bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composite nanocapsules of phase change materials using a supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) assisted process
Authors: Palazzo Ida , Viscusi Gianluca , Gorrasi Giuliana , Reverchon Ernesto 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis work reports the production of polymeric nanocapsules of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)/phase change materials (PCM), using continuous supercritical emulsion extraction (SEE‐C). Five fatty acids (FAs) were tested: capric (CA), lauric (LA), myristic (MA), palmitic (PA), and stearic (SA) acid, using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) operating at 80 bar and 38°C in a tower apparatus. The two fatty acids with lower molecular weight (CA and LA) were extracted by the supercritical solvent and capsules were not obtained. The other three FAs formed spherical, non‐coalescing nanocapsules characterized by mean diameters ranging between 134 and 252 nm, as shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, with a sharp particles size distribution and encapsulation efficiencies up to 99.8%. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation, allowing the measurement of the energy storage properties of produced capsules. Stability analysis performed over 5 months showed that the nanocapsules were stable in this time interval. Thermal cycles experiments confirmed the thermal stability of the capsules. The best performance was obtained for PA based nanocapsules, which showed a stability reduction of only 0.43% after 25 thermal cycles.
Moderately hypofractionated, preoperative radiotherapy in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (HYPORT‐STS): Updated local control, late toxicities, and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Bishop Andrew J. , Mitra Devarati , Farooqi Ahsan , Swanson David M. , Hempel Caroline , Willis Tiara , Pearlnath Chris , Wang Wei‐Lien , Ratan Ravin , Somaiah Neeta , Benjamin Robert S. , Torres Keila E. , Hunt Kelly K. , Scally Christopher P. , Keung Emily Z. , Satcher Robert L. , Bird Justin E. , Lin Patrick P. , Moon Bryan S. , Lewis Valerae O. , Roland Christina L. , Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundModerately hypofractionated, preoperative radiotherapy in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (HYPORT‐STS; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03819985) investigated a radiobiologically equivalent, moderately hypofractionated course of preoperative radiotherapy (RT) 15 × 2.85 Gy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Here, the authors report longer term follow‐up to update local control and report late toxicities, as well as functional and patient‐reported outcomes.MethodsHYPORT‐STS was a single‐center, open‐label, single‐arm, prospective phase 2 clinical trial that enrolled 120 eligible adult patients with localized STS of the extremities or superficial trunk between 2018 and 2021. Patients received a 3‐week course of preoperative RT followed by surgery 4–8 weeks later. End points and follow‐up were analyzed from the date of surgery.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 43 months (interquartile range, 37–52 months), and the 4‐year local recurrence‐free survival rate was 93%. Overall RT‐related late toxicities improved with time from local therapy (p < .001), and few patients had grade ≥2 toxicities (9%; n = 8 of 88) at 2 years. These included: 2% grade ≥2 skin toxicity, 2% fibrosis, 3% lymphedema, and 1% joint stiffness. Four patients (3%) had bone fractures. Both functional outcomes, as measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Scale (p < .001), and quality of life, as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (p < .001), improved with time from treatment, and both measures were better in follow‐up at 2 years compared with baseline.ConclusionsLong‐term follow up suggests that moderately hypofractionated preoperative RT for patients with STS is safe and effective. Higher grade late toxicities affect a minority of patients. Late toxicities decrease over time, whereas functional outcomes and health‐related quality of life seem to improve with more time from combined modality treatment.
