bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of PEG‐Based Hydrogels as Soft Ionic Conductors
Authors: Rodriguez‐Rivera Gabriel J. , Xu Fei , Laude Madeline , Shah Vani , Nkansah Abbey , Bashe Derek , Lan Ziyang , Chwatko Malgorzata , Cosgriff‐Hernandez Elizabeth 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTConductive hydrogels have gained interest in biomedical applications and soft electronics. To tackle the challenge of ionic hydrogels falling short of desired mechanical properties in previous studies, our investigation aimed to understand the pivotal structural factors that impact the conductivity and mechanical behavior of polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based hydrogels with ionic conductivity. Polyether urethane diacrylamide (PEUDAm), a functionalized long‐chain macromer based on PEG, was used to synthesize hydrogels with ionic conductivity conferred by incorporating ions into the liquid phase of the hydrogel. The impact of salt concentration, water content, temperature, and gel formation on both mechanical properties and conductivity was characterized to establish parameters for tuning hydrogel properties. To further expand the range of conductivity available in these ionic hydrogels, 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) was incorporated as a single copolymer network or double network configuration. As expected, conductivity in these ionic gels was primarily driven by ion diffusivity and charge density, which were dependent on hydrogel network formation and swelling. Copolymer network structure had minimal effect on the conductivity, which was primarily driven by counter‐ion equilibrium; however, the mechanical properties and equilibrium swelling were strongly dependent on network structure. The structure–property relationships elucidated here enable the rationale design of this new double network hydrogel to achieve target properties for a broad range of biomedical applications.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated in Poly‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/Acrylamide Membrane Trigger the Key Events of Full‐Thickness Wound Healing in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Saha Sankhadip , Roy Suman , Jana Sonali , Sarkar Tuhin , Chanda Swapno , Datta Pradyot , Chakraborty Bijayashree , Mondal Samiran , Halder Samar , Kundu Biswanath , Nandi Samit Kumar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTZinc oxide nanoparticles are known to possess anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties and find wide application in the preparation of topical ointments. Wound dressings in the form of hydrogels can replenish the wound microenvironment to aid the healing process in a multidimensional way. We have fabricated a composite hydrogel using 1–3 wt. % ZnO nano‐particles, synthesized by chelation reaction, and poly‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA)/acrylamide, synthesized, and co‐polymerized in 8 kGy gamma irradiation. Developed powders and composite membranes have been thoroughly analyzed for XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDX mapping, DTA/TGA, particle size, shape, morphology, porosity, water uptake, and contact angle. Thermally stable phase‐pure ZnO spherical nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 40 ± 2 nm have been used for fabricating well‐dispersed composite with contact angle varying 78o–88o. These membranes, when used in vivo, rendered a suitable environment conducive to tissue regeneration and ECM component deposition sequentially. Endowed with antibacterial properties, these hydrogels also demonstrated excelling swelling capacity which proved beneficial in maintaining a moist wound environment aiding in the healing process. An earlier wound closure was achieved with 2%–3% ZnO‐pHEMA/acrylamide hydrogels which demonstrate the potential of ZnO nanoparticles in signaling and instructing the wound bed milieu towards the efficient repair.
