bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI Tomoelastography to Assess the Combined Status of Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters and Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Linhui , Long Shichao , Pei Yigang , Liu Wenguang , Chen Juan , Bai Yu , Luo Yijing , Zou Bocheng , Guo Jing , Li Mengsi , Li Wenzheng 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundIntegrating vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) and microvascular invasion (MVI) (VM hereafter) is potentially useful in risk stratification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, noninvasive assessment methods for VM are lacking.PurposeTo investigate the diagnostic performance of tomoelastography in assessing the VM status in HCC.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationOne hundred sixty‐eight patients with surgically confirmed HCC consisting of 115 training and 53 validation cohorts, divided into negative‐VM and positive‐VM groups with mild or severe‐VMs. Of them, 127 patients completed the follow‐up (median: 26.1 months).Field Strength/Sequence3D multifrequency tomoelastography with a single‐shot spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence, and liver MRI including T1‐weighted in‐phase and opposed‐phase gradient echo (GRE), T2‐weighted turbo spin echo, diffusion‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted GRE sequences at 3.0 T.AssessmentShear wave speed (c) and phase angle of the shear modulus (φ) were calculated on tomoelastograms. Imaging features were visually analyzed and clinical features were collected. Conventional models used clinical and imaging features while nomograms combined tomoelastography, clinical and imaging features.Statistical TestsUnivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, nomogram, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), DeLong test, Kaplan–Meier analysis and log‐rank test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsTumor‐to‐liver parenchyma ratio of c (cr) and tumor c were independent risk factors for positive‐VM and severe‐VM, respectively. In validation cohort, the nomograms including cr and tumor c performed significantly better than the conventional models for diagnosing positive‐VM (0.84 [95% CI: 0.72–0.93] vs. 0.77 [95% CI: 0.64–0.88]) and severe‐VM (0.86 [95% CI: 0.68–0.96] vs. 0.75 [95% CI: 0.55–0.89]). Patients with estimated positive‐VM (9.3 months)/severe‐VM (9.2 months) based on nomograms had shorter median recurrence‐free survival than those with estimated negative‐VM (>20.0 months)/mild‐VM (18.0 months) in validation cohort.Data ConclusionTomoelastography based‐nomograms showed good performance for noninvasively assessing VM status in patients with HCC.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
An Unstructured Mesh Coordinate Transformation‐Based FDTD Method
Authors: Albornoz‐Basto Armando , Denny Bud , Brio Moysey 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe propose a novel unstructured mesh finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method for solving electromagnetics problems with complicated geometries. The method, which solves the TE‐mode reduced form of Maxwell's equations, can handle both material interfaces and anisotropic material. Using the transformation optics principle, which describes how fields and material tensors change under coordinate transformations, we locally transform each cell in the mesh to a reference unit‐square computational domain where the usual FDTD update is performed. This comes at a cost: employing unstructured grids and coordinate transformations requires more complicated data structures, a mesh orientation process, and potentially introduces an anisotropic material tensor at every mesh cell. Nonetheless, we find that the method maintains the same desirable properties of the classic FDTD method (explicit, divergence‐free B‐field, nondissapative, and second‐order accuracy) while also gaining conforming material interfaces and boundaries in complicated geometry. Even further, we prove that the method is stable under a Courant condition and a fairly nonrestrictive mesh condition, hence defeating the late‐time stability issue plaguing prior nonorthogonal FDTD methods. To verify the method, we conduct convergence studies on three electromagnetic cavity problems with known exact solutions. For these numerical studies, we find that the method maintains second‐order convergence and stability.
