identifies diaphragmatic dysfunction in ALS, being a valuable accessory modality for investigating respiratory symptoms. TFdi was found to be the most useful DUS index, which encourages further investigation.
Neuromuscular ultrasound: Impact on diagnosis and management
Authors: Gasemaltayeb Raed , Wannarong Thapat , Ticku Hemani , Preston David C.
Published: October 2023

Introduction/Aim

High‐resolution ultrasound (HRUS) is increasingly used in evaluating neuromuscular conditions. Its potential advantages include its ability to discern anatomic information and make specific etiological diagnoses. Although many studies have demonstrated HRUS effectiveness, especially in mononeuropathies, more information is needed to better determine how often and to what extent useful information is obtained; how it influences diagnosis, clinical decision‐making, and patient management; and how it is used with electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients referred for HRUS at a university laboratory during 2021. Demographic information, referral diagnoses, clinical information, HRUS findings, and follow‐up patient management were analyzed. For patients who had EDx, results were compared with HRUS. Determinations were made whether HRUS did or did not aid in the diagnosis. For patients in whom HRUS resulted in a diagnosis, determination was made whether it confirmed the diagnosis made clinically or by EDx but did not change management; added additional important information; and/or made a decisive impact on subsequent management.

Results

Five hundred two patients were analyzed, most referred for mononeuropathy, brachial plexopathy, and polyneuropathy. HRUS was abnormal in 81.7% of patients. HRUS added additional useful information in 79.0% and was decisive in management in 62.7%. In patients who also had abnormal EDx, HRUS resulted in decisive management in 49.5%.

Discussion

HRUS is an effective diagnostic tool that frequently adds localizing and structural information that is otherwise not obtainable by clinical and EDx evaluation. In a substantial number of patients selected for HRUS, it is decisive in guiding further management.
Environmental DNA compliments traditional sampling for monitoring fish communities in a Texas estuary
Authors: Williford Damon , Hajovsky Polly , Anderson Joel
Published: October 2023

Objective

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has become an important method for inventorying and monitoring biota in aquatic systems. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conducts regular fishery-independent sampling of biotic communities using traditional sampling gears, such as gill nets and bag seines, in all of the major estuaries of adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. Previous studies have shown that eDNA approaches can complement traditional sampling methods.

Methods

We compared fish community structure data in the Cedar Lakes estuary system obtained with traditional sampling gears with data obtained using eDNA sampling using a small sequence of mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene and a validated taxonomic reference file.

Result

For spring and fall of 2022, eDNA metabarcoding detected a larger number of species than either bag seines or gill nets. Species richness detected via eDNA in two seasons in a single year was comparable with the species richness of agency’s historical record based on traditional gears for Cedar Lakes.

Conclusion

Seasonal and spatial variation in species richness was similar between traditional and eDNA sampling; however, eDNA metabarcoding allowed detection of several species that would be difficult or impossible to capture with either bag seines or gill nets. We observed two limitations of eDNA metabarcoding. Read depth was not a good index of relative abundance, which limits our ability to infer relative biomass using single samples. Secondly, we observed detection bias in our eDNA results. Specifically, eDNA failed to detect two species of elasmobranchs present when water sampling was performed and eDNA also performed poorly compared to traditional sampling gears for some species of bony fishes. Despite these limitations, eDNA metabarcoding proved to be an efficient and cost-effective alternative and compliment to traditional fisheries sampling gears for fishery-independent monitoring of community structure and composition in estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico.
Tensor product decomposed multi‐material isogeometric topology optimization with explicit NURBS element stiffness computation
Authors: Yang Aodi , Wang Shuting , Luo Nianmeng , Yuan Xing , Xiong Tifan , Xie Xianda
Published: October 2023

