bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of treatment periods on efficacy of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir in chronic hepatitis C: A nationwide, prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Morita Atsuhiro , Tamaki Nobuharu , Kobashi Haruhiko , Mori Nami , Tsuji Keiji , Takaki Shintaro , Hasebe Chitomi , Akahane Takehiro , Ochi Hironori , Mashiba Toshie , Urawa Naohito , Fujii Hideki , Mitsuda Akeri , Kondo Masahiko , Ogawa Chikara , Uchida Yasushi , Narita Ryoichi , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Kubotsu Yoshihito , Matsushita Tomomichi , Shigeno Masaya , Yoshida Hideo , Tanaka Katsuaki , Okamoto Eisuke , Kasai Toyotaka , Ishii Toru , Okada Kazuhiko , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and aimIn patients with chronic hepatitis C, 8 weeks of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) treatment for chronic hepatitis (non‐cirrhosis) and 12 weeks for cirrhosis have been approved in Japan. However, whether 8 weeks of treatment for cirrhosis may reduce treatment efficacy has not been adequately investigated.MethodsThis prospective, nationwide, multicenter cohort study enrolled 1275 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received GLE/PIB therapy. The effect of liver fibrosis and treatment periods on the efficiency of GLE/PIB therapy was investigated. The primary endpoint was the sustained virological response (SVR) rate in patients with chronic hepatitis (non‐cirrhosis) and cirrhosis. The association between treatment periods and liver fibrosis on the SVR after 12 weeks of treatment rate was investigated.ResultsThe SVR rates in patients with chronic hepatitis with 8 weeks of treatment, chronic hepatitis with 12 weeks of treatment, cirrhosis with 8 weeks of treatment, and cirrhosis with 12 weeks of treatment were 98.9% (800/809), 100% (87/87), 100% (166/166), and 99.1% (211/213), respectively, and were was not different among these groups (P = 0.4).ConclusionGLE/PIB therapy for chronic hepatitis C had high efficacy regardless of liver fibrosis status and treatment periods. Periods of GLE/PIB therapy could be chosen with available modalities, and high SVR rates could be achieved regardless of the decision.
Body weight variability and the risk of liver‐related outcomes in type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease: a cohort study
Authors: Leite Nathalie C. , Cardoso Claudia R. L. , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane A. , Salles Gil F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of body weight variability (BWV) on the occurrence of adverse liver outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).MethodsA total of 549 patients with T2D and MASLD had BWV parameters assessed during the first 2 years of follow‐up. The associations between increasing BWV and liver outcomes (clinical cirrhosis or a liver stiffness measurement on transient elastography > 15 kPa, performed after a median of 7 years of cohort entry) were examined by multivariable logistic regressions. Interaction/subgroup analyses were performed according to participants' physical activity during the initial 2‐year period.ResultsIndividuals were followed up for an additional median 9.7 years, over which 34 liver outcomes occurred (14 with clinical cirrhosis and 20 with liver stiffness measurement > 15 kPa). A 1‐SD increase in weight SD and average real variability was associated with 52% higher (95% CI: 4%–128%) odds of having an adverse liver outcome. Otherwise, in interaction/subgroup analyses, an increased BWV was associated with a higher likelihood of outcomes only in sedentary individuals.ConclusionsIncreased BWV was associated with adverse liver outcomes in individuals with T2D and MASLD; however, in those who were physically active, it was not hazardous.
3D Printing of TPU‐Liquid Metal Composite Inks for the Preparation of Flexible Sensing Electronics
Authors: Liang Shuting , Huang Mengjun , Jiang Dabo , Chen Jianyang , Hu Liang , Chen Jiujia , Wang Zhezi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDirect 3D printing of liquid metal is difficult to form and easy to destroy. In this paper, we developed a 3D printed composite material consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix and liquid metal (LM) dispersed droplets, and introduced the method for realizing 3D printed devices with this composite material: First, the LM is added to 10~50wt %TPU at 190~200 °C through ultrasonic blending to prepare blended ink. After solid cooling, the LM‐TPU composite fiber with a diameter of 600 μm was prepared by Wellzoom desktop extruder at 190 °C at an extrusion speed of 400 mm/min. It has excellent elasticity, with a tensile limit of 0.637 N/m2, and the TPU could evenly wrap LM droplets. Finally, the LM‐TPU fiber is 3D printed at 240 °C by using a 3D printer, and 2D/3D flexible electronic devices with heating and conductive functions could be prepared. The microcircuit has good electrical conductivity; after adding voltage, the circuit has heat release; it could be used as heating equipment to keep warm and used in various flexible wearable electronic products.
