bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A panel data regression model for defense merger and acquisition activity
Authors: Mack Corey , Koschnick Clay , Brown Michael , Ritschel Jonathan D. , Lucas Brandon 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between a prime contractor's financial health and its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) spending in the defense industry. It aims to provide models that give the United States Department of Defense (DoD) indications of future M&A activity, informing decision-makers and contributing to ensuring competitive markets that benefit the consumer.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses panel data regression models on 40 companies between 1985 and 2021. The company's financial health is assessed using industry-standard financial ratios (i.e. measures of profitability, efficiency, solvency and liquidity) while controlling for economic factors such as national productivity, defense budgets and firm size.FindingsThe results show a significant relationship between efficiency and M&A spending, indicating that companies with lower efficiency tend to spend more on M&As. However, there was no significant relationship between M&A spending and a company's profitability or solvency. These results were consistent with previous research and the study's hypotheses for profitability and solvency. However, the effect of liquidity was the opposite of the expected result, possibly due to the defense industry's different view on liquidity compared to previous research.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the relationship between a prime contractor's financial health and its M&A spending, a topic with limited research. The findings can inform policymakers and regulators on the industrial base's future M&A activity, ensuring competitive markets that benefit the consumer.
Yeast polysaccharides: The environmentally friendly polysaccharides with broad application potentials
Authors: Dong Wenjing , Li Yichen , Xue Shurong , Wen Fengge , Meng Demei , Zhang Yuyu , Yang Rui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractYeast cell wall (YCW) polysaccharides, including β‐glucans, mannans, chitins, and glycogens, can be extracted from the waste of beer industry. They are environmentally friendly, abundant, inexpensive raw materials, and have shown broad biological activities and application potentials. The exploitation of yeast polysaccharides is of great importance for environmental protection and resource utilization. This paper reviews the structural features and preparation of YCW polysaccharides. The solubility and emulsification of yeast polysaccharides and the properties of binding metal ions are presented. In addition, biological activities such as blood glucose and lipid lowering, immune regulation, antioxidant, promotion of intestinal health, and promotion of wound healing are proposed, highlighting the beneficial effects of yeast polysaccharides on human health. Through modification, the physical and chemical properties of yeast polysaccharides are changed, which emphasizes the promotion of their biological activities and properties. In addition, the food applications of yeast polysaccharides, including the food packaging film, emulsifier, thickening agent, and fat alternatives, are focused and discussed.
Effects of cholesterol‐lowering probiotic fermentation on the active components and in vitro hypolipidemic activity of sea buckthorn juice
Authors: Fan Ying , Shang Yueling , Li Fengwei , Liu Jinbin , Wang Dujun , Zhang Ya , Yu Xiaohong , Wang Wei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSea buckthorn has lipid‐lowering properties and is widely used in the development of functional foods. In this study, a probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lp10211) with cholesterol‐lowering potential and acid and bile salt resistant was screened for the fermentation of sea buckthorn juice. Changes in the active ingredients, such as sugars and phenolics, before and after fermentation, as well as their in vitro lipid‐lowering activities, were compared. The contents of reducing and total sugars decreased substantially after fermentation. Lp10211 primarily utilized fructose for growth and reproduction, with a utilization rate of 76.9%. The phenolic compound content of sea buckthorn juice increased by 37.06% after fermentation and protected the phenolic components from degradation (protocatechuic and p‐coumaric acids) and produced new polyphenol (shikimic acid). Enhanced inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity (95.42%) and cholesterol micellar solubility (59.15%) was evident. The antioxidant properties of the fermentation broth were improved. Notably, Lp10211 preserved the color and reversed browning in sea buckthorn juice. The collective findings indicate that fermentation of sea buckthorn juice by Lp10211 may enhance the functional components and lipid‐lowering activity of sea buckthorn, which may provide a new approach for the development of lipid‐lowering foods.