Based on the explicit stiffness computation formula of NURBS (non‐uniform rational B‐splines) element and tensor product decomposed explicit filter, a novel multi‐material isogeometric topology optimization (MMITO) method is put forward to generate multi‐material structures efficiently. The explicit NURBS element stiffness computation formula is: derived from the Bėzier extraction operator under the combination of scaled and rotational geometric transformations between NURBS elements, and the stiffness matrices of NURBS elements can be computed by the stiffness matrix of a Bėzier element without resorting to the time‐consuming integral procedure. As the presented MMITO is a nested optimization framework, we apply the explicit filtering technique to update the multi‐phase design variables efficiently in combination with the tensor product decomposition method. With the decomposed weight matrices of the filter and the explicit form of the NURBS stiffness matrix, we obtain the equivalent but much simplified preprocessing procedure and sensitivity analysis for the MMITO method. A comprehensive set of multi‐material numerical examples are optimized to verify that, while improving the preprocessing efficiency and reducing the memory overhead, the present MMITO scheme is able to generate semblable two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional multi‐material structures with identical structural performance to the traditional scheme. Therefore, the proposed MMITO method is a promising approach to optimizing multi‐material structures.
Death education for undergraduate nursing students in the China Midwest region: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Su Fen‐Ju , Zhao Hai‐Yan , Wang Tian‐Lan , Zhang Lu‐Jiao , Shi Guo‐Feng , Li Yuan
Published: October 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to comprehend the need for incorporating death education within the curriculum of undergraduate nursing students and to assess the factors that impact the desire for such education.

Design

We enlisted undergraduate nursing students from several nursing colleges located in the central and west region of China. Undergraduate students who fulfilled the eligibility criteria between January and February 2021 were chosen to participate. Data were collected via an online platform called Questionnaire Star. The survey encompassed a general information questionnaire and a scale for assessing the need for education on the topic of death. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 software, while multivariate stepwise regression was employed for more complex analysis. Statistical significance was indicated when the p‐value was below 0.05, and high statistical significance was noted when the p‐value fell below 0.01.

Methods

We designed a descriptive quantitative approach to investigate the need for death education and its associated factors. The research involved 907 undergraduate nursing students from the central and west region of China. The data collection was done through the Questionnaire Star platform.

Results

Following the collection of completed surveys, individuals displaying contradictory responses were omitted. Out of 911 surveys disseminated, 907 were successfully collected, resulting in a recovery rate of 99.6%. Among the participants, 769 identified as female, constituting 84.8% of the total, while 138 identified as male, making up 15.2%. The survey findings indicated that factors such as residency, parental educational history and exposure to hospice care education significantly impacted the need for death education among undergraduate nurses (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among students pursuing a nursing degree at the undergraduate level, there was a pronounced need for education related to the topic of death. Offering such education to these students is essential, as it helps cultivate a proper understanding of death. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing the overall quality of patient care throughout their life journey.

Patient or Public Contribution

A total of 907 nursing undergraduates from central and western China participated in the questionnaire.
New Paradigm of Music Listening: Hearing Protection Perceptions and Treatment Decision‐Making Among Music Venue Attendees
Authors: Long Ryan , Lin Matthew E. , Iyer Avinash , Ayo‐Ajibola Oluwatobiloba , Choi Janet S. , Doherty Joni
Published: October 2023

Objective

Investigate the prevalence of hearing protection (HP) use and behavioral motivations and barriers among adults attending music venues.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional online survey study.

Setting

Noise exposure levels at popular social music venues often exceed national guidelines.

Methods

Surveys were distributed on online music communities. Respondents (n = 2352) were asked about demographics, HP use at music venues, knowledge about noise exposure impact, and perceptions of HP use. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analysis explored differences in knowledge and perception between HP users and nonusers.

Results

In this cohort (mean age 29 ± 7 years, 61% male), HP users were significantly more aware of the impact of music venues on hearing (P < .01), believed their hearing ability had decreased after attending music venues (P < 0.01), and believed HP could protect from hearing loss (P < .01) than non‐HP users. HP nonusers most frequently cited never considering HP (14.45%) and apathy about it affecting music quality (12.71%). Common sources of HP information were recommended by a friend/peer. Multivariable regression analysis accounting for demographics, medical history, and attendance characteristics found belief that HP use at music venues could protect from hearing loss (β = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49‐0.78]) and HP use (β = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.47‐1.98]) were significantly associated with increased subjective enjoyment while wearing HP.

