bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shear analysis of rice husk ash (RHA) reinforced tin‐0.7‐copper composite solders on electroless nickel/immersion silver (ENIAg) surfaces
Authors: Azmah Hanim M.A. , Wei C.K. , Dele‐Afolabi T.T. , Azlina O.S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, the mechanical performance of the rice husk ash‐reinforced tin‐0.7 copper composite solder was investigated. 0.01 wt.%, 0.05 wt.% and 0.1 wt.% of rice husk ash (RHA) were added to the solder matrix to prepare the composite solders. In order, to replace the costly electroless nickel immersion gold surface finish on the copper substrate, the effect of electroless nickel immersion silver (ENIAg) as the surface finish was studied. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the composite solder exhibited lower melting temperature relative to the plain solder owing to the inclusion of rice husk ash. Shear strength analysis was carried out to investigate the influence of rice husk ash and electroless nickel immersion silver surface finish on the shear strength of the developed composite solders. The results proved that the rice husk ash failed to enhance the shear strength of tin‐0.7 copper lead‐free solder with the plain solder exhibiting the highest shear strength.
Separation of 47Sc produced from natCa(n, γ) reaction for potential medical applications by a synthesized raspberry‐like structure of metal‐organic framework material
Authors: Atallah M.F. , Gizawy M.A. , Labib S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis work aimed for the synthesis of a novel metal organic framework through a facile and gamma‐irradiation process to be applied for the separation of scandium‐47 as theranostic radioisotope from the irradiated calcium target. Polyacrylonitrile‐cupric oxide nanocomposite structure (as metal organic framework) was successfully synthesized and characterized. The optimized conditions (such as monomer concentration, weight of cupric oxide nanoparticles and gamma‐dose) for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile‐cupric oxide were identified. The newly synthesized resin was used to study the separation of micro amounts of scandium‐47 from gram amounts of the irradiated calcium carbonate by batch equilibration and column studies. Preliminary study demonstrated that the Kd values of scandium(III) ions are little higher than that of calcium(II) ions. The elution yield of scandium‐47(III) was found to be 61±2 %. Future work will be done to improve this yield for nuclear medicine applications.
In situ pedicle lengthening and perforator shifting technique for overcoming the perforator variation of the anterolateral thigh free flap during head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Yeu , Lai Chih‐Sheng , Wang Yu‐Ping , Chen I‐Chen , Lu Chen‐Te , Feng Chin‐Hsing , Tsai Yueh‐Chi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap is one of the most popular options for surgeons when reconstructing head and neck defects. When the recipient vessels are located in a remote site, a flap with adequate pedicle length is essential. The conventional methods of either pedicle elongation or fabricating combined flap increase the total surgical time. We present the experience on the use of what in situ pedicle lengthening and perforator shifting technique to overcome these problems.MethodsFifteen patients with an age range of 38–65 years underwent in situ vascular transposition microsurgery of the ALT free flap harvest during head and neck reconstruction. Fourteen patients were male and one was female. Indications for reconstruction were malignant neoplasm in 14 patients and osteoradionecrosis in one patient. In this series, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels was used for interposition grafts. If the pedicle length was insufficient, the interposition grafts were used to lengthen the pedicle. The interposition grafts could also bridge different perforasomes in the thigh region in complex head and neck reconstruction.ResultsOf the 15 patients, 11 received the in situ pedicle lengthening technique, while four patients received in situ fabricated combined techniques. After surgery, all of the patients were followed up for at least 3 months. Two partial wounds involving poor healing occurred but finally healed after debridement. There were two major complications: one case involved venous thrombosis of the anastomosis and the other suffered from hematoma. Both cases were salvaged. All of the 15 free ALT flaps were successful.ConclusionsThe alternative method employed in this series was able to solve the ALT flap perforator variation. Although the enrolled cases were confined to only head and neck reconstruction in the series, the in situ technique of the ALT flaps could be administered during reconstruction in other regions.
