bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ballon-Dilatation subglottischer Stenosen insbesondere bei Granulomatose mit Polyangiitis
Authors: Wichmann Jeannette , Hoffmann Markus , Laudien Martin 
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Subglottische Stenosen (SGS) sind Verengungen im Bereich unterhalb der Stimmlippen, die ein lebensbedrohliches Problem für die Betroffenen darstellen können. Ziel dieses Forschungsprojektes war es, herauszufinden, bei welcher Patientengruppe die Behandlung der SGS mittels Ballondilatation zu einem längerfristigen Erfolg führen kann.
Methoden 14 PatientInnen mit SGS wurden prospektiv (vor und bis zu 12 Monate nach Intervention) mittels Lungenfunktionstest, Laryngoskopien und zweier Fragebögen (Clinical Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Questionnaire), (modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale) zur Atemsituation untersucht. Zudem wurde die Anzahl der notwendigen Interventionen dokumentiert, der Stenosegrad gemessen und nach Myer Cotton bestimmt.
Ergebnisse Vier PatientInnen, die nur eine Intervention mit dem Ballon benötigten, zeigten eine bessere präinterventionelle Atemfunktion sowie eine höhere subjektive Belastung. Mittels Lungenfunktionstests und der Auswertung der Fragebögen konnte eine Verbesserung der Atemsituation und des Gesundheitszustandes aller 14 PatientInnen nach der initialen Intervention nachgewiesen werden. PatientInnen mit einem Stenosedurchmesser unter 4 mm benötigten nur eine Intervention. ProbandInnen mit 12-mm-Ballon-Eingriffen benötigten wiederholt Behandlungen.
Schlussfolgerungen ProbandInnen mit hohem Stenosegrad sowie tendenziell höherer subjektiver Belastung als auch geringerer objektiver Einschränkung der Atemsituation scheinen eine höhere Wahrscheinlichkeit für eine längerfristig erfolgreiche Behandlung mit dem Ballon zu haben. Die Wahl der Ballongröße scheint ein zusätzlich entscheidender Faktor für den Erfolg einer Intervention zu sein.
Exploring the impact of auditor industry specialization on income smoothing
Authors: Hung Wen-Jye , Gong Lingyu , Wang Yamin , Wang Yan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSince the late 1970s’ reform and opening-up, China’s economy has achieved remarkable success, maintaining an average annual GDP growth of 9.7% from 1978 to 2006. In 2007, China achieved a GDP of 3.38 trillion USD, surpassing Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy, and by the second quarter of 2010, it had become the second-largest economy globally. These developments have attracted international investors’ attention to Chinese equities. However, China’s poor reputation for corporate governance may deter investors, despite their positive outlook on China’s economy. Corporate managers in China are known to engage in income smoothing, taking actions to dampen fluctuations in their firms’ publicly reported net income. In 2004, the OECD proposed that a strong disclosure regime promoting real transparency can help attract capital and maintain confidence in the capital market, with income smoothing being a key concern for both institutional and individual investors. This study investigates how auditor industry specialization (AIS) affects income smoothing behavior in Chinese listed companies. Using a sample of 27,208 firm-year observations from 2006 to 2018 collected from the Taiwan Economic Journal Database, the results indicate that AIS is negatively related to managers’ income smoothing behavior, underscoring the importance of industry expertise in mitigating such practices. Additionally, an independent t-test highlights the difference between Big Four and non-Big Four auditors in influencing client companies’ income smoothing behaviors. The study further demonstrates the significant moderating effect of Big Four auditors on the relationship between accounting firms with top industry expertise and client companies’ income smoothing, reflecting the unique characteristics of the Chinese market. This study verifies the suppressive effect of AIS on firms’ income smoothing and indirectly suggests that governments (or the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants, CICPA) should regularly disclose accounting firms/auditors with industry expertise publicly. This regime can help global investors make informed investment decisions.
Research on methods to increase the flashover voltage of supporting insulators in Tesla transformers
Authors: Li Junna , Shi Haoliang , Wang Yongliang , Ge Jianwei , Wu Fangzheng , Huang Qixiang , Zhang Yiting , Li Qisheng 
Published: July 2024

