bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasound for Assessing Hyaluronic Acid Status in Patients Undergoing Injection Laryngoplasty
Authors: Chang Chia‐Fan , Kuo Yen‐Ling , Hsu Yen‐Bin 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveInjection laryngoplasty (IL) with hyaluronic acid (HA) is an effective treatment for patients with glottic insufficiency. The duration of HA maintenance in the vocal fold remains unknown. In this study, transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) was used to evaluate the absorption and migration of HA after IL. Subsequent management might be provided based on the TLUS finding.MethodsPatients diagnosed with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) or vocal fold atrophy were recruited. All patients underwent IL with HA in an office‐based setting along with TLUS to monitor the status of HA. The schedule of TLUS included assessments before and after IL until non‐visualization.ResultsThe study population comprised 38 women and 17 men. Of the patients, 54.1% underwent IL for UVFP, whereas 45.9% underwent IL for vocal fold atrophy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis for factors affecting HA absorption revealed that the cause of injection was the most important independent predictor (hazard ratio [HR], 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–4.46; p = 0.040). The duration of HA maintenance was significantly longer in patients with UVFP than in those with vocal fold atrophy (8.77 vs. 4.70 months, HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 5.47–8.18; p = 0.002).ConclusionTLUS is an objective assessment method for patients undergoing IL with HA. Subsequent tailor‐made management could be offered based on the TLUS findings during follow‐up. For patients at high risk of upper respiratory tract infection or who are intolerant to flexible nasopharyngoscopy, TLUS can be used as an alternative tool to evaluate the condition of the glottis after IL with HA.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:4682–4687, 2024
Influence of heating rate and intercritical annealing temperature on the austenite formation of a cold rolled dual‐phase steel
Authors: Costa F. , Barbosa R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigated austenite formation in a cold‐rolled dual‐phase steel through thermal experiments in a dilatometer and a Gleeble machine, applying various intercritical annealing temperatures and different heating rates in a 60 % cold‐rolled ferrite‐pearlite banded microstructure. The microstructural characterization revealed that the transformation of lamellar pearlite into ferrite and spheroidized cementite aggregates started before the onset of austenite formation. Different degrees of overlap between the recrystallization of ferrite‐pearlite structure and austenite formation processes were observed, depending on the applied heating rates, which affected the austenite formation mechanisms and the microstructure morphology.
Magnesium‐based nanocomposites developed through multi‐pass friction stir processing and strengthening mechanisms exploration
Authors: Sagar P. , Handa A. , Sangwan Sushma 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the current experimental work, using secondary phase hard nano titanium carbide (TiC) particles as reinforcement, two different magnesium metal matrices i. e., AZ31B/TiC and AZ61 A/TiC composite materials were synthesized by friction stir processing. Using the traditional testing approach for the developed materials, the simultaneous gain in metallurgical, mechanical, electrical, and tribological characteristics compared to the base substrate was examined. The microstructure study results for AZ31B/TiC and AZ61 A/TiC composites showed a uniform distribution of reinforced particles as well as an evolution in grain size, from 82 μm to 4.2 μm and from 74 μm to 3.7 μm, respectively, which consequently contribute in a significant gain in the microhardness of both composites i. e., around 2.2 times and 2.67 times respectively, greater than the base metal. When compared to monolithic alloys, the synthesized AZ31B/TiC and AZ61 A/TiC composites showed improvements in the areas of tensile strength, compressive strength, and coefficient of friction up to 1.81 times, and 1.64 times, 1.74 times and 1.58 times, and 57.92 % and 58.47 %, respectively. Furthermore, these improvements in characteristics also increase the final strengthening of the nanocomposite and reduce electrical conductivity.
