bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Optical Biopsy During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery With Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Frenken Ann‐Kathrin , Sievert Matti , Panuganti Bharat , Aubreville Marc , Meyer Till , Scherzad Agmal , Gehrke Thomas , Scheich Matthias , Hackenberg Stephan , Goncalves Miguel 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveConfocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an optical imaging technique that allows in vivo, real‐time, microscope‐like assessment of superficial lesions. Although there is substantial data on CLE use in the upper GI tract, there is limited information regarding its application in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This study aims to assess the feasibility and diagnostic metrics of CLE in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses regarding differentiation between healthy/benign and malignant tissue. These structures show, however, a wider variety of frequent and concomitant benign and malignant pathologies, which could pose an increased challenge for optical biopsy by CLE.MethodsWe performed CLE on a case series of six patients with various findings in the nose (three chronic rhinosinusitis, adenocarcinoma, meningoenzephalozele, esthesionneuroblastoma). Forty‐two sequences (3792 images) from various structures in the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses were acquired. Biopsies were taken at corresponding locations and analyzed in hematoxylin and eosin staining as a standard of reference. Three independent examiners blinded to the histopathology assessed the sequences.ResultsHealthy and inflamed mucosa could be distinguished from malignant lesions with an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 84.1%, 85.4%, 83.1%, 72.5%, and 92.1%, respectively, with a substantial agreement between raters (Fleiss κ = 0.62).ConclusionThis technique shows, despite its limitations, potential as an adjunctive imaging technique during sinus surgery; however, the creation of a scoring system based on reproducible and defined characteristics in a larger more diverse population should be the focus of further research to improve its diagnostic value and clinical utility.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:4217–4224, 2024
Maxitrol as an antibiofilm agent with potential applications in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Hale Samuel J. M. , Kim Raymond , O'Carroll Mark , Biswas Kristi , Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Douglas Richard G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesMaxitrol (Novartis) is a topical ophthalmic medication that contains polymyxin B, neomycin, and dexamethasone. If it possesses antibiofilm activity, it may be useful for treating diseases of the head and neck in which biofilms are implicated, including chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic suppurative otitis media and osteoradionecrosis. We investigated the in vitro efficacy of Maxitrol against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.MethodsMinimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays were performed using biofilms of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and S. aureus ATCC 6538 type strains, grown on 96‐pin lids and treated in Maxitrol for 30 min, 1 h, or 6 h. Isolates of both species were collected from the middle meatuses of patients with cystic fibrosis. Biofilms of clinical isolates were grown and treated in vitro for 6 h with Maxitrol, both undiluted at full concentration and at the identified MBEC, then cultured to identify bacterial survival.ResultsNeither type strain was eradicated at 30 min nor S. aureus at 1 h at any tested concentration. P. aeruginosa was eradicated by a median of 90% and 5.6% Maxitrol at 1 and 6 h, respectively, and S. aureus with 90% Maxitrol at 6 h. Undiluted Maxitrol reliably eradicated all clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa but only one of five S. aureus isolates.ConclusionsMaxitrol reliably eradicates P. aeruginosa biofilm but not S. aureus biofilm in vitro. It may have a therapeutic role against biofilms in which P. aeruginosa is the dominant pathogen.Level of EvidenceN/A.