Conclusion

HP users and nonusers have significantly different perceptions of HP use and its impact. Our findings have implications for understanding motivations and barriers related to HP use and developing strategies to promote HP use at music venues.
Learn From Public Perception of Water Quality Aesthetics
Authors: Adams Hunter
Published: October 2023

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

—Bill Gates
Leverage Energy Management to Enhance Asset Management
Authors: Dole Eric , Bendinelli Jana
Published: October 2023

Energy management practices can shed new light on traditional asset management programs, save energy costs, increase the likelihood of failure accuracy, improve reliability, and reduce the capital burden of rehabilitation or replacement opportunities.
Alaska Treatment Plant Tackles Climate Change, Treatment Challenges
Authors: Williams Shilo
Published: October 2023

After seven years in the making, a state‐of‐the‐art microfiltration membrane facility and new source water intake is being celebrated by the City of Sitka, Alaska.
Long‐term impacts of primary school scholarships: Evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Barrera‐Osorio Felipe , de Barros Andreas , Filmer Deon
Published: October 2023

This randomized trial investigates the long‐term effects of a primary school scholarship program in rural Cambodia. We estimate impacts—9 years after program inception—on educational attainment, cognitive skills, socio‐emotional outcomes, labor market outcomes, and well‐being. Our results point to systematic improvements in educational attainment but no average impacts on long‐term cognitive or socio‐emotional outcomes. A merit‐based (as opposed to poverty‐based) targeting strategy did, however, increase cognitive outcomes, especially for poorer students. The results suggest positive effects on cognition for males. We find no improvements in labor market outcomes, yet positive effects on well‐being, driven by recipients of merit‐based scholarships. These findings shed light on the complex relationship between barriers to primary schooling and long‐term outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted approaches that consider both socioeconomic factors and individual merit, while also raising important questions about gender dynamics.
The crime effect of refugees
Authors: Akbulut‐Yuksel Mevlude , Mocan Naci , Tumen Semih , Turan Belgi
Published: October 2023

We analyze the impact on crime of millions of refugees who entered and stayed in Turkey as a result of the civil war in Syria. Using a novel administrative data source on the flow of offense records to prosecutors’ offices in 81 provinces of the country each year, and utilizing the staggered movement of refugees across provinces over time, we estimate instrumental variables models that address potential endogeneity of the number of refugees and their location and find that an increase in the number of refugees leads to more crime. We estimate that the influx of refugees between 2012 and 2016 generated additional 75,000 to 150,000 crimes per year, although it is not possible to identify the distribution of these crimes between refugees and natives. Additional analyses reveal that a low‐educated native population has a separate, but smaller, effect on crime. Our results underline the need to quickly strengthen the social safety systems, to take actions to dampen the impact on the labor market, and to provide support to the criminal justice system for mitigating the repercussions of massive influx of individuals into a country, and to counter the social and political backlash that typically emerges in the wake of such large‐scale population movements.
A learning journey into contemporary bioregionalism
Authors: Wearne Samuel , Hubbard Ella , Jónás Krisztina , Wilke Maria
Published: October 2023

Bioregioning is a new wave of bioregional discourse that appears to be attracting interest among sustainability researchers and practitioners.

Through interviews with contemporary leaders and a reflexive research process, we explored bioregioning experiences across seven countries. Our paper outlines the motivations, practices and narratives that we encountered and positions these observations against prior expressions of bioregional thought and broader themes in sustainability research.

We found that in bioregioning, the concept of a bioregion remains important and seems to attract people to the discourse in three ways: It inspires visions of the future that encompass more‐than‐human thriving, it creates a conceptual container that enables a strategic narrative for change that connects places to larger scales, and it justifies the importance of everyday people exercising their right to ‘do’ something.

The combination of these motivators shows bioregioning's relationship with earlier expressions of bioregional thought: Like early bioregional thinkers, regional scales carry cognitive and strategic appeal, and like critical bioregionalism, power and justice are foregrounded to ensure the process of change is ethical. We suggest that in the shift to bioregioning, the bioregion serves as a boundary device, justifying (for some) a focus on regional scale action which has made bioregional discourse unique, and for others, rationalising participatory or emotional priorities. This lets bioregioning enact a dialogic approach to change and enables practitioners to consider questions of scale in open dialogue with emotive place‐based dynamics, bringing nature re‐connection and social–ecological systems research into consideration and overlap with the practice of bioregioning.

We observed parallels between our research process and the central features in bioregioning; both respond to ambitions and calls within sustainability to enact relational values and surface contextualised knowledge while also valuing generalisations and abstraction. Our study, we suggest, provides one example of how research into human–nature relationships in Western sustainability might be pursued in line with these ambitions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Parenting a child with cancer and maintaining a healthy couple relationship: Findings from the Family Talk Intervention
Authors: Holm Maja , Lundberg Tina , Lövgren Malin , Ljungman Lisa
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite the challenges that caring for a child with cancer brings for parents, little knowledge is available concerning the effects on the parents’ couple relationship. Furthermore, few interventions have been designed to support parents in their couple relationship. The aim of this paper was, therefore, to explore parents’ experiences of their couple relationship while having a dependent child with cancer and the support they received from a family‐based intervention, the Family Talk Intervention (FTI).