Skeletal Muscle 31P MR Spectroscopy Surpasses CT in Predicting Patient Survival After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kyselova Denisa , Mikova Irena , Sedivy Petr , Dezortova Monika , Hajek Milan , Mares Jan , Tupy Marek , Kautznerova Dana , Kysela Marek , Fronek Jiri , Spicak Julius , Trunecka Pavel 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSkeletal muscle alterations are associated with higher mortality and morbidity in patients with liver cirrhosis. Assessing these changes seems to be a promising method for identifying patients at a high risk of poor outcomes following liver transplantation (LT). This is particularly important given the current global shortage of organ donors. However, evidence of the impact of these alterations on the prognosis of patients undergoing LT is inconclusive. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the impact of skeletal muscle changes, reflected in sarcopenia, myosteatosis and metabolic changes in the calf muscles, on perioperative outcomes and long‐term survival after LT. We also sought to determine the posttransplant evolution of the resting muscle metabolism.MethodsWe examined 134 adult LT candidates. Of these, 105 underwent LT. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were diagnosed by measuring the skeletal muscle index and mean psoas muscle radiation attenuation, respectively, which were obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans taken during pretransplant assessment. Additionally, patients underwent 31P MR spectroscopy (MRS) of the calf muscles at rest before LT and 6, 12 and 24 months thereafter. The median follow‐up was 6 years.ResultsPatients with abnormal 31P MRS results and CT‐diagnosed myosteatosis prior to LT had significantly worse long‐term survival after LT (hazard ratio (HR), 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.48–7.60; p = 0.0021 and HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.06–6.29; p = 0.03, respectively). Multivariable analysis showed that abnormal 31P MR spectra (HR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.50–7.71; p = 0.003) were a better predictor of worse long‐term survival after LT than myosteatosis (HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.14–6.78; p = 0.025). Patients with abnormal 31P MR spectra had higher blood loss during LT (p = 0.038), required a higher number of red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.006) and stayed longer in ICU (p = 0.041) and hospital (p = 0.007). Myosteatosis was associated with more revision surgeries following LT (p = 0.038) and a higher number of received red blood cell transfusion units (p = 0.002). Sarcopenia had no significant effect on posttransplant patient survival. An improvement in the resting metabolism of the calf muscles was observed at 12 and 24 months after LT.ConclusionsAbnormal 31P MRS results of calf muscles were superior to CT‐based diagnosis of myosteatosis and sarcopenia in predicting perioperative complications and long‐term survival after LT. Resting muscle metabolism normalized 1 year after LT in most recipients.
Skeletal Muscle Index Changes on Locoregional Treatment Application After FOLFIRINOX and Survival in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Min Ji Hye , Yu Jeong Il , Kim Seong Hyun , Kim Young Kon , Kim Kangpyo , Park Hee Chul , Park Joon Oh , Hong Jung Yong , Lee Kyu Taek , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Lee Jong Kyun , Park Joo Kyung , Choi Jin Ho , Heo Jin Seok , Han In Woong , Kim Hongbeom , Shin Sang Hyun , Yoon So Jung , Woo Sook‐young 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) require complex management strategies. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of the perichemotherapy skeletal muscle index (SMI) and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) in patients with BRPC or LAPC treated with FOLFIRINOX.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 227 patients with BR or LAPC who received at least four cycles of chemotherapy between 2015 and 2020. We analysed chemotherapy response, changes in SMI (ΔSMI, %) on computed tomography (CT) and CA19‐9 to determine their impact on progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). After the early application of loco‐regional treatments (LRT) within 3 months after completing four cycles of chemotherapy, the outcomes were compared between ΔSMI and CA19‐9 subgroups.ResultsAmong 227 patients (median age, 60 years; 124 [54.6%] male) with 97 BR and 130 LAPC, 50.7% showed partial response (PR) to chemotherapy, 44.5% showed stable disease and 4.8% showed progressive disease (PD). Post‐chemotherapy CA19‐9 levels were normalized in 41.0% of patients. The high and low ΔSMI groups (based on the gender‐specific cut‐off of −8.6% for males and −2.9% for females) comprised 114 (50.2%) and 113 (49.8%) patients, respectively. The high ΔSMI group had poorer survival rates than the low ΔSMI group in both PFS (HR = 1.32, p = 0.05) and OS (HR = 1.74, p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that ΔSMI (high vs. low; PFS, HR = 1.39, p = 0.03; OS, HR = 1.82, p < 0.001) and post‐chemotherapy response (PD vs. PR/SD; PFS, HR = 18.69, p < 0.001; OS, HR = 6.19, p < 0.001) were independently associated with both PFS and OS. Additionally, the post‐chemotherapy CA19‐9 (≥ 37 vs. < 37; HR = 1.48, p = 0.01) was an independent predictor for PFS. Early application of LRT after chemotherapy significantly improved PFS and OS in both ΔSMI groups (all p < 0.05). However, it was not beneficial in the group with high ΔSMI and post‐chemotherapy CA19‐9 ≥ 37 (PFS, p = 0.39 and OS, p = 0.33).ConclusionsProgressive sarcopenic deterioration after four cycles of chemotherapy was associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with BR or LAPC after FOLFIRINOX. We also investigated the optimal clinical setting for the early application LRTs using the ΔSMI and post‐chemotherapy CA 19‐9.
