bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocean conditions influence the quality of recruiting benthic marine invertebrate larvae—Insights from fatty acids
Authors: Hiltunen Minna , Thomas Michael , Shanks Alan L. , Galloway Aaron W. E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMany marine benthic invertebrates have a pelagic life stage, during which larvae need to accumulate enough reserves to complete metamorphosis to a settled benthic juvenile. Currently, very little is known about how ocean conditions affect quality of the larvae. We studied this for three settlement seasons (2017–2019) by collecting returning Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) megalopae at the Oregon coast and analyzing them for fatty acid biomarkers. We found that the larvae are omnivorous and have versatile diets. The daily larval abundance was positively correlated with larval quality. Despite the relatively high day‐to‐day variation, we found pronounced seasonal and inter‐annual differences in the body condition (size and total fatty acid content) and biomarker composition of megalopae. Especially, the early season recruits of 2017 had lower content of lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids known to be beneficial to crustaceans. This is likely related to lingering effects of the eastern Pacific marine heat wave (2014–2016) on pelagic communities. The larvae were rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with lower levels in benthic juveniles, indicating an ontogenetic diet shift and likely lower availability of DHA and EPA in the benthic environment. The pulsed megalopa recruitment may provide substantial carbon and lipid inputs to the nearshore ecosystem as a form of pelagic subsidy. Our results reveal that ocean conditions may have an effect on the quality of returning larvae, which likely influence their recruitment performance and early juvenile success, and thus potentially also the population size and commercial catch 4 yr later.
Difference‐Frequency Generation of 0.2‐mJ 3‐Cycle 9‐µm Pulses from Two 1‐kHz Multicycle OPCPAs
Authors: Gu Xingbin , Ding Yufang , Hu Zhixuan , Yuan Peng , Zhang Dongfang , Wang Jing , Xie Guoqiang , Ma Jingui , Qian Liejia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntense long‐wave infrared (LWIR) femtosecond pulses within the 8−14 µm atmospheric window present an array of applications, such as in strong‐field physics, ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy, and self‐guided atmospheric propagation. However, the realization of an LWIR source capable of delivering millijoule‐class energy, few‐cycle duration, and kHz repetition rate concurrently remains challenging. Here, such an LWIR source via the combination of different nonlinear parametric processes is reported, driven by a 1 kHz Yb:YAG thin‐disk laser. The system comprises two parallel multi‐cycle optical parametric chirped‐pulse amplifiers (OPCPAs) operating at 2.3 and 3.1 µm, respectively, alongside a stage of ZnGeP2‐crystal‐based difference‐frequency generation (DFG). The resulting 9 µm DFG pulses have a record energy of 0.21 mJ, a 3‐cycle duration, a 1 kHz repetition rate, and long‐term energy stability. The simultaneous output of three synchronized intense lasers at short‐wave infrared (2.3 µm), mid‐wave infrared (3.1 µm), and LWIR (9 µm) renders the source particularly appealing for multicolor ultrafast applications.
Preparation of Gradient HEA‐DAC/HPA Hydrogels by Limited Domain Swelling Method
Authors: Dong Shiyu , Lu Guoqiang , Wang Guohua , Wang Keqiang , Tang Ruifen , Nie Jun , Zhu Xiaoqun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHydrogels are widely used in biological dressing, tissue scaffolding, drug delivery, sensors, and other promising applications owing to their water‐rich soft structures, biocompatibility, and adjustable mechanical properties. However, most of the conventional hydrogels are isotropic. The anisotropic structures existed widely in the organizational structure of plants and animals, which played a crucial role in biological systems. In this work, a method of limited domain swelling to prepare anisotropic hydrogels is proposed. Through spatially controlled swelling, the extension direction of hydrogels can be limited by a tailored mold, further achieving anisotropic hydrogels with concentration gradients. The external solution serves as a swelling solution to promote swelling and extension of the hydrogel matrix in a mold which can control the extension direction. Due to the diversity of external solutions, the method can be applied to prepare a variety of stimulus‐responsive polymers. The limited domain swelling method is promising for the construction of anisotropic hydrogels with different structures and properties.
Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Autologous Mid‐Urethral Fascia Slings and Retropubic Mid‐Urethral Slings for Women Undergoing a Primary Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mangir Naşide , Güler Hayrullah , Keskin Hakan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAimCurrent guidelines on surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) recommend an informed decision making process between the physicians and patients reviewing all available surgical options with and without mesh. However, there is a lack of synthesized clinical evidence on some of the comparisons that can feed into patient counseling processes. The aim of this study was to review the available studies comparing clinical outcomes of an autologous fascial sling (AFS) and a retropubic (RP) synthetic sling for women undergoing a primary surgery for SUI.MethodsWe conducted a literature search from 1990 to 2024 following international guidelines. We have included studies reporting on comparative outcomes of AFS and RP synthetic sling surgeries as a primary procedure.ResultsThree randomized studies were included with follow‐up durations ranging from 24 months to 10 years. The mean percentage change in symptom scores ranged from 27.7% to 44.9%, with no significant difference between the two sling types. There was no difference between groups with regard to objective cure rates, subjective cure rates and length of hospital stay between AFS and RP slings. AFS surgeries had longer operative times. There were concerns about bias, particularly related to allocation, blinding, and missing outcome data.ConclusionOverall, both types of slings had similar cure rates but AFSs were associated with longer operative times. The study highlights the need for more research on the comparative effectiveness of AFS and synthetic slings for SUI surgery to guide decision‐making for SUI surgical treatments.
An accurate wavelets‐collocation technique for neutral delay distributed‐order fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Rahimkhani Parisa , Ordokhani Yadollah , Sabermahani Sedigheh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, a new class of optimal control problems called neutral delay distributed‐order fractional optimal control problems is introduced, this problem is solved based on an efficient computational scheme. To solve the problem, we derive an exact formula for the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operator of Genocchi wavelets based on beta functions for the first time. By taking into account this operator, collocation method, and Gauss–Legendre integration formula, the solution of fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs) under consideration is converted to a nonlinear programming one to which existing well‐developed algorithms may be applied. The mentioned scheme is applied to both FOCPs with or without delay. Error analysis associated with the proposed idea is also investigated under several mild conditions. The effectiveness of the strategy is showed by several illustrative examples, furthermore, a comparison with the previous methods highlights the preference of this scheme.
Optic pathway gliomas in children: Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 95 patients in a single center over a 31‐year period. Can we avoid radiotherapy?
Authors: Kebudi Rejin , Yildirim Ulku Miray , İribaş Ayça , Tuncer Samuray 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundOptic pathway gliomas (OPG) are rare tumors in children. Lesion extent, visual functions, neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), and age are factors that guide treatment. This study evaluates the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of children and adolescents with OPG treated over a 31‐year period in a single center.MethodsNinety‐five patients with OPG diagnosed between January 1990 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. First‐line chemotherapy regimen consisted of vincristine and carboplatinum for 1 year. Radiotherapy was not used as first‐line treatment and tried to be avoided in the ones who progressed after first‐line treatment.ResultsNinety‐five children (44 male, 51 female) with a median age of 52 (1–216) months were evaluated. Sixty‐three (66.3%) had NF1 and 10 (10,5%) diencephalic syndrome. The most common presenting symptoms were visual abnormalities and/or proptosis, nistagmus, and behavioral changes. Twenty‐one (22.1%) patients with NF1 had stable disease throughout the follow‐up period and received no treatment. Sixty‐three of 74 patients received treatment at diagnosis and 11 due to progression during follow‐up. Only one adolescent received radiotherapy at progression. Patients who progressed, received further line systemic treatment (vinblastine; bevacizumab; vincristine–cisplatinum–etoposide). Ten‐year overall survival in all patients, in patients with NF1, and without NF1 were 97.2%, 98%, and 95.8% (p > .05), respectively; 10‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) in all patients, in patients with NF1, and without NF1 were 71.6%, 85.7%, and 54.2% (p = .001), respectively.ConclusionsIn children with symptomatic/progressive OPG, chemotherapy consisting of vincristine–carboplatinum (VC) is effective. Radiotherapy may be avoided, especially in patients with NF1.
Bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the modulus of PBAT composites and creep resistance
Authors: Ye Xiaojing , Ye Yanpeng , Han Yulong , Ren Fengmei , Ma Haihong , Xu Weibing , Zhou Zhengfa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBamboo has a short growth cycle and exists in large quantities in nature. This paper uses bamboo powders (BP) to reinforce polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT) modulus and creep resistance. The BP was surface modified by γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH560), and compounded with PBAT in a twin‐screw extruder. The results showed that the specific surface area and micropores of BP were considerably higher than that of common wood powders and cellulose and contributes significantly to the modulus and the creep resistance of composites. Compared with pristine PBAT, the tensile modulus, flexural modulus of K‐BP/PBAT composites increased by 225%, 608%, respectively, at a filler content of 25 wt%. In addition, the creep resistance of K‐BP25 was improved by a factor of 3.25 compared to PBAT. The enhancement mechanism of K‐BP was discussed, the large specific surface area and micropores of K‐BP provided more anchoring sites, which effectively increased the interfacial binding force between K‐BP and PBAT, and enhanced the nucleation ability of PBAT, thus improving the modulus and creep resistance of the composites. The results of this paper broadened the scope of application of PBAT.Highlights
The bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the modulus of PBAT.
The bamboo powders effectively reinforcing the creep resistance of PBAT.
The special feature of K‐BP can provide more anchoring sites for PBAT.