Induktive Randschichtnachbehandlung zur Steigerung der Korrosionsschwingfestigkeit des Radsatzwellenwerkstoffes EA4T
Authors: Schönborn S. , Melz T. , Hasnain J. , Scheerer H. , Engler T. , Oechsner M. , Schulz A. , Steinbacher M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractZum Schutz vor mechanischen und korrosiven Einflüssen werden Radsatzwellen heute üblicherweise lackiert. Beschädigungen im Betrieb erfordern jedoch enge Inspektionsintervalle zur Überprüfung zulässiger mechanischer und korrosiver Schädigungstiefen.Die Untersuchung einer möglichen Steigerung der Korrosionsschwingfestigkeit durch induktive Randschichtbehandlung für den Radsatzwellenwerkstoff EA4T (25CrMo4+vergütet und angelassen) stehen im Fokus dieser Forschung. Hierzu wurden Verfahrensparameter der induktiven Randschichthärtung identifiziert und optimiert, um sowohl an leicht gekerbten Proben eine ausreichend hohe Einhärtetiefe und Härte der Randschicht einzustellen. Nachfolgend wurden an Luft und in 5 % NaCl‐Lösung Schwingfestigkeitsuntersuchungen für den Ausgangszustand und den gehärteten Zustand durchgeführt. Durch Gegenüberstellung der ermittelten Schwingfestigkeitsergebnisse wurde das erwartete Potenzial der Steigerung von Schwingfestigkeit und Korrosionsschwingfestigkeit bestätigt. Zur Darstellung von Steinschlag‐ und Korrosionsbeanspruchung wurden weitere Versuche mit gezielt in der Randschicht eingebrachten mechanischen und korrosiven Beschädigungen ergänzt. Die erzielten Erkenntnisse zeigen das Potenzial der Randschichthärtung für zukünftig deutlich wartungsärmere Radsatzwellen im Güterverkehr auf.
Optimized backstepping‐based finite‐time containment control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with prescribed performance
Authors: Tang Li , Zhang Liang , Xu Ning 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this article, a finite‐time optimal containment control method is proposed for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with prescribed performance. First, a neural network‐based reinforcement learning algorithm is developed under the optimized backstepping framework. The algorithm employs an identifier‐critic‐actor architecture, where the identifiers, critics and actors are used to estimate the unknown dynamics, evaluate the system performance, and optimize the system, respectively. Subsequently, in order to guarantee the transient performance of the tracking error, the original system is converted into an equivalent unconstrained system. Then, the tracking errors are allowed to converge to a prescribed set of residuals in finite time by combining prescribed performance control and finite‐time optimal control techniques. Furthermore, by using the Lyapunov stability theorem, it is verified that all signals are semi‐globally practical finite‐time stable, and all followers can converge to a convex region formed by multiple leaders. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by a practical example.
Congenital hepatoblastoma: Expanding knowledge, improving outcomes
Authors: Gigola Francesca , Morini Francesco , Libro Giorgia , Morabito Antonino , Grimaldi Chiara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare liver tumour, and its congenital counterpart (CHB) is even less frequent. CHB has a clinically challenging management and a generally perceived worse outcome. This study aims to review the literature on CHB to better define presentation, diagnosis, available treatments and management options. The analysis of outcomes suggests that a significant portion of mortality is unrelated to the malignant nature of the tumour. Key factors influencing overall outcomes were identified: mortality linked to the ‘mass effect’ during both the prenatal (22%) and perinatal (32%) stages, as well as ‘oncological’ mortality encompassing tumour and/or treatment‐related factors (46%). Overall, after birth, CHB does not seem to confer a worse oncological prognosis per se, and should be managed similarly to older children, if patients are stable enough to undergo proper staging and treatment. A deeper knowledge and better outcomes would come from a large, homogeneous, collection of data possibly allowing a global protocol, focusing on a comprehensive management of CHB.
