bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and thermodynamic optimization of phase diagram of lithium niobate tantalate solid solutions
Authors: Bashir Umar , Klimm Detlef , Rusing Michael , Bickermann Matthias , Ganschow Steffen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe lithium niobate–lithium tantalate solid solution’s phase diagram was investigated using experimental data from differential thermal analysis (DTA) and crystal growth. We used XRF analysis to determine the elemental composition of the crystals. The Neumann–Kopp rule provided essential data for the end members lithium niobate (LN) and lithium tantalate (LT). The heats of fusion of the end members, given by DTA measurements, are 103 kJ/mol at 1531 K for LN and 289 kJ/mol at 1913 K for LT. These values were used as input parameters to generate the data. This data served as the basis for calculating a phase diagram for LN-LT solid solutions. Finally, based on the experimental data and a thermodynamic solution model, the Calphad Factsage module optimized the phase diagram. We also generated thermodynamic parameters for Gibbs’ excess energy of the solid solution. A plot of the segregation coefficient as a function of Ta concentration was derived from the phase diagram.
Individual Placement and Support and Participatory Workplace Intervention on the Work Participation of People with Disabilities: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Oude Geerdink E. , Huysmans M. A. , van Kempen H. , van Weeghel J. , Motazedi E. , Anema J. R. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study assessed the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support (IPS), Participatory Workplace Intervention (PWI), and IPS + PWI on work participation and health of people with work disabilities.

Methods
A randomised controlled 2 × 2 factorial trial with 120 clients and an 18-month follow-up was performed. Differences between IPS and no-IPS and between PWI and no-PWI were assessed using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results
In the IPS group, restricted mean survival time (RMST) for sustainable paid employment was 352 days, compared to 394 in the no-IPS group (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.81–2.63). In the PWI group the RMST was 378 days, compared to 367 in the no-PWI group (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.48–1.64). For the secondary outcome ‘starting any paid employment, a trial placement, or education’ RMST was significantly lower for the IPS group (222 days) than for the no-IPS group (335 days; HR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.01–3.42). Mental health was significantly lower (worse) in the PWI group (difference -4.07, 95% CI = -7.93 to -0.22) than in the no-PWI group. For all other secondary outcomes, no statistically significant differences were found.