This paper presents three methods aimed at enhancing the flashover voltage of the supporting insulator in a Tesla transformer. These methods include optimizing the maximum electric field on the insulator surface, adjusting the overall structure of the insulator, and changing the surface structure of the insulator. Ten insulator samples with different structures were designed based on electric field simulation. Subsequent experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness of these methods in improving flashover voltage. On this basis, the supporting insulator of the Tesla transformer was redesigned, leading to an increased output voltage. The results are summarized in the following. First, optimization of the shielding rings of the cathode and anode reduces the electric field at the triple junction, which significantly increases the flashover voltage. Second, extending the inclination starting position of insulators with the same inclination angle effectively reduces the surface electric field intensity and increases the flashover voltage. Third, increasing the inclination angle within a certain range while keeping the inclination starting position constant extends the creepage distance and enhances the flashover voltage. However, excessively large inclination angles may lead to a decrease in flashover voltage due to excessive normal electric field. Fourth, grooving on the insulator surface at appropriate locations can inhibit the development of the streamer and improve flashover voltage. Finally, the supporting insulator of the Tesla transformer was redesigned based on these results, elevating the output voltage from 750 kV to over 1 MV.
Novel data interpretation method for DIII-D divertor retarding field energy analyzer with 3-D particle-in-cell simulations
Authors: Zhao B. , Donovan D. C. , Ren J. , Phillips M. D. 
Published: July 2024

