bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic, macromolecular, thermal, and mechanical properties of Bambusa balcooa fibers: effect of two-step chemical modification
Authors: Makhatha Mamookho Elizabeth , Imoisili Patrick Ehi , Jen Tien-Chien 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Natural fibers (NFs) are becoming more and more interesting to research, because of their numerous benefits, sensitivity, biodegradability, and capacity to provide sustainable products that encourage technological innovation and a variety of industrial applications. In this study, a two-step treatment approach was adopted to chemically modify NF obtained from Bambusa balcooa. First ethanol (C2H6O) was utilized for pre-treatment, followed by potassium permanganate (KMnO4)-acetone solution at different concentration and treatment durations. The influence of this modification on the crystallographic, thermal, macromolecular, morphological, and mechanical properties of the B. balcooa fibers (BFs) were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical characterization using both treated and untreated BF. The XRD analysis revealed notable alterations in the crystalline properties of the fiber. FTIR analysis confirmed that wax, hemicellulose, and lignin had been partially eliminated. The findings of the TGA investigation showed that the modified BF could be processed with polymers at low temperatures. Under ideal circumstances, the treated single BF tensile strength increased, and SEM morphology indicated that uniform surface roughness had been attained. This study demonstrated that two-step treatment of BF has the prospective of been used as reinforcement in a range of bio-composites for certain industrial and innovative uses under the right treatment conditions.
One-year ecological momentary assessment of alcohol use, mood, and stress among individuals with alcohol use disorder during SARS-CoV-2 pandemics: a gender-specific reflection
Authors: Wenzel Julia G. , Reichert Markus , Zech Hilmar , Wedemeyer Friederike , Deeken Friederike , Spitta Gianna , Bach Patrick , Lenz Bernd , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Kiefer Falk , Rapp Michael A. , Walter Henrik , Heinz Andreas , Banaschewski Tobias 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlcohol consumption (AC) is a leading risk factor for death, morbidity, and disability worldwide. Gender-specific differences in AC and its moderators, which may serve as markers for preventing severe alcohol use disorders (AUD), showed inconsistent results. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on these differences remains unclear. We examined gender-specific differences in short- and long-term factors affecting AC in individuals at risk for alcohol dependence, focusing on mood, stress, and the influence of restriction-dependent lockdown phases. 358 subjects with AUD aged 16 to 65 were studied over one year. Daily electronic diaries and monthly questionnaires were conducted from 10/01/2020 to 09/30/2021, assessing real-world trajectories of AC, mood (MDMQ), and stress (PSS-10) during Germany’s second COVID-19 wave. Multi-level models were used to assess associations between these measures and with several within- and between-subject variables. During lockdown, women experienced lower and even decreasing mood (valence: β = − 0.2, p < .039; calmness: β = − 0.3, p < .010), while men’s mood increased from the most restrictive lockdown phase (valence: β = 0.2, p < .001; calmness: β = 0.3, p < .001) to post-lockdown (valence: β = 0.5, p < .001; calmness: β = 0.6, p < .001). Stress increased earlier (β = 0.8, p < .001) and more prolonged (β = 0.4, p = .021) in women than in men. For both genders, daily mood was positively associated with daily AC (valence: β = 0.6, p = .004; calmness: β = 0.4, p = .013), leading to stronger drinking on days with elevated mood. Conversely, average mood was negatively associated with average AC (valence: β = − 1.6, p = .011; calmness: β = − 1.2, p = .041), indicating higher overall consumption with worse overall mood. Our findings highlight the need for interventions targeting mental distress in women with AUD during pandemics, as this group faces increased mental burden during social isolation and increased risk of alcohol dependence during persistent distress.
Efficacy of sintilimab combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab in conversional treatment of locally advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer: case analysis and literature review
Authors: Ibrahim Sidikjan , Maimaitiaili Amina , Zhu Guangsheng , Ye Shengwei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Regional lymph nodes that are fixed and fused into clusters or those exhibiting metastases outside the regional lymph nodes are generally classified as stage IV (M1) or unresectable. Patients with such nodes almost always need pre-operative treatment so that they can undergo surgical resection. Combining immunotherapy with trastuzumab and chemotherapy significantly improved the prognosis of HER-2 positive gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancer. However, very few reports are available on the role of immunotherapy in converting patients with unresectable cancer to resectable cancer.