Conclusion
No statistically significant differences were observed in the duration until starting sustainable employment between IPS and no-IPS, and between PWI and no-PWI. The duration until starting any paid employment, a trial placement, or education was shorter in the IPS group than in the no-IPS group, but further research should explore whether this also increases sustainable employment in the longer term.
Approximations and inference for envelopment estimators of production frontiers
Authors: Daraio Cinzia , Simar Léopold 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNonparametric methods have been commonly used to assess the performance of both private and public organizations. Among them, the most popular ones are envelopment estimators such as Free Disposal Hull (FDH) or Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which estimate the attainable sets and their efficient boundaries by enveloping the cloud of observed units in the appropriate input-output space. However, these nonparametric envelopment techniques do not provide estimates of marginal products and other coefficients of economic interest. This paper presents a new approach that provides local estimates of all the desired partial derivatives and economic coefficients, which complement and complete the analysis based on nonparametric envelopment estimators. We improve nonparametric estimators by estimating nonparametrically smoothed efficient boundaries and providing derivatives and other coefficients without having to assume any parametric structure for the frontier and the inefficiency distribution. Our approach offers several advantages, such as a flexible nonparametric adjustment of the efficient frontier based on local linear models; a general multivariate efficiency model based on directional distances where one can choose the desired benchmark direction; the possibility of assessing the impact of external-environmental variables; a bootstrap-based statistical inference for deriving confidence intervals on the estimated coefficients for nonparametric and robust frontier approximations; the possibility of including factors aggregating inputs or outputs and recovering the estimated coefficients in the original units. To demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach, we provide an illustration in the field of education, where economic coefficients are important but the parametric assumptions have been questioned.
Valorization of residual lignocellulosic biomass in South America: a review
Authors: Pardo Cuervo Oscar H. , Rosas Camila A. , Romanelli Gustavo P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResidual lignocellulosic biomass (RLB) is a valuable resource that can help address environmental issues by serving as an alternative to fossil fuels and as a raw material for producing various value-added molecules. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of lignocellulosic waste in South America, a review was conducted over the last 4 years. The review focused on energy generation, biofuel production, obtaining platform molecules (such as ethanol, hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, and levulinic acid), and other materials of interest. The review found that Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador had the most RLB sources, with sugarcane, oil palm, and rice crop residues being the most prominent. In South America, RLB is used to produce biogas, syngas, hydrogen, bio-oil, biodiesel, torrefied biomass, pellets, and biomass briquettes. The most studied and produced value-added molecule was ethanol, followed by furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and levulinic acid. Other applications of interest that have been developed with RLB include obtaining activated carbon and nanomaterials. Significant progress has been made in South America in utilizing RLB, and some countries have been more proactive in regulating its use. However, there is still much to learn about the potential of RLB in each country. This review provides an updated perspective on the typification and valorization of residual biomass in South America and discusses the level of research and technology being applied in the region. This information can be helpful for future research on RLB in South America.
Developing a method to measure bioavailable phosphorus in river water via simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction
Authors: Ling Ting Ka , Phong Nguyen Tan , Yokota Kuriko , Inoue Takanobu , Ngoc Nguyen Minh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo reduce aquatic eutrophication, measurements of bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) rather than total phosphorus (TP) are deemed critical. However, current methods require much time to separate sediments from river water, which limits the routine measurement of BAP in rivers. Therefore, in this study, a simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction method is proposed to directly measure total BAP (TBAP) in river water without the separation of sediment and water. Spike-and-recovery assessments showed that at least three extractions are required to maintain efficiency. A process including 2-min extraction time and three extractions was suggested. The concentrations of TBAP extracted by this process showed no significant differences with the spike calculations. Furthermore, river water TBAP was quantified using the conventional and proposed method to examine the practicality of using the proposed method for simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction and to evaluate its adaptability to actual river water analysis. The extracted concentrations matched those obtained using the conventional method, in which total BAP is calculated as the sum of dissolved BAP and particulate BAP; no significant difference was observed between the concentrations. Ultrasonic extraction was considerably less time-consuming than the conventional method because more samples could be analyzed during a single run. Therefore, the simultaneous multisample ultrasonic extraction method proposed in this study can be used to directly quantify total BAP in river water.
Aging is associated with sex-specific alteration in the expression of genes encoding for neuroestradiol synthesis and signaling proteins in the mouse trigeminal somatosensory input
Authors: Bautista-Abad Álvaro , García-Magro Nuria , Pinto-Benito Daniel , Cáceres-Pajuelo Julio Eduardo , Alises Carlos Vicente , Ganchala Danny , Lagunas Natalia , Negredo Pilar , García-Segura Luis Miguel , Arevalo Maria-Angeles , Grassi Daniela 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPain perception is influenced by sex and aging, with previous studies indicating the involvement of aromatase, the estradiol synthase enzyme, in regulating pain perception. Previous research has established the presence of aromatase in dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons and its role in modulating pain perception. The present study aims to explore the implications of aging and sex on the expression of aromatase and estrogen receptors in the trigeminal ganglion. The study examined mRNA levels of aromatase, ERs, and the androgen receptor (AR) in the trigeminal ganglion of 3-month-old and 27-month-old male and female mice, as well as 3-month-old mice from the four-core genotype (FCG) transgenic model. The latter facilitates the assessment of gonadal hormone and sex chromosome implications for sex-specific traits. Aromatase localization in the ganglion was further assessed through immunohistochemistry. Aromatase immunoreactivity was observed for the first time in sensory neurons within the trigeminal ganglion. Trigeminal ganglion gene expressions were detected for aromatase, ERs, and AR in both sexes. Aromatase, ERβ, and GPER gene expressions were higher in young males versus young females. Analyses of the FCG model indicated that sex differences depended solely on gonadal sex. The aging process induced an enhancement in the expression of aromatase, ERs, and AR genes across both sexes, culminating in a reversal of the previously observed gender-based differences. the potential impact of estrogen synthesis and signaling in the trigeminal ganglion on age and sex differences warrants consideration, particularly in relation to trigeminal sensory functions and pain perception.
Graphical abstract
Age and gonadal sex influence ERs, AR, and ARO levels in the trigeminal ganglion. Although somatosensory perception shows a decline in the elderly, the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia intensifies in aged adults and is predominantly prevalent in women relative to men. The increased expression of aromatase and estrogen receptors in aged female animals suggests that the modulatory influence that neuroestradiol exerts over the trigeminal somatosensory input, inclusive of pain, undergoes changes in elderly male and female individuals in a sex-specific manner.
Hybrid LES/RANS Simulations of Compressible Flow in a Linear Cascade of Flat Blade Profiles
Authors: Příhoda Jaromír , Straka Petr , Šimurda David , Šidlof Petr , Lepicovsky Jan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe paper reports on 3D numerical simulations of unsteady compressible airflow in a blade cascade consisting of flat profiles using a hybrid LES/RANS approach including a transition model. As a first step towards simulation of blade flutter in turbomachinery, various incidence angle offsets of the middle blade were modeled. All simulations were run for the flow regime characterized by outlet isentropic Mach number Mis=0.5 and zero incidence. The results of the LES/RANS simulations (pressure and Mach number distributions) were compared to a baseline RANS model, and to experimental data measured in a high-speed wind tunnel. The numerical results show that both methods overpredict flow separation taking place at the leading edge. In this regard, the hybrid LES/RANS method does not provide superior results compared to the traditional RANS simulations. Nevertheless, the LES/RANS results also capture vortex shedding from the blunt trailing edge. The frequency of the trailing edge vortex shedding in CFD simulations matches perfectly the spectral peak recorded during wind tunnel measurements.
Behavior of Different Ultrasonically Bonded Aluminum Heavy Wires in the Shear Test
Authors: Kuttler Simon , Wittler Olaf , Schneider-Ramelow Martin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractShear tests are known to be quick tests for heavy wire bonds to evaluate the interconnect quality. The challenge is to interpret the results of such shear tests, in terms of shear strength and the shear code defined by the German Welding Society (DVS). In this study, we aim to get a better understanding of the shear process by studying the material behavior through the shear test of heavy wire bonds. We took two different aluminum wire materials, Al H11 and AlMg0.5, and ultrasonic bonded them on 99.95% copper sheets, resulting in a good bond quality according to the DVS standard. We performed shear tests on these samples, stopping them shortly before final failure. We investigated the resulting deformed state by cross-sections and further instrumental indentation patterns in the middle of the wedge. The indentation hardness patterns revealed that Al H11 and AlMg0.5 behave significantly differently in terms of hardening under deformation. Our experiments show that the different material behavior has an influence on the failure path of the shear tests. We conclude, when comparing different materials by means of shear test results, that the outcome is influenced by the different hardening behavior.
Focusing on foundational Calculus ideas to understand the derivative concept via problem-solving tasks that involve the use of a Dynamic Geometry System
Authors: Santos-Trigo Manuel , Camacho-Machín Matías , Barrera-Mora Fernando 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to review recently calculus curriculum reforms and research studies that document what types of understanding students develop in their precalculus courses. We argue that it is important to characterize what difficulties students experience to solve tasks that include the use of foundational calculus concepts and to look for possible ways for students to develop a way of reasoning to work on problems that involve variational phenomena. Thus, we identified tasks in which calculus students exhibit limited understanding of essential concepts to approach and solve those tasks. The purpose is to illustrate and discuss how the systematic use of a Dynamic Geometry System (DGS) could provide a set of affordances for students to develop ways of thinking to grasp calculus foundational ideas and to study the derivative concept. Here, we relied on Thurston’s seminal work that emphasizes the relevance for learners to identify, connect, and coordinate different dimensions and meanings (intuitive, symbolic, algorithmic, geometric, physical, and formal) to construct, understand, and apply the concept of derivative.
Sex Differences in Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Its Relation to Postoperative Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Yang Cheng , Zhao Zenan , Yang Biao , Wang Kaishan , Zhu Gang , Miao Hongping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Whether there is a sex difference in the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains controversial, and clarifying the role of women in postoperative cerebral ischemic events can help us to understand its relationship with poor prognosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the three aspects of sex differences, postoperative cerebral ischemia, and poor prognosis after aSAH.