In situ aerobic methane oxidation rates in a stratified lake
Authors: Hudspeth Zachary W. , Morningstar Joshua L. , Mendlovitz Howard P. , Baily Jennifer A. , Lloyd Karen G. , Martens Christopher S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMicrobial aerobic methane oxidation is an important sink for aquatic methane worldwide. Despite its importance to global methane fluxes, few aerobic methane oxidation rates have been obtained in freshwater or marine environments without imposing changes to the microbial community through use of ex situ methods. A novel in situ incubation method for continuous time‐series measurements was used in Jordan Lake, North Carolina, during 2020–2021, to determine reaction kinetics for aerobic methane oxidation rates across a wide range of naturally varying methane (55–1833 nM) and dissolved oxygen (DO; 28–366 μM) concentrations and temperatures (17–30°C). Methane oxidation began immediately at the start of each of 21 incubations and methane oxidation rates were 1st order with respect to methane. The data density allowed for accurate calculation of 1st‐order rate constants, k, that ranged from 0.018 to 0.462 h−1 (R2 > 0.967). Addition of ammonium (20–45 μM) to natural concentrations ranging from 0.057 to 2.4 μM did not change aerobic methane oxidation rate kinetics, suggesting that the natural population of aerobic methane oxidizers in this eutrophic lake was not nitrogen limited. Values of k inversely correlated most strongly with initial DO concentrations (R2 = 0.82) rather than temperature. Values for k increased with Julian day throughout our sampling period, suggesting seasonal influences on methane oxidation via responses to geochemical changes or shifts in microbial community abundance and composition. These experiments demonstrate a high variability in the enzymatic capacity for 1st‐order methane oxidation rates in this eutrophic lake that is tightly and inversely coupled to oxygen concentrations. Measurements of in situ aerobic methane oxidation rate constants allow for the direct quantification and modeling of the microbial community's capacity for methane oxidation over a wide range of natural methane concentrations.
Small‐scale measurement of fracture toughness of muddy marine sediments via bubble injection
Authors: Cho Anika S. , Dorgan Kelly M. , Lockridge Grant 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMuddy marine sediments are elastic materials in which bubbles grow and worms extend their burrows by fracture. Bubble growth and burrowing behavior are dependent on the stiffness and fracture toughness (KIc) of these muds. This article describes a custom laboratory apparatus to measure the fracture toughness of muddy, cohesive sediments using a bubble injection method. The system induces fracture in sediment samples by incrementally injecting air through a needle inserted into the sediment. The increasing pneumatic pressure is monitored until it drops abruptly, indicating bubble formation. Fracture toughness is then calculated from the peak pressure at which fracture occurred, following cavitation rheology methods developed for soft gels. The system has produced measurements that compare well to previous data but with better spatial resolution, allowing for characterization of spatial heterogeneity on small scales.
Engineered 3D Vortex Array with Customized Energy and Topological Charges for Multi‐View Display
Authors: Meng Weijia , Pi Dapu , Li Baoli , Luan Haitao , Gu Min , Fang Xinyuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractArrays of multiple vortex beams enhance parallel processing capabilities from particle manipulation to information communication. However, the spatial position, topological charge, and energy parameters of the vortex beams within the array have yet to be precisely controlled, posing significant challenges to the realization of multi‐view 3D Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) display using vortex arrays as information carriers. To address this issue, a method for generating vortex arrays based on a phase‐only hologram, customizing the array by using the energy and OAM spectrum of each vortex beam as the loss function is developed. Experimental results indicate that a 2D array generates 100 vortex beams in the spatial frequency domain, while a 3D array in the Fresnel zone produces 252 vortex beams across 7 planes, each with 36 unprecedentedly controllable energy and topological charge vortex beams. Subsequently, images of 4 views using the 3D vortex arrays and decoded through coordinate transformation to achieve a multi‐view 3D OAM display are encoded. The results demonstrate imaging quality with Mean Peak Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (MPSNR) of 12.7, 13.0, 13.4, and 12.2 dB in 4 views, respectively, offering promising opportunities for applications in 3D optical manipulation, high‐capacity communication, and 3D OAM holography.
Light‐Driven Micronavigators for Directional Migration of Cells
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Liu Xiaoshuai , Gong Zhiyong , Xu Jiaqi , Wu Tianli , Wu Huaying , Guo Jinghui , Li Yuchao , Li Baojun , Zhang Yao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCell migration is an essential physiological process in the life cycle of cells, playing a crucial role in cancer metastasis, neural development, and cellular immune response. However, achieving precise control of cell migration at single‐cell level is challenging due to the intricate and diverse microenvironments of cells. Here, an optical technique is presented that utilizes light‐actuated micronavigators to guide the directional migration of individual cells both in vitro and in vivo. Employing high‐speed scanning optical tweezers, micronavigators near target cells are trapped and rotated at a rotation speed of up to 12 000 rpm, which, to the best of knowledge, represents the fastest rotation of light‐driven micromotors in a biological environment to date. The micronavigators generate a powerful fluid shear force (up to 40 pN) which can guide the migration of immune and nerve cells in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, micronavigators are employed to guide cell migration in various biological systems, including lab‐on‐a‐chip devices and blood vessels within living animals. This technique offers new opportunities for controlling cell migration, enabling precise immune activation, and neuron repair at the single‐cell level.