Heterogeneously Catalyzed Reductive Depolymerization of Lignin to Value‐Added Chemicals
Authors: Yu Zhaozhuo , Kong Wenzhuo , Liang Wen , Guo Yaping , Cui Jiahao , Hu Yang , Sun Zhuohua , Elangovan Saravanakumar , Xu Fuqing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLignin is an abundant renewable source of aromatics, but its complex heterogeneous structure poses challenges for its depolymerization and valorization. Heterogeneously catalyzed reductive depolymerization (HCRD) has emerged as a promising approach, utilizing heterogeneous catalysts to facilitate selective bond cleavage in lignin and hydrogen transfer to stabilize the products under mild conditions. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogen transfer mechanisms in HCRD, involving different hydrogen sources, including molecular hydrogen, alcohols, formic acid, etc., and the native hydrogen donor groups in lignin. The interaction between hydrogen sources and catalyst design is explored, emphasizing how catalyst characteristics must align with specific hydrogen transfer pathways to optimize efficiency and selectivity. Precious metal‐based and non‐precious metal‐based catalysts are examined, highlighting advances that enhance hydrogen activation and transfer. Comparative analyses of hydrogen sources reveal distinct advantages and limitations. The significance of HCRD in lignin valorization and the development of integrated biorefineries is underscored, emphasizing its potential to contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy through improved process integration and economic viability.
Power stabilization control of wireless charging system based on LCL‐P compensation structure
Authors: Yue Yonghui , Sun Zhenao , Lu Mingyu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo enhance the stabilizing function and boost the output power of the inductive coupling power transfer (ICPT) system, a power stabilization control method based on LCL‐P resonance compensation for a wireless energy transmission system is proposed. “L” represents inductance, “C” represents capacitance, “LCL” refers to the primary‐side compensation structure, and “P” indicates that the secondary side is compensated in parallel . Firstly, this paper synthesizes the modeling principle of the gyrator equivalent model of the resonant circuit and coupled inductor, graphically analyzes the resonant compensation structure, and derives the circuit characteristics of the LCL‐P compensation structure. Then, this paper proposes an improved control strategy for the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to dynamically track the output power and thus obtain the optimal operating point through frequency conversion. Lastly, using MATLAB/Simulink software to build the simulation model of the wireless charging system through parameter design, the impact of the conventional DC/DC power control method is contrasted with the algorithmic control suggested in this paper. The results demonstrate that: the device can realize power transfer of 2.7 KW level, the energy transfer efficiency reaches more than 90%, the inverter realizes soft‐switching operation, and the improved MPPT algorithmic control strategy proposed in this paper is utilized to achieve better closed‐loop control of the system. The excellent characteristics of the LCL‐P compensation structure in high‐power transmission applications, as well as the correctness and feasibility of the control algorithm proposed in this paper, are demonstrated through simulation and practical experiments. This is a significant step towards improving the wide‐range adaptation of the wireless charging system, which is based on the LCL‐P resonance compensation to the changes in the load and coupling.
Evolution of the substance use landscape: Implications for contingency management
Authors: Goodwin Shelby , Kirby Kimberly C. , Raiff Bethany R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractContingency management (CM), which involves the delivery of incentives upon meeting behavioral goals, has the potential to improve substance use treatment outcomes. The intervention allows for flexibility through numerous modifiable components including changes to incentive magnitude and schedule, target behavior, and intervention structure. Unfortunately, numerous changes in the substance use landscape have occurred in the past 10 to 15 years: Substances are more potent, overdose risk has increased, new substances and methods of use have been introduced, and substance classes are increasingly being intentionally and unintentionally mixed. These developments potentially undermine CM outcomes. We explored recent substance use changes due to legislative, regulatory, social, and economic factors for four substance classes: stimulants, opioids, tobacco, and cannabis. We discuss potential adjustments to the modifiable components of CM for future research in response to these changes. By continually adapting to the shifting substance use landscape, CM can maintain optimal efficacy.
