bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wall heating by subcritical energetic electrons generated by the runaway electron avalanche source
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Authors: Beidler M.T. , del-Castillo-Negrete D. , Shiraki D. , Baylor L.R. , Hollmann E.M. , Lasnier C.J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Subcritical energetic electrons (SEEs) produced by the runaway electron (RE) avalanche source at energies below the runaway threshold are found to be the primary contributor to surface heating of plasma-facing components (PFCs) during final loss events. This finding is supported by theoretical analysis, computational modeling with the Kinetic Orbit Runaway electrons Code (KORC), and qualitative agreement with DIII-D experimental observations. The avalanche source generates significantly more secondary electrons below the runaway threshold, which thermalize rapidly when well-confined. However, during a final loss event, the RE beam impacts the first wall, and SEEs are deconfined before they can thermalize. Additionally, because the energy deposition length decreases faster than energy, the deposited energy density, and thus the maximum PFC surface temperature change, is larger for SEEs than REs. KORC simulations employ an analytic first wall to model particle deconfinement onto a non-axisymmetric wall composed of individual tiles. PFC surface heating is calculated using a 1D model extended to include an energy-dependent deposition length scale. Simulations of DIII-D qualitatively agree with infrared (IR) imaging only when SEEs from the avalanche source are included. These results demonstrate that SEEs are the dominant contributor to PFC surface heating and indicate that the avalanche source plays a critical role in the PFC damage caused during final loss events. The prominence of SEEs also has important implications for interpreting IR imaging, one of the primary diagnostics for RE-wall interaction diagnosis, despite REs dominating the energy and current density. This result improves predictions of wall damage due to post-disruption REs to estimate material lifetime and design RE mitigation systems for ITER and future reactors.
A Review on Stabilizing Clayey Soil Using Waste Materials
Authors: Senagah Amenjor , Singh Preetpal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Infrastructural development on unstable clayey soil has resulted to the damage of buildings and roads, the loss of lives, and financial instability in many projects including both vertical and horizontal structures due to the incapability of clayey soil to withstand certain magnitude of loadings. Furthermore, the deposit of materials that are left-over in open areas has also become an environmental challenge for residents in many communities. This review elaborates on the effect of waste materials—SDA (sawdust ash), FA (fly ash), and RHA (rice hush ash)—on the shearing strength of clayey soil as agents for stabilization. The study covers significant books on stabilizing clayey soil with additives as well as high indexed research articles that were published from 1998 to 2023. The findings show that, mixing the ash of sawdust with natural clay soil at the peak values of four (4) percent to seven point five (7.5) percent carries up the UCS (Unconfined Compressive Strength), the MDD (Maximum Dry Density), the CBR (California Bearing Ratio), and lowers the soil’s swelling, Optimum Water Content or OMC and Liquid Limit (LL). Similarly, the mixture of FA and clay soil at the optimum values ranging from 9 to 25%, raises the clayey soil’s UCS, MDD, and CBR while lowering its swelling potential, OMC, and LL. Additionally, the UCS, MDD and CBR increases, and the swelling, OMC, and LL reduce at the optimum value of added rice hush ash ranging from 10 to 20%. Thus, it is established that the addition of sawdust, fly, and rice hush can enhance clayey soil’s engineering properties.
Design and analysis of bituminous construction mixes for flexible pavement by adding industrial waste
Authors: Mittal P , Singh T , Kaur G , Mittal P 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The study focused on utilizing industrial waste, which consists of various materials rendered unusable during manufacturing processes, for designing a bituminous mix for flexible pavement. The researchers collected the waste material and prepared a mixed composition of industrial waste. They evaluated the properties and quality of the mixed composition when combined with bitumen. Marshall mix samples were created using different bitumen contents and the mixed waste composition, with only 5% utilization of crumb rubber (CR) in the experimental work. The study found that the most optimal results were achieved with the addition of 3% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), 4% waste engine oil (WEO), and 5% CR with a bitumen content of 4.5%. The analysis revealed a maximum stability value of 727.5 kg and a flow value of 16.15. However, it was concluded that increasing the limit of LDPE, WEO, or CR could lead to brittleness and significant deformation in the mix.
Investigating geotechnical properties of silty clay stabilized using wheat straw ash and lime.
Authors: Nabi Mohasin , Malik Er. Mohd. Irshad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The change of soil conditions by either physical or chemical methods to improve the soil’s capability for engineering is known as soil stabilization. The primary goals of soil stabilization are to strengthen the soil’s carrying capacity, its resistance to degradation, and its ability to absorb water. Any building project’s durability is dependent on the stability of the base soils. For this reason, soil stabilization processes must be used to ensure the soil’s strength so that it is capable of supporting the load of the superstructure, particularly within the case of soil that is highly active. It also saves an important amount of time as well as funds when compared to the method of removing and replacing the unstable soil. The subject matter addresses the full inspection of how wheat straw ash and lime can be used to enhance soil qualities and stabilize it.
