bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal transplant strategy of pediatric liver transplantation for fibropolycystic liver disease: Multicenter retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Inui Ayano , Okamoto Tatsuya , Yasui Toshihiro , Honda Masaki , Mizuta Koichi , Bessho Kazuhiko , Okajima Hideaki , Ueno Takehisa , Matsuura Toshiharu , Okada Noriki , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the preoperative disease characteristics and indications for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), complications, patient survival, and prognosis after LDLT for fibropolycystic liver disease (FLD) in children.MethodsWe undertook a cross‐sectional survey of patients who underwent LDLT for FLD between January 2002 and December 2020.ResultsA total of 35 patients (22 male and 13 female individuals) with FLD were included in this study, of whom 19 (54.3%) had isolated congenital hepatic fibrosis and 16 (45.6%) had Caroli syndrome. Refractory gastrointestinal bleeding was the most frequent symptom related to the indication for LDLT, being found in 48.6% of our patients, followed by uncontrollable cholangitis and ascites. The median age at the time of LDLT was 8.1 years old. Of the 27 patients presenting with renal involvement, 13 patients required kidney transplantation (KT). Overall, the renal function after LDLT decreased regardless of renal involvement; however, patients with renal involvement had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate than those without renal involvement throughout the course of this study (p < 0.01). The 5‐year overall patient survival rate was 97.1%. Two patients died with a median follow‐up of 8.9 years after LDLT; one died due to sepsis 2 weeks after simultaneous liver–kidney transplantation and the other committed suicide 10 years after LDLT.ConclusionThe prognosis of the pediatric patients who underwent LDLT for FLD was excellent. However, an individualized treatment approach based on the status of the renal function and liver disease is important, as a certain proportion of patients require KT.
A high‐entropy (Er0.25Y0.25Ho0.25Yb0.25)2Si2O7 ceramic with good thermal properties and water‐vapor corrosion resistance
Authors: Zhao Bingqing , Xie Wei , Wang Hailong , Zhu Jinpeng , Li Mingliang , Cai Bei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA high‐entropy rare‐earth disilicate (Er0.25Y0.25Ho0.25Yb0.25)2Si2O7 (hereinafter referred to as (EYHY)2Si2O7) ceramic was synthesized by a heat treatment process combined with spark plasma sintering. According to the experimental results, (EYHY)2Si2O7 presents good phase stability and low thermal conductivity ([1.48–2.35] W∙m−1∙K−1) from room temperature to 1200°C. Its coefficient of thermal expansion is (3.89–5.32) × 10−6 K−1 from 200 to 1400°C, similar to SiC‐based materials ([4.5–5.5] × 10−6 K−1). Due to the multiple doping effects, (EYHY)2Si2O7 exhibits outstanding corrosion resistance performance in water‐vapor corrosion tests. Its weight loss is 1.79 mg/cm2 after corrosion at 1600°C for 30 h in the presence of 50% H2O‐50% O2, which is lower than the corresponding four single components Re2Si2O7 (Er2Si2O7, Y2Si2O7, Ho2Si2O7, and Yb2Si2O7) under the same conditions. Therefore, high‐entropy (EYHY)2Si2O7 ceramics are regarded as potential environmental barrier coatings materials for SiC ceramic matrix composites.
Static and dynamic open loop control of selective laser flash sintering conducted with direct current electric fields
Authors: Khanan David , Beaman Joseph J. , Kovar Desiderio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSelective laser flash sintering utilizes a scanning laser as a heat source to locally initiate flash sintering in the regions scanned by the laser. A key challenge towards utilizing this process for additive manufacturing (AM) is the induced electrical current that arises during flash sintering. With traditional scan patterns conducted with static electric fields, electrical and thermal runaway and associated thermal shock cracking occur. In this study, several open‐loop control strategies with static and dynamic applied electric fields were utilized to control peak currents. These strategies were shown to be effective in reducing peak currents to below 1.0 µA and reducing the severity of, but not completely eliminating cracking. Alternative strategies are suggested that could lead to complete elimination of cracks.