Methods
A total of 472 patients admitted within 72 h after aSAH between January 2018 and December 2022 were included. We systematically analyzed the characteristics of sex differences in aSAH and explored the relationship between delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), surgery-related cerebral infarction (SRCI), and poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale > 2).

Results
Compared with women, men were in worse condition and had more intracerebral hematoma (p = 0.001) on admission, whereas women were older (p < 0.001) and had more multiple aneurysms (p = 0.002). During hospitalization, men were more likely to experience emergency intubation (p = 0.036) and tracheotomy (p = 0.013). Women achieved functional independence at discharge at a similar rate to men (p = 0.394). Among postoperative complications, the incidence of DCI (22% vs. 12%, p = 0.01) and urinary tract infection (p = 0.022) was significantly higher in women. After adjusting for age, multivariable regression analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 2.139, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.027–4.457), preoperative rerupture (OR 12.240, 95% CI 1.491–100.458), pulmonary infection (OR 2.297, 95% CI 1.070–4.930), external ventricular drainage placement (OR 4.382, 95% CI 1.550–12.390), bacteremia (OR 14.943, 95% CI 1.412–158.117), SRCI (OR 8.588, 95% CI 4.092–18.023), venous thrombosis (OR 5.283, 95% CI 1.859–15.013), higher modified Fisher grades (p = 0.003), and Hunt–Hess grades (p = 0.035) were associated with poor prognosis, whereas DCI (OR 1.394, 95% CI 0.591–3.292) was not an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. The proportion of patients who fully recovered from cerebral ischemia was higher in the DCI group (p < 0.001) compared with the SRCI group, and more patients were discharged with modified Rankin Scale > 2 in the SRCI group (p = 0.005).