Study on interaction of Viscoelastic and Mechano-sorptive creep and effect of Fibre Reinforcement on creep of Timber beams
Authors: Jojo Joan Mary , Giri Gouri S , Nagarajan Praveen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Timber is a sustainable material widely used in structural elements. Its viscoelastic nature, in which the stress-strain relation varies with time, poses significant challenge to the durability of timber structures. Creep of timber under constant loading depends on various factors like stress level, moisture content, load-to-grain angle, temperature, relative humidity etc. Among these, relative humidity and moisture content in timber are the most crucial. Drastically varying moisture content causes mechano-sorptive creep. However, the interaction and contribution of various factors causing creep is still a matter of research. Various codes provide generalized creep coefficient for long term deflection and load reduction factors. A detailed rheological model was proposed by Toratti which addresses mechano-sorptive creep explicitly, incorporating both recoverable and irrecoverable part in creep. This paper aims to review the study on interaction between viscoelastic creep and Mechano-sorptive creep in various environmental conditions. Effect of reinforcing timber beams, on the long term deflection due to creep is also made a subject of study to identify a possible solution to the accelerated deflection by Mechano-sorptive creep, which will be unavoidable in tropical areas with extreme climactic changes. A comparative study between the various standard codes with Indian Standard Codes for timber with respect to creep, is also made, to identify the gaps in IS codes.
A statistical Review on the Usage of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement waste as a recyclable material
Authors: Nasir Humaib , Kaur Mandeep , Faheem Sheikh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Construction is a part of human evolution, in ancient times people used wood and stone as construction materials as they were obtained naturally. As time passed, we learned about new methods and materials of construction. We started using concrete, steel, and asphalt as construction materials but these materials were costly and also had ill effects on the environment. In modern times construction techniques should be eco-friendly and economical as well. So, recycling construction and demolition waste is an option to deal with these problems. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a type of construction and demolition waste, which can be recycled after proper treatment. Reclaimed asphalt pavement materials are obtained from the milling of road pavement during reconstruction or maintenance work. These materials are mainly coarse aggregates and asphalt binders. The use of Reclaimed asphalt pavement with virgin crushed aggregates is widely accepted practice in several construction applications as it reduces the cost of construction, transportation, and handling. Properties of reclaimed asphalt pavement wastes are expected to be in an acceptable range with the conventional material but can be used as a partial or whole replacement for conventional materials. Reclaimed asphalt pavement also reduces the consumption or violation of natural resources. One of the primary advantages of using RAP is cost savings. Incorporating RAP into asphalt mixtures can significantly reduce material and disposal costs since it eliminates the need to extract and transport new aggregates. Additionally, RAP can reduce the demand for virgin asphalt binder In this review, a study was done on the usage of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as a recyclable construction material, and its physical and chemical characteristics are compared to conclude and provide its statistical review so that it can be used for sustainable construction works.
Enhancing surface morphology, mechanical, and wettability properties of PVA/chitosan/HAp nanofiber scaffold through dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment
Authors: Hartatiek  , Yudyanto  , Wuriantika M I , Amalia S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment has been widely used for surface functionalization, allowing for precise modification of surface chemistry and morphology. This study investigates the efficacy of DBD plasma treatment in enhancing the surface morphology and wettability of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan, and hydroxyapatite (HAp), with potential applications in bone tissue engineering. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant alterations in surface morphology after treatment, including a reduction in average fiber diameter and the presence of uneven, damaged, and even broken fibers. Interestingly, the ultimate strength of the nanofibers increased from 1.13 ± 0.05 MPa to 6.99 ± 0.07 MPa despite the decrease in diameter. Contact angle measurements confirmed a remarkable improvement in wettability, with the contact angle decreasing from 39.46° to 7.45° following increasing treatment time. This enhanced wettability suggests improved cell adhesion, potentially leading to more effective bone tissue regeneration.
Advantages of the 3- vs. the 2-Dimensional Laparoscopic Technology in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: de Vico C , Burgard M , Egger B , Pugin F 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Bariatric surgery procedures as the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass (RYGB) are highly standardized procedures. The difficulty in two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic surgery is the loss of the depth perception which complicates surgical techniques as suturing and knotting. The development of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy has been shown to reduce operative times and surgeons’ performances errors.

