bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bivalve tissues as a recorder of multidecadal global anthropogenic and climate‐mediated change in coastal areas
Authors: Liénart Camilla , Fournioux Alan , Garbaras Andrius , Lheureux Arnaud , Blanchet Hugues , Briant Nicolas , Dubois Stanislas F. , Gangnery Aline , Grouhel Pellouin Anne , Le Monier Pauline , De Montaudouin Xavier , Savoye Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent rapid changes in climate and environmental conditions have significantly impacted coastal ecosystem functioning. However, the complex interplay between global and local effects makes it challenging to pinpoint the primary drivers. In a multi‐ecosystem study, we analyzed pluri‐decadal trends of bivalve‐δ13C as recorder of global environmental changes. These trends were correlated with large‐scale natural and anthropogenic climate proxies to identify whether coastal biota responded to global effects. Our findings revealed decreasing bivalve‐δ13C trends in all sea regions, mainly linked with increased temperature and atmospheric‐CO2 concentrations, the later generating a decrease in atmospheric‐CO2 δ13C values (Suess effect) because of fossil‐fuel burning. After removing the Suess effect from bivalve‐δ13C trends, ongoing global climate variability continues to affect most ecosystems, possibly intensified by combined, interacting regional or local effects. These results highlight the need to consider large‐scale effects to fully understand ecosystem and food web responses to the multiple effects of global change.
Cash holdings decision‐making in Spanish family firms: Exploring the impact of heterogeneity
Authors: Parrado‐Martínez Purificación , Comino‐Jurado María , Sánchez‐Andújar Sonia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCash holding decision‐making is one of the main corporate challenges for family firms (FFs), with significant consequences for their growth and survival. It is closely connected to key financial decisions such as financing, investments, and dividends. The motivations behind adjusting cash holdings vary, encompassing precautionary, risk avoidance, opportunity cost considerations, and the spending hypothesis. In our study, we aim to integrate specific motivations for cash holding decisions that stem from the influence of family dynamics within these businesses since FFs have unique characteristics, which affect their financial choices. Therefore, we analyze the impact of family involvement in management and the generational stage of FFs on their level of cash holdings. The results of the partial least squares–structural equation modeling, which was estimated on a sample of 7269 unlisted Spanish FFs, show that the higher the level of family involvement in management, as well as the higher the generational stage, the higher the level of cash holdings, with this having a positive effect on the firm's performance. In addition, we find that the positive relationship between family involvement in management and the level of cash holdings is strengthened by family ownership and weakened by family governance. These findings are relevant for a better understanding of the complexity of cash holding decision‐making in FFs and have practical implications not only for the FFs themselves but also for the entities related to them due to the important links between a firm's liquidity and its risk of default and performance.
The impact of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on trade in the Russia‐Ukraine war context
Authors: Yang Yiwen , Wu Hsiu‐Chi , Hsu Sheng‐Ming , Chi Pei‐Yu , Lin Chin‐Ho 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an impending mechanism that imposes a price on emissions embodied in products imported to the European Union (EU). It is expected to impact international trade substantially. Meanwhile, the Russia‐Ukraine war has been ongoing since March 2022, and resources are being redistributed accordingly. This study simulates the potential impact of CBAM on trade in the Russia‐Ukraine war context by employing the Computable General Equilibrium models. The simulation results show that the CBAM will significantly affect selected countries, and the impact will vary across countries and industries. In the context of the Russia‐Ukraine war, the influence on trade will be considerable.