Dose to organs at risk for total body irradiation: Single‐institution data using the modulated arc total body irradiation technique
Authors: Effeney Beth , Pullar Andrew , Burbery Julie , Hargrave Cathy , Brady Carole 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOrgans at risk (OAR) dose reporting for total body irradiation (TBI) patients is limited, and standardly reported only as mean doses to the lungs and kidneys. Consequently, dose received and effects on other OAR remain unexplored. To remedy this gap, this study reports dose data on an extensive list of OAR for patients treated at a single institution using the modulated arc total body irradiation (MATBI) technique.MethodAn audit was undertaken of all patients treated with MATBI between January 2015 and March 2021 who had completed their course of treatment. OAR were contoured on MATBI patient treatment plans, with 12 Gy in six fraction prescription. OAR dose statistics and dose volume histogram data are reported for the whole body, lungs, kidneys, bones, brain, lens, heart, liver and bowel bag.ResultsThe OAR dose data for 29 patients are reported. Mean dose results are body 11.77 Gy, lungs 9.86 Gy, kidneys 11.84 Gy, bones 12.03 Gy, brain 12.12 Gy, right lens 12.31 Gy, left lens 12.64 Gy, heart 11.07 Gy, liver 11.81 Gy and bowel bag 12.06 Gy. Dose statistics at 1‐Gy intervals of V6–V13 for lungs and V10–V13 for kidneys are also included.ConclusionThis is the first time an extensive list of OAR data has been reported for any TBI technique. Due to the paucity of reporting, this information could be used by centres implementing the MATBI technique, in addition to aiding comparison between TBI techniques, with the potential for greater understanding of the relationship between dose volume data and toxicity.
Thermomechanical bending of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite plate by meshless method
Authors: Li Jiao , Lin Jun , Guan Yanjin , Naceur Hakim , Bao Yanpeng , Lu Jinjie , Xie Xiangqian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFunctionally graded (FG) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced composite possessing continuously varied material properties have received extensive concern in the area of aviation, automotive, military, and spaceflight. The nonlinear bending of FG CNT composite is performed by developing a novel meshless model on the base of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. The equivalent temperature relative material properties of composite is established in the light of the extended rule of mixture model. Different gradient dispersions of CNTs are taken into account and modeled. The governing equations are explored using the Mindlin theory and discretized though a symmetric SPH method with high prediction ability. The developed model is verified by analyzed several examples and compared to the solution obtained in literature. Influences of CNT dispersion, content, plate aspect ratio, boundary conditions and lamination angle on the bending response are elaborated. The present study provides an alternative potential method to solve the mechanical performances of FG CNT composites based on the meshless SPH formulation.Highlights
Thermo‐mechanics of FG‐CNTRC is firstly solved by SPH method.
The model is verified by solving the benchmarks in literature.
Nonlinear bending behaviors of FG‐CNTRC are demonstrated.
The minimum deflection take place in FG‐X type composite.
For laminate plate, the smallest deformation occurs in 0° CNTRC.
Divergent thinking as a predictor of life skills in patients with schizophrenia: Evidence from the modified Tinkertoy Test
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhisa , Miyamoto Reiko , Koreki Akihiro , Anamizu Sachiko , Mimura Masaru 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimPatients with schizophrenia often exhibit poor life skills, posing significant clinical challenges. Life skills comprise cognitive functions crucial for planning daily activities, including divergent thinking. However, the cognitive deficits contributing to these diminished skills among patients with schizophrenia are underexplored. This study introduces a modified Tinkertoy Test (m‐TTT) to investigate the correlation between life skills, divergent thinking, and psychological assessment tools in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsFifty‐two patients with schizophrenia, alongside a control group, matched for sex, age, and education, were evaluated using psychological assessment tools. For the patient group, the Life Skills Profile (LSP) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were administered to measure functional abilities and psychiatric symptoms, respectively. Additionally, duration of disease and antipsychotic daily dosage levels were assessed exclusively in the patient group. Both groups were evaluated with the m‐TTT, Idea Fluency Test (IFT), Design Fluency Test (DFT), and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) to comprehensively assess cognitive functions. A stepwise multiple regression model was conducted to identify significant correlates of LSP total score among the patient group.ResultsThe schizophrenia group scored notably lower than the neurotypical controls on the m‐TTT, IFT, DFT, and BACS. Our stepwise multiple regression analysis highlighted that the LSP total score was significantly correlated with the total m‐TTT score and presence of negative symptoms.ConclusionDivergent thinking could be a crucial factor in the life skills of individuals with schizophrenia. Rehabilitation programs based on this cognitive function might enhance their daily living capabilities.