Methods
In this study, we report on four patients with GC who were preoperatively treated with a combination of sintilimab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy at Hubei Cancer Hospital, China, from January 2022 to October 2023. Both preoperative and postoperative clinical and pathological characteristics of each patient were analyzed. The preoperative tumor stage was cT4N3M1.

Results
Postoperative pathological results showed that two patients achieved pathological complete remission (pCR), while the pathological stage in the other two patients decreased to ypT1N0M0 and ypT2N0M0. None of them had nerve or vascular invasion. None of the patients had recurrences or metastases until the last follow-up (October 2024) after primary surgery. The present case report suggests that a combination of immunotherapy comprising trastuzumab and chemotherapy can improve the efficiency of conversion therapy for patients with HER-2 positive locally advanced G/GEJ cancer. This study also demonstrates the safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in a conversional treatment approach.

Conclusion
We showed that a pathological complete response (pCR) can be obtained even with unresectable advanced GC through treatment with sintilimab combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab.
Geological evolution and construction of a glacierized active intra-oceanic arc volcano: Visokoi Island (South Sandwich Islands)
Authors: Smellie J. L. , Leat P. T. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractVisokoi is a small volcanic island in the remote South Sandwich Islands and is unique in being dominated by the basaltic andesite products of highly explosive eruptions. Here, its geology is described in detail for the first time and can be used to characterize the construction of an active glacierized volcano in an intra-oceanic volcanic arc setting. More than 90% of the volcano is submarine and is composed of (1) a ~ 2.5 km-high mound formed of pillow lava and tuff breccia flanked by a low apron of mass flow deposits, together with (2) an overlying unit ~ 200 m thick composed of Surtseyan volcanic products representing a shoaling (and ultimately emergent) volcanic stage. The succeeding island commenced as a small volcanic shield composed of subaerial ‘a ‘ā lavas whose construction terminated in a caldera collapse that repressurized the magma chamber, presaging a major transition to highly explosive pyroclastic eruptions. They were mainly of sub-Plinian and Plinian type and their recognition on the island provides the first viable explanation for the presence of compositionally similar marine tephras sampled by drilling > 500 km from source, previously considered enigmatic. Eruptions probably took place under ice-poor conditions but evidence for quenching of juvenile clasts suggests that the magmas interacted with water high in the conduit sourced from melting of a small ice cap. The major period of high-discharge sub-Plinian and Plinian eruptions appears to have ended and any future events shall probably comprise small-volume eruptions forming Strombolian scoria cones or glaciovolcanic tuff cones.
Surgical outcomes and long-term survival of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at high-volume centers in Korea and China: a two-centered retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Sen , Park Ji-Hyeon , Li Qingya , Shen Yikai , Kim Jee-Sun , Park Do-Joong , Kong Seong-Ho , Fang Haisheng , Lee Hye-Seung , Wang Linjun , Zhang Diancai , Xu Hao , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Xu Zekuan , Yang Han-Kwang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is now widely used in East Asia and worldwide with different preferences and outcomes. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes and preferences between two high-volume gastric cancer centers in Korea and China.

Methods
Patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric cancer from Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (NMUH) from 2017 to 2020 were enrolled in this study.

Results
A total of 1166 SNUH cases and 847 NMUH cases enrolled in this study. The overall complication rate of SNUH (14.49%) did not differ from that of NMUH after LADG or TLDG (12.28%). The anastomosis-related complications rate (2.74%) did not show a significant difference with that of NMUH (2.01%) either. The median postoperative hospital stay for SNUH (7,(7,10)) was shorter than that for NMUH (8,(7,9)). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of SNUH was not significantly different from that of NMUH.