Clinical VMAT machine parameter optimization for localized prostate cancer using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Hrinivich William T. , Bhattacharya Mahasweta , Mekki Lina , McNutt Todd , Jia Xun , Li Heng , Song Daniel Y. , Lee Junghoon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundVolumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) machine parameter optimization (MPO) remains computationally expensive and sensitive to input dose objectives creating challenges for manual and automatic planning. Reinforcement learning (RL) involves machine learning through extensive trial‐and‐error, demonstrating performance exceeding humans, and existing algorithms in several domains.PurposeTo develop and evaluate an RL approach for VMAT MPO for localized prostate cancer to rapidly and automatically generate deliverable VMAT plans for a clinical linear accelerator (linac) and compare resultant dosimetry to clinical plans.MethodsWe extended our previous RL approach to enable VMAT MPO of a 3D beam model for a clinical linac through a policy network. It accepts an input state describing the current control point and predicts continuous machine parameters for the next control point, which are used to update the input state, repeating until plan termination. RL training was conducted to minimize a dose‐based cost function for prescription of 60 Gy in 20 fractions using CT scans and contours from 136 retrospective localized prostate cancer patients, 20 of which had existing plans used to initialize training. Data augmentation was employed to mitigate over‐fitting, and parameter exploration was achieved using Gaussian perturbations. Following training, RL VMAT was applied to an independent cohort of 15 patients, and the resultant dosimetry was compared to clinical plans. We also combined the RL approach with our clinical treatment planning system (TPS) to automate final plan refinement, and creating the potential for manual review and edits as required for clinical use.ResultsRL training was conducted for 5000 iterations, producing 40 000 plans during exploration. Mean ± SD execution time to produce deliverable VMAT plans in the test cohort was 3.3 ± 0.5 s which were automatically refined in the TPS taking an additional 77.4 ± 5.8 s. When normalized to provide equivalent target coverage, the RL+TPS plans provided a similar mean ± SD overall maximum dose of 63.2 ± 0.6 Gy and a lower mean rectum dose of 17.4 ± 7.4 compared to 63.9 ± 1.5 Gy (p = 0.061) and 21.0 ± 6.0 (p = 0.024) for the clinical plans.ConclusionsAn approach for VMAT MPO using RL for a clinical linac model was developed and applied to automatically generate deliverable plans for localized prostate cancer patients, and when combined with the clinical TPS shows potential to rapidly generate high‐quality plans. The RL VMAT approach shows promise to discover advanced linac control policies through trial‐and‐error, and algorithm limitations and future directions are identified and discussed.
Validation of a short form of the practice environment scale of the nursing work index: The PES‐5
Authors: Lake Eileen T. , Gil Jennifer , Moronski Lynne , McHugh Matthew D. , Aiken Linda H. , Lasater Karen B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES‐NWI) has been utilized for two decades globally to measure nurse work environments. Its 31 items in five domains present a substantial respondent burden, threatening survey response rates. The purpose of this study was to derive and validate a short form: the PES‐5. We conducted a cross‐sectional, secondary analysis of survey data from nurses in 760 hospitals in six U.S. states in 2016 or 2019. One representative item per subscale was selected by highest item‐to‐subscale R2 from the original PES‐NWI publication. Five psychometric properties of the PES‐5 were evaluated. The reproduced structure of the full form was confirmed in the 2016 data by the highest R2 for the selected items. The unidimensional structure of the PES‐5 was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. The correlation between the composite values of the 28‐item and 5‐item versions was 0.94. The Cronbach's alpha reliability of the PES‐5 was >0.80. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 1, k), which evaluates the stability of aggregated values when data are clustered, i.e., nurses are nested within hospitals, was >0.80 in both datasets, demonstrating satisfactory aggregate properties. Construct validity was supported by the selected items being ranked highly in their respective subscales by an expert panel. Criterion validity was supported by an analysis of variance of the PES‐5 mean value across responses to a single‐item work environment measure. Similar patterns of relationships with other key variables were identified by statistically significant odds ratios in regression models predicting patient mortality from the PES‐5. The classification accuracy of the PES‐5 was high, with 88% of hospitals classified identically by both versions. The PES‐5 shows promise for measurement of nurses’ work environments while maximizing response rate by reducing participant burden.