B1‐gradient–based MRI using frequency‐modulated Rabi‐encoded echoes
Authors: Torres Efraín , Froelich Taylor , Wang Paul , DelaBarre Lance , Mullen Michael , Adriany Gregory , Pizetta Daniel Cosmo , Martins Mateus José , Vidoto Edson Luiz Géa , Tannús Alberto , Garwood Michael 
Published: September 2021

PurposeReduce expense and increase accessibility of MRI by eliminating pulsed field (B0) gradient hardware.MethodsA radiofrequency imaging method is described that enables spatial encoding without B0 gradients. This method, herein referred to as frequency‐modulated Rabi‐encoded echoes (FREE), utilizes adiabatic full passage pulses and a gradient in the RF field (B1) to produce spatially dependent phase modulation, equivalent to conventional phase encoding. In this work, Cartesian phase encoding was accomplished using FREE in a multi‐shot double spin‐echo sequence. Theoretical analysis and computer simulations investigated the influence of resonance offset and B1‐gradient steepness and magnitude on reconstruction quality, which limit other radiofrequency imaging methodologies. Experimentally, FREE was compared to conventional phase‐encoded MRI on human visual cortex using a simple surface transceiver coil.ResultsImage distortions occurred in FREE when using nonlinear B1 fields where the phase dependence becomes nonlinear, but with minimal change in signal intensity. Resonance offset effects were minimal for Larmor frequencies within the adiabatic full‐passage pulse bandwidth.ConclusionFor the first time, FREE enabled slice‐selective 2D imaging of the human brain without a B0 gradient in the y‐direction. FREE achieved high resolution in regions where the B1 gradient was steepest, whereas images were distorted in regions where nonlinearity in the B1 gradient was significant. Given that FREE experiences no significant signal loss due to B1 nonlinearities and resonance offset, image distortions shown in this work might be corrected in the future based on B1 and B0 maps.
Efficacy of fesoterodine fumarate (8 mg) in neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis: A prospective study
Authors: Konstantinidis Charalampos , Samarinas Michael , Tzitzika Moira , Kratiras Zisis , Panagiotakopoulos Georgios , Giannitsas Konstantinos , Athanasopoulos Anastasios 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsAntimuscarinic drugs are the first‐line choice in the treatment of patients with neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (nDO). Fesoterodine fumarate is the newest antimuscarinic drug. Limited data are published about the use of fesoterodine fumarate in patients suffering from neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Our study aims to determine the efficacy of fesoterodine fumarate on patients with nDO due to spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsThis is an open‐label prospective interventional study. Eligible patients were 18–80 years old with SCL or MS and nDO confirmed by a urodynamic study (UDS). At baseline, patients underwent a UDS to confirm nDO. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the Short‐Form (SF) Qualiveen questionnaire. Patients received fesoterodine 8 mg/day for 3 months and were re‐evaluated with UDS and SF‐Qualiveen. The primary endpoint was the confirmation of the maximum detrusor pressure (Pdetmax) reduction after treatment. Secondary endpoints were: evaluation of maximum bladder capacity and compliance and QoL effect. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon‐test using SPSSv26.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐four patients completed the study. Ninety‐five of them (76.6%) had SCL, while 29 (23.4%) had MS. Pdetmax, maximum bladder capacity, and compliance had significant reduction after treatment (p < .001) in the whole group and each subgroup. SF‐Qualiveen revealed a significant increase in QoL in each group (p < .001).ConclusionsFesoterodine fumarate (8 mg) is an efficacious drag in patients with SCL and MS, as it significantly decreases the detrusor pressure, increases the bladder capacity and compliance, and improves the QoL.
Perinatal pharmacoepidemiology: How often are key methodological elements reported in publications?