Complications after benign gynecologic surgery—How are they captured in register‐based research? A national register study in Sweden
Authors: Collins Elin , Liv Per , Strandell Annika , Furberg Maria , Ehrström Sophia , Pålsson Mathias , Idahl Annika 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe evidence on complication rates after gynecological surgery is based on multiple types of studies, and the level of evidence is generally low. We aimed to validate the registration of complications in the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery (GynOp), by cross‐linkage to multiple national registers.Material and MethodsA national register‐based study using prospectively collected data was conducted, including women who had surgery on the uterus or adnexa for benign indications from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. In Sweden, complications after gynecological surgery are registered in GynOp, and if the complication has rendered any interaction with healthcare, it is also in national health registers. The GynOp register, the National Patient Register, the Prescribed Drugs Register, and the Cause of Death Register were cross‐linked. Complications in GynOp and complications according to ICD10 were analyzed, as well as the cause of death if occurring within 3 months of surgery and prescription of antibiotics ≤30 days. Comparisons between the registries were descriptive.ResultsDuring the study period 32 537 surgeries were performed, of which 26 214 (80.6%) were minimally invasive. Complications were reported in GynOp for 569 women (1.7%) at surgery, 1045 (3.2%) while admitted, and 3868 (13.7%) from discharge to 3 months after surgery. In comparison, according to the Patient Register, 2254 women (6.9%) had postoperative complications within 3 months of discharge (difference of 6.8 percentage points [95% confidence interval 6.2–7.2]). Furthermore, 4117 individuals (12.7%) had a prescription of antibiotics ≤30 days which could indicate a postoperative infection. The rates of hemorrhage, wound dehiscence, and thrombosis were comparable between GynOp and the Patient Register while diagnoses not leading to contact with specialized care had higher rates in the quality register. The coverage of complications was 79.1% in GynOp and 46.1% in the Patient Register, using the total number of complications from both registers as the denominator.ConclusionsA higher frequency of complications is captured in GynOp than in the National Patient Register. Patient‐reported outcomes assessed by a physician are beneficial in identifying complications indicating the importance of structured pre‐defined follow‐up over a set period.
How to deliver gender diversity education to men: Training algorithms to the rescue
Authors: Purvanova Radostina K. , Bryant Andrew 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGender diversity training is typically provided to mix‐gender audiences. This one‐size‐fits‐all approach may be suboptimal because information about gender bias and inequity is often received differently along gender lines: men are less likely than women to believe it. We argue for tailoring gender diversity training via implementing segmentation and tailoring algorithms in training systems. To develop our theorizing, we integrate a learner‐centric approach to diversity training with principles of jiu jitsu persuasion theory. This leads us to test a new approach to diversity training that involves dynamic adaptation and tailoring the training to learners. Specifically, we first identify two distinct segments of men—believers and skeptics—and develop a user‐friendly segmentation algorithm that segments men, in real time, using only five items (Study 1). We then use the algorithm to assign segments of men trainees to tailored or non‐tailored training and show that presenting skeptic men with a tailored message improves training reactions and increases intentions to support gender diversity efforts (Study 2). Thus, we show that dynamic adaptation and tailoring successfully explain training outcomes, particularly for trainees who are skeptical of the diversity message. Practically, our study demonstrates the functionality and value of segmentation algorithms for organizations' training systems.
Exploratory study on the individualized application of eltrombopag in paediatric immune thrombocytopenia guided by therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Dong Shuyue , Wang Zhifa , Wang Nan , Ma Jingyao , Meng Jinxi , Chen Zhenping , Wu Runhui , Cheng Xiaoling 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThere are variations in individual eltrombopag concentrations that may impact efficacy and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in paediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). To solve this problem, we tailored the eltrombopag dosage refer to concentration, then followed up to assess concentration value in paediatric ITP. This is a single‐centre, prospective, observational study. The eltrombopag dosage was adjusted, and children were divided into three groups: the maintenance, discontinuation, and increase groups. Concentration and other data were compared to explore concentration value in guiding the individualized treatment of paediatric ITP. Thirty‐nine patients were enrolled, including 23 in the maintenance group, 3 in the discontinued group and 13 in the increase group. 3 patients discontinued eltrombopag due to ADRs, which was significantly higher than patients in the maintenance group (t = 3.606, p = 0.001). In all, 13 patients increased their dosage due to poor response, whose concentration and platelet count were significantly lower than patients in the maintenance group (t = 2.461, p = 0.019; t = 4.633, p < 0.001). Two months after the increase, the number of patients reaching CR and R respectively increased by 2 and 3, while the median platelet count was significantly raised (Z = −2.411, p = 0.016). Concentration could be used as a reference index for the individualized treatment of eltrombopag in paediatric ITP.
ETBHD‐HMF: A Hierarchical Multimodal Fusion Architecture for Enhanced Text‐Based Hair Design
Authors: He Rong , Jiao Ge , Li Chen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractText‐based hair design (TBHD) represents an innovative approach that utilizes text instructions for crafting hairstyle and colour, renowned for its flexibility and scalability. However, enhancing TBHD algorithms to improve generation quality and editing accuracy remains a current research difficulty. One important reason is that existing models fall short in alignment and fusion designs. Therefore, we propose a new layered multimodal fusion network called ETBHD‐HMF, which decouples the input image and hair text information into layered hair colour and hairstyle representations. Within this network, the channel enhancement separation (CES) module is proposed to enhance important signals and suppress noise for text representation obtained from CLIP, thus improving generation quality. Based on this, we develop the weighted mapping fusion (WMF) sub‐networks for hair colour and hairstyle. This sub‐network applies the mapper operations to input image and text representations, acquiring joint information. The WMF then selectively merges image representation and joint information from various style layers using weighted operations, ultimately achieving fine‐grained hairstyle designs. Additionally, to enhance editing accuracy and quality, we design a modality alignment loss to refine and optimize the information transmission and integration of the network. The experimental results of applying the network to the CelebA‐HQ dataset demonstrate that our proposed model exhibits superior overall performance in terms of generation quality, visual realism, and editing accuracy. ETBHD‐HMF (27.8 PSNR, 0.864 IDS) outperformed HairCLIP (26.9 PSNR, 0.828 IDS), with a 3% higher PSNR and a 4% higher IDS.