Obesity‐related inflammatory protein signature in cardiovascular clinical outcomes: results from the Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Panova‐Noeva Marina , Koeck Thomas , Schoelch Corinna , Schulz Andreas , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Michal Matthias , Strauch Konstantin , Schuster Alexander K. , Lackner Karl J. , Münzel Thomas , Hennige Anita M. , Wild Philipp S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate whether an obesity‐related inflammatory protein signature (OIPS) is associated with adverse cardiovascular events.MethodsThe Olink Target 96 Inflammation panel was performed in 6662 participants from the population‐based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS). The OIPS was selected by a logistic regression model, and its association with cardiovascular outcomes was evaluated by Cox regression analysis. The GHS‐derived OIPS was externally validated in the MyoVasc study.ResultsThe identified OIPS entailed 21 proteins involved in chemokine activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor binding, and growth factor receptor binding. The signature revealed a novel positive association of axis inhibition protein 1 with obesity. The OIPS was associated with increased risk of all‐cause and cardiac deaths, major adverse cardiovascular events, and incident coronary artery disease, independent of clinical covariates and established risk instruments. A BMI‐stratified analysis confirmed the association of OIPS with increased death in those with obesity and overweight and with increased risk for coronary artery disease in those with obesity. The association of OIPS with increased risk of all‐cause and cardiac deaths was validated in the MyoVasc cohort.ConclusionsThe OIPS showed a significant association with adverse clinical outcomes, particularly in those with overweight and obesity, and represents a promising tool for identifying patients at higher risk for worse cardiovascular outcomes.
Adaptive thermogenesis, at the level of resting energy expenditure, after diet alone or diet plus bariatric surgery
Authors: Lopez Torres Silvia Y. , Aukan Marthe I. , Gower Barbara A. , Martins Catia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the magnitude of adaptive thermogenesis (AT), at the level of resting energy expenditure (REE), after a very low‐energy diet alone or combined with Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, as well as to investigate the association between AT and changes in appetite.MethodsA total of 44 participants with severe obesity underwent 10 weeks of a very low‐energy diet alone or combined with Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Body weight and composition, REE, subjective appetite feelings, and plasma concentrations of gastrointestinal hormones were measured at baseline and week 11. AT, at the level of REE, was defined as a significantly lower measured versus predicted (using a regression model with baseline data) REE.ResultsParticipants lost 18.4 ± 3.9 kg of body weight and experienced AT, at the level of REE (−121 ± 188 kcal/day; p < 0.001), with no differences among groups. The larger the AT, at the level of REE, the greater the reduction in fasting ghrelin concentrations and the smaller the reduction in feelings of hunger and desire to eat in the postprandial state.ConclusionsWeight‐loss modality does not seem to modulate the magnitude of AT, at the level of REE. The greater the AT, at the level of REE, the greater the drive to eat following weight loss.
Deep Learning for Automated Image Segmentation of the Middle Ear: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ross Talisa , Tanna Ravina , Lilaonitkul Watjana , Mehta Nishchay 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveConvolutional neural networks (CNNs) have revolutionized medical image segmentation in recent years. This scoping review aimed to carry out a comprehensive review of the literature describing automated image segmentation of the middle ear using CNNs from computed tomography (CT) scans.Data SourcesA comprehensive literature search, generated jointly with a medical librarian, was performed on Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, using Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords. Databases were searched from inception to July 2023. Reference lists of included papers were also screened.Review MethodsTen studies were included for analysis, which contained a total of 866 scans which were used in model training/testing. Thirteen different architectures were described to perform automated segmentation. The best Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) for the entire ossicular chain was 0.87 using ResNet. The highest DSC for any structure was the incus using 3D‐V‐Net at 0.93. The most difficult structure to segment was the stapes, with the highest DSC of 0.84 using 3D‐V‐Net.ConclusionsNumerous architectures have demonstrated good performance in segmenting the middle ear using CNNs. To overcome some of the difficulties in segmenting the stapes, we recommend the development of an architecture trained on cone beam CTs to provide improved spatial resolution to assist with delineating the smallest ossicle.Implications for PracticeThis has clinical applications for preoperative planning, diagnosis, and simulation.
