bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Tracheostomy Timing Within the National Veterans Affairs Population
Authors: Blackwell Thomas , Alvi Suffia , Curran Nicholas R. , Germanwala Arpita 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThere is a lack of a definitive study in the literature comparing early versus late tracheostomy and exploring the impact of tracheostomy timing on patient outcomes. This study may help guide treatment paradigms and contribute to a consensus for optimal tracheostomy timing.MethodsA retrospective review was performed comparing early versus late timing of tracheostomy placement and their respective outcomes. The authors used data provided by VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI) to find patients who received a tracheostomy at any VA Medical Center in the United States. There were a total of 25,334 tracheostomies in the database which satisfied our criteria. These occurred between the years 1999 and 2022. Propensity score matching assessed 17,074 tracheostomies, 8537 in either group. The median age of patients in the matched groups was 66 years, and approximately 97.4% of patients were male. Early tracheostomy timing was defined as the placement of the tracheostomy within 10 days of intubation. Outcomes included post‐tracheostomy intensive care unit (ICU) days, post‐tracheostomy hospital days, successful ventilator weaning, and all‐cause mortality.ResultsEarly tracheostomy was associated with significantly fewer ICU days and hospital days, and the early group experienced higher rates of successful ventilator weaning. Survival analysis of data within 5 years of tracheostomy showed that early tracheostomy was associated with significantly lower hazard for all‐cause mortality.ConclusionOur results add to the body of evidence that an earlier transition to mechanical ventilation by tracheostomy confers benefits in patient morbidity and mortality as well as resource utilization.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:3555–3561, 2024
Effects of Carbon Black Surface Modification on the Morphology and Properties in Blends with Natural Rubber Studied with High‐Resolution X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Wang Yuting , Jiang Wei , Zhu Keran , Wu Lihui , Chen Liang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo elucidate the specific mechanical impact of carbon black (CB) filler–rubber interactions on reinforcement, CB particles are subjected to graphitization at 1300 °C and oxidation through concentrated nitric acid treatment to modulate their surface activity. Alongside untreated CB particles, the influence of surface activity and the oxygen distribution are investigated to assess their role in shaping CB aggregate structures using X‐ray absorption spectrum (XAS) and X‐ray computed tomography (CT) with spatial resolution of 30 nm. Meanwhile, virgin and modified CBs are blended in natural rubber with varying amounts (10, 30, 50 phr) and the aggregates distributions in rubber are investigated by nano