Fetal Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: History, Current Status, and Future Directions
Authors: Suchá Dominika , Bohte Anneloes E. , van Ooij Pim , Leiner Tim , Schrauben Eric M. , Grotenhuis Heynric B. 
Published: November 2024

Fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a complementary modality for prenatal imaging in suspected congenital heart disease. Ongoing technical improvements extend the potential clinical value of fetal cardiovascular MRI. Ascertaining equivocal prenatal diagnostics obtained with ultrasonography allows for appropriate parental counseling and planning of postnatal surgery. This work summarizes current acquisition techniques and clinical applications of fetal cardiovascular MRI in the prenatal diagnosis and follow‐up of fetuses with congenital heart disease.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 3
Global Climatology of Rapid Expansion of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhang Weiling , Chan Kelvin T. F. , Xu Lifeng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRapid expansion (RE) of tropical cyclones (TCs) is a structural evolution that specifies the dramatic geometric synthesis increase in TC size. Its destructive potential is comparable or even more pronounced than that by the TC rapid intensification but receives limited attention. In this study, we utilise the ERA5‐derived 41‐year (1979–2019) global climatology of TC outer size data (i.e., effective azimuthal‐area‐average radius of 34‐kt gale‐force surface winds, R34EFF) to define RE and reveal the global climatology of RE for the first time, where RE is defined as the 90th percentile of global expanding samples (i.e., ΔR34EFF > 50 NM per 24 h; 1 NM = 1.852 km). Statistics show that 32% of all TCs underwent RE at least once during their lifetime. Climatologically, the proportion of RE decreased significantly in the globe (7%) and Northern Hemisphere (9%), particularly in the western North Pacific (8%). Seasonally, the RE proportion peaks in the early and late TC seasons. Spatiotemporally, distinct spatiotemporal variations and interdecadal changes of RE are found. In view of TC lifecycle, TCs likely reach their lifetime maximum intensity and lifetime maximum size after RE initiation. The duration of RE varies widely from basin to basin, while its seasonal variability is relatively smaller. Regarding the relationship between RE and TC intensity, the intensity of rapidly expanding TCs may increase or decrease with the former being more likely. The initial size and intensity of rapidly expanding TCs tend to be small (45 NM) and weak (60 kt), respectively. This study advances the understanding of RE from a global perspective, laying important groundwork for future study.
Leveraging AI models for lesion detection in osteonecrosis of the femoral head and T1‐weighted MRI generation from radiographs
Authors: Shinohara Issei , Inui Atsuyuki , Hwang Katherine , Murayama Masatoshi , Susuki Yosuke , Uno Tomohiro , Gao Qi , Morita Mayu , Chow Simon Kwoon‐Ho , Tsubosaka Masanori , Mifune Yutaka , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Goodman Stuart B. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study emphasizes the importance of early detection of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in young patients on long‐term glucocorticoid therapy, including those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lupus, and other diagnoses. While X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are standard imaging methods for staging ONFH, MRI can be costly and time‐consuming. The research focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the evaluation of radiographic images for ONFH detection. The study involved analyzing X‐ray and MRI from 102 control hips and 104 ONFH‐affected hips at Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) Stage II and IIIa. We employed transfer learning with the YOLOv8 model for object detection, using 80% of the data for training and 20% for validation, then assessed detection accuracy through mean average precision (mAP) and a precision‐recall curve. Additionally, AI generated synthetic MRI (sMRI) from X‐ray images using a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) and evaluated their similarity to original MRI. Results showed that the mAP for ONFH detection was 0.923 for the YOLOv8n model and 0.951 for YOLOv8x. The GAN‐generated sMRI exhibited lower image quality compared with originals but maintained potential for lesion assessment. Intrarater reliability among evaluators was high. The findings indicate that AI techniques, particularly YOLOv8 for object detection and GAN for image generation, can effectively assist in ONFH screening, despite some limitations in the generated MRI quality.