Versatile cell cultivation on injectable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) microcarriers: Impact of surface properties across different cell types
Authors: Koç Sena , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInjectable cell therapies offer several advantages compared with traditional open surgery, including less trauma to the patient, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of infection. However, a significant problem is the difficulty in developing effective cell delivery carriers that are cyto‐compatible and maintain cell viability both during and after injection. In the presented study, it was aimed to develop poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) microcarriers using the emulsion preparation‐solvent evaporation technique. The optimized diameter of the PBAT microcarriers was determined as 104 ± 15 μm at 700 rpm and there would be no blockage after injection due to the nonswelling feature of microcarriers. Furthermore, the cellular activities of PBAT microcarriers were evaluated in static culture for 7 days using L929 mouse fibroblasts, MC3T3‐E1 mouse pre‐osteoblasts, and rat adipose‐derived mesenchymal cells (AdMSCs). 3‐[4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide results and Sscanning electron microscope images showed that PBAT microcarriers increased the adhesion and proliferation properties of pre‐osteoblasts and stem cells, while L929 fibroblasts formed aggregates by adhering to certain regions of the microcarrier surface and did not spread on the surface. These results emphasize that PBAT microcarriers can be used as injectable carriers, especially in stem cell therapies, but their surface properties need to be modified for some cells.
Four intestinal ultrasound scores and bowel wall thickness alone correlated well with pediatric ulcerative colitis disease activity
Authors: Hudson Alexandra S. , Isaac Daniela M. , Ma Henry , Lo Christine , Kim Justin , Kuc Anna , Novak Kerri L. , Carroll Matthew W. , Wine Eytan , Huynh Hien Q. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesIntestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a noninvasive tool in ulcerative colitis (UC), but scoring systems have mostly been developed for adults, Crohn's disease, and flaring UC. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of bowel wall thickness (BWT) and four IUS scores in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed UC.MethodsPatients <18 years old with suspected UC were prospectively enrolled. Baseline IUS was done, and ulcerative colitis intestinal ultrasound score (UC‐IUS), Milan criteria, simple pediatric activity ultrasound score (SPAUSS), and Civitelli Index were calculated. Mayo endoscopic segment subscore, pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index (PUCAI), and biomarkers were correlated with IUS using nonparametric and receiver operating characteristic analyses.ResultsFifty‐two patients (56% male, median age 13.9 years, interquartile range [IQR] 11.2–16.3) with 206 colon segments were included. Patients who needed hospitalization (n = 27/52) had significantly worse IUS (BWT and all scores) compared to those not hospitalized. For all patients, IUS scores and BWT significantly correlated with baseline endoscopic, clinical, and biochemical disease activity (p = 0.32–0.67, p < 0.05). BWT (τb = 0.53), UC‐IUS (τb = 0.55), and Milan (τb = 0.52) had the strongest endoscopic correlations. For differentiating between endoscopic disease severity, BWT, UC‐IUS, and Milan, had the highest areas under the curve (0.89–0.93). Using BWT alone, a thinner cut‐off had improved sensitivity while maintaining high specificity: ≥2.5 mm for moderate/severe endoscopic inflammation (sensitivity 66%; specificity 94%) and ≥3.5 mm for severe endoscopic inflammation (sensitivity 92%; specificity 86%).ConclusionsBWT and all four IUS scores correlated well with endoscopic, clinical, and biochemical disease activity, and was another useful marker of severity in identifying patients needing hospitalization. Pediatric patients needed a thinner BWT cut‐off, which should be accounted for when developing pediatric‐specific scores. BWT alone may be just as clinically useful as composite US scores.