Aims
To compare operative times, post-operative complications and the lengths of hospital stay of patients having undergone laparoscopic RYGB before and after the introduction of the 3D-technology.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients having undergone RYGB (without cholecystectomy) at our institution by the same surgical team before and after the introduction of the 3D-laparoscopic technology (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). The primary outcome was the operative time, the secondary outcomes the post-operative complications and lengths of hospital stay.

Results
100 consecutive patients, operated on 2019-2021 were included; 50 were operated utilizing the 2D- and 50 the 3D laparoscopic technology. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, body mass index or comorbidities, however, patients in the 3D-group had significantly more previous interventions. Operative time and hospital length of stay were significantly reduced in the 3D-group (83 (± 20.8) vs. 91 (± 13.5) minutes; p &lt; 0.05 and 2.1 (± 0.4) vs. 2.7 (± 1.1) nights; p &lt; 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences found between groups concerning post-operative complications and re-interventions.

Conclusion
3D technology may help reducing the operative time and length of hospital stay in laparoscopic RYGB surgery with similar post-operative complications. We cannot completely exclude reduced operative times by the still growing experience of the surgical team.
Selective Inhibition of Hepatocyte Claudin-3 Ameliorates Fibrotic and Cholestatic Liver Damage by Enhancing Bicarbonate Secretion and Bile Dynamics.
Authors: Baier F , Baier F , Stroka D , Melin N , Yarahmadov T , Sánchez-Taltavull D , Moghadamrad S , Murugan S , Keogh A , Odermatt A , Gómez Castellá C , Feraille E , Sassi A , Deutsch U , Engelhardt B , Furuse M , Candinas D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Cholestatic-fibrotic liver diseases have a high unmet medical need. Tight junctions, which maintain the blood-biliary-barrier in the liver, have important biological functions that impact cholestatic diseases. A main component of the hepatic tight junction is claudin-3.

Aims
In this study, we explored the function of claudin-3 and demonstrate its potential as a new drug target in cholestatic-fibrotic liver diseases.

Methods
Adult C57BL/6 N background Cldn3+/+ or Cldn3-/- mice were subjected to extra- and intrahepatic cholestasis via surgical ligation of the common bile duct (BDL) or chemically, by gavage or feeding alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT). Hepatic necrosis and serum liver injury markers were determined. Bile flow and bicarbonate levels were quantified. Bile acid levels were measured by LC-MS/MS in serum and liver tissue. Claudin-3 was knocked down using liver specific claudin-3 GalNAc-siRNAs.