Design and validation of finite element models for the assessment of post‐fixation distal femur fracture motion
Authors: Telfer Scott , Ledoux William R. , Grantham Aerie , Lack William D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFracture site motion is thought to play an important role in the healing of complex fractures of the distal femur via mechanotransduction. Measuring this motion in vivo is challenging, and this has led researchers to turn to finite element modeling approaches to gain insights into the mechanical environment at the fracture site. Developing a systematic understanding of the effect of different model choices for distal femur fractures may allow more accurate prediction of fracture site motion from these types of simulations. In this study, we aim to assess the effect of four different modeling choices and parameters. We looked at the effect of using bone specific density distributions vs generic values, employing landmark‐based geometry generation, varying fracture alignment within clinically relevant ranges, and determining whether direct apposition of the fracture to the plate was achieved. For validation, five cadaveric femurs had fractures created and repaired with plated constructs, and these were then loaded and fracture site motion was directly measured. We found that using landmark based bone geometry and patient‐specific bone density distributions had a minimal effect on the overall model predictions. Changing the alignment, particularly into varus and procurvatum could have a large (>50%) effect on predicted shear motion, as could direct apposition of the bone to the plate. These findings demonstrate that modeling choices can play an important role in simulating distal femur fracture mechanics, and it is particularly critical that patient customized models attempt to accurately represent alignment of the bone fragments and lateral plate apposition.
Novel foam‐draining and anti‐polymerization integrated agent for gas well application
Authors: Liang Jingying , Liu Qi , Li Tao , Zhou Rui , Qu Chengtun , Tang Ying 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this article, surfactants such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) and coconut oil amide propyl betaine (CAB) were compounded (TCJ) and used as a double function with foam drainage and hydrate anti‐polymerization. According to the result it was found that 0.05% of CTAC and 0.7% of CAB exhibited both excellent foam property and hydrate anti‐polymerization property. For further clarifying the stability characteristic of foam, the foam half‐life, drainage process, microcosmic liquid film structure, and stability mechanism were investigated in this article. The high initial foam volume of 415 mL with relatively long half‐life time of 5.5 min under high‐speed agitation at 50°C after 25 min indicated a good temperature resistance. The excellent foam properties still remained even amount of methanol and NaCl was added, which indicated its well stability and salt resistance. Furthermore, it was found that TCJ exhibited high liquid carrying rate of 62.5% at 65°C and good compatibility with poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), which played great potential to the application in oil field. By the results of DSC curves, it can be found that the phase transformation point of hydrate decreases after addition of TCJ, which indicates the inhibition to the formation of hydrate as thermodynamic inhibitors.
Characterization and application of citrus pectin composite film containing rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil for improving storage of chilled beef
Authors: Ma Yuying , Li Weizheng , Tan Siyi , Yu Qunli 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study used single‐factor experiments and response surface methodology to optimize ultrasound time (10–50 min), particle size (0–80 mesh) and extraction time (60–180 min) for the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of rosemary essential oil (REO). The resulting REO (0–2.5%, w/w) was then incorporated into citrus pectin (CP) to prepare CP/REO composite films before determining their microstructure, mechanical, barrier and antioxidant properties, alongside their ability to improve the shelf life of chilled beef.RESULTSA sonication time of 41 min, a crushing degree of 40 mesh and an extraction time of 135 min were optimum for extracting 1.91% of REO, with the essential oil also showing good antioxidant activity. Characterization of the composite film further revealed that CP had an excellent film‐forming ability and that REO was uniformly distributed in the pectin matrix through hydrogen bonding. The film displayed optimum mechanical and barrier properties at an REO concentration of 1.5% which also significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the CP/1.5 REO film reduced the total viable count, delayed oxidative rancidity and maintained good color during beef storage, thereby extending the latter's shelf life by 6 days.CONCLUSIONThe novel food packaging film could successfully maintain the quality of chilled meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of electron beam irradiation treatment on microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive content of areca nut