Conclusions
Women have a higher incidence of DCI, but there is no sex difference in outcomes after aSAH, and poor prognosis is associated with worse admission condition and perioperative complications. SRCI is a strong independent risk factor for poor prognosis, whereas DCI is not.
Management and treatment of severe immune-related hepatotoxicity based on clinical and pathological characteristics
Authors: Zhang Nan , Li Zhaohui , Liu Yutao , Shi Xiaohua , Shi Di , Li Yue , Si Xiaoyan , Xun Ziyu , Shao Jing , Zhao Haitao , Wang Hanping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The management of severe immune-related hepatotoxicity (irH) needs to be further optimized. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of severe irH; improve the therapeutic strategy, especially salvage treatment in steroid-refractory irH; and determine the safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPi)-rechallenge.

Methods
This multicenter retrospective study included patients who developed severe irH and those without irH after immunotherapy between May 2019 and June 2023. Propensity score matching was used to match these two cohorts with similar baseline characteristics.

Results
Among 5,326 patients receiving ICPis, 51 patients developed severe irH. irH occurred after a median duration of 36 days and a median of two doses after the first ICPi administration. Patients receiving PD-L1 inhibitors faced a lower risk of developing severe irH. A higher dose of glucocorticoids (GCS) was administered to grade 4 irH than grade 3 irH. For steroid-sensitive patients, grade 4 irH individuals received a higher dosage of GCS than those with grade 3 irH, with no difference in time to resolution. Meanwhile, a significantly higher dose of GCS plus immunosuppression was needed in the steroid-refractory group. Liver biopsy of the steroid-refractory patients exhibited heterogeneous histological features. Twelve patients were retreated with ICPi. No irH reoccurred after a median follow-up of 9.3 months.

Conclusion
irH requires multidimensional evaluation. PD-L1 inhibitors correlated with a lower risk of severe irH. Grade 4 irH demands a higher dose of GCS than recommended. Pathology may guide the salvage treatment for steroid-refractory irH. ICPi rechallenge in severe irH is feasible and safe.
Integrated pan-cancer and scRNA-seq analyses identify a prognostic coagulation-related gene signature associated with tumor microenvironment in lower-grade glioma
Authors: Wen Xuehuan , Bai Songjie , Fang Zuochun , Zhu Weiguo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCancer-associated thrombosis is a significant complication in cancer patients, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The expression of coagulation/fibrinolysis genes, termed the "coagulome", plays a critical role in this process. Using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), we identified seven cancer types with significantly activated coagulation pathways, focusing on lower-grade glioma (LGG) and stomach adenocarcinoma due to their predictive value for overall survival. Through 1000 iterations of the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), we selected prognostic genes and constructed effective Cox regression models, particularly for LGG. Incorporating clinical characteristics, we constructed a nomogram for LGG, achieving an impressive area under the curve (AUCs) of 0.79, 0.82, and 0.81 at 1, 3, and 5 years in the test dataset, indicating strong potential for clinical application. Functional enrichment analysis between high-risk and low-risk LGG groups revealed significant enrichment of genes involved in the inflammatory response, interferon-gamma response, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. Combined with CIBERSORT and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of LGG, our results demonstrated that the interplay between coagulation and the tumor microenvironment, particularly involving gliomas and myeloid cells, significantly influences tumor progression and patient outcomes.
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Optimizing Groundwater Level in Boreal Cultivated Peatland
Authors: Heikkinen Jaakko , Lång Kristiina , Honkanen Henri , Myllys Merja 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOptimizing the level of groundwater presents a viable strategy for mitigating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the cultivation of peatlands. This study investigated the impact of soil hydrological conditions on carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions. The CO2 and CH4 emissions from bare soil were continuously measured using an automated chamber system throughout the growing seasons from 2021 to 2023 at a boreal cultivated peat soil site. Annual CO2 emissions from soil respiration averaged to 21,600 kg ha-1 (April-November) corresponding to carbon (C) loss of 5890 kg ha-1. The CO2 emissions were highly temperature dependent. Lowering the groundwater level (GWL) was found to increase the CO2 emissions nearly linearly. The soil functioned as a CH4 sink for the majority of the growing season, and the total sink corresponded to 27 and 20 kg ha-1 yr-1 CO2 equivalent in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The CH4 emissions occurred generally when soil water content (SWC) exceeded 0.6 m3 m-3 and when GWL was at the depth of less than 30 cm from soil surface. For optimal climate efficiency the mitigation measures must be implemented during the mid-growing season, and the water table should be brought close to the soil surface. Potentially, this can hamper the operation of machinery on the field and reduce the harvested yield. Thus, comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is necessary before adopting a raised water table level in large-scale crop production.