Comparative Outcomes for Microvascular Free Flap Monitoring Outside the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Stevens Madelyn N. , Prasad Kavita , Sharma Rahul K. , Gallant Jean‐Nicolas , Habib Daniel R. S. , Langerman Alexander , Mannion Kyle , Rosenthal Eben , Topf Michael C. , Rohde Sarah L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThere is a trend towards nonintensive care unit (ICU) or specialty ward management of select patients. Here, we examine postoperative outcomes for patients transferred to a general ward following microvascular free flap (FF) reconstruction of the head and neck.Study DesignRetrospective quality control study.SettingSingle tertiary care center.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent FF of the head and neck before and after a change in protocol from immediate postoperative monitoring in the ICU (“Pre‐protocol”) to the general ward setting (“Post‐protocol”). Outcomes included overall length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, FF compromise, and postoperative complications.ResultsA total of 150 patients were included, 70 in the pre‐protocol group and 80 in the post‐protocol group. There were no significant differences in age, sex, comorbidities, tumor stage, or type of FF. Mean LOS decreased from 8.18 to 7.68 days (P = .4), and mean ICU LOS decreased significantly from 5.2 to 1.7 days (P < .01). There were no significant differences in postoperative or airway‐related complications (P = .6) or FF failure rate (2.9% vs 2.6%, P > .9). There was a non‐significant increase in ancillary consults in the post‐protocol group (45% vs 33%, P = .13) and a significant increase in rapid response team calls, a nurse‐driven safety net for abnormal vitals or mental status (19% vs 3%, P = .003).ConclusionWe show the successful implementation of a protocol shifting care of FF patients from the ICU to a general ward postoperatively, suggesting management on the floor with less frequent flap monitoring is safe and conserves ICU beds. Additional teaching and familiarity with these patients may over time reduce the rapid response calls.
The Positive Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Drooling in Children
Authors: Kadosh Orna Katz , Sever Orna , Weiss Oshrat Sella , DeRowe Ari , Tauman Riva 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectives(1) To investigate the prevalence and severity of drooling among healthy young children referred for adenotonsillectomy; (2) to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on drooling.Study DesignProspective study.SettingTertiary referral center.MethodsHealthy typically developed children aged 18 to 48 months referred to adenotonsillectomy for upper airway obstruction (UAO) were recruited. Age‐matched children recruited from the community served as controls. Drooling frequency and severity were assessed at baseline and 2 months following surgery based on 2 subjective scales: the Drooling Infants and Preschoolers Scale (DRIPS) and Thomas‐Stonell and Greenberg Saliva Severity Scale (TSGS).ResultsEighty‐seven children aged 18 to 48 months were included in the study. Forty‐three children referred to adenotonsillectomy (study group) and 44 age‐matched controls. There were significant differences in almost all of the DRIPS items between children in the presurgery group compared to controls. Drooling severity and frequency were greater in the former compared to the latter (TGF‐s severity: 1.4 ± 1.0 vs 0.6 ± 0.8, P = .001; TGF frequency: 1.3 ± 0.9 vs 0.5 ± 0.6, P < .001). After surgery, the scores for all DRIPS and TSGS items decreased significantly and were comparable to the control group.ConclusionsThe frequency and severity of drooling among otherwise young children referred for adenotonsillectomy were greater than those for healthy controls. Following surgery, both the frequency and severity significantly improved and became comparable to those of controls. These findings suggest that a major improvement in drooling is one of the benefits of a surgical intervention in a child with UAO.
Spring‐back of Al/CF/PEEK parts during one‐step hot stamping forming using a CAE chain considering all process steps
Authors: Lu Yan , Li Yibo , Liu Jingsong , Zhang Yong , Huang Minghui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSpring‐back is a forming defect in thermoplastic fiber‐metal‐laminate (FML) structures that is influenced by all steps of the forming process. Here, we propose a complete CAE chain to predict spring‐back in a FML parts during one‐step hot stamping by fully considering the material properties, latent heat, thermal mismatch, and modulus mismatch during forming and cooling. Then, constitutive models of the aluminum sheet, a visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model, and an elastic model of the UD CF/PEEK prepregs during hot‐stamping and cooling are introduced to describe the deformation behavior. A Coulombic friction model, latent heat model, and contact resistance model are also proposed to describe the interfacial flow, heat generation, and thermal conductivity. The proposed models and CAE chain are validated by the experimentally determined punching force, geometric shape, temperature, and spring‐back angle. The S‐shaped feature of the FML greatly increases the spring‐back of the FML specimens, and lower punching speeds and higher forming temperatures decreases the S‐shaped feature, thereby reducing the spring‐back angle.Highlights
A complete CAE chain was proposed to predict spring‐back in a FML curved beam.