Paddlanes revisited: Which are the smallest possible?
Authors: Breton Gary W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPaddlanes are tricyclic molecules with four bridging chains that share the same two bridgehead carbon atoms. The smallest known paddlane containing only carbon atoms in the main framework has a total of 18 atoms. We utilized computational chemistry (MP2/cc‐pVTZ) to locate the smallest possible all‐carbon paddlanes that meet the criterion suggested by Hoffmann, Schleyer, and Schaefer as being “fleeting,” meaning frequency calculations suggest the structures are energy minima on their respective potential energy surfaces (PES). Our results suggest that paddlane compounds with a total of 10 or fewer atoms can be considered to be non‐viable either because they are not energy minima on the PES or due to strain in the system that manifests as especially long carbon–carbon bonds. Some paddlanes with a total of 11 carbon atoms proved to be energy minima but still exhibited longer carbon–carbon bonds than normal. Finally, several paddlanes with a total of 12 carbons appear to be the least strained since carbon–carbon bond lengths remain reasonable.
Mechanical response characteristics of HMX crystals under resonant acoustic mixing
Authors: Wang Zi‐Chao , Yao Jie , Guo Feng‐Wei , Li Shuang , Xu Yi‐Long , Liu Jun‐Hui , Shen Chen , Guo Xue‐Yong , Yan Shi , Nie Jian‐Xin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanical response characteristics and determining the optimized process conditions is critical to mitigate crystal impacts during resonant acoustic mixing (RAM). Therefore, high‐melting explosive (HMX) crystal collisions with container walls under different RAM accelerations were investigated through simulations and experiments. The HMX crystal damages after RAM were assessed using microscopic imaging, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller tests. Results show that crystal fractures observed in steel containers can be prevented by using low‐modulus polytetrafluoroethylene containers. Rough containers reduce internal damage but increase surface abrasion. Lower RAM accelerations, shorter RAM durations, and low‐modulus containers can mitigate HMX crystal damage.
From text to map: a system dynamics bot for constructing causal loop diagrams
Authors: Hosseinichimeh Niyousha , Majumdar Aritra , Williams Ross , Ghaffarzadegan Navid 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe introduce and test the System Dynamics Bot, a computer program leveraging a large language model to automate the creation of causal loop diagrams from textual data. To evaluate its performance, we ensembled two distinct databases. The first dataset includes 20 causal loop diagrams and associated texts sourced from the system dynamics literature. The second dataset comprises responses from 30 participants to a vignette, along with causal loop diagrams coded by three system dynamics modelers. The bot uses textual data and successfully identifies approximately 60% of the links between variables and feedback loops in both datasets. This article outlines our approach, provides examples, and presents evaluation results. We discuss encountered challenges and implemented solutions in developing the System Dynamics Bot. The bot can facilitate extracting mental models from textual data and improve model‐building processes. Moreover, the two datasets can serve as a test‐bed for similar programs. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Beyond fight or flight: The protective role of pre‐pandemic meditation practice against anxiety and perceived stress
Authors: Monteiro Bárbara , Galhardo Ana , Senra Hugo , Pinto‐Gouveia José , Cunha Marina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic generated distinct mental health challenges, characterised by stress and anxiety due to its unpredictable duration and continuous threat. This study examined the role of meditation practice on anxiety symptoms and perceived stress, considering co‐variables such as self‐compassion, acceptance, awareness, brooding, lockdown duration, and sociodemographic characteristics. The study used a longitudinal design and data were collected through online surveys from April 2020 to January 2021 (at four different time points) and included 238 participants from Portugal (165 had prior experience with meditation practices, 73 were non‐meditators) with a mean age of 43.08 years (SD = 10.96). Linear mixed models revealed that over time, during the lockdown, the non‐meditators group demonstrated a greater increase of anxiety symptoms (β = −0.226, SE = 0.06, p = 0.006) and perceived stress (β = −0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.004), whereas the meditators group showed non‐significant (p > 0.05) variations in anxiety and stress symptoms during the same period of time. The effect of meditation on anxiety symptoms was moderated by sex, days of lockdown, self‐compassion, and acceptance. The effect of meditation on perceived stress was moderated by sex, years of education, days of lockdown, and levels of awareness. Additionally, the study explored the potential predictive effect of different meditation session lengths, indicating that longer meditation practices offered greater protection against an increase in anxiety symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating self‐regulation skills and investing in preventive mental health strategies to promote well‐being and autonomy. Mental health professionals should prioritise educating communities on evidence‐based practices like meditation and compassion exercises to enhance overall health.