Effect of DBSA‐doped PANI on the corrosion protection performance of GO/epoxy coatings
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Zhang Yingjun , Shi Chao , Dou Baojie , Liu Mingshun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, the anticorrosion effect of polyaniline doped with dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PANI‐DBSA) in graphene oxide (GO)/epoxy coating is investigated. PANI‐DBSA is effectively synthesized on the surface of GO via chemical polymerization, and its properties are investigated via a series of characterization methods. The PANI‐DBSA/GO hybrid exhibits improved compatibility with organic resin. The anticorrosion performance of PANI‐DBSA/GO coatings is assessed through water absorption tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, and adhesion strength tests. The results indicate that PANI reduces the water absorption of GO, and the favorable compatibility of PANI‐DBSA/GO with epoxy resin minimizes coating defects and enhances the interfacial blocking for diffusion electrolytes. In this work, the PANI has no active function such as passivating the metal surface, it just serves to shield the hydrophilic GO surface and to improve compatibility between GO and the epoxy, attributing its low pigment content.
Insight into the crevice corrosion mechanism of AA7075‐T651 high‐strength aluminum alloys in neutral nitrate solution: The effect of Cl−
Authors: Li Yuan , Tang Yixin , Liu Xiaohang , Li Yizhou 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe crevice corrosion behavior and mechanism of AA7075‐T651 aluminum alloy was investigated by electrochemical measurements and surface analysis technologies in a neutral nitrate solution with different contents of NaCl. The Cl− was identified as crucial for the initiation and development of the crevice corrosion, with the phenomenon absent in the 0.05 M NaCl solution but initiated in the 0.5 and 1 M NaCl solutions. However, the crevice corrosion was more pronounced in the 0.5 M NaCl solution due to the establishment of a larger galvanic corrosion effect. The rapid dissolution of the anodic phase resulted in the increased Cl− inside the crevice, while the cathodic phase enhanced the localized dissolution through micro‐galvanic corrosion. This synergistic effect significantly facilitated the development of crevice corrosion.
Patina formation and diffuse dispersion of alloying metals from weathering steels at urban atmospheric conditions—A combined laboratory and field investigation
Authors: Herting Gunilla , Virolainen Esa , Odnevall Inger 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe increasing use of weathering steels (WS) has raised concerns regarding the diffuse emission of alloying elements. This research paper investigates the release of iron (Fe) and the alloying elements (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) from two commercially available WS at urban field conditions in Stockholm, Sweden, during 1 year and in the laboratory at simulated urban conditions. The amount of released metals is evaluated and compared with recommended levels of metals in drinking water and the formation and evolution of the protective patina is studied in parallel to assess the influence on the metal release process. Only minor amounts of the alloying elements are released and is only linked to the outermost surface composition of the patina during the very beginning of the exposure. The released amounts are found to be lower compared with the corresponding levels recommended by the World Health Organisation for drinking water.