A novel data interpretation process that utilizes comprehensive particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations is developed for the new retarding field energy analyzer (RFEA) currently being constructed at DIII-D for the lower divertor using the Divertor Material Evaluation System. This probe is expected to survive a heat load of up to 100 MW/m2 for up to 5 s and reliably measure the main ion temperature (Ti) on the divertor target ranging from 10 to 200 eV. These extreme conditions posed significant engineering limitations on the probe geometry, thus extensive validation work has been performed. The conventional fitting method for the RFEA I–V characteristics is based on a simplified 1-D model without considering the ion space charge inside the probe cavity and may not be sufficient for probes designed for the DIII-D divertor environment. In this article, a more realistic description of the particle propagation process within the RFEA cavity is achieved by including both 3-D geometric effects and ion space charge in the PIC simulations, and the capability to reconstruct the ion energy distribution functions is demonstrated with reasonable consistency.
One cohort or two?
Authors: Willoughby Louisa , Nambu Satoshi , Pezzotti Barbara 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Foreign language anxiety and enjoyment have been shown to correlate with each other (Botes et al., 2022), but few studies to date have considered whether distinct groups of
learners within the one class may experience these variables differently. This article considers whether learners who have arrived
in Australian university intermediate language classrooms via two different pipelines, either having studied the language at
university the year before or entering directly from high school, report diverse levels of enjoyment, anxiety, or out-of-class
study behaviours. The study draws on data from 141 students studying at an Australian university who allowed their questionnaire
data to be matched to their final grade for the unit. While there was no significant difference in the final grades awarded to
students from each pipeline, the two groups reported differences in their experience of anxiety, and study behaviours. When it came
to final grades only Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) was clearly predictive of performance.
Examining gay male discursive practices in hook-up apps
Authors: García-Gómez Antonio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Whilst there is a growing body of literature on the normalisation of abuse in youth digital sexual image exchange (Ringrose, Regehr & Whitehead 2021), mediated intimacies and sexual harms among men who have sex with men (MSM) in online contexts still remain largely neglected (Dietzel 2021). The present study builds on Russell’s (2021) study on male discursive practices and investigates sexual and gendered ideologies in 600 online dating profiles gathered from Grindr and Wapo. The discourse analysis of these profiles, on the one hand, sheds light on the existing violent nature of gay Alpha imaginaries in the short-term sexual encounters that these dating apps facilitate and, on the other hand, gives evidence of how discourses of hegemonic heteronormativity, and rape culture, seem to inform MSMs dating app profiles.
Navigating ‘safe’ and ‘non-safe’ queer spaces
Authors: Khoo Jill , Ilbury Christian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
It is well documented that gay people adopt behavioural
strategies to navigate the heteronormative expectations and norms of social
space. These practices are likely to be particularly pronounced in socially
conservative countries which have seen less progress for LGBTQ+ rights. This
study examines how two gay men (Rui and Kenni) stylistically negotiate their
sexual identities in a socially conservative country – Singapore – by analyzing
the variation in two phonetic variables that have been linked to gender and
sexuality: Pitch and /s/. We show that both speakers style-shift across
queer-friendly and heteronormative environments though the rate and degree of
shifting is influenced both by the situated social meanings of the features and
the interactional context. Concluding, we argue that research should consider
how minoritised individuals are required to style-shift in
order to adhere to the hegemonic norms and expectations of society.
Queer immigrants’ performative identity and cultural marginality in the context of queering ESL education
Authors: Ren Yih 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis qualitative study analyzes three gay Chinese immigrants’ experiences and perspectives regarding English hegemony, internalized oppression, and sexual identity using language ideology, social positioning, and performativity. The findings show that speaking English still determines one’s proximity to American culture, and language ideology affects attitudes towards one’s own culture and language. In particular, the study demonstrates atriple marginalizationin which participants are more or less marginalized because their inherited American values clash with their marginality, and at the same time, because of their negative experiences with local gay communities and rejection from their own culture, they feel alienated, displaced, and immobile as a result. Additionally, English learning and interacting with LGBTQ content contribute to their language acquisition, sexual identity transformation, and activism development. Queering ESL education is needed because English learners inherit oppressive English ideologies and show discrimination towards other marginalized groups. As agatewayto American society and cultures, ESL classes present opportunities to raise awareness and challenge hegemonic discourse. Furthermore, ESL classrooms can also be powerful places for queer students whose cultures provide little or no validation of their sexuality to cultivate their cultural competence and affirm their place within society.
Membrane tension evolution and mechanical regulation of melittin-induced membrane poration
Authors: Zhang 张 Wanting 婉婷 , Xu 徐 Rong 榕 , Ma 马 Wendong 文东 , Lin 林 Zhao 召 , Yang 杨 Kai 恺 , Yuan 元 Bing 冰 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Membrane tension plays a crucial role in various fundamental cellular processes, with one notable example being the T cell-mediated elimination of tumor cells through perforin-induced membrane perforation by amplifying cellular force. However, the mechanisms governing the regulation of biomolecular activities at the cell interface by membrane tension remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the correlation between membrane tension and poration activity of melittin, a prototypical pore-forming peptide, using dynamic giant unilamellar vesicle leakage assays combined with flickering tension analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and live cell assays. The results demonstrate that an increase in membrane tension enhances the activity of melittin, particularly near its critical pore-forming concentration. Moreover, peptide actions such as binding, insertion, and aggregation in the membrane further influence the evolution of membrane tension. Live cell experiments reveal that artificially enhancing membrane tension effectively enhances melittin’s ability to induce pore formation and disrupt membranes, resulting in up to a ten-fold increase in A549 cell mortality when exposed to a concentration of 2.0-μg⋅mL−1 melittin. Our findings elucidate the relationship between membrane tension and the mechanism of action as well as pore-forming efficiency of melittin, while providing a practical mechanical approach for regulating functional activity of molecules at the cell-membrane interface.
Comparative studies of GelMA hydrogels: investigating the effect of different source on mechanical, physical and biological properties
Authors: Yilmaz Hilal , Gursoy Sevda , Calik Hilal , Kazancioglu Yagmur , Yildirim Ridvan , Cakir Rabia , Gunduz Oguzhan , Ahmed Arsalan , Ustundag Cem Bulent 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
GelMA hydrogels are prominent in biomedical applications due to their innate extracellular matrix mimicking properties. They exhibit favorable properties for cell proliferation and formation of light-induced hydrophilic cross-linked structures. However, there is limited research on the effect of variations in the starting material (gelatin) on the physical, mechanical and biological properties. In this study, Gelatin Methacrylic Anhydride (GelMA) hydrogels were synthesized from two different products of type B gelatin and loaded with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanoparticles by electrospray method. Chemical and structural analyses were performed by FTIR, 1HNMR, TNBS and SEM, respectively. Mechanical properties were evaluated by compression tests. Cytocompatibility was evaluated by XTT analysis. GelMA hydrogels obtained from two brands have suitable pore size, mechanical strength, swelling properties and cytocompatibility, making them suitable for various biomedical applications. In addition, the addition of PVP nanoparticles can make them useful for drug delivery applications.
Design and micromanufacturing technologies of focused piezoelectric ultrasound transducers for biomedical applications
Authors: Bai Xingyu , Wang Daixu , Zhen Liyun , Cui Meng , Liu Jingquan , Zhao Ning , Lee Chengkuo , Yang Bin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers have shown great potential in biomedical applications due to their high acoustic-to-electric conversion efficiency and large power capacity. The focusing technique enables the transducer to produce an extremely narrow beam, greatly improving the resolution and sensitivity. In this work, we summarize the fundamental properties and biological effects of the ultrasound field, aiming to establish a correlation between device design and application. Focusing techniques for piezoelectric transducers are highlighted, including material selection and fabrication methods, which determine the final performance of piezoelectric transducers. Numerous examples, from ultrasound imaging, neuromodulation, tumor ablation to ultrasonic wireless energy transfer, are summarized to highlight the great promise of biomedical applications. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of focused ultrasound transducers are presented. The aim of this review is to bridge the gap between focused ultrasound systems and biomedical applications.
Mechanical and physical properties of epoxy/SiC composites simulated
Authors: Al Hasan Nuha Hadi Jasim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to predict the mechanical properties of SiC-reinforced epoxy. The cross-linked reinforced epoxy was simulated using Material Studio 7.0 (Accelrys, Inc.). Various percentages of SiC (0, 4, 6, 8, and 10) wt% were used in the simulations. A density curve and cell size diagram are obtained from MD simulations of SiC-epoxy nanocomposites. Under a 0.5 GPa pressure, Forcite dynamic simulations showed that amorphous cells have densities that are close to epoxy density (1.2 g cm−3). Simulations have shown that epoxy/SiC composites respond well to a variety of mechanical strains. Increasing the SiC weight percentage increases the stiffness matrix coefficient of epoxy composites, which is demonstrated by increased stiffness matrix coefficients. Computational studies of epoxy/SiC composites have suggested up to 10% SiC nanoparticles by weight will maintain the epoxy matrix’s density in industrial applications.
Exploring the therapeutic utility of the factor XIa inhibitor asundexian
Authors: Edwards Jocelyn , Corey Jack , Coons James C 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Factor XIa inhibitors are a promising novel class of anticoagulants that attenuate pathological thrombosis with minimal interference with hemostasis. These effects contrast with those of conventional anticoagulants, which may exhibit adverse events of untoward bleeding precluding treatment in some patients. A variety of investigational pharmacological modalities have been developed and studied to target factor XIa.