Value‐Focused Thinking and Interpretive Structural Modeling in the Development of Resilience‐Enhancing Initiatives in SMEs
Authors: Gonçalves Jorge , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Milici Alexandra , Ferreira Neuza C. M. Q. F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTFollowing the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic, small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced growing challenges that underscore the critical need for enhanced organizational resilience. This study aims to bridge the gap in resilience research by offering a structured and practical decision‐support tool to enhance the resilience of SMEs. Adopting a multiple‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, combining value‐focused thinking (VFT), and interpretative structural modeling (ISM), the study identifies and prioritizes key initiatives and factors affecting SME resilience. Specifically, using a constructivist, process‐oriented methodology, we engaged an expert panel from diverse sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and services, to collaboratively develop a group cognitive map and an interpretive model that guide resilience‐building efforts. The findings highlight a hierarchy of resilience determinants, offering actionable insights for SME managers to structure and implement targeted resilience‐enhancing strategies. The originality of this study lies in its dynamic decision‐support approach, tailored specifically for SMEs, which is particularly relevant in today's volatile, post‐pandemic business environment. The results provide a significant contribution to the field by addressing critical gaps in SME resilience research and offering practical tools for organizational planning.
A novel polysaccharide from Macadamia peel: Extraction, purification, structural characterization and antioxidant activity
Authors: Guo Gangjun , Xu Wenting , Fu Jiarong , Ma Shangxuan , Huang Kechang , Wei Yuanmiao , Yang Yuexue , Lan Xiuhua , He Xiyong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMacadamia peels are the main by‐product of postharvest treatment of the whole fresh fruit weight, they contain various bioactive substances, such as polysaccharides, phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and other nutritional and functional components, that are known to have anti‐tumor and anti‐oxidation functions.RESULTSTwo purified polysaccharide fractions were obtained (MPP‐1 and MPP‐2) by extracting with ultrasonic‐microwave‐aided water extraction and purifying by with DEAE‐52 and Sephadex G‐50 columns, and then characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and NMR, and the antioxidant activity was also investigated. The results indicated that MPP‐1 and MPP‐2 were mainly glucose, the molecular weight was 8.16 kDa and 7.73 kDa, respectively. Methylation with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and NMR analyses confirmed that two fractions comprised of →4) ‐α‐d‐ Glcp ‐(1→, →6) ‐β‐d‐ Glcp ‐(1→ and →3,4) ‐β‐d‐ Glcp ‐(1→) as the main chain. In addition, MPP‐1 and MPP‐2 polysaccharides showed significant antioxidant activity with respect to 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl group and reducing power, and MPP‐2 demonstrated excellent antioxidant activities compared to MPP‐1 with IC50 values of 35.12, 18.82 and 40.12 μg mL−1, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe novel polysaccharide, MPP‐1 and MPP‐2, mainly containing glucose, showed significant antioxidant activity with respect to DPPH, hydroxyl group and reducing power. This study has enhanced waste utilization and reduced environmental pollution, providing some inspiration for the reuse of the waste generated during agricultural production. It may bring good prospects for their use as antioxidants in functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Space‐Time Knife‐Edge in Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Films for Ultrafast Pulse Characterization
Authors: Ball Adam , Secondo Ray , Fomra Dhruv , Wu Jingwei , Saha Samprity , Agrawal Amit , Lezec Henri , Kinsey Nathaniel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEpsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) materials have shown strong refractive nonlinearities that can be fast in an absolute sense. While continuing to advance fundamental science, such as time varying interactions, the community is still searching for an application that can effectively make use of the strong index modulation offered. Here, the effect of strong space‐time index modulation in ENZ materials is combined with the beam deflection technique to introduce a new approach to optical pulse characterization that is termed a space‐time knife edge. It is shown that in this approach, temporal and spatial information of a Gaussian beam can be extracted with only two time resolved measurements. The approach achieves this without phase‐matching requirements (<1 µm thick) and can achieve a high signal to noise ratio by combining the system with lock‐in detection, facilitating the measurement of weak refractive index changes (Δn 10−5) for low intensity beams. Thus, the space‐time knife edge can offer a new avenue for ultrafast light measurement and demonstrates a use case of ENZ materials. In support of this, temporal dynamics for refractive index changes in non‐colinear experiments opening avenues are outlined for better theoretical understanding of both the spatial and temporal dynamics of emerging ENZ films.