Procurement Trends, Indications, and Outcomes of Heart–Lung Transplantation in the Contemporary Era
Authors: Treffalls John A. , Bilgili Ahmet , Brennan Zachary , Sharaf Omar M. , Griffeth Elaine M. , Chen Qiudong , Pennington Kelly , Spencer Philip J. , Villavicencio Mauricio A. , Daly Richard C. , Saddoughi Sahar A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvolving trends in organ procurement and technological innovation prompted an investigation into recent trends, indications, and outcomes following combined heart–lung transplantation (HLTx).MethodsThe United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for all adult (≥18 years) HLTx performed between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2023. Patients with previous transplants were excluded. The primary endpoint was the effect of donor, recipient, and transplantation characteristics on 1‐ and 5‐year survival. Secondary analyses included a comparison of HLTx at high‐ and low‐volume centers, an assessment of HLTx following donation after circulatory death (DCD), and an evaluation of HLTx volume over time. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to assess factors associated with mortality. Temporal trends were evaluated with linear regression.ResultsAfter exclusions, 319 patients were analyzed, of whom 5 (1.6%) were DCD. HLTx volume increased from 2013 to 2023 (p < 0.001). One‐ and 5‐year survival following HLTx was 84.0% and 59.5%, respectively. One‐year survival was higher for patients undergoing HLTx at a high‐volume center (88.3% vs. 77.9%; p = 0.012). After risk adjustment, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support 72 h posttransplant and predischarge dialysis were associated with increased 1‐year mortality (HR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.86–5.49 and HR = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.17–5.54, respectively) and 5‐year mortality (HR = 2.901, 95% CI = 1.679–5.011 and HR = 3.327, 95% CI = 2.085–5.311, respectively), but HLTx at a high‐volume center was not associated with either.ConclusionsHLTx volume has resurged, with DCD HLTx emerging as a viable procurement strategy. Factors associated with 1‐ and 5‐year survival may be used to guide postoperative management following HLTx.
The Effectiveness of Technology‐Enhanced Learning in Prosthodontic Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abu Arqub Sarah , Al‐Shehri Nada Ahmed , Meyer Sarah , Asefi Sohrab , Al‐Moghrabi Dalya 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of technology‐enhanced learning (TEL) with traditional learning in prosthodontic education.MethodsThe protocol was registered before commencement [CRD42023390277]. The search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on comparative assessment of TEL and traditional learning in prosthodontic education up to 6 June 2024. A comprehensive search strategy was formulated, encompassing multiple electronic databases. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane tool (RoB 2) were performed. Educational outcomes were evaluated by Kirkpatrick's four‐level evaluation model.ResultsOf 2830 records identified, 14 RCTs were included. All the trials were judged at high risk of bias or had some concerns. The included studies assessed the short‐term benefits of various TEL approaches, including e‐learning, blended learning, video demonstration specialized self‐evaluation software and virtual reality simulation in prosthodontic education for undergraduates. Promising results were found in individual studies, particularly in terms of perceived learning conditions with problem‐based learning (PBL) and self‐reported understanding and confidence when using video demonstrations. Most studies reported comparable outcomes to traditional learning in practical skills assessments, while the results regarding the acquisition of theoretical knowledge through the incorporation of TEL approaches were contradictory. One study reported promising results in perceived learning conditions with the PBL approach, as well as improved self‐reported understanding and confidence with the use of video demonstrations. Furthermore, there was a limited number of studies assessing the effect of TEL approaches on students' behaviour.ConclusionThere is a lack of high‐quality evidence to support the adoption of TEL approaches in prosthodontics. However, the incorporation of virtual reality simulation has demonstrated promising results, particularly in improving practical clinical skills.