The effects of weight loss interventions on children and adolescents with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Bagheri Seyedeh Elaheh , Fatahi Somaye , Rohani Pejman 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundOverall, there is conflicting evidence regarding the beneficial effects of optimal lifestyle modification, particularly weight loss interventions, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of weight loss interventions on laboratory and clinical parameters in children and adolescents with NAFLD.MethodsOriginal databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Embase) were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the effects of weight loss interventions among NAFLD children and adolescents. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were achieved by random‐effects model analysis.ResultsEighteen eligible clinical trials were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The pooled findings showed that especially more intense weight loss interventions significantly reduced the glucose (p = 0.007), insulin (p = 0.002), homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (p = 0.003), weight (p = 0.025), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.003), BMI z‐score (p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.013), triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.001), and aspartate transaminase (AST) (p = 0.027). However, no significant changes were found in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), alanine transaminase (ALT), and hepatic steatosis grades (all p > 0.05) following weight loss interventions.ConclusionsWeight loss interventions had significant effects on NAFLD‐related parameters including glucose, insulin, HOMA‐IR, weight, BMI, BMI z‐score, WC, TG, and AST.
Simulation of tensile strength for polymer hydroxyapatite nanocomposites by interphase and nanofiller dimensions
Authors: Farajifard Mohadeseh , Yeganeh Jafar Khademzadeh , Zare Yasser , Munir Muhammad Tajammal , Rhee Kyong Yop 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSeveral models have been used in literature studies to describe the mechanical behavior of hydroxyapatite (HA) polymer nanocomposites. However, previous models have often overlooked the size of HA and the properties of the interphase. In this study, we further develop an equation originally proposed by Kolarik. This advanced equation predicts the tensile strength of polymer/HA nanocomposites by considering the interphase parameter (A), rod‐like HA size, HA concentration, and interphase properties, including depth and strength. We validate our method using experimental data from various examples and through parametric inspections. Both the strength and the depth of the interphase directly affect the ‘A’ value and, consequently, the strength of the nanocomposites. For instance, an HA radius (R) of 6 nm yields the highest ‘A’ value of 4.97, enhancing the nanocomposite strength by up to 250%. In contrast, ‘R’ value of 20 nm fails to reinforce the samples effectively. Additionally, the thickness of the interphase (t) and the concentration of HA directly handle the nanocomposite strength. The strength of the samples significantly improves by 137% and 160% with an interphase thickness of 50 nm and an HA volume fraction of 0.2, respectively. Generally, the length of HA and interphase characteristics (thickness and strength) directly control the strength of samples, but the HA radius has an inverse relationship with nanocomposite strength.Highlights
Kolarik equation is developed to predict the tensile strength of polymer HA nanocomposites.
Interphase parameter, HA size, HA concentration and interphase properties are considered.
HA radius of 6 nm produces the maximum enhancement of nanocomposite strength by 250%.
Interphase properties and concentration of HA directly control the nanocomposite strength.
All parameters reasonably influence the strength of samples confirming the developed model.
Study on interfacial compatibilizing effect of PB grafts on PB/GNP thermally conductive composites
Authors: Yan Yinan , Wen Bianying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing polymer‐grafts to improve the interfacial compatibilization of composites is by far the most common and effective strategy. However, although polybutene‐1 (PB) resin enjoys the reputation of “gold plastic” in the field of industry, there are few studies on its grafting and functional modification. In this work, PB‐grafts were prepared by melt grafting method with maleic anhydride (MAH) and styrene (St) as the functional monomers. The effect of two PB‐grafts (PB‐g‐MAH and PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St) on the interfacial compatibilization of PB/GNP (Graphene nanosheet) thermally conductive composites was compared and the corresponding compatibilizing mechanism is discussed. Results indicate that PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St has better compatibizing effect than that of PB‐g‐MAH because the cooperation of St with MAH enhanced the grafting degree of functional monomers on PB, and increased the surface energy of PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St, which reduced the interface energy between PB and GNP and improved its interfacial adhesion. A better compatibilization effect has achieved when the compatibilizer and filler at the mass ratio of 1:4. Under this ratio, when the content of GNP is 30 wt%, the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of PB/GNP/ PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St composite achieved 1.82 W·m−1·K−1 and 8.44 × 10−8 S·cm−1, which are 857.89% and 9 orders of magnitude higher than that of neat PB, respectively. Moreover, the composite has good mechanical properties and processability, which is beneficial to industrialization.Highlights
PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St has higher grafting ratio than that of PB‐g‐MAH.
The surface energy of PB/GNP composites is reduced by use of PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St.
There is a suitable mass ratio between compatibilizer and filler.
The composite of PB/GNP/PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St achieved high thermal conductivity.
The PB/GNP/PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St composites have good melting processability.