Authors: Margulis Andrea V. , Kawai Alison T. , Anthony Mary S. , Rivero‐Ferrer Elena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposePublications provide important information for clinicians, researchers, and patients. Key methodological elements must be reported for maximum transparency. We identified key methodological elements necessary for fully understanding perinatal pharmacoepidemiology research and quantified the proportion of studies that reported these elements in a sample of publications.MethodsKey methodological elements were identified from guidelines from regulatory agencies, literature, and subject‐matter knowledge: source of information to determine pregnancy start; mother‐ or father‐infant linkages (process, success rate); unit of analysis; and whether non‐live births and fetuses with various anomalies were included in the study population. We conducted a literature review for recent observational studies on medical product utilization or safety during pregnancy and estimated the prevalence of reporting these elements.ResultsData were extracted from a random sample of 100 publications; 8% were published in epidemiology/pharmacoepidemiology journals; 85% were medical product–safety studies. Of publications for which each element was applicable, 43% reported the source for determining pregnancy start; 57%, whether the study population included multifetal pregnancies; 39%, whether it included more than one pregnancy per woman; 27%, whether it included fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities; 60%, fetuses with major congenital malformations; and 93%, non‐live births. Of the 20 studies with mother‐infant linkage, 35% described the process; 21% reported the linkage success rate. Among studies with more than one pregnancy/offspring per woman, 22% reported methods addressing sibling correlation.ConclusionsIn this sample of pregnancy‐related pharmacoepidemiology publications, completeness of reporting could have been improved. A pregnancy‐specific checklist would increase transparency in the dissemination of study results.
The aggregation behavior and structure of blends of κ‐carrageenan and ε‐polylysine hydrochloride
Authors: Tian Jie , Li Tingting , Janaswamy Srinivas , Wang Nan , Song Shuang , Qi Hang , Wen Chengrong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPolypeptides play a key role in improving food quality, and understanding their interactions with polysaccharides would be beneficial to developing new foods. Herein, κ‐carrageenan (KC) and ε‐polylysine hydrochloride (PLH) were chosen as the model polysaccharide and polypeptide, respectively, to study polysaccharide/polypeptide complexes. The KC/PLH solutions were characterized for turbidity as a function of mass ratio, pH, salts and stirred conditions at 0.5 and 1 mg mL–1 concentrations. The solutions at a KC/PLH mass ratio of 7:3 have the highest turbidity, and the turbidity is stable in acidic conditions, decreases with increase in pH in alkaline conditions and salt concentration, and increases with increase of stirred time and temperature. The Fourier transform infrared spectra suggest that the amide I band of PLH disappears along with a change in the amide II band upon complexing with KC. These changes further influence the microstructure and reveal a rough, non‐uniform and large irregular cavity network structure. Indeed, these observations are intimately associated with the dynamic interactions persistent at the molecular level between the KC and PLH. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Photomechanical polymer hydrogels based on molecular photoswitches
Authors: Luo Peng‐Fei , Xiang Shi‐Li , Li Chong , Zhu Ming‐Qiang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAs intelligent materials responsive to light, photomechanical hydrogels not only possess high‐water content, excellent softness and biocompatibility, but also can accomplish various mechanical motions upon spatiotemporal stimulation of external light, which exhibit great potential in biomedical and underwater bionic fields. Molecular photoswitches have been used broadly in preparation of photomechanical hydrogels owing to their high photosensitivity and reversible molecular structure transformations induced by light. Herein, the current progress of photomechanical hydrogels based on typical molecular photoswitches such as spiropyran, azobenzene, and hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) are introduced. Especially, as a promising building unit for photomechanical hydrogels, HABI has been highlighted due to the unique molecular structures and reversible photoswitching capability. HABI‐derived polymer hydrogels demonstrate flexible mechanical behaviors upon localized light irradiation. The characteristics and challenges of photomechanical hydrogels based on molecular photoswitches are also prospected.