Characterization of hot‐pressed ZrC–TiC composites
Authors: Dizaj Amin Yousefi , Kakroudi Mahdi Ghassemi , Rezvani Mohammad 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSynthesis and consolidation of (Zr,Ti)C were investigated in the present work. ZrC–TiC powder mixture was synthesized at 1650°C for 90 min by the carbothermal method. The prepared powder mixture was hot‐pressed at 1800 C for 60 min under a pressure of 40Mpa and then heat‐treated at 2100 C for 60 min. There were ZrC‐rich and TiC‐rich phases together with zirconium oxide phases in powder mixture and hot‐pressed samples, while there were no oxide phases in the heat‐treated sample and only ZrC‐rich and TiC‐rich phases were present in the sample. The FESEM image of the fracture surface of the samples shows that the porosity of the samples decreases with increasing temperature. Relative density, microhardness, and flexural strength increased from 93.8% to 98.6%, from 15.26 to 21.41 GPa, and from 185.02 to 220.69 MPa, respectively, with increasing temperatures from 1800 C to 2100 C. In contrast to these properties, the fracture toughness of the samples was reduced from 3.71 to 3.47 MPa·m1/2. The investigation of oxidation behavior also showed that oxidation is influenced by oxygen diffusion and exhibits nonlinear behavior as a function of time. With increasing oxidation temperature of hot‐pressed and heat‐treated samples from 600 to 1000°C, parabolic oxidation rate constants (kp) increased from .267 to 11.793 and from .367 to 10.993, respectively.
Paste extrusion‐based 3D printing of fiber‐reinforced ultra high‐temperature ceramics
Authors: Zaman Saqlain , Munoz Joseph , Molina Laura , Hassan Md Sahid , Mahmud Md Shahjahan , Dantzler Joshua Z. R. , Lopez Alexis , Austen Dominic H. , Shafirovich Evgeny , Nabil Shadman T , Medina Francisco , Ku Nicholas , Vargas‐Gonzalez Lionel , Lin Yirong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUltra–high‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are valued for their extremely high melting temperatures and resistance to active oxidation. However, their low fracture strengths and the difficulties in shaping them into complex geometries hamper their widespread application. This study aims to fabricate zirconium diboride–silicon carbide (ZrB2‐SiC) composites reinforced with aligned SiC fibers by formulating suspensions containing a preceramic polymer, ZrB2, and SiC fibers. This study assessed the influence of fiber alignment on electrical and thermal conductivities, as well as on mechanical strength. The results revealed a significant enhancement in thermal conductivity, particularly when the fibers were aligned, effectively doubling it compared with the non‐aligned parts. Additionally, increasing the fiber content significantly improved the fracture strength, with composites containing 22.5 vol% fibers reaching fracture strengths over 57 MPa. However, the final values did not meet the theoretical expectations because the porosity in pyrolyzed parts exceeded 10%. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a 10‐fold increase in electrical conductivity with fiber alignment compared to that for non‐aligned composites. These results highlight the capability of paste extrusion‐based additive manufacturing in tailoring ultra–high‐temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) with aligned fibers, realizing their suitability for aerospace applications.
Microstructure and ion‐exchange properties of transparent glass–ceramics containing Mg2SiO4 crystals
Authors: Geng Kangkang , Guo Yunlan , Liu Chao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTransparent glass–ceramics (GCs) with excellent mechanical properties is a growing demand in the field of optoelectronic devices. In this work, Mg2SiO4 nanocrystals embedded transparent GCs were prepared using the melt‐quenching method. The effects of the TiO2 content on the structural and crystallization properties of glass were examined, and the influence of Mg2SiO4 crystallization on the depth of layer (DOL) for K–Na ion‐exchange was also investigated. The introduction of TiO2 was advantageous for the enhanced bulk crystallization of Mg2SiO4 nanocrystals within the glass matrix. With an increase in the TiO2 content, the size of Mg2SiO4 nanocrystals decreased, leading to an improvement in the transmittance of the GCs. Crystallization of Mg2SiO4 nanocrystals promoted the increase in Vickers hardness and ion‐exchange DOL obviously, and the Vickers hardness can further be improved by ion‐exchange. Ion‐exchange resulted in the transformation of NaAlSiO4 into KAlSiO4. Results reported here are valuable for the design and preparation of GCs with excellent mechanical and ion‐exchange properties.