Methods

Data for this paper were taken from semi‐structured interviews performed in a pilot study of the FTI in the context of pediatric oncology. In total, 22 couples were interviewed after participating in the FTI. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Parents described how maintaining a couple relationship while living with childhood cancer could be very challenging and was not given the highest priority. The FTI was considered a way of providing important support to the couple and a chance for them to sit down together and listen to each other's perspectives on the situation. Parents described that the FTI had helped them gain an increased mutual understanding, sometimes also helping them to realize that they needed more extensive professional support in their relationship.

Conclusions

Living with childhood cancer and upholding a healthy couple relationship is challenging for parents. The FTI has the potential to support couples, mainly by providing opportunities for parents to communicate with each other. However, some couples may be in need of a tailored clinical intervention.
Improved survival of children and adolescents with classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated on a harmonised protocol in South Africa
Authors: Geel Jennifer , van Zyl Anel , Plessis Jan du , Hendricks Marc , Goga Yasmin , Carr Amy , Neethling Beverley , Hramyka Artsiom , Omar Fareed , Mathew Rema , Louw Lizette , Naidoo Thanushree , Ngcana Thandeka , Schickerling Tanya , Netshituni Vutshilo , Madzhia Elelwani , du Plessis Liezl , Kelsey Tom , Ballot Daynia E. , Metzger Monika L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Historic South African 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) from 2000 to 2010 were 46% and 84% for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive and HIV‐negative children, respectively. We investigated whether a harmonised treatment protocol using risk stratification and response‐adapted therapy could increase the OS of childhood and adolescent HL.

Methods

Seventeen units prospectively enrolled patients less than 18 years, newly diagnosed with classical HL onto a risk‐stratified, response‐adapted treatment protocol from July 2016 to December 2022. Low‐ and intermediate‐risk patients received four and six courses of adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), respectively. High‐risk patients received two courses of ABVD, followed by four courses of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and dacarbazine (COPDac). Those with a slow early response and bulky disease received consolidation radiotherapy. HIV‐positive patients could receive granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor and less intensive therapy if stratified as high risk, at the treating clinician's discretion. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to determine 2‐year OS and Cox regression to elucidate prognostic factors.

Results

The cohort comprised 132 patients (19 HIV‐positive, 113 HIV‐negative), median age of 9.7 years, with a median follow‐up of 2.2 years. Risk grouping comprised nine (7%) low risk, 36 (27%) intermediate risk and 87 (66%) high risk, with 71 (54%) rapid early responders and 45 (34%) slow early responders, and 16 (12%) undocumented. Two‐year OS was 100% for low‐risk, 93% for intermediate‐risk, and 91% for high‐risk patients. OS for HIV‐negative (93%) and HIV‐positive (89%) patients were similar (p = .53). Absolute lymphocyte count greater than 0.6 × 109 predicted survival (94% vs. 83%, p = .02).

Conclusion

In the first South African harmonised HL treatment protocol, risk stratification correlated with prognosis. Two‐year OS of HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients improved since 2010, partially ascribed to standardised treatment and increased supportive care. This improved survival strengthens the harmonisation movement and gives hope that South Africa will achieve the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer goals.
Immunohistochemical expression of TFF1 is a marker of poor prognosis in retinoblastoma
Authors: Aschero Rosario , Ganiewich Daiana , Lamas Gabriela , Restrepo‐Perdomo Camilo A , Ottaviani Daniela , Zugbi Santiago , Camarero Sandra , Néspoli Ezequiel , Vilanova Maria Cuadrado , Perez‐Jaume Sara , Pascual‐Pasto Guillem , Sampor Claudia , Grigorovski Nathalia , Salas Beatriz , Suñol Mariona , Carcaboso Angel M. , Mora Jaume , de Dávila María T G , Doz François , Radvanyi François , Abramson David H , Llera Andrea S , Schaiquevich Paula S , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Chantada Guillermo L
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The risk of relapse in retinoblastoma is currently determined by the presence of high‐risk histopathologic factors in the enucleated eye. However, the probability of developing metastatic disease is heterogeneous among these patients. Evaluating a biological marker to identify high‐risk patients could be useful in clinical setting. This study aims to evaluate whether the expression of TFF1, a surrogate for subtype 2 retinoblastoma, is a prognostic marker for relapse and death.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study included 273 patients, 48 of whom had extraocular disease. Immunohistochemical staining were performed for CRX, ARR3, TFF1, and Ki67. Tumors were classified as histological subtype 1 (HS1) if they had low or no expression of TFF1 (quick score (QS) ≤ 50) and as histological subtype 2 (HS2) if they expressed TFF1 diffusely (QS > 50). We studied the association between HS classification and outcome.