Authors: Dai Jiahui , Kang Xiaoning , Zhang Jing , Dai Wenting , Wang Yanan , Sun Yicheng , Wang Yijue , Qin Hongjian , Ji Jianbang , Wang Shiping 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundElectron beam irradiation treatment is a novel technology that uses low‐dose ionizing radiation for the treatment of crops or food to enhance their quality. This study investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive compounds of areca nuts.ResultsAs the irradiation dose increased, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content in the areca nuts decreased significantly, whereas the polysaccharide and pectin content increased gradually. The hardness, chewiness, and adhesiveness of areca nuts reached their lowest values when the irradiation dose was within the range of 6–9 kGy, indicating that irradiation effectively reduced the hardness of the areca nut fibers. The decrease in crystallinity led to the formation of loose structures in the fibers upon irradiation, thereby improving their water retention, expansion, and oil‐holding capacity, which are beneficial for the subsequent processing of areca nut‐based chewable products. The water‐ and oil‐holding capacities of the areca nuts peaked when the irradiation dose was within the 6–9 kGy range. Electron irradiation also affected the content of active substances in the areca nuts, particularly alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, showing an overall trend of initial increase followed by subsequent decrease.ConclusionElectron irradiation was not only effective in softening the fibers but it also impacted the overall quality of the areca nuts significantly. The results provide valuable reference data for improving the quality of areca nuts through electron beam irradiation technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Zero incidence of culture‐positive septic arthritis and low infection rate following ACLR with all‐soft tissue quadriceps tendon autograft: An analysis of 1053 cases
Authors: Seilern und Aspang Jesse , Kopriva John , Garry Jason , Haley Rebecca , Collins Austin , Lamplot Joseph D. , Slone Harris , Xerogeanes John W. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the infection rate following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using all‐soft tissue quadriceps tendon (ASTQT) autograft.MethodsAll primary ASTQT autograft ACLRs within a single surgeon's prospectively collected database from 2011 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. No topical antibiotics were administered and no graft‐soaking with antibiotics was performed during the study period. Patients who underwent multiligament knee reconstruction or a cartilage restoration procedure were excluded. Patients who underwent a subsequent procedure, including irrigation and debridement (I&D) of the knee joint, were included. Case‐specific data, including fluid culture analysis, antibiotics (type, route of administration and duration), time to debridement and method of debridement, were collected. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze demographics, incidence and possible association between the need for I&D and concomitant meniscus surgery.ResultsOut of 1053 cases (mean age: 20.2 ± 6.3, 44.6% female), four patients (0.38%) (mean age: 18.5 ± 4.0, 25% female) underwent subsequent I&D (arthroscopic I&D only [n = 1], graft harvest site I&D only [n = 1], combined graft harvest site and arthroscopic I&D [n = 1] and tibia wound and arthroscopic I&D [n = 1]). There was no significant difference with regard to demographics. No joint fluid cultures returned positive; one wound culture returned positive for Methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus from their graft harvest site. The time to I&D ranged from 18 to 23 days. Concomitant meniscectomy or meniscal repair was not associated with requiring surgical I&D. All patients who underwent I&D were prescribed antibiotics for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 31 days (mean: 16.25 days). Three patients (75%) who underwent I&D ultimately returned to sport. One patient was lost to follow‐up. ACL grafts were retained in all patients.ConclusionThe incidence of culture‐positive septic arthritis following ASTQT autograft ACLR is 0%, while the overall need for I&D of 0.38% is low and not related to concomitant meniscal procedures or patient‐specific factors.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
The Risk of Land Degradation in Areas Impacted by Tailings Mudflows: A Legal and Economic Assessment
Authors: de Carvalho Medeiros Lucimar , de Moura Maíse Soares , Navarro Isadora Fonseca , Fernandes Luís Felipe Sanches , Pacheco Fernando António Leal , da Costa Adriana Monteiro 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAccidents involving tailings dams are threatening because of their potential impacts. In many countries, despite the existence of legislation the population lives with the insecurity of potential dam breaks. Using Minas Gerais state in Brazil as an example, the aforementioned insecurity applies to hundreds of tailings dams, specifically the Vargem Grande dam of Vale mining company. The area affected by a dam failure is set through legal‐administrative instruments called “flood patches.” The purpose of this study was to analyze these patches, using the Vargem Grande dam as example, and assess the possible land degradation impacts of a failure, focused on the flooded native vegetation. The assessment resorted to the VERA—Economic Valuation of Environmental Resources method. The results exposed the potential destruction of 200 ha of Atlantic Forest and 55 ha of Cerrado vegetation within the flood patches. However, the simulated outcomes also reveal a significant decline in the flood patches in a short period (from 4.60 km2 in 2022 to 3.05 km2 in 2023), related with dam‐decommissioning risk‐reduction works allegedly implemented or to be implemented by the mining company. This reduction can be misleading because decommissioning works are legal‐administrative issues frequently used by the mining companies to minimize their responsibilities in the case of tailings dam breakup. It is worth mentioning that the patch reduction led to a convenient drop in the VERA results, from nearly 74 to 53 million dollars. Therefore, the official protocol used to delineate the flood patches must be improved to allow a more realistic evaluation. In that regard, the changes to flood patches overtime must be better defined in the legislation, namely through inclusion of potentially affected soil‐ and water‐bearing ecosystem services. Effective monitoring of dam‐decommissioning works is also paramount for a true evaluation of land degradation in the impacted areas.