Low‐dose estrogen release from silastic capsule enhanced flap wound healing in an animal model
Authors: Wang Yi‐Wen , Chen Chun‐Ting , Chou Kai‐Chieh , Huang Shih‐Ming , Ou Kuang‐Ling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDeep and extensive wounds usually cannot be closed directly by suturing or skin grafting. Flap transplantation is typically used to reconstruct large wounds clinically. The flap survival is based on a stable blood perfusion. It is established that estrogen promotes wound healing and angiogenesis, and regulates the inflammatory response, leading to enhanced flap survival after transplantation. However, estrogen concentrations administered in previous studies were significantly higher than physiological levels, potentially causing systemic side effects. Estrogen‐sustained‐release silastic capsules can maintain blood serum estrogen closer to physiological levels. This study aimed to investigate whether administering estrogen at a lower concentration, closer to physiological levels, could still enhance flap survival.Materials and MethodsThis study was performed in a random skin flap model in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Sustained‐release estrogen silastic capsules were implanted into OVX mice to determine the functional role of estrogen in wound healing after flap transplantation. Flap blood perfusion was analysed using a colour laser Doppler scanner. Immunohistochemical staining of CD31, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α), alpha–smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), cleaved caspase 3 and apoptotic terminal dUTP nick end‐labelling stain was used to investigate flap angiogenesis, tissue hypoxia, wound healing and cell death in the flap tissue, respectively.ResultsWe observed that administering estrogen at a lower concentration enhanced superficial blood perfusion while reducing the flap's ischemic area and tissue necrosis. HIF‐1α expression was significantly decreased in the dermis layer but not in the fascia, whereas cleaved caspase 3 levels decreased in the fascia but remained unchanged in the dermis. Additionally, there was no significant difference in CD31and α‐SMA expression between the groups.ConclusionIn summary, the study showed that an estrogen silastic capsule maintained physiological estrogen levels and improved superficial perfusion, thereby reducing dermal hypoxia, and cell death in a mouse random pattern skin flap model. Although no significant promotion of angiogenesis was observed, the study suggests that appropriate estrogen supplements could enhance flap wound recovery.
Thermo‐rheological snapshot of melter feed conversion to glass
Authors: Younk Shyla , George Jaime L. , Luksic Steven A. , Marcial Jose , Cutforth Derek A. , Hrma Pavel , Ferkl Pavel , Kruger Albert A. , Pokorny Richard 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSlurry feed charged into an electric melter creates a layer of reacting and melting material (termed cold cap) that floats on the surface of molten glass. The rheological behavior of heated melter feed affects the spreading of slurry at the top of the cold cap and the stability of the primary foam, affecting cold‐cap coverage and melter plenum temperatures. The apparent viscosity of a high‐alumina high‐level waste melter feed was assessed by thermomechanical analysis, high‐temperature viscometer, and the hot stage microscopy method, yielding viscosity estimates from ≈107.5 Pa s at 550°C to ≈102.5 Pa s at 1050°C. As the temperature of feed materials increased, their state changed from rigid solid to dilatant fluid, to pseudoplastic bubbly liquid with dissolving solids, to fully developed foam, and finally to Newtonian glass melt.