The K‐BP improves the nucleation ability of PBAT.
Biodegradable composites from poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) with soybean protein isolate: Preparation, characterization, and performances
Authors: Ren Mingtian , Zhang Yaqing , Yi Yazhou , Wang Huiling , Wu Qiangxian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSoy protein isolate (SPI), a widely available and inexpensive natural polymer, can be used as a filler to reduce the cost of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) materials. To improve the compatibility between SPI and PBAT, a series of polycaprolactone‐based polyurethane prepolymers (PCLPUs) with different soft segment molecular weights were synthesized and used as compatibilizers to prepare SPI/PBAT composites. At the same time, the effect of PCLPU soft segment molecular weight on the properties of SPI/PBAT composites was studied. Structural, morphological, and property analyses were carried out on the composite materials; the results showed that PCLPU was an effective compatibilizer for SPI/PBAT composite materials. The –NCO group at its end forms a urethane bond with the hydroxyl group in SPI and PBAT. At the same time, the soft segment of PCLPU is physically crosslinked with PBAT to produce a dual physical and chemical effect. The lower the soft segment molecular weight of PCLPU added, the better the performance of the SPI/PBAT composite materials. This is observed because PCLPU with a lower soft segment molecular weight contains more –NCO functional groups, which can better achieve compatibilization between SPI and PBAT through chemical crosslinking. The addition of 5% PCLPU‐500 content to the SPI/PBAT composite material increased its tensile elongation, impact strength, and tensile strength by 867%, 264%, and 150%, respectively, compared with those of the SPI/PBAT composite material without a compatibilizer, achieving toughening and strengthening with good processability and biodegradability. This work provides a simple, effective solution for preparing high‐performance, green, and low‐cost biodegradable composite materials.Highlights
PBAT composites were prepared using soy protein isolate (SPI) as filler.
Different types of PCLPU exist as a reactive compatibilizer for PBAT and SPI.
Polycaprolactone‐based polyurethane prepolymer significantly improves the interfacial compatibility of PBAT composites.
SPI/PBAT film has good degradability and is a rich source of nitrogen.
Fabrication, evaluation, and mechanism of TPU nanocomposites containing MWCNTs–Fe2O3 hybrid conductive nanofillers for selective VOC sensing applications
Authors: Yang Shangke , Yan Lei , Lin Hailan , Li Xinkang , Bian Jun , Ni Keyang , Zhao Wei , Zhang Aiping , Chen Daiqiang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are highly harmful substances that can bring serious harm to the environment and human health. In this work, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) conductive nanocomposite sensors for selective gas sensing of VOCs were designed and fabricated using electrospun TPU fibers as templates and MWCNTs–Fe2O3 as conductive hybrid nanofillers through a homogeneous liquid impregnation method. The microstructure of TPU matrix fibers and the TPU nanocomposites, and their gas‐sensitive response performance to various VOCs, were investigated. The formation of MWCNTs–Fe2O3 nanofillers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman analysis. Field emission scanning electron microscope showed that MWCNTs–Fe2O3 nanofillers were uniformly coated on the surface of TPU, forming effective and complete conductive networks. The average volume resistivity of TPU nanocomposites (containing 4.76 wt% MWCNTs–Fe2O3) was reduced from 1.5 × 1012 Ω·mm in pure TPU matrix fiber to 2.93 × 105 Ω·mm. Gas‐sensitive performance tests with 500 ppm of ether, ammonia, formaldehyde, ethanol, xylene, toluene, benzene vapor, and acetone showed that the response value of TPU/MWCNTs–Fe2O3 nanocomposites to ether was 85.7%, and the resistance ratio of desorption to the initial one was 1.01, which was almost a complete recovery. In addition, the gas response values of TPU nanoconductive composites under different humidity environments show better stability.Highlights
Novel TPU composites contain MWCNTs–Fe2O3 conductive nanofillers were proposed.
Synthesized TPU nanocomposite fibers by electrospinning and liquid dip methods.
TPU nanocomposite sensors combine fast response, selectivity, and repeatability.
TPU nanocomposites exhibited high gas‐sensitive response selectivity to ether.
The management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory infection in children with cerebral palsy: A narrative review
Authors: Apostolou Georgia , Cooper Monica S. , Antolovich Giuliana , Vandeleur Moya , Frayman Katherine B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChildren with cerebral palsy have increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is associated with poorer outcomes, yet there are no formal guidelines to inform treatment of respiratory infection in children with cerebral palsy. This review explores the existing literature regarding management of PA‐infection in children with cerebral palsy, with the aim of synthesising clinical recommendations and identifying gaps in current understanding. Medline (Ovid), PubMed and Embase were searched using keywords. Full‐text articles involving the paediatric population and antimicrobial therapy were included. There was no limit on date of publication. Four retrospective case series were identified. Respiratory microbiology, in samples collected from a range of sites along the respiratory tract, was reported in three studies. Patients who received PA‐specific antibiotics clinically improved. Two studies suggest that the use of suppressive inhaled anti‐pseudomonal therapy may improve respiratory morbidity in the chronic setting. There is minimal evidence to guide management of PA respiratory infection in children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy are at risk of developing bronchiectasis, so in the absence of high‐quality evidence, management should be informed by extrapolating from the non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis guidelines. Further research examining surveillance and management of PA‐infection in this population is required given that early intervention may prevent irreversible lung damage.