Mortality from cancer in people with severe mental disorders in Emilia Romagna Region, Italy
Authors: Grassi Luigi , Stivanello Elisa , Belvederi Murri Martino , Perlangeli Vincenza , Pandolfi Paolo , Carnevali Fabio , Caruso Rosangela , Saponaro Alessio , Ferri Mila , Sanza Michele , Fioritti Angelo , Meggiolaro Elena , Ruffilli Federica , Nanni Maria Giulia , Ferrara Maria , Carozza Paola , Zerbinati Luigi , Toffanin Tommaso , Menchetti Marco , Berardi Domenico 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine cancer‐related mortality in patients with severe mental disorders (SMI) in the Emilia Romagna (ER) Region, Northern Italy, during the period 2008–2017 and compare it with the regional population.MethodsWe used the ER Regional Mental Health Registry identifying all patients aged ≥18 years who had received an ICD‐9CM system diagnosis of SMI (i.e., schizophrenia or other functional psychosis, mania, or bipolar affective disorders) during a 10‐year period (2008–2017). Information on deaths (date and causes of death) were retrieved through the Regional Cause of Death Registry. Comparisons were made with the deaths and cause of deaths of the regional population over the same period.ResultsAmongst 12,385 patients suffering from SMI (64.1% schizophrenia spectrum and 36.9% bipolar spectrum disorders), 24% (range 21%–29%) died of cancer. In comparison with the general regional population, the mortality for cancer was about 50% higher among patients with SMI, irrespective if affected by schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. As for the site‐specific cancers, significant excesses were reported for stomach, central nervous system, respiratory, and pancreas cancer with a variability according to psychiatric diagnosis and gender.ConclusionsPatients suffering from SMI had higher mortality risk than the regional population with some differences according to cancer type, gender, and psychiatric diagnosis. Proper cancer preventive and treatment interventions, including more effective risk modification strategies (e.g., smoking cessation, dietary habits) and screening for cancer, should be part of the agenda of all mental health departments in conjunction with other health care organizations, including psycho‐oncology.
Economic inequality and congressional action in the United States: A comparison of the minimum wage and alternative minimum tax
Authors: Koger Gregory , Rodriguez Stefanie 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA central puzzle in American politics is the stark increase in economic inequality since the early 1970s due, in part, to the absence of public policies to address this trend. One explanation is policy drift: Inequality has grown in the United States because the political process has been unresponsive to economic trends toward inequality. A second explanation is unequal political influence: Wealthy individuals and corporations wield superior political influence and tilt public policy toward their interests. We compare these explanations using the federal minimum wage and alternative minimum tax (AMT) from 1969 to 2012 as comparison cases. These policies were both denominated in nominal dollars, so the effect of policy inaction is comparable for both policy domains. We find that (1) the U.S. Congress was much more likely to update AMT policy than minimum wage policy after 1978, (2) Congress protected and increased the real value of the AMT deduction for married couples, whereas the real value of the minimum wage and individual deduction declined after 1978, (3) Congress and the President eventually converted the AMT—but not the minimum wage—to automatic adjustments for inflation. These patterns highlight the role of political inequality in economic policy‐making.
To care for or to accompany? Determining factors for an inclusive work environment in Community Social Services of Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: González‐Portillo Auxiliadora , Jaraíz Arroyo Germán 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis article, the result of a research and development project funded by the Spanish administration, analyzes the impact of the dynamics of social inclusion carried out by the Municipal Social Services Centers in the region of Andalusia (Spain). The research follows a qualitative methodology, centered on the analysis of normative, operative, and discursive dimensions. This research shows how the social intervention carried out in these centres is conditioned by two very different realities. On the one hand, there is a set of regulations that, from a theoretical point of view, is committed to social integration. On the other hand, a daily context with a high level of interferences and assistance demands that hinder a real labour activation and social integration. This situation generates great organisational pressure and conditions professional praxis. Several factors play a role in this situation: The ideas held by the people involved in the professional intervention, knowledge management, networking, and the relationship between client and professional. The study concludes that to reinforce the inclusive capacity of social services increasing the resources and number of professionals is not enough, focusing on the models of management and intervention in a collaborative fashion is also necessary.