Africa's natural fibres used in polymer composites: A systematic review
Authors: Nwankwo Chinyere O. , Mahachi Jeffrey , Olukanni David O. , Musonda Innocent 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnvironmental concerns and the depletion of petroleum resources have spurred research into natural fibres as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibres as the reinforcement phase in polymer composites. Given that the local availability of materials is a crucial component in the sustainability framework, there is a need to map out the fibres used to develop natural fibre composites across geographical regions to optimize local resource utilization. Through a systematic review of publications sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, this study examines the contributions made by Africa to develop green polymer composites. The bibliometric data from both databases were systematically merged, and bibliometric analysis was carried out to identify trends and relevant relationships and provide a more general insight into Africa's progress in the natural fibre polymer composite field. A meta‐analysis was then conducted to identify the natural fibres exclusively sourced from Africa that have been used to develop polymer composites. The study also discussed natural fibre classifications with respect to fibre type and form. Sisal, palm varieties (particularly date palm), alfa, jute and members of the Musaceae family (i.e., banana, plantain and enset) were found to be the most used African‐sourced fibres. This study is a step to creating a more extensive global natural fibre database that seeks to provide more precise knowledge, enhance research efficiency, and ensure the utilization of local materials in creating more sustainable composites.Highlights
The use of local materials is a key component of sustainable development
A natural fibre database can foster sustainability in the composite industry
Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are leading Africa's composite research
Research prioritizes composite material science over practical applications
Sisal, date palm, alfa and jute are the most used natural fibres in Africa
Investigation of alignment and layup optimization of recycled carbon fiber mats on mechanical and electromagnetic shielding properties of composites
Authors: Cheng Huanbo , Wang Qingze , Guo Lijun , Zhou Jinhu , Tang Mingxi , Zhai He , Wang Huafeng , Qian Zhengchun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExcellent recycled carbon fiber (rCF) was obtained using a thermally activated oxide semiconductor process. An alignment device was manufactured based on wet‐laid technology. It was used to investigate the effect of various alignment nozzle parameters on the degree of alignment of rCF mats. The mechanical, electrical conductivity and EMI shielding properties of composites reinforced by rCF mats with different layup structures were analyzed. The results showed that the optimal alignment parameters for rCF aligned mats included a convex nozzle shape, a nozzle diameter of 3 mm, a nozzle channel length of 50 mm, a nozzle up‐and‐down diameter ratio of 7:1, a nozzle departure height of 20 mm. These settings achieved a preferential alignment degree (PAD) of 93.07%. The design of layup structures for rCF mats with optimized fiber alignment fully exploits the material's anisotropic characteristics. The rCF‐0/EP composite material exhibited the highest tensile strength (195.45 MPa), while the rCF‐04/EP composite material not only demonstrated the highest flexural strength (247.95 MPa) but also showed excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance (47.97 dB). The results of the research laid a theoretical foundation and provides scientific guidance for high‐value reuse of rCF.Highlights
Utilized rCF as a reinforcing material for CFRP composites.
Preparation of rCF aligned mats with high PAD.
Effect of different layup structures on rCF aligned mat reinforced composites.
rCF aligned mats improve mechanical properties and EMI properties of composites.
Interdigitated‐back‐contacted silicon heterojunction solar cells featuring novel MoOx‐based contact stacks
Authors: Kovačević Katarina , Zhao Yifeng , Procel Paul , Cao Liqi , Mazzarella Luana , Isabella Olindo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe fabrication process of interdigitated‐back‐contacted silicon heterojunction (IBC‐SHJ) solar cells has been significantly simplified with the development of the so‐called tunnel‐IBC architecture. This architecture utilizes a highly conductive (p)‐type nanocrystalline silicon (nc‐Si:H) layer deposited over the full substrate area comprising pre‐patterned (n)‐type nc‐Si:H fingers. In this context, the (p)‐type nc‐Si:H layer is referred to as blanket layer. As both electrodes are connected to the same blanket layer, the high lateral conductivity of (p)nc‐Si:H layer can potentially lead to relatively low shunt resistance in the device, thus limiting the performance of such solar cells. To overcome such limitation, we introduce a thin (<2 nm) full‐area molybdenum oxide (MoOx) layer as an alternative to the (p)nc‐Si:H blanket layer. We demonstrate that the use of such a thin MoOx minimizes the shunting losses thanks to its low lateral conductivity while preserving the simplified fabrication process. In this process, a novel (n)‐type nc‐Si:H/MoOx electron collection contact stack is implemented within the proposed solar cell architecture. We assess its transport mechanisms via electrical simulations showing that electron transport, unlike in the case of tunnel‐IBC, occurs in the conduction band fully. Moreover, the proposed contact stack is evaluated in terms of contact resistivity and integrated into a proof‐of‐concept front/back‐contacted (FBC) SHJ solar cells. Contact resistivity as low as 100 mΩcm2 is achieved, and fabricated FBC‐SHJ solar cells obtain a fill factor above 81.5% and open‐circuit voltage above 705 mV. Lastly, the IBC‐SHJ solar cells featuring the MoOx blanket layer are fabricated, exhibiting efficiencies up to 21.14% with high shunt resistances above 150 kΩcm2. Further optimizations in terms of layer properties and fabrication process are proposed to improve device performance and realize the efficiency potential of our novel IBC‐SHJ solar cell architecture.