Results

Of 273 patients, 35.9% were classified as HS1, 59.3% as HS2 and 4.8% were not evaluable. In multivariate analysis, patients with HS2 tumors had a higher probability of relapse and death than those with HS1 (p < .0001 and p = .00020, respectively). We identified a higher‐risk subgroup among HS2 tumors, presenting non‐mutually exclusive expression of ARR3 and TFF1 and had an increased risk of relapse and death compared with tumors that displayed mutually exclusive expression (p = .012 and p = .027, respectively).

Conclusions

Expression of TFF1, especially when it is not‐mutually exclusive with ARR3, is an independent significant marker of poor outcome in retinoblastoma.
A multi‐institutional feasibility study of intra‐arterial chemotherapy in children with retinoblastoma. A Children's Oncology Group study (COG ARET12P1)
Authors: Chintagumpala Murali , Piao Jin , Gombos Dan , Chevez‐Barrios Patricia , Brock Lindsay , Dunkel Ira J. , Jubran Rima , Leahey Ann M. , Kim Jonathan , O'Brien Joan , Shields Carol L. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos
Published: October 2023

Background

Intra‐arterial chemotherapy (IA) as a treatment to salvage the eye with advanced retinoblastoma is increasingly utilized based on successes reported by institutions around the world mainly through retrospective studies.

Objective

To study the feasibility of delivering melphalan directly into the ophthalmic artery in a multi‐institutional prospective study in children with newly diagnosed unilateral group D retinoblastoma.

Methods

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) initiated study ARET12P1 in 2014 and was open to nine institutions. Eligible patients older than six months of age were enrolled. The feasibility of delivering three injections of melphalan into the ophthalmic artery every 28 days was assessed.

Results

Nine institutions participated in this trial. Fourteen patients were enrolled, two of whom were unevaluable for feasibility. Four patients experienced a feasibility failure. In two patients, the ophthalmic artery could not be accessed for the second IA injection, in one the artery could not be accessed for the first injection, and one patient experienced grade 4 hypotension during the procedure.

Conclusion

Delivery of prescribed therapy within the context of this study did not meet the feasibility goals of the study with only a 67% feasibility success rate. These results should caution centers that plan to initiate this treatment and suggest investment in training to achieve technical expertise or referral to centers with expertise.
Layer ablation and surface textured of Carbon fiber reinforced plastics by infrared pulsed laser
Authors: Li Shaolong , Wang Lin , Yang Wenfeng , Wang Wenxuan , Wang Disheng , Li Zihao , Teng Zhan
Published: October 2023

For high‐quality composite bonded repairs, the research utilized a 1064 nm infrared pulsed laser to obtain geometry and texturing surface. The impact of grinding and laser treatment (0.4, 0.7, and 1.5 J/cm2) on the surface features of composite material was investigated, along with the tensile strength and failure modes. Findings demonstrated that laser treatment could significantly enhance surface roughness parameters and wetting properties compared to grinding. Additionally, an optimal laser energy density of 0.7 J/cm2 achieves complete resin removal without fiber damage while creating a laser‐induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) based on a fiber weaving texture. The research revealed the synergistic bonding mechanism of “submicron mechanical locking” and “micron anchoring.” Laser treatment enhances the tensile strength of repaired specimens to 445 MPa, which was 90% of the original specimens, and substrate fracture was the associated failure mode.

Highlights

This paper applies laser technology to simultaneously achieve 3D geometry and surface texture on composites bonded repairs.

A laser‐induced periodic surface structure was achieved while the resin was completely removed without carbon fiber damage.