Respiratory system findings in pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Esenboga Saliha , Oguz Berna , Cagdas Deniz , Karaatmaca Betül , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Yalcin Ebru , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Uğur , Kiper Nural , Tezcan İlhan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary involvement which can be infectious or noninfectious is one of the most frequent complications in patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID).ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the pulmonary system of the pediatric patients with PID and report the demographical, clinical, and radiological findings regarding the underlying PID.MethodsThe present study included pediatric patients who were receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT) for PID (combined immunodeficiency [CVID] (23), common variable immunodeficiency (15), and agamaglobulinemia [10]) so far or newly diagnosed and started IGRT at Hacettepe University Immunology Department, between January 2015 and January 2018.ResultsA total of 48 patients (60.4% male), aged 9.9 (6.1–14) years were included. Time of delay in the diagnosis of immundeficiency was 2.27 (interquartile range: 1.0–6.75) years. CVID patients exhibited higher respiratory system symptoms, as well as a history of recurrent lung infection and hospitalization. Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies, peribronchial thickening, and bronchiectasis were the most common pulmonary complications and more than three lung lobes were affected in 69%. Among the newly diagnosed patients, bronchiectasis was present in 25% and more than three lobes were affected in 62.5%. Although pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy were frequently computed tomography findings in our patients, only two patients (4.16%) were diagnosed with interstitial lung disease.ConclusionAlthough bronchiectasis is predominantly reported as a long‐term complication in adult patients with PID, half of our pediatric patient cohort with PID had bronchiectasis, even the newly diagnosed patients. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to assess the extent to which these pulmonary complications that develop in the natural course of the disease can be prevented by IGRT.
Low‐energy electron ionization optimization for steroidomics analysis using high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Leogrande Patrizia , Jardines Daniel , Martinez‐Brito Dayamin , de la Torre Xavier , Parr Maria K. , Botrè Francesco 
Published: September 2021

RationaleSystematic electron ionization fragmentation studies of steroids have been performed to elucidate and trace their characteristic fragmentation patterns. However, the electron ionization source setting at 70 eV electron energy is much higher than the ionization potential (7–15 eV) of most organic compounds, leading to extensive fragmentation. We present a multifactorial study on optimizing a low‐energy electron ionization source to maximize molecular ion formation while minimizing the extent of fragmentation to improve the analytical sensitivity of steroids, especially the more thermolabile ones, while preserving the information that can be extracted from the data.MethodsTwenty‐seven steroid reference materials, chosen to cover four main classes of urinary steroids, were considered; gas chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight (GC/qTOF) analyses were carried out using an Agilent Technologies model 8890 gas chromatograph coupled to an Agilent Technologies model 7250 accurate‐mass quadrupole time‐of‐flight (GC/qTOF) instrument. The effects of electron energy, emission current, and source temperature, as well as their potential interactions on steroid fragmentation pathways, have been assessed in full factorial experimental designs.ResultsThree parameters were specifically evaluated to improve the chromatographic/spectrometric response of the selected steroids: (i) degree of fragmentation; (ii) relative abundance of the molecular ion; and (iii) peak width. The first two were evaluated by screening designs that highlighted collision energy and source temperature as the most influential factors on the analytical responses of the considered steroids, while emission current always showed a non‐significant influence. Then, an optimization design was performed to select the final source setting by searching for the combination of factors that minimize peak tailing.ConclusionsThe proposed analytical approach permits a faster selection of optimal experimental conditions for steroidomics analysis using low‐energy electron ionization and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The development of these designs of experiments (DoE) in full factorial design (FFD) allowed multiple inputs to be monitored at the same time, highlighting the possible interactions and estimating the effects of a factor in the different levels of the other factors considered.