Otolith elemental composition indicates differences in the habitat use for larvae and early juveniles of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) in the waters around Japan
Authors: Fujinami Yuki , Takahashi Motomitsu , Sassa Chiyuki , Hiraoka Yuko , Kurota Hiroyuki , Ohshimo Seiji 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTrace element analysis of otoliths from core to edge was used to reveal differences in habitats of larvae and early juveniles of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) caught in the East China Sea (ECS), Pacific Ocean, and Sea of Japan. Multi‐element signatures (Sr:Ca, Mg:Ca, Na:Ca, K:Ca, and Ba:Ca) were analyzed with multivariate statistics to determine whether these element signatures provide insight into regional population structure. The median values of elements: Ca ratios in otolith core region differed significantly among areas, with most elements between the ECS and the Pacific Ocean or Sea of Japan showing significant differences. The Sr:Ca ratios exhibited a V‐shaped trend from the otolith core to the edge, which was likely related to the vertical habitat layer shift of larvae and early juveniles of T. japonicus. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates using the element: Ca ratios and the hatching day were re‐classified according to the sampling area with higher accuracy in the ECS (88–95%) and the Sea of Japan (76–83%) compared to the Pacific Ocean (69–72%). These results indicate that the proportion of eggs, larvae, and early juveniles transported by the Kuroshio Current from the southern ECS—the main spawning ground—to the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Japan is low and that juveniles distributed in the coastal waters off southwestern Japan may have originated from local spawners. These results suggest that determining the elemental composition of larvae and juveniles of T. japonicus is effective in determining the habitat differences of this species in the three regions. These findings will help to understand population structure and recruitment process of this species around Japan.
Pathological features of connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease in transbronchial cryobiopsies
Authors: Churg Andrew , Poletti Venerino , Ravaglia Claudia , Matej Radoslav , Vasakova Martina Koziar , Hornychova Helena , Stewart Brian , Patel Divya , Duarte Ernesto , Gomez Manjarres Diana C , Mehta Hiren J , Vaszar Laszlo T , Tazelaar Henry , Wright Joanne L 
Published: September 2024

AimTransbronchial cryobiopsies are increasingly used for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD), but there is a lack of published information on the features of specific ILD in cryobiopsies. Here we attempt to provide pathological guidelines for separating usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) and connective tissue disease‐associated ILD (CTD–ILD) in cryobiopsies.MethodsWe examined 120 cryobiopsies from patients with multidisciplinary discussion (MDD)‐established CTD–ILD and compared them to a prior series of 121 biopsies from patients with MDD‐established IPF or FHP.ResultsA non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern alone was seen in 36 of 120 (30%) CTD–ILD, three of 83 (3.6%) FHP and two of 38 (5.2%) IPF cases, statistically favouring a diagnosis of CTD–ILD. The combination of NSIP + OP was present in 29 of 120 (24%) CTD–ILD, two of 83 (2.4%) FHP and none of 38 (0%) IPF cases, favouring a diagnosis of CTD–ILD. A UIP pattern, defined as fibroblast foci plus any of patchy old fibrosis/fibrosis with architectural distortion/honeycombing, was identified in 28 of 120 (23%) CTD–ILD, 45 of 83 (54%) FHP and 27 of 38 (71%) IPF cases and supported a diagnosis of FHP or IPF. The number of lymphoid aggregates/mm2 and fibroblast foci/mm2 was not different in IPF, CTD–ILD or FHP cases with a UIP pattern. Interstitial giant cells supported a diagnosis of FHP or CTD–ILD over IPF, but were infrequent.ConclusionsIn the correct clinical/radiological context the pathological findings of NSIP, and particularly NSIP plus OP, favour a diagnosis of CTD–ILD in a cryobiopsy, but CTD–ILD with a UIP pattern, FHP with a UIP pattern and IPF generally cannot be distinguished.
Effect of boron oxide on the structure and properties of Li2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 transparent glass‐ceramics
Authors: Jiang Chenxi , Wang Yanhang , Zhu Hanzhen , Liao Qilong , Wang Fu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTransparent lithium aluminum silicon glass‐ceramics are prepared via heat treatment and the effect of boron oxide (B2O3) content on the structure and properties of Li2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 glass‐ceramics is investigated. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that the parent glass containing B2O3 exhibits a higher concentration of bridging oxygen (BO). With an increase in B2O3 content, the relative amount of BO changes from 76.64% to 79.86% and then to 79.52%. Simultaneously, the second crystallization peak temperature TP2 of the samples increases from 715°C to 720°C and then to 724°C by differential scanning calorimeter analysis. The X‐ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope results indicate that the addition of B2O3 facilitates grain growth, while an increase in B2O3 substitution for Al2O3 hinders the precipitation of LiAlSi4O10 but promotes quartz formation. The glass containing 2 wt% B2O3 with the heat treatment of 560°C/ 4 h+ 680°C/2 h shows a Vickers Hardness value of approximately 7.75 GPa, and a transmittance at 550 nm reaching ∼85%.