The tensile recovery rate of the laser‐treated sample was satisfied with the requirements of aircraft maintenance.
Symmetric SPH modeling of functionally graded nanocomposite plates subjected to low‐velocity impact
Authors: Li Jiao , Lin Jun , Naceur Hakim , Kong Weizhen , Ji Shengcheng , Guan Yanjin , Quan Dong , Chen Jinqiang , Li Yunjiang
Published: October 2023

Functionally graded (FG) composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received extensive attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. The impact responses of FG‐CNT nanocomposites are analyzed by the developed meshless method. The temperature‐dependent material properties are expressed by way of the extended rule of mixture. The kinematics of the composite plate is established on the basis of the first‐order shear deformation theory. The modified Hertzian contact law is adopted to evaluate the impact loading between the plate and the impactor. The dynamic balance equations of the plate are constructed and computed by the Systemic Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SSPH) method with strengthened prediction ability. The impacting behaviors of the FG‐CNT nanocomposite plate, as well as the parametric effects, are analyzed by the developed model and the suitability is clearly demonstrated.

Highlights

Impact of FG‐CNTRC is firstly solved by a self‐developed meshless SPH model.

Strong capacity of the SPH impact model is clearly demonstrated.

More CNTs close to the strike face would improve the impact resistance.
Fetal circulatory physiology and brain development in complex congenital heart disease: A multi‐modal imaging study
Authors: Juergensen Stephan , Liu Jing , Xu Duan , Zhao Yili , Moon‐Grady Anita J. , Glenn Orit , McQuillen Patrick , Peyvandi Shabnam
Published: October 2023

Objective

Fetuses with complex congenital heart disease have altered physiology, contributing to abnormal neurodevelopment. The effects of altered physiology on brain development have not been well studied. We used multi‐modal imaging to study fetal circulatory physiology and brain development in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and d‐transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

Methods

This prospective, cross‐sectional study investigated individuals with fetal congenital heart disease and controls undergoing fetal echocardiography and fetal brain MRI. MRI measured total brain volume and cerebral oxygenation by the MRI quantification method T2*. Indexed cardiac outputs (CCOi) and vascular impedances were calculated by fetal echocardiography. Descriptive statistics assessed MRI and echocardiogram measurement relationships by physiology.

Results

Sixty‐six participants enrolled (control = 20; HLHS = 25; TGA = 21), mean gestational age 33.8 weeks (95% CI: 33.3–34.2). Total brain volume and T2* were significantly lower in fetuses with cardiac disease. CCOi was lower in HLHS, correlating with total brain volume ‐ for every 10% CCOi increase, volume increased 8 mm3 (95% CI: 1.78–14.1; p = 0.012). Echocardiography parameters and cerebral oxygenation showed no correlation. TGA showed no CCOi or aortic output correlation with MRI measures.

Conclusions

In HLHS, lower cardiac output is deleterious to brain development. Our findings provide insight into the role of fetal cardiovascular physiology in brain health.
Optimal design and operation of reactive extrusion processes: Application to the production and scale‐up of polyurethane rheology modifiers for paints
Authors: Cegla Maximilian , Fage Aleksandra , Kemmerling Simon , Engell Sebastian
Published: October 2023

In this work, the methodology for the optimal design, operation and scale‐up of reactive extrusion processes in twin‐screw extruders previously presented in Reference (Cegla and Engell, 2023). is applied to the production of hydrophobically ethoxylated urethanes (HEURs). The new process is a promising alternative to the current batch technology in large reactors with long residence times. We demonstrate the use of model‐based design and scale‐up for this case. A novel mechanistic finite volume twin‐screw extruder model is used as the process model, which is adapted to the process at hand by embedding a detailed description of the HEUR chemistry and rheology. An economic cost function is used to examine the scale‐up process from an 18 mm extruder to a 27 and 75 mm extruders, considering a selected range of products. The comparison between the optimization results obtained for the individual products with the optimization results for the production of multiple material grades using the same screw setup shows the high flexibility of the extruder‐based process. Significant energy savings compared with the conventional batch process can be achieved using reactive extrusion. To quantify the effort for the transition to a purely continuous production in terms of flexibility and process logistics, product changeovers are investigated.

Highlights

Intensification of the HEUR production by reactive extrusion.

Detailed model for the twin‐screw extruder and the chemistry.

Optimization of extruder, screw design, and operating conditions.

Model‐based scale‐up from laboratory to industrial scale.