Head‐to‐head comparison of GA‐68 PSMA PET/CT and multiparametric MRI findings with postoperative results in preoperative locoregional staging and localization of prostate cancer
Authors: Dinckal Mustafa , Ergun Kasim Emre , Kalemci Mustafa Serdar , Guler Ezgi , Tokac Recep , Ordu Süleyman , Ogut Nahit , Ozgul Semiha , Sanli Ozgur , Sen Sait , Turna Burak 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccurate staging of prostate cancer (PCa) is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and predicting outcomes. This study is comparing the effectiveness of Gallium‐68 Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in preoperative locoregional staging and localizing PCa.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 patients who underwent both mpMRI and Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT scans before surgery. The imaging was reviewed by radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists and compared with the final histopathology, which was reviewed by an experienced uropathologist.ResultsmpMRI demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting extraprostatic extension (EPE) and bladder neck invasion (BNI) compared to Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT (83% vs. 44% and 29% vs. 17%, respectively). Conversely, Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT showed higher sensitivity in detecting seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (75% vs. 55% and 50% vs. 30%, respectively). When both methods were combined, sensitivity increased in detecting both EPE and SVI. The index tumor localization in mpMRI and Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT was found to be in complete agreement with histopathological findings at 36.4% and 41.8%, respectively. When both imaging methods were combined, the agreement with histopathology in predicting index tumor localization reached 72.1%.ConclusionBoth mpMRI and Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT provide valuable and complementary information for tumor localization and locoregional staging. While mpMRI showed higher sensitivity in detecting EPE, Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT demonstrated superior performance in detecting LNM and SVI. The combined use of these imaging modalities enhance accuracy of index tumor localizations.
Infrastructuring arrival and homemaking in COVID‐19 times: Experiences of newcomer Chinese students in Dutch cities
Authors: Leung Maggi W. H. , Amer Aly , Hao Yanbo , Wang Yiwen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the experiences of newcomer Chinese students in Dutch cities during the COVID‐19 pandemic, building on three strands of literature on (i) arrival infrastructure, (ii) homemaking and (iii) the nature of conflating digital and offline spaces. Based on qualitative research findings from two research projects, the paper illustrates resilience among the students in infrastructuring their arrival and making a new home in an unfamiliar city that was rather inaccessible due to recurrent social distancing restrictions and incidents of ‘Corona racism’. Narratives of the research participants offer insights into their arrival experiences and homemaking practices in key interlinked life spaces, namely academic, residential and socialising spaces as well as spaces of interactions with the broader (unwelcoming) society. In addition to students' agency, our findings demonstrate the importance of (transnational) communal care and the role of the digital in students' arrival experiences and homemaking practices.
The role of midlatitude dry air during the withdrawal of the Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Deoras Akshay , Turner Andrew G. , Volonté Ambrogio , Menon Arathy 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Indian summer monsoon supplies over 75% of the country's annual precipitation, profoundly impacting over a billion people. Variability in the timing of its onset and withdrawal has a direct impact on the agricultural sector and other users of water resources. Previous studies have shown that a wedge of mid‐tropospheric dry air emanating from the midlatitudes is present over India during the pre‐monsoon, which gradually retreats toward the northwest as the onset progresses. The withdrawal of the monsoon is observed to progress in a southeast direction during September–October, but there is a lack of a conceptual model. In this study, we use observations and the ERA5 reanalysis to understand the dynamics and thermodynamics of the withdrawal. We find that the climatological mid‐level dry intrusion appears over northwest India around mid‐September. Vertical profiles associated with this dry air show how the most unfavourable environment for deep convection occurs in the northwest, where the withdrawal occurs first. As the withdrawal progresses, the wedge of dry air deepens throughout its horizontal extent and descends, as well as pushing further across the country. This stabilises the troposphere, suppressing deep convection and ultimately driving the withdrawal toward the southeast. By mid‐October, the dry air engulfs most of India, causing the monsoon to withdraw from the entire country. Thus, the strengthening of the mid‐level dry advection from the midlatitudes can explain the withdrawal of the monsoon and its direction, in a reversal of the processes at work during progression of the onset. This work establishes a new paradigm for the withdrawal of the Indian summer monsoon in terms of midlatitude interactions, which could be tested for other monsoon regions.