A new visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model of the CF/PEEK was applied.
The latent heat and thermal mismatch were considered in cooling simulation.
The S‐shaped feature of the FML greatly increases the spring‐back.
The thermal mismatch increased the S‐shaped feature of the FML.
Chemo‐rheological and quantitative dispersion analysis of mass‐produced graphene‐unsaturated polyester based nanocomposites
Authors: Mazaheri Karvandian Farnaz , Phillips David‐Michael , Myzeqari Emi , Hubert Pascal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent advancements in mass production of graphene powders utilize less energy‐intensive methods and milder chemicals compared to traditional lab‐scale techniques. This can influence the properties of the resulting graphene particles. This study investigates the effect of mass‐produced graphene powder on the curing and rheological properties of a resin transfer molding (RTM) grade unsaturated polyester resin. An objective dispersion quantification method was established to track the dispersion state of the nanocomposite throughout the curing process. The findings reveal that the graphene powder accelerated the curing evidenced by a shift in the peak temperature and gel point towards lower values. The sample containing 1 wt.% graphene exhibited remarkable dispersion stability with only 7.1% decrease by gelation. The resin matrix's low viscosity enhanced graphene particles mobility, while its fast‐curing nature allowed less time for agglomeration.Highlights
Characterization of unsaturated polyester nanocomposites modified with an industrial‐grade graphene powder
Real‐time in‐situ monitoring of graphene's dispersion state
Quantification dispersion analysis for an objective dispersion assessment
Improved crystallization capability and mechanical properties of poly(l‐lactide) achieved by tailoring the grafted chain structure on graphene oxide
Authors: Zeng Zhu , Feng Mai , Chen Jie , Sun De‐xiang , Yang Jing‐hui , Qi Xiao‐dong , Wang Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInterfacial interaction is crucial in modulating the microscopic morphology and macroscopic properties of composites. Generally, grafting polymer molecular chains on nanoparticles is an approach for enhancing the interfacial interaction, but the dependence of enhancement degree on molecular chain structure is not clear. In this work, nanosheets were obtained by grafting poly(d‐lactide) (PDLA) and poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) molecular chains onto graphene oxide (GO), respectively, then PLLA‐based composites containing shallow loading (0.3 wt%) were obtained by melt‐blending. The findings indicated that grafting PDLA on the GO was more efficacious in enhancing the crystallization capability of PLLA, and the mechanism was primarily owing to stronger interfacial binding energy between the PLLA matrix and GO‐g‐PDLA, which was approximately 1.5 times that of the PLLA/GO‐g‐PLLA composite. Compared to the GO‐g‐PLLA nanosheets, GO‐g‐PDLA nanosheets exhibited apparent strengthening and toughening effect, and the composite sample exhibited significantly improved tensile strength and tensile ductility, with a respective increase of 21.5% and 52.2% compared with pure PLLA sample, respectively. Furthermore, all composite films (90 μm) maintain high transmittance close to 80%. This work further confirms that enhancing the interfacial binding energy by grafting PDLA molecular chains on nanoparticles is advantageous for enhancing both the crystallization and mechanical characteristics of the PLLA‐based composites.Highlights
GO‐g‐PDLA and GO‐g‐PLLA were successfully synthesized.
GO‐g‐PDLA showed more apparent nucleation effect in PLLA crystallization.
GO‐g‐PDLA showed higher interfacial binding energy compared with GO‐g‐PLLA.
Synchronously strengthening and toughening were achieved for PLLA/GO‐g‐PDLA.