Characterization of a mixed mode fluorocarbon/weak anion exchange sorbent for the separation of perfluoroalkyl substances
Authors: Olomukoro Aghogho A. , Xie Ruichao , Paucar Fabiola X. Fernandez , DeRosa Charlotte , Danielson Neil D. , Gionfriddo Emanuela 
Published: August 2024

The ubiquitous presence and persistence of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment have raised concerns in the scientific community. Current research efforts are prioritizing effective PFAS remediation through novel sorbents with orthogonal interaction mechanisms. Recognized sorption mechanisms between PFAS and sorbents include hydrophobic, electrostatic, and fluorine‐fluorine interaction. The interplay of these mechanisms contributes significantly to improved sorption capacity and selectivity in PFAS separations. In this study, a primary/secondary amine‐functionalized polystyrene‐divinylbenzene (Sepra‐WAX) polymer was modified to create a fluorinated WAX resin (Sepra‐WAX‐KelF‐PEI). The synthesis intermediate (Sepra‐WAX‐KelF) was also tested to assess the improvement of the final product (Sepra‐WAX‐KelF‐PEI). The adsorption capacity of Sepra‐WAX, Sepra‐WAX‐KelF, and Sepra‐WAX‐KelF‐PEI, and their interactions with PFAS were evaluated. The effect of pH, ionic strength, and organic solvents on PFAS sorption in aqueous solution was also investigated. The sorbents showed varied adsorption capacities for perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluoro‐n‐decanoic acid, and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, with the average extraction capacity of the four analytes being Sepra‐WAX‐KelF‐PEI (523 mg/g) > Sepra‐WAX (353 mg/g) > Sepra‐WAX‐KelF (220 mg/g). Sepra‐WAX‐KelF‐PEI provided the highest adsorption capacity for all analytes tested, proving that the combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic/fluorophilic interactions is crucial for the effective preconcentration of PFAS and its future applications for PFAS remediation from aqueous solutions.
What Do People Want to Know About Cochlear Implants: A Google Analytic Study
Authors: Benaim Ezer H. , O'Rourke Samuel P. , Dillon Margaret T. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveIdentify the questions most frequently asked online about cochlear implants (CI) and assess the readability and quality of the content.MethodsA Google search engine observational study was conducted via a search response optimization (SEO) tool. The SEO tool listed the questions generated by Google's “People Also Ask” (PAA) feature for the search queries “cochlear implant” and “cochlear implant surgery.” The top 50 PAA questions for each query were conceptually classified. Sourced websites were evaluated for readability, transparency and information quality, and ability to answer the question. Readability and accuracy in answering questions were also compared to the responses from ChatGPT 3.5.ResultsThe PAA questions were commonly related to technical details (21%), surgical factors (18%), and postoperative experiences (12%). Sourced websites mainly were from academic institutions, followed by commercial companies. Among all types of websites, readability, on average, did not meet the recommended standard for health‐related patient education materials. Only two websites were at or below the 8th‐grade level. Responses by ChatGPT had significantly poorer readability compared to the websites (p < 0.001). These online resources were not significantly different in the percentage of accurately answering the questions (websites: 78%, ChatGPT: 85%, p = 0.136).ConclusionsThe most searched topics were technical details about devices, surgical factors, and the postoperative experience. Unfortunately, most websites did not meet the ideal criteria of readability, quality, and credibility for patient education. These results highlight potential knowledge gaps for patients, deficits in current online education materials, and possible tools to better support CI candidate decision‐making.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 135:840–847, 2025
Machine learning and numerical investigation on drag coefficient of arbitrary polygonal particles
Authors: Xiang Haonan , Cheng Cheng , Zhang Pei , Jiang Genghui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe drag coefficient, as the most important parameter that characterizes particle dynamics in flows, has been the focus of a large number of investigations. Although good predictability is achieved for simple shapes, it is still challenging to accurately predict drag coefficient of complex‐shaped particles even under moderate Reynolds number (Re). The problem is that the small‐scale shape details of particles can still have considerable impact on the drag coefficient, but these geometrical details cannot be described by single shape factor. To address this challenge, we leverage modern deep‐learning method's ability for pattern recognition, take multiple shape factors as input to better characterize particle‐shape details, and use the drag coefficient as output. To obtain a high‐precision data set, the discrete element method coupled with an improved velocity interpolation scheme of the lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate and analyze the sedimentation dynamics of polygonal particles. Four different machine‐learning models for predicting the drag coefficient are developed and compared. The results show that our model can well predict the drag coefficient with an average error of less than 5% for particles. These findings suggest that data‐driven models can be an attractive option for the drag‐coefficient prediction for particles with complex shapes.