Oxygen‐Terminated Polycrystalline Boron‐Doped Diamond Superhydrophobic Surface with Excellent Mechanical and Thermal Stabilities
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Tianyi , Yang Mingchao , Wang Qiliang , Yuan Xiaoxi , Cui Zheng , Gao Nan , Liu Junsong , Cheng Shaoheng , Jiang Zhigang , Jin Huichao , Li Hongdong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSuperhydrophobic surfaces are of great interest because of their remarkable properties. Due to its maximal hardness and chemical inertness, diamond film has great potential in fabricating robust superhydrophobic surfaces. In the present study, an oxygen‐terminated polycrystalline boron‐doped diamond (O‐PBDD) superhydrophobic surface with micro/nano‐hierarchical porous structures is developed. The preparation method is very simple, requiring only sputtering and dewetting procedures. The former involves sputtering gold and copper particles onto the hydrogen‐terminated polycrystalline boron‐doped diamond (H‐PBDD) to form gold/copper films, whereas the latter involves placing the samples in an atmospheric tube furnace to form hierarchical pores. By controlling the etching parameters, the wettability of the O‐PBDD surface can be adjusted from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, which is significantly different to the normal hydrophilicity feature of O‐termination diamonds. The water contact angle of the obtained O‐PBDD surface can reach 165 ± 5°, which is higher than the superhydrophobic diamond surfaces that are reported in the literature. In addition, the O‐PBDD surface exhibits excellent durability; it can maintain satisfactory superhydrophobicity even after high‐pressure, high‐temperature, and sandpaper friction tests. This work provides a new research direction for fabricating robust superhydrophobic materials with diamond film.
Chiral gypsum with high‐performance mechanical properties induced by self‐assembly of chiral amino acid on an amorphous mineral
Authors: Li Haibin , Sun Zhiheng , Liu Yue , Xing Yi , Gao Jing , Shi Aihong , Yu Yadong , Long Jin , Song Dong‐Po , Jin Chao , McKee Marc D. , Ma Jun‐An , Jiang Wenge 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFunctional chiral suprastructures are common in biology, including in biomineralization, and they are frequently found in many hardened structures of both marine and terrestrial invertebrates, and even in pathologic human otoconia of the inner ear. However, the biological processes by which they form remain unclear. Here, we show that chiral hierarchical suprastructures of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) can be induced by the chiral Aspartic acid (Asp). Left‐handed (clockwise) morphology of gypsum is induced by the d‐enantiomer of Asp, while right‐handed (counterclockwise) morphology is induced by the l‐enantiomer. A layer‐by‐layer, oriented inclination mineral growth model controlled by continuous self‐assembly of chiral Asp enantiomers on an amorphous calcium sulfate mineral surface of gypsum platelet layers is postulated to produce these chiral architectures. This hybrid amorphous‐crystallized chiral and hierarchical suprastructure of gypsum displays outstanding mechanical properties, including high‐performance strength and toughness. Furthermore, the induction of chiral gypsum suprastructures can be more generally extended from specific acidic amino acids to other (nonamino acid) molecules. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which biomineral‐associated enantiomers exert structural control over chiral architectures commonly seen in biominerals and in biomimetically synthesized functional materials.