Interfacial Charge Transport Enhancement of Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Transistors Enabled by Ionic Polyurethane Dielectric
Authors: Nketia‐Yawson Benjamin , Nketia‐Yawson Vivian , Buer Albert Buertey , Jo Jea Woong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) using disordered organic semiconductors, interface traps that hinder efficient charge transport, stability, and device performance are inevitable. Benchmark poly(9,9‐dioctylfuorene‐co‐bithiophene) (F8T2) liquid‐crystalline polymer semiconductor has been extensively investigated for organic electronic devices due to its promising combination of charge transport and light emission properties. This study demonstrates that high‐capacitance single‐layered ionic polyurethane (PU) dielectrics enable enhanced charge transport in F8T2 OFETs. The ionic PU dielectrics are composed of a mild blending of PU ionogel and PU solution, thereby forming a solid‐state film with robust interfacial characteristics with semiconductor layer and gate electrode in OFETs and measuring high capacitance values above 10 µF cm−2 owing to the combined dipole polarization and electric double layer formation. The optimized fabricated ionic PU‐gated OFETs exhibit a low‐voltage operation at −3 V with a remarkable hole mobility of over 5 cm2 V–1 s–1 (average = 2.50 ± 1.18 cm2 V–1 s–1), which is the highest mobility achieved so far for liquid‐crystalline F8T2 OFETs. This device also provides excellent bias‐stable characteristics in ambient air, exhibiting a negligible threshold voltage shift of −0.03 V in the transfer curves after extended bias stress, with a reduced trap density.
Burden and preparedness of care partners of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at home in Korea: A care partner survey
Authors: Lee Sun Young , Yoo Shin Hye , Cho Belong , Kim Kye Hyung , Jang Min Seoul , Shin Jeongmi , Hwang Inyoung , Choi Seok‐Jin , Sung Jung‐Joon , Kim Min Sun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe care burden of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS) increases with disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the home care status and preparedness of care partners of pALS (cALS) in Korea.MethodsAn online survey was conducted with family care partners of patients diagnosed with ALS for over 1 year in 2022. The data collected included care time, depression evaluated using the patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), preparedness for caregiving scale (PCS), and caregiver competence scale (CCS). Results were compared based on whether the pALS underwent a tracheostomy or not.ResultsNinety‐eight cALS of 98 pALS participated in the study, of whom 59 pALS had undergone tracheostomy. Among the cALS, 60.2% were spouses, and 34.7% were children. The cALS took care of the patients for 13 (8–20) hours/day (median, interquartile range [IQR]) on weekdays and 15 (10–24) h/day on weekends. Among the cALS, 91.8% were depressed, and 28.6% had severe depression. The median (IQR) PCS and CCS scores were low (11/32 (8–15) and 8/20 (8–11), respectively), and both were lower in those caring for patients without than with tracheostomy (p < .001 and p < .02, respectively). Most cALS (77.6%) wished to continue caring for their pALS at home.DiscussionFamily care partners of pALS spend more than half of each day caring for patients and are often depressed. Most cALS preferred providing care at home, but felt ill‐prepared. Designing home‐based medical care is necessary for pALS to thrive at home.
Numerical analysis of optimal control problems governed by fourth‐order linear elliptic equations using the Hessian discretization method
Authors: Shylaja Devika 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article focuses on the optimal control problems governed by fourth‐order linear elliptic equations with clamped boundary conditions in the framework of the Hessian discretization method (HDM). The HDM is an abstract framework that enables the convergence analysis of several numerical methods such as the conforming finite element methods, the Adini and Morley nonconforming finite element methods (ncFEMs), the method based on gradient recovery (GR) operators, and the finite volume methods (FVMs). Basic error estimates and superconvergence results are established for the state, adjoint, and control variables. A companion operator for the GR method with specific property is designed. The article concludes with numerical results that illustrate the theoretical convergence rates for GR method, Adini ncFEM, and FVM.
Preparation of chitosan‐based macromolecular synergistic antioxidants containing hindered phenolic and secondary amine structures and its effects on thermo‐oxidative aging of styrene‐butadiene rubber/silica composites
Authors: Wu Lihao , Xie Xiaojiang , Huang Jizhong , He Jingwei , Liu Fang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, chitosan (CS)‐based macromolecular synergistic antioxidant CS‐UC‐TDAA containing carbon–carbon double bond, hindered phenol, and aromatic secondary amine was prepared by using CS,10‐undecenoyl chloride (UC), p‐aminobenzoic acid (AA), 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (TD) via esterification, Schiff base reaction, and acylation reaction. The molecular structure of CS‐UC‐TDAA was characterized by fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The effects of macromolecular synergistic antioxidant CS‐UC‐TDAA, small molecular antioxidant TDAA, commercial antioxidant 4020, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the antiaging properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/SiO2 composites were systematically studied by accelerated thermo‐oxidative aging test, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and methanol Soxhlet extraction experiment. The experimental results show that CS‐UC‐TDAA has more outstanding thermo‐oxidative aging resistance, thermal stability, and solvent extraction resistance in SBR/SiO2 composites than TDAA, 4020, and BHT. The macromolecular synergistic antioxidant CS‐UC‐TDAA endows SBR/SiO2 composites with more durable antiaging performance, which is attributed to the synergistic antioxidant effect of its hindered phenol and aromatic secondary amine groups. Additionally, its resistance to migration and extraction is facilitated by the crosslinking of the carbon–carbon double bond with the rubber and its substantial molecular weight.