Swelling‐Shrinking Behavior of a Hydrogel with a CO2‐Switchable Volume Phase Transition Temperature
Authors: Sergi Sarah R. , Hastie James J. , Smith Finlay J. M. , Devlin Abigail G. , Bury Elizabeth G. , Paterson Mara L. , Kosednar Sophia B. , Sefcik Lauren S. , Gordon Melissa B. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMacromolecules exhibit rich phase behavior that may be exploited for advanced material design. In particular, the volume phase transition in certain crosslinked hydrogels is a key property controlling the transition between a collapsed/dehydrated and a swollen/hydrated state, thereby regulating the release and absorption of water via a temperature change. In this work, a simple and tunable system exhibiting a carbon dioxide (CO2)‐switchable volume phase transition is introduced, which displays isothermal swelling‐shrinking behavior that is activated by addition and removal of CO2, respectively. Through systematic compositional studies, shifts in phase transition temperatures of up to 8.6 °C are measured upon CO2 exposure, which enables pronounced isothermal swelling in response to CO2, reaching up to a fivefold increase in mass. The shift in transition temperature and the extent of swelling are controlled by the hydrogel composition, thus enabling the transition temperature and swelling degree to be tuned a priori for a particular application. Controlled release experiments from these gels upon a CO2‐induced phase transition suggest viability for drug delivery applications. It is anticipated that this work will motivate and expand efforts to exploit phase behavior for smart material development.
Stretchable and Self‐Adhesive Conductors for Smart Epidermal Electronics
Authors: Wang Lin , Kong Desheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEpidermal electronics utilize deformable devices that are seamlessly integrated into the body for various cutting‐edge applications. Stretchable conductors are essential for creating electrodes in these devices, allowing them to interface with the skin for sensing and stimulation. Despite considerable progress in improved deformability, these conductors may not easily adhere to the skin for long‐term use. There is a growing interest in imparting self‐adhesive properties to epidermal devices to ensure secure integration with the body. This article focuses on the emerging field of stretchable and self‐adhesive conductors. It explores the design strategy required to enable stretchability and conformability in these materials and discusses their pivotal applications in smart epidermal electronics. Additionally, this article also addresses the current challenges and future directions in this dynamic area of research.
Hot deformation behavior and dynamic recrystallization of Ti−3Mo−6Cr−3Al−3Sn titanium alloy
Authors: Liu X. , Zhang H. , Wang S. , Zhang S. , Zhou G. , Chen L. , Cheng J. , Jiang Y. , Wang Y. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe hot compression experiments were performed at a deformation temperature of 720 °C to 870 °C and a strain rate of 0.0005 s−1 to 5 s−1. The strain‐compensated Arrhenius constitutive equation and the hot processing map at a strain of 0.6 were established, and the dynamic recrystallization behaviors of the alloy in different power dissipation (η) regions were studied. The results show that the correlation coefficient (R) and average relative errors (AARE) of the established constitutive equations are 0.999 % and 2.523 % in the β phase region, and 0.988 % and 7.709 % in the α+β phase region, respectively. The hot processing map shows that the deformation parameters in the high power dissipation regions range from 810 °C to 870 °C/0.0005 s−1 to 0.005 s−1, accompanied by a power dissipation factor of 0.41 to 0.55. These regions result from a combination of continuous and discontinuous recrystallization mechanisms. With the decrease in the power dissipation value, the appearance of deformation bands (DBs) and localized flow (FL) in the microstructure increased.