Community Nurses' Experiences Assessing Early‐Stage Pressure Injuries in People With Dark Skin Tones: A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Neesha Oozageer Gunowa , Kwame Oti Adomako , Debra Jackson 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo examine community nurses' experiences of caring for people with dark skin tones at high risk of developing a pressure injury.DesignQualitative descriptive design.MethodsFocus groups and individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted among registered nurses working in the community between November 2023 and March 2024. Thematic analysis was used.ResultsThe findings reveal the lack of nurse education on diverse skin tones, how community nurses gain knowledge on skin tone diversity in the context of pressure injuries and the topics community nurses believe are crucial to improve the management of pressure injuries in patients with dark skin tones.ConclusionThe study highlights the gap in nurse education regarding diverse skin tones, revealing how community nurses acquire knowledge related to pressure injuries in patients with dark skin tones.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThis research could inform the development of targeted educational programmes and training initiatives, ultimately preventing patient harm and enhancing the quality of care and health outcomes for patients with dark skin tones.ImpactIt provides valuable insights into key topics that community nurses consider essential for improving the early recognition and management of pressure injuries in people with darker skin tones.Reporting MethodThe research adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.Public ContributionA project steering group contributed to the concept of the study and checked the interview questions were relevant and suitable.
U‐shaped Association Between Weight‐Adjusted‐Waist Index and Arterial Stiffness Among Adult Hypertensive Patients: A Population‐Based Study in the United States
Authors: Wei Taotao , Lin Xin , Ma Jie , Wang Luosha , Su Jing , Yu Jing 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe weight‐adjusted‐waist index (WWI) is an innovative measure of obesity that appears to surpass body mass index (BMI) in assessing lean body mass and fat mass. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between WWI and AS in hypertensive adults in the United States. The study included 9753 adults diagnosed with hypertension from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which spanned the years 2007–2016. WWI was calculated by dividing waist circumference (in cm) by the square root of body weight (in kg), and arterial stiffness (represented by estimated pulse wave velocity [ePWV]) was analyzed as the outcome. Weighted multiple linear regression and smooth curve fitting were used to test for linear and nonlinear associations. Threshold effects were determined using a two‐part linear regression model. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to gain a more in‐depth understanding of the observed associations. The mean WWI of the participants was 11.32 ± 0.76. After multivariable adjustment, WWI showed a significant nonlinear association with ePWV, with a U‐shaped association observed between the two. Specifically, WWI below the threshold of 10.23 was negatively associated with arterial stiffness (β = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.54 to −0.25), while WWI above the threshold of 10.23 was positively associated with arterial stiffness (β = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.07). To conclude, the present findings imply that maintaining WWI within an optimal range could reduce AS in hypertensive individuals and potentially decrease cardiovascular risk. However, this observation needs to be confirmed in large clinical trials.
Effect of a Whole‐Food Plant‐Based Diet on Periodontal Parameters in Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Secondary Sub‐Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pappe C. L. , Lutzenberger S. , Goebler K. , Meier S. , Jeitler M. , Michalsen A. , Dommisch H. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the effect of a 16‐week whole‐food plant‐based diet (WPBD) on periodontal parameters in patients with increased cardiometabolic risk.Materials and MethodsA total of 36 participants from a randomized clinical trial received additional periodontal assessment. The intervention group (n = 17) followed a WPBD for 16 weeks, whereas the control group (CG) (n = 19) was instructed not to change their diet. Measurements were assessed at baseline (t1), week 8 (t2) and week 16 (t3). Periodontal examination included bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and plaque index (PI) on six index teeth, salivary pH and matrix‐matalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8).ResultsAt t3, the mean PISA of the index teeth was reduced by 32 mm2 (53.8) in the WPBD group and increased by 22.6 mm2 (45.1) in the CG group (intra‐group p = 0.255 and p = 0.977, respectively), BOP changes were similar (intra‐group p = 0.89 and p = 0.839, respectively). MMP‐8 values reduced in the WPBD group by 50.73 ng/mL (117) and in the CG by 5.40 ng/mL (96.6) (intra‐group p = 0.066, p = 0.837, respectively). Difference in change (t3 − t1) between the groups was p = 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.032, respectively. Saliva pH increased in the WPBD group only (intra‐group p = 0.007).ConclusionA trend towards stabilization of the inflammatory parameters (BOP, PISA) was observed in the WPBD group. Because of the non‐significant changes within the groups, this study highlights the imperative for future studies.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT03901183.