Fabrication of a tissue engineering mat by emulsion‐based electrospinning of polycaprolactone/silk fibroin using a new solvent system
Authors: Alizadeh Sanaz , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Kundu Subhas C. , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe development of electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds using silk fibroin and polycaprolactone (PCL) has been reported. The challenge in this system is the design of a suitable solvent with high stability. In this study, a mat was electrospun with PCL‐fibroin fibers using an emulsion consisting of PCL and a blend of fibroin and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The effects of different concentrations of fibroin and PEO and ratios of formic acid: distilled water (FA:DW, solvent for fibroin and PEO) and chloroform: formic acid (Chl:FA, solvent for PCL) were studied. The FA:DW and Chl:FA ratios of 70:30 were proved to make an optimized and stable solvent system. In addition, by controlling the water absorption of the mat, we optimized its weight loss and maintained its integrity for up to 14 days. Also, the mechanical and cell attachment properties were as expected. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay exhibited the potential of the mats to induce angiogenesis. Furthermore, subcutaneous implantation in a mouse model elicited no significant inflammatory response. This study provides a simple and promising electrospinning fabrication with an optimized solvent system for tissue engineering applications.
Tailored Ni‐Zn‐Cu ferrite/EPDM nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted properties for mechanical and electrical applications
Authors: Parveen Nazia , Hanif Asma Anam , Hassan Sadaf ul , Rehman Aamal , Razzaque Shumaila , Mahmood Asif , Al‐Masry Waheed , Kim Taewook , Han Soo‐Kyung , Park Chan Ho , Nazir Shahid , Ali Zulfiqar , Akhter Toheed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, we prepared Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. First, Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a tailored composition of NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2). Subsequently, these nanoparticles were incorporated into the EPDM rubber matrix through a two‐roll mixing mill. Scanning electron microscopy and x‐rays diffraction techniques were used to explore their morphology and structure. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify metal‐oxygen bonds in the nanoparticles and their incorporation in the nanocomposites. Similarly, curing properties, including optimum cure time, scorch time, and torque profiles, were evaluated using a moving die rheometer. While, mechanical properties of these composites, such as tensile strength and Young's modulus, were determined with a universal testing machine. Tensile strength improved from 0.11 MPa to 0.22 MPa (100% increase), whereas, the Young's modulus increased from 0.03 MPa to 0.052 MPa (86% increase). Additionally, we investigated the dielectric properties of these nanocomposites, encompassing permittivity, resistivity, and dielectric constant, using a dielectric properties analyzer. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in dielectric resistivity of nanocomposites (from 33.2 GΩ to 23.38 GΩ) upon the introduction of Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles, indicating the formation of a continuous nanofiller network within the EPDM matrix. Interestingly, as the nanofiller loading increased, both dielectric permittivity and dielectric constant exhibited a gradual rise. The permittivity value increased from 2.31 to 2.39 (Fm−1), while the dielectric constant increased from 0.0091 to 0.0179.Highlights
Synthesized Ni‐Zn‐Cu Fe2O4; tuned composition NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2).
Integrated ferrite into EPDM; optimized mixing for enhanced properties.
Employed SEM, XRD, and FTIR; revealed morphology, structure, and bonding.
Evaluated curing using MDR; unveiled optimal time and torque profiles.
Explored dielectric properties; demonstrated reduced resistivity, heightened permittivity.