Investigation of flexible industrial production of different HEURs.
Study on the interaction between fluoroelastomer and silica: Characterizations
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhao Lina , Zhang Chaoqun , Xu Yi , Jia Weijie
Published: October 2023

Due to their excellent chemical stability, fluoroelastomers have been widely used in various severe circumstances since birth. At present, carbon blacks and inorganic fillers are the two most prominent reinforcing agents in fluoroelastomers. However, despite the rise of silica in the rubber industry, it is still difficult to apply this non‐carbon filler alone as a reinforcing agent in fluoroelastomer. Research on the interaction between silica and fluoroelastomer is even less and not systematical. Based on the above, we analyzed the interaction between silica and fluoroelastomer under different conditions through x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, bound rubber (BR) content analysis and rheological properties, and so forth. The interaction between fluoroelastomer and silica can be characterized by the binding energy variation at different temperatures (especially 260°C the new peak at about 685 eV) and wavenumber shift of Si–OH and Si–O–Si in XPS and infrared (IR) analysis, respectively. The BR content varied with loading, temperature, and atmosphere, reflecting the strength of the interaction from a macro perspective. The evolution of the rheological curves of different recipes and test conditions correlate closely with the results of XPS, IR, and BR content analysis, which also shows the sensitive response of polymer‐filler interaction to temperature and load. The observation results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) directly demonstrate the differences in the dispersion of fillers at different temperatures. The proposed mechanism of fluoroelastomer–silica interaction mode will provide us with novel approaches to the applications of silica in the fluorine industry.

Highlights

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates new fluorine species on the interfaces.

Infrared and bound rubber tests verify the fluoroelastomer–silica interactions.

Rheological curves reflect the interaction strength.
Investigation of the influence of salt remelting process on the mechanical, tribological, and thermal properties of 3D‐printed poly(lactic acid) materials
Authors: Yilmaz Sinan , Eyri Busra , Gul Okan , Karsli N. Gamze , Yilmaz Taner
Published: October 2023

In recent years, three‐dimensional (3D) printing has become the most popular of the additive manufacturing methods. This is because fused deposition modeling has many advantages over conventional manufacturing methods, such as enabling difficult‐to‐manufacture designs, producing less waste, and so forth. However, the parts produced by this method cannot be efficiently used in machine parts due to their relatively low mechanical properties. The main reason for the low mechanical properties of these parts is the poor bonding between the layers and between the fused filaments. The objective of this study is to overcome this disadvantage by implementing a heat treatment process called salt remelting. For this purpose, a remelting process was applied to 3D‐printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) samples by holding them in a pot filled with manually compressed powdered salt at 210°C for 45 min and then cooling them to room temperature in a furnace. The untreated and remelted 3D‐printed PLA samples were then characterized by tensile test, three‐point bending test, and hardness test to investigate the mechanical properties. The remelted samples exhibited improved mechanical properties compared to the untreated samples, and this result was attributed to the interlayer bonding and reduction of voids in the microstructure. These results were also consistent with the thermal and morphological analysis results.

Highlights

This study focuses on the characterization of salt‐remelted 3D‐printed PLA.

Salt melt process parameters have been optimized for 3D‐printed PLA.

Thermal, mechanical, tribological, and morphological properties were investigated.

It was found that the salt remelting method had a significant improving effect on the mechanical properties.
Omics insights into the responses to dietary selenium
Authors: Arias‐Borrego Ana , Callejón‐Leblic Belén , Collado Maria Carmen , Abril Nieves , García‐Barrera Tamara
Published: October 2023

Selenium is a well‐known health‐relevant element related with cancer chemoprevention, neuroprotective roles, beneficial in diabetes, and in several infectious diseases, among others. It is naturally present in some foods, but deficiency in people led to the production of nutraceuticals, supplements, and functional food enriched in this element. There is a U‐shaped link between selenium levels and health and a narrow range between toxic and essential levels, and thus, supplementation should be performed carefully. Omics methodologies have become valuable approaches to delve into the responses of dietary selenium in mammals that allowed a deeper knowledge about the metabolism of this element as well as its biological role. In this review, we discuss omics approaches from the workflows to their applications that has been previously used to deep insight into the metabolism of dietary selenium. There is a special focus on selenoproteins, metabolomics responses in blood and tissues (e.g., brain, reproductive organs, etc.) as well as the impact on gut microbiota and its metabolites profile. Thus, we mainly reviewed heteroatom‐tagged proteomics, metallomics, metabolomics, and metataxonomics, usually combined with transcriptomics, genomics, and other molecular methods.
Synthesis of sulfhydryl‐functionalized polymers for the efficient adsorption of Pd2+ and Ag+ from aqueous solution
Authors: Fu Yuli , Duan Wenxiu , Chen Jiaqi , Wang You , Cao Yiwen , Wang Bin , Zhong Shihua , Xu Mancai , Lei Ting , Huang Jianhan
Published: October 2023