WHAT WILL SUSTAIN THE DEMOCRACY?
Authors: McArthur Sarah 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe author, Leader to Leader’s editor‐in‐chief, writes about the necessity for ordinary citizens to take responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their communities, and how this relates to sustaining our democracy. She builds on an anecdote about saving a tree that was damaged twice by a storm in her county. She recounts passages from Frances Hesselbein’s 2010 Harvard Business Review article “How Did Peter Drucker See Corporate Responsibility?”. She notes that Frances’ question was: “What must our organizations do today to help our country maintain its greatness and sustain the democracy?” In light of that article, the author writes that “democracy’s very survival is dependent on how we interact and support each other, how we work together towards a common purpose, and on our commitment to serving the greater good for all.” She also notes that “…we must ask ourselves, am I taking responsibility in my community, my organization, and I’n our world, or am I waiting for ‘them’ to fix it and blaming ‘them’ when it remains broken?”
HRMAS NMR for Studying Solvent‐Induced Mobility of Polymer Chains and Metallocene Migration Into Low‐Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Authors: Hoefler John C. , Kimball Maxwell R. , Blümel Janet 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTHRMAS (high‐resolution magic angle spinning) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) affords 1H and 13C NMR spectra with superior resolution. For acquiring HRMAS NMR spectra, the polymer is first swollen with representative organic solvents. Then, the samples are measured with a conventional solid‐state NMR spectrometer in the wideline mode or at the low spinning speed of 2 kHz. Anisotropic interactions like CSA (chemical shift anisotropy) and dipolar interactions are reduced due to the additional mobility of the polymer chains in the presence of the solvent within the polymer network. The combined effect of this mobility and MAS leads to signals with substantially reduced halfwidths as compared to classic MAS of the dry polymer. With HRMAS, all signals of the polymer become visible, and the spectra can be used for a quick and easy assessment of the polymer swelling behavior in diverse solvents. Being able to characterize polymers on the molecular level, and identifying the solvents that penetrate the polymer network best, enables the study of post‐synthesis modifications of the polymers. It is demonstrated by paramagnetic HRMAS that the metallocene nickelocene (Cp2Ni) penetrates the LDPE network along with the solvent and is homogeneously dispersed in the polymer. SEM images prove that the structure of the polymer is not altered by the presence of a solvent and Cp2Ni. The impact of the paramagnetic Cp2Ni on the 1H signal halfwidth and T1 time of LDPE is studied. HRMAS allows a quick assessment of metal complexes regarding their ability to penetrate the LDPE network and therefore supports future studies of catalytic polymer degradation.
Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With ACKR1/DARC‐Associated Neutropenia
Authors: Oz‐Alcalay Lital , Steinberg‐Shemer Orna , Elron Eyal , Dvori Michal , Elitzur Sarah , Dgany Orly , Noy‐Lotan Sharon , Krasnov Tanya , Tamary Hannah , Brik‐Simon Dafna , Yacobovich Joanne , Gilad Oded 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundACKR1/DARC‐associated neutropenia (ADAN), resulting from homozygosity for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ACKR1/DARC gene (rs2814778), is a common cause of benign neutropenia that primarily affects individuals of African and Jewish Yemenite descent. We aimed to characterize ADAN in pediatric patients in Israel, given its ethnically diverse population.ProcedureWe assessed children with isolated neutropenia treated during 2018–2023 at one pediatric center, for the ACKR1/DARC polymorphism, using Sanger sequencing or targeted next‐generation sequencing.ResultsOf 115 patients evaluated, 49 (42.6%) were diagnosed with ADAN; of these, 29 (59%) had absolute neutrophil counts in the severe range (0–0.5 × 109/L) at diagnosis. The allele distribution revealed 37% of Muslim Arab and 61% of Jewish origin. Yemenite, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Asian, and European ancestry were included; 59% had a family history of neutropenia. The median age at the first neutropenia detection was 1.2 years; 91.8% were identified during routine blood counts. The median absolute neutrophil count at diagnosis was 0.5 × 109/L (interquartile range: 0.3). An increased susceptibility to infections was not found either before or during the median follow‐up period of 2.5 years (interquartile range: 1.54) after the diagnosis of ADAN. In 34 patients (72.3%), neutrophil counts were in the normal range during febrile illnesses.ConclusionsWe identified ADAN in individuals of variable ethnicities, almost half with severe neutropenia. We recommend testing for ADAN in all children with isolated neutropenia without severe infections. Homozygosity for the ACKR1/DARC rs2814778 SNP may obviate the need for further investigation, follow‐up, or treatment in specific clinical scenarios.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Safe and Feasible Adjunct in Sickle Cell Disease Pain Management
Authors: Brown Amber , Goubeaux Derrick , Jacob Seethal A. , Belsky Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTChildren and adolescents and young adults (CAYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from recurrent acute pain episodes that result in hospitalization and confer substantial morbidity. Pharmacologic pain control is often inadequate, thus non‐pharmacologic modalities are needed. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a potentially valuable non‐pharmacologic addition to pain management. We describe eight patients hospitalized with SCD pain who received OMT. OMT was safe, feasible, and a promising adjunctive option for management of SCD pain.
Dipodal silane‐treated ramie woven matt reinforced polylactic acid biocomposites for improved mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Wagaye Bewuket Teshome , Abraha Kahsay Gebresilassie , Guo Jiansheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHot compression molding was used to produce biocomposites from ramie plain‐woven fabric‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). Prior to composite fabrication, alkali and dipodal silane (bis(3‐trimethoxysilylpropyl) amine) (BAS) were applied to improve fiber‐matrix adhesion. Mechanical tests revealed improvements in tensile and flexural strength due to interfacial adhesion. The flexural strength of ramie PLA composite samples treated only with silane (SR‐PLA) was the highest, at 136.35 MPa. Young's modulus was 7.51 GPa. BAS treatment was crucial for ensuring strong adhesion between the fabric and the PLA matrix. In combined alkali‐BAS‐treated composites (ASR‐PLA), the glass transition and crystallization temperatures disappeared completely, affecting PLA morphology. The maximum heat of absorption (373°C) was found in SR‐PLA composites, suggesting electrostatic interactions created a three‐dimensional network. In conclusion, the initial incorporation of dipodal silane resulted in the formation of six silanol linkages with ramie fabric, leading to enhancements in the mechanical and thermal characteristics of ramie–PLA composites.Highlights
Alkali and BAS treated Fabrics ironed to remove treatment‐induced wrinkles.
Carded PLA fiber with consistent density and weighted in four equal portions.
Fabric and PLA lay alternatively in warp direction before compression molding.
SR‐PLA composites exhibited improved thermal and mechanical properties.