Double‐sided queues and their applications to vaccine inventory management
Authors: Wu Haoran , He Qi‐Ming , Erenay Fatih Safa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe consider a double‐sided queueing model with batch Markovian arrival processes (BMAPs) and finite discrete abandonment times, which arises in various stochastic systems such as perishable inventory systems and financial markets. Customers arrive at the system with a batch of orders to be matched by counterparts. While waiting to be matched, customers become impatient and may abandon the system without service. The abandonment time of a customer depends on its batch size and its position in the queue. First, we propose an approach to obtain the stationary joint distribution of age processes via the stationary analysis of a multi‐layer Markov modulated fluid flow process. Second, using the stationary joint distribution of the age processes, we derive a number of queueing quantities related to matching rates, fill rates, sojourn times and queue length for both sides of the system. Last, we apply our model to analyze a vaccine inventory system and gain insight into the effect of uncertainty in supply and demand processes on the performance of the inventory system. It is observed that BMAPs are better choices for modeling the supply/demand process in systems with high uncertainty for more accurate performance quantities.
Association of epicardial adipose tissue on magnetic resonance imaging with cardiovascular outcomes: Quality over quantity?
Authors: Duca Franz , Mascherbauer Katharina , Donà Carolina , Koschutnik Matthias , Binder Christina , Nitsche Christian , Halavina Kseniya , Beitzke Dietrich , Loewe Christian , Bartko Philipp , Waldmann Elisabeth , Mascherbauer Julia , Hengstenberg Christian , Kammerlander Andreas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) quantity is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. However, the quality of EAT may be of incremental prognostic value. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for tissue characterization but has never been applied for EAT quality assessment. We aimed to investigate EAT quality measured on CMR T1 mapping as a predictor of poor outcomes in an all‐comer cohort.MethodsWe investigated the association of EAT area and EAT T1 times (EAT‐T1) with a composite endpoint of nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause death.ResultsA total of 966 participants were included (47.2% female; mean age: 58.4 years) in this prospective observational CMR registry. Mean EAT area and EAT‐T1 were 7.3 cm2 and 268 ms, respectively. On linear regression, EAT‐T1 was not associated with markers of obesity, dyslipidemia, or comorbidities such as diabetes (p > 0.05 for all). During a follow‐up of 57.7 months, a total of 280 (29.0%) events occurred. EAT‐T1 was independently associated (adjusted hazard ratio per SD: 1.202; 95% CI: 1.022–1.413; p = 0.026) with the composite endpoint when adjusted for established clinical risk.ConclusionsEAT quality (as assessed via CMR T1 times), but not EAT quantity, is independently associated with a composite endpoint of nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause death.image
Skull Base Osteomyelitis: A 5‐Year Review and Prognostic Outcome in a Single Tertiary Institution
Authors: Yew Toong Liew , Ghauth Sakina , Yin Xuan Ng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to review the clinical parameters associated with skull base osteomyelitis (SBO), with a secondary aim of studying their association with patient outcomes 1 and 6 months after treatment initiation.Study DesignThis is a single‐center restrospective observational study.SettingThe study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2022 at the University Malaya Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur.MethodsPatients aged over 15 years with a diagnosis of SBO were included in the study. Clinical parameters, investigations, and follow‐up records were recorded. The disease outcomes were analyzed at 1 and 6 months after treatment initiation using multivariable analyses.ResultsThe study identified 31 patients with SBO, the majority of whom were elderly males with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Otalgia and otorrhea were the most common symptoms, and computed tomography scans were used for diagnosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly identified pathogen, and intravenous broad‐spectrum antimicrobials were used to treat all patients. Surgical intervention was required for 25% of patients, and underlying ischemic heart disease, anemia, and single nerve palsy were significantly associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Patients with higher body mass index and elevated C‐reactive protein showed poorer outcomes after 1 and 6 months of treatment, respectively.ConclusionEarly recognition, prompt treatment, better control of comorbidities, nutrition, and monitoring can improve SBO outcomes and reduce complications. Therefore, as the prevalence of SBO increases, diagnostic criteria or management guidelines should be established to guide the best clinical practice.