Herein, two sulfhydryl‐functionalized polymers, namely, EDT‐HCPS and TMPMP‐HCPS, were synthesized according to the Friedel‐Craft s alkylation and nucleophilic substitution, and they were used to adsorb Pd2+ and Ag+ from aqueous solution. The Friedel‐Crafts alkylation offered the polymers with hyper‐cross‐linking frameworks composed of plentiful rigid methylene. The nucleophilic substitution brought abundant functional SH groups (the sulfur contents were 12.6 and 9.4 wt%, respectively) to the polymers. The adsorption results showed that the capacities of Pd2+ and Ag+ on EDT‐HCPS were larger than TMPMP‐HCPS, and the higher quantities of functional SH groups and the porosity played a beneficial role. The equilibrium data can be characterized by the Langmuir model, and the maximum capacities of Pd2+ and Ag+ on EDT‐HCPS at 308 K were predicted to be 383.92 and 212.93 mg g−1, respectively. The produced polymers represented superior adsorption selectivity, reproducibility, and reusability, demonstrating their excellent performance for the adsorption of Pd2+ and Ag+, and analysis of the adsorption mechanism demonstrated that the SH groups played a major role due to the strong chemical complexation of the functional SH with Pd2+/Ag+.
Two‐way shape memory properties study of crosslinked cycloolefin/dicyclopentadiene copolymer
Authors: Li Xuan , Yao Jiabin , Peng Deqian , Wang Xian , He Xuelian
Published: October 2023

The two‐way shape memory polymers (2 W‐SMPs) have garnered significant interest from researchers due to their great performance and wide range of applications. In this study, we present the synthesis and assessment of crosslinked copolymers P(CDD‐co‐DCPD) and P(COE‐co‐DCPD) using dicyclopentadiene and different comonomers via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The two‐way shape memory behavior of these copolymers was altered by not only varying the species and incorporation level of a second comonomer, but also by adjusting the concentration of the second comonomer. The results indicated that the melting and crystalline temperature of the crosslinked copolymer decreased with increasing content of DCPD. Additionally, it was observed that the P(CDD‐co‐DCPD) copolymers exhibited one‐way shape memory function rather than two‐way shape memory performance under constant stress. With the increasing content of DCPD in the copolymers, the shape recovery ratio exhibited an upward trend and reached a maximum of 94.44%. Additionally, the shape fixation ratio of the P(CDD‐co‐DCPD) copolymers also surpassed 95%. In contrast, the P(COE‐co‐DCPD) copolymers demonstrated both one‐way and two‐way shape memory functions, particularly, when the molar content of DCPD was 4 mol%, the shape recovery ratio reached a maximum of 95.03% and the shape fixation ratio exceeded 90%.
One‐step preparation and characterization of insensitive HMX@PDA particles with microfluidic technology
Authors: Yu Jin , Jiang Hanyu , Xu Siyu , Yao Ergang , Hao Haixia , Li Heng , Wang Yiping , Li Meng , Pei Qing , Zhang Yang , Zhao Fengqi
Published: October 2023

In order to improve the security of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane (HMX) preparation and application process, microfluidic technology was used to improve the crystal quality and surface coating in one step. Using polydopamine (PDA) as coating material, the insensitive HMX@PDA particles were prepared. The morphology, particle size and crystal form of HMX@PDA are regulated by supersaturation. When the concentration of HMX is 0.15 g ⋅ mL−1, the flow ratio of the two‐phase solution is 1 : 1, and the total flow rate is 10 mL ⋅ min−1, the properties of the samples were optimized to the greatest extent. At this point, the particle size of the sample was about 25 μm, SPAN value is 1.02, which is a stable β‐HMX@PDA at room temperature. Through the test, the friction sensitivity and impact sensitivity of HMX@PDA were 36 % and 56 %, which were 52 % and 28 % lower than that of raw HMX, respectively. Meanwhile, the energy of HMX@PDA was not significantly decreased. Thermal analysis showed that PDA inhibited the β→δ crystallization process of HMX at high temperature but did not affect the thermal decomposition process of HMX. This case of preparing HMX@PDA in one‐step with microfluidic technology provides a new idea for the desensitization of energetic materials in the future.