Conclusion
There was no significant difference in the overall complication rate, anastomosis-related complication rate, resected lymph nodes, and 5- year overall survival rate between SNUH and NMUH except for the postoperative stay. Both the LADG and TLDG achieved satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes when performed by surgeons with adequate experience.
Database study of risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a statistical analysis of 2359 cases over 10 years
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Ushio Kai , Kimura Hiroaki , Tomioka Shinichi , Sasada Shinsuke , Asaeda Makoto , Nakashima Yuki , Fukuhara Koki , Mikami Yukio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Identifying risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is crucial for its prevention, necessitating large-scale epidemiological studies. Despite their suitability for large-scale surveys, to our knowledge, databases have not been the basis of any study done to investigate BCRL risk factors. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that a database-based study would be useful for identifying BCRL risk factors.

Methods
Patients with breast cancer diagnosed between April 2009 and March 2020 were identified from the Hiroshima University Hospital’s medical database. This retrospective observational study validated the risk factors for BCRL using logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05).

Results
Among the total 4471 breast cancer patients identified, 2359 met the study criteria, with a BCRL incidence of 4.8%. Identified risk factors included obesity with a BMI of 25–30 (OR = 3.066, 95% CI 1.408–6.677), severe obesity with a BMI > 30 (OR = 5.791, 95% CI 2.239–14.97), surgical axillary lymph node dissection (OR = 3.212, 95% CI 1.918–5.378), chemotherapy with docetaxel (OR = 1.795, 95% CI 1.062–3.032), and conventional radiation to the breast or chest wall including lymph nodes in the irradiated area (OR = 3.299, 95% CI 1.842–5.910).

Conclusions
The BCRL risk factors identified by our database analysis were in line with those documented in previous studies, indicating the usefulness of database-based studies. Future studies should include more patients and study items.
Group-selection system as alternative management of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests facing climate change
Authors: Szmyt Janusz 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is economically and ecologically the most important forest tree species in Poland with its aerial share estimated at 59% and share in growing stock at 68%. Pine forests have been managed according to even-aged silviculture for decades, resulting in a simplified structure and increased vulnerability to climatic stress. Structurally simple forests also show low resilience and adaptability to the observed global changes. The growing awareness of the risks associated with global change is drawing particular attention to the need for alternative management of pine forests that meets the expectations of the public and foresters themselves. In 1992, an experiment with uneven-aged silviculture for pine forest was established in the Gubin Forest District (western Poland). Based on data collected from 49 permanent circular plots (size of 500 m2 each) covering approximately 30 ha of Scots pine forest, the effect of such silviculture on stand structure was analyzed. Dbh, total tree height, tree status, and tree coordinates (x, y) were measured on each plot. Measurements and observations were taken twice, in 1992 and 2019. Structural indices describing different aspects (size structure, vertical structure, spatial structure) were calculated. The dynamics of the stand structure were then analyzed over 27 years, during which the forest was managed under alternative management strategies. The results showed that group-selection cuttings promote strong differentiation of stand structure. The positive effect of such silviculture can be observed in each aspect of the stand structure. Together with other research findings, the results confirm the effectiveness of this alternative silviculture to diversify simplified pine forests to be better adapted to novel environmental conditions.
Effects on lymph node size, staging and primary tumor histology on diagnostic accuracy of axillary lymph node aspirate of breast cancers
Authors: Li Joshua J. X. , Ng Joanna K. M. , Hon Nikki K. Y. , See Ka Wun , Tsang Julia Y. S. , Tse Gary M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Fine-needle aspiration cytology is preferred for axillary lymph node metastasis with low costs and minimal risks. To improve diagnostic performance by incorporating clinical-radiological-pathological parameters, a large cohort pre-operative aspirates in were reviewed for parameters affecting adequacy rate and accuracy.