Firm Hierarchy and the Market for Knowledge
Authors: Pieri Fabio , Vatiero Massimiliano 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper sheds light on the role of the market for knowledge in shaping a firm's hierarchy—that is, the span of control and the number of layers. We predict that the larger the extent of the market for knowledge, the larger the span of control and the fewer the layers. We test our predictions using a rich database representing industrial firms in Italy over the period 2004–2017. Our identification strategy employs a difference‐in‐difference approach that exploits the cross‐regional variability in the extent of the local market for knowledge‐intensive business services and the cross‐industry heterogeneity in the level of technological exposure of industrial firms to such a market. We find that a thicker regional market for knowledge is associated with relatively flatter firms in industries that use knowledge‐intensive business services more intensively. The results are confirmed when we use instrumental variables for the extent of the market for knowledge, test the sensitivity of the estimates to omitted variable bias, and perform a series of robustness checks.
Mitochondrial DNA patterns describe the evolutionary history of the bonnethead shark Sphyrna tiburo (Linneus 1758) complex in the western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ochoa‐Zavala Maried , Mar‐Silva Adan Fernando , Pérez‐Rodríguez Rodolfo , Palacios‐Barreto Paola , Adams Douglas H. , Blanco‐Parra María del Pilar , Díaz‐Jaimes Píndaro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe apparent lack of physical barriers in the marine realm has created the conception that many groups have a constant gene flow. However, changes in ocean circulation patterns, glacial cycles, temperature, and salinity gradients are responsible for vicariant events in many fish species, including sharks. The bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, is an endangered small coastal shark species. Although considerable efforts have recently been undertaken, little remains known about the possible biogeographic scenario that can explain its actual distribution within the western Atlantic (WA). Here, we used 599 mitochondrial sequences to assess the phylogeographic structure and implement Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to obtain divergence times and reconstruct the ancestral geographic range. This allowed us to infer processes responsible for the diversification of S. tiburo into major divergent lineages. Our results indicated that S. tiburo in the WA represents three independent lineages, with Brazilian samples differentiated into a distinct genetic cluster. The posterior probability of ancestral range analysis indicated that the species likely originated in the northern region (Carolina Province and the southern Gulf of Mexico), where it colonized southward through the uplifting of the Central American Isthmus (CAI). The Northern and Caribbean genetic clusters appear to have arisen from the intensification of the Loop Current, which currently flows northward passing the Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf of Mexico, and east Florida. Following initial colonization, the Northeastern Brazil group differentiated from the Caribbean region due to the sediment and freshwater discharge of the Amazon‐Orinoco Plume. Thus, the evolutionary history of the S. tiburo complex can be explained by a combination of dispersal and vicariance events that occurred over the last ~5 million years (MY). We established and confirmed the species and population limits, demonstrating that the Amazon‐Orinoco Plume constitutes a significant dispersal barrier for coastal sharks. Finally, we discuss some recommendations for the conservation of the bonnethead shark.
Unintended consequences of discrimination litigation caps
Authors: Barnes Spencer 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOn July 14, 1992, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) implemented a policy that caps punitive damage payouts from discrimination litigation at different employee counts allowing for a “difference‐in‐discontinuities” design. I find that these kink points incentivize firms to restrict their number of employees, which reduces their maximum discrimination litigation exposure to between 40% and 60% of their yearly median revenues. In turn, firm growth decreases for firms below these EEOC thresholds after the implementation of the policy. These firms reduce financing and are not motivated to decrease growth by relative changes in cash flows from discrimination risk exposure.