Results
Claudin-3 is expressed in normal- and cholestatic liver tissues. Cldn3-/- mice have a higher bile-flow rate, more bicarbonate secretion, and the bile is less concentrated with bile acids and bilirubin. Following bile duct ligation or ANIT, Cldn3-/- mice showed macroscopically less signs of bile acid retention and a different bile color. Hepatic bile acid levels were significantly lower in normal- or cholestasis challenged Cldn3-/- mice. Following BDL, ANIT gavage- or ANIT feeding, liver injury in was remarkably ameliorated in Cldn3-/- mice. Liver specific knockdown of claudin-3 using GalNAc-siRNAs ameliorated cholestasis at a lower success rate compared to the complete knockout.

Conclusion
Knockout or GalNAc-siRNA mediated inhibition of claudin-3 protected the liver from injury in models of extra- or intrahepatic cholestasis. Further pre-clinical and clinical studies need to be conducted to show whether claudin-3 inhibition is an efficient and safe therapeutic approach for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. As next step towards translation of our results, we are currently screening and optimizing human GalNAc conjugated claudin-3 inhibitors.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Immune Drivers Coordinates the Organisation of Antitumor Immunity in Pancreatic Cancer, Affecting Patient Outcome
Authors: Wenning A S , Aeschbacher P , Gloor B , Karamitopoulou E , Perren A , Marinoni I 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is considered low immunogenic with “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME) and is mostly unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapies.

Aims
We aim to decipher the impact of intratumoral heterogeneity of immune determinants on antitumor response.

Methods
130PDAC specimens were classified according to overall survival in long-term survivors (LTSs, n=29, OS≥60 months) and short-term survivors (STSs, n=101, OS&lt;60 months). Spatial compartment masks were defined by immunofluorescence imaging (tumor cells: Pancytokeratin+CD45-, leukocytes: CD45+Pancytokeratin-, stroma cells: PanCK-CD45-). 4regions of interest from tumor center (TC) and the invasive front (IF) were examined by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis using the Nanostring platform for immune pathway targets. Results of NGS and morphological features were integrated. 20samples underwent immunophenotypic analysis by multiplex immunofluorescence.

Results
LTSs displayed mostly homogeneous morphology with extended glandular differentiation and immunogenic TME both at TC and IF, with increasing gradient towards the IF. There was higher presence of immune checkpoint-associated and immunogenic genes and proteins at the IF as compared to the TC, including CD40, CD3, CD8, CD4, GZMB and PD-L1. In contrast, STSs were characterized by morphologic heterogeneity, including areas with reduced glandular differentiation and high tumor budding, and a mostly immunosuppressive TME with negative gradient towards the IF. Moreover, there was reduced gene expression and protein abundance at the IF as compared to the TC, including CD3, CD8, CXCL10, GZMB, IFNG, HLA-DR and CD40.

Conclusion
LTSs display a highly immunogenic TME, underscoring their effective antitumor immunity, especially at the area of IF compared with STSs. A significant intratumoral heterogeneity between TC and IF exists with regards to immune determinants in both, LTSs and STSs, which might explain the different antitumor immune responses, affecting patient outcome. The differential expression of immune drivers may help selecting patients for combination therapies to improve antitumor immunity and harness the responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors in PDAC.
Decentralized Colorectal Cancer Care: Benefit or Burden in the Pandemic? – An International Comparative Study in two Health Care Systems (DCCC Study)
Authors: Wiesler B , Gass J M , Metzger J , Hartel M , Nebiker C , Zingg U , Stimpfle D , Viehl C T , Müller A , Worni M , Studer P , Eisner L , Andreou C , Rosenberg R , Galli R , Müller B P , Denhaerynck K , Hall P , Gallagher C , Lilley C , Zuber M , Paterson H M , von Strauss Und Torney M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Beneficial effects of centralization could be shown. During SARS-CoV2 pandemic however, the centralization in the UK healthcare system led to cessation of screening colonoscopies and oncological resections. In the decentralized healthcare system of Switzerland, a high frequency of colonoscopies could be maintained.