Methods
Axillary nodal aspirates from three institutions with histologic correlation were retrieved. Case notes were reviewed for parameters pertaining to the primary tumor, nodal status, histologic and cytologic diagnoses.

Results
Totally 1361 specimens were included. The risk of malignancy for C1–C5 categories were 53.39%, 27.45%, 70.97%, 83.33% and 88.00%, increasing to 75.86%, 94.59% and 99.28% for C3/C4/C5 categories excluding cases with neoadjuvant therapy. Node size (p < 0.001) and histologic grade (p = 0.003) of primary tumor positively correlated with specimen adequacy. Presence of in situ component trended towards inadequacy (p = 0.069). Lymph node size remained a strong predictor of concordant cytologic diagnosis (p < 0.001). A higher percentage of involved node (p = 0.006) and HER2 overexpressed breast cancers (p = 0.027) increased concordance. Cases with ≥ 4 (up to ≥ 10) positive nodes were more likely to be concordant (p = 0.009– < 0.001), with improvements of 8.27%–12.37%. For size, cut-offs of ≥ 5 and ≥ 10 mm were significant (p = 0.006– < 0.001).

Conclusion
It is critical that clinical-radiological-pathological findings be interpreted together with cytology. Aspirates from smaller nodes are more likely to be non-informative, irrespective of the total number of suspicious nodes, or a high-grade primary. In axillae with less than 4 suspicious nodes and/or a target node of less than 5–10 mm, the diagnostic accuracy of aspiration cytology decreases and should be interpreted cautiously.
Exploring the associations among major fields of study, pre-professional activities, and post-college job quality in alumnx of liberal arts colleges
Authors: Simpfenderfer Amanda Davis , Wolniak Gregory C. , Wise Kathleen , Blaich Charles 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAcross several decades of studies seeking to examine the effects of college on students’ careers, earnings are the outcome that has captured the most attention, as discussed by Mayhew et al. (2016), and large-scale efforts like the College Scorecard feature median earnings as the only career outcome displayed, presented alongside graduation rates and annual average costs in its college search website, as discussed by USDOE (2023). The study sought to build upon and nuance of prior research by examining the effects of higher education on students’ career outcomes based on a multifaceted conceptualization of job quality. The results reinforce the importance of pre-professional activities such as internships and participating in faculty research, although the frequency of engagement differed by major and student race. Ultimately, the findings provide new evidence in three areas: the associations between undergraduate major and the quality of one’s first job following graduation and the impact of engaging in pre-professional activities during college; the associations between undergraduate major and the quality of one's current job, and the mediated role of engaging in pre-professional activities during college and the quality of one’s first job; and the extent to which these mechanisms differ between alumnx from the global majority and those who identify as White.
Synthesis and characterization of NiTe-Ni2Te3 processed by mechanosynthesis at ambient conditions
Authors: Pizano José Josué Rodríguez , de la L. Olvera M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this work, an analysis on the physicochemical properties of materials based on NiTe-Ni2Te3 synthesized through a mechanosynthesis process by using a planetary ball mill, at ambient conditions, was carried out. Pure nickel and tellurium powders with a mass ratio of 1:1 were used as precursors. The milling speed was kept constant at 500 rpm, and the effective milling time was varied, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h. The structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of NiTe-Ni2Te3 materials were studied. The crystallographic properties by X-ray powder diffraction (DRX) were analyzed, and it was determined that the materials present a mix of two different compounds; a hexagonal phase of NiTe and a monoclinic phase of Ni2Te. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the presence of agglomerates of particles with irregular morphologies and others in disc form were evidenced. From reflectance measurements the bandgap energies, Eg, were estimated, and it was found an Eg increase with milling time. From the infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), the characteristic vibrational frequencies, 425 and 672 cm−1, of the NiTe-Ni2Te3 system were observed. The electrical properties were measured by Hall effect, using the Van Der Pauw contacts confiration, confirming the n-type conductivity in all the samples, and obtaining that sample synthesized with 8 h of milling presented the best electrical properties, resistivity of 0.77 Ωcm, electron concentration of 2.0 × 1017 cm−3 and mobility 53.08 cm2V−1s−1. The Seebeck coefficient and power factor were estimated to evaluate the thermoelectric properties of the samples. The sample synthesized with 4 h of milling presented the highest Seebeck coefficient and power factor, − 74.56 µVK−1 and 4.27 µWcm−1 K−2, respectively. The obtained results showed promising properties of synthesized NiTe-Ni2Te3 powders and its possible application as thermoelectrical materials.
Magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) studies on Cr/Ni nanodot arrays deposited using innovative nano-stencil method
Authors: Pradhan Sonali , Satapathy Srinibas , Nayak Maheswar , Mohanty Jyoti Ranjan , Mishra Saroj Kumar , Majumder Shovan Kumar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNanodot arrays of Nickel (Ni) on Chromium (Cr), [Cr in two forms i. e. (Cr dot) and Cr (layer)] were fabricated by electron beam evaporation technique using nano-stencil. The deposition of a periodic dot pattern was confirmed through atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. The nano magnetic properties of the Cr/Ni nanodot arrays were probed using both Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) and Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) magnetometer. MOKE measurements unveiled saturated hysteresis with the exchange bias effect for the in-plane configuration and a minor hysteresis loop for the out-of-plane configuration in the Cr/Ni nanodot system. The experimental results were found to be in good agreement with the theoretical Stoner-Wohlfarth (SW) model. Additionally, the exchange bias effect was also observed in the Cr (thin film)/Ni (nanodot) system for both the in-plane and out-of-plane configurations, showing the dominating behavior of the Cr layer over the Ni dots due to its continuous layer and higher thickness. The observation of exchange bias properties was also verified through MFM measurements conducted with both positive and negative in-plane magnetic fields. Hence, this straightforward nano-stencil method holds significant promise for the streamlined production of patterned AFM/FM arrays enabling the comprehensive study of exchange bias phenomena. The magnetic properties of the Cr/Ni structure can be manipulated by depositing Cr either in nanodot form or in continuous layer form.
Relationships between flower-visiting insects and forest cover in cocoa-growing landscapes in Ghana
Authors: Boakye Richard G. , Combey Rofela , White Blánaid , Stanley Dara A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Context
Increased cocoa cultivation (Theobroma cacao) has led to the conversion of over 6 million hectares of rainforest to cocoa farmlands in West Africa. Globally, pollinator decline has been driven by land use changes. Though land use change through cocoa expansion may affect insect pollinators and, by extension, pollination services, this has rarely been assessed.

Objectives
Our study examined the relationships between the proportion of natural forest in the landscape (reduced primarily due to cocoa expansion) and flower-visiting insect abundance, and bee abundance, richness, diversity and community composition. The effect of pan trap type (aerial or ground) was also tested.

Methods
Eighteen sites were selected along a gradient of an increasing proportion of natural forests in the surrounding landscape (from 9 to 100%). Ground and aerial pan traps were deployed in each site to sample flower-visiting insects. Two sampling sessions were conducted; during the rainy season in 2021 and during the dry season in 2022.

Results
The abundances of Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Hemiptera increased with increasing proportion of natural forests in the landscape, while Diptera decreased. Natural forest and trap type did not significantly influence bee abundance, species richness, and Shannon diversity. However, bee community composition differed along the forest gradient, indicating that forests and cocoa farms harbour different bee communities. Ground pan traps captured more insects (61% of 19,927 flower-visiting insects) than aerial pan traps, which was driven by the Diptera as the abundances of the other orders were not significantly related to trap type.

Conclusions
Preserving natural forest in cocoa-growing landscapes is important to sustain the coexistence of diverse flower-visiting insect communities owing to their differential responses to the proportions of natural forests.