Summary
Asundexian is a small molecule inhibitor of factor XIa that has been evaluated in several clinical studies. It has been studied as an oral, once-daily medication and found to inhibit approximately 90% of factor XIa activity at doses of 20 to 50 mg. Phase 2 trials have demonstrated the potential for improved safety compared to standard of care in certain treatment settings, such as in atrial fibrillation. For other indications, such as noncardioembolic stroke and acute myocardial infarction, asundexian has been used in addition to background antiplatelet therapy. In these instances, asundexian did not show a difference in the incidence of bleeding events compared to placebo.

Conclusion
Phase 3 trials have recently been launched; however, the OCEANIC-AF trial was prematurely discontinued due to inefficacy of asundexian vs apixaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Another phase 3 trial, OCEANIC-AFINA, is planned to compare asundexian to placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk for stroke who are deemed ineligible for anticoagulation.
Dorsal Modification: Practical Applications in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Zholtikov Vitaly , Ouerghi Riadh , Kosins Aaron 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Management of the dorsum continues to present challenges for rhinoplasty surgeons, especially regarding the inherent asymmetry of the bony and cartilaginous vaults and the need for a highly individualized approach for each case.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of superficial dorsal modification to improve the shape and symmetry of the dorsum, without resecting/reconstructing the main parts that maintain dorsal stability.

Methods
A total of 147 patients who underwent superficial dorsal modification between October 2020 and March 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. A step-by-step algorithm was applied to achieve the required dorsal improvement.

Results
The average postoperative follow-up period was 27 months (range, 12-41 months). No patients required revision surgery of their dorsum. No complications were reported. A retrospective analysis of the 147 patients demonstrated aesthetic and functional improvement.

Conclusions
Dorsal modification as a separate philosophy is a very conservative, fast, and reliable approach. In cases where there is no need to significantly change dorsal dimensions (height and width), dorsal modification improves the dorsum quickly and efficiently without significant resection and no reconstruction, while maintaining stability and maximum predictability.
The Gargano Yin Yang Breast Reduction Technique: How to Obtain Better Breast Shape, Volume Distribution, and Size With Long-Lasting Results
Authors: Gargano Francesco 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Reduction mammoplasty techniques have evolved due to the continued search for optimal and sustainable results.

Objectives
The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel technique, Gargano's Yin Yang breast reduction, in achieving a better breast shape, position, and volume distribution and to also evaluate the complication rate, operative time, and long-term effects on mammary base, projection, and pseudoptosis.

Methods
The author presents 185 consecutive patients who underwent the Yin Yang reduction mammaplasty technique, which utilizes a geometrical model to obtain a better breast shape. The key surgical steps of the technique are: (1) a superomedial pedicle flap and (2) an inferior pole laterally based flap. The glandular resection is performed in an S shape for the right breast and a mirrored S shape for the left breast; (3) the resection of the skin is in a Wise pattern.

Results
Forty-three of the 185 patients participated in a prospective morphometric study over an 18-month period. Patients who underwent the Yin Yang technique had a 15% vertical scar increase for reductions &gt;1200 g, the mammary base and projection were unchanged over time compared with the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusions
The Yin Yang technique is an effective and reliable approach to correct breast hypertrophy, conducive to achieving and maintaining a better breast shape, volume, and position. The results are stable over time for mammary base, projection, and pseudoptosis or “bottoming out.” In addition, the complication rate is relatively low and appears to decrease with experience.

Level of Evidence: 4