Aims
The aim of this international study is to evaluate if a decentralized health care systems can prevent the threatening unmet needs of colorectal cancer patients under pandemic conditions.

Methods
This observational trial was performed in the south-east of Scotland and in the extended northwest of Switzerland with a catchment area of 1.5 Mio. inhabitants each. Patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed during January 2019 and December 2022 were included.

Results
Six thousand six hundred and eighty patients were included in this preliminary analysis (4059 in the NHS group and 2621 in the Swiss group). In Scotland the median number of diagnosed patients per quarter was 258 pre-pandemics, 218 during lockdown and 258 after lockdown (p=0.56). There was no significant alteration of the median diagnosed patients per quarter during different phases in Switzerland (165 pre-pandemic vs. 187 during lockdown vs. 162 post-lockdown, p=0.56). In Scotland the median number of all performed tumor treatments per quarter were lower during lockdown (83 pre-pandemic vs. 75 during lockdown vs. 93 post-lockdown, p&lt;0.01). In Switzerland the median treatment numbers per quarter didn´t differ during different phases (56 pre-pandemic vs. 62 during lockdown vs. 60 post-lockdown, p=0.51). The number of patients diagnosed with a T4 tumor during pandemic was higher in Scotland than in Switzerland (28% vs. 19%, p&lt;0.01). The 30-day mortality under pandemic condition was 7.5% (65 of 859) in Scotland compared to 3.7% (14 of 374) in Switzerland (p=0.01).

Conclusion
SARS-CoV2 pandemic led to a reduction in performed cancer treatments in Scotland. In Switzerland's decentralized healthcare system, cancer treatments were maintained during pandemic.
Overall Survival in Patients with Esophageal Cancer and Clinical Complete Response after Radio Chemotherapy: Should a Watchful Waiting Strategy be the new Standard of Care?
Authors: Gerber S , Berger M , Hemmatazad H , Candinas D , Kröll D , Haltmeier T , Borbély Y 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The current standard of care for curative treatment of esophageal cancer (EC) consists of neoadjuvant radio chemotherapy (RCT) followed by resection. However, an organ-sparing approach with a watchful waiting (WW) strategy and resection only in case of cancer recurrence is gaining importance in patients with clinical complete response (cCR) after RCT. Nevertheless, data on overall survival, particularly in subgroups with and without tumor recurrence, is limited.

Aims
To compare overall survival (OS) rates in patients with cCR based on initial management and at time of recurrence.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from all patients with EC and cCR to RCT between 01/2014 and 12/2021. OS- and disease-free survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results
Of 96 patients with cCR after RCT, 45 underwent resection (47%), and 51 (53%) a WW approach. There were no significant differences in baseline patient or tumor characteristics.
In the WW group, 28 patients (55%) had cancer recurrence. Of those, 11 patients (of 28, 39%) underwent either salvage esophagectomy or endoscopic submucosal dissection in curative intent.
No significant difference in OS could be detected in patients with WW and either no recurrence or recurrence treated in curative intention (p=0.716). Further, OS was significantly longer in those patients than in patients with primary resection (p=0.031) and WW patients with recurrence and palliative treatment (p&lt;0.001). (Fig 1).

Conclusion
In a WW concept for patients with EC and cCR after RCT, patients with cancer recurrence can achieve the same OS as patients without recurrence if treated in curative intention. Moreover, OS in both those patient groups was superior to that of patients undergoing direct resection after RCT, supporting a WW approach as at least safe and applicable in clinical practice. Further prospective data are needed to determine the value of WW as standard of care for patients with cCR following neoadjuvant RCT.