Long‐lasting symptoms in borderline personality disorder: Defining an emergent population with differential clinical and therapeutic features
Authors: Casellas‐Pujol Elisabet , Soler Joaquim , Schmidt Carlos , Soriano Jose , Pascual Juan C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough the clinical symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) tend to remit over time, a substantial proportion continues to present “long‐lasting symptoms” (LLS). This term refers to individuals who present some degree of clinical improvement, but low mood, feelings of emptiness, and poor psychosocial adjustment typically persist. The aim of this study was to compare the sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables in individuals with BPD with and without LLS. A total of 620 participants with BPD were included and subdivided into two groups: non‐LLS group (n = 549, mean age = 28.02 [6.1] and range, 18–40 years) and LLS group (n = 71, mean age = 44.69 [3.6] and range, 41–56 years). The groups were compared in sociodemographic, clinical, and drug treatment characteristics. We also evaluated the impact of dialectical behavioral therapy‐skills training (DBT‐ST) on polypharmacy. The prevalence of individuals with long‐lasting BPD symptoms increased significantly over a 20‐year period (from <1% to 16%). The LLS group was characterized by less clinical severity, higher comorbidity with affective disorders but lower comorbidity with eating disorders, more disability, and more medication taking. Patients with LLS who received DBT‐ST experienced a significant decrease in the use of benzodiazepines and the number of medications prescribed compared with those who did not receive DBT‐ST. Clinicians should be aware of the specific features of older patients with BPD in order to better identify and address their specific therapeutic needs.
Cryptanalysis with improvement on lattice‐based authenticated key exchange protocol for mobile satellite communication networks
Authors: Mishra Dheerendra , Pursharthi Komal 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe mobile satellite communication (MSC) system represents a crucial means of communication, facilitating connections between mobile users and network control centres through satellites. Given the wireless nature of satellite communication, ensuring communication security is paramount for maintaining accountability. Key exchange and authentication (KEA) mechanisms are commonly employed to secure data transmitted over insecure or open channels. Developing a lattice‐based KEA protocol for MSC systems is imperative to achieve both quantum security and efficient communication. In this direction, Yadav et al. devised ring learning with an error‐based KEA technique to ensure a quantum‐safe environment. Their scheme is quantum‐safe and satisfies desirable security attributes but has low efficiency in computation. Moreover, we have identified that their scheme is susceptible to denial of service attack and session key established at user and NCC ends is different. To overcome the flaws of Yadav et al., we propose a lattice‐based KEA protocol for the MSC system to improve computation efficiency, and get resistance against key mismatch attack. The security analysis of the proposed scheme is presented in the random oracle model. Comparative study is also presented to observe advantages in computation efficiency.
Charting the Globe. A Qualitative Longitudinal Analysis of the Englishes in German Curricula and Textbooks
Authors: Nishizaki Mona 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFor decades now, researchers and academics have lamented the mismatch between the representation of English in the classroom and the way the language is used in real‐world contexts. Much of teaching is bound by curricula that determine not only the contents of their teaching but also the materials and assessment methods they use, they are crucial to investigating changes within TESOL, which is especially true for the public school system in Germany. It therefore seems pertinent to turn our attention toward the administrative and prescriptive side of the decision‐making process in public school systems. In other words, to understand the ways in which Global Englishes can be, and have been, represented within classroom teaching contexts, it is necessary to scrutinize language curricula and mandatory textbooks. To appropriately evaluate necessary changes and developments toward GELT, we need to take a longitudinal view and identify changes over time, however small they may be. This study outlines changes in the conceptualization of English language and English communication over the last 5o years in accordance with relevant GELT themes in German secondary school. A selection of TESOL curricula alongside TESOL textbooks were analyzed as representative of changes in teaching practice. Structuring content analysis was used to identify changes in the representation of key themes. The curriculum analysis suggests keen awareness of the role English plays as a global communication tool from the 1990s, while the conceptualization of its speakers, speaking contexts, and relevant skills remain largely unchanged as the content analysis revealed a strong attachment to native speaker and standard English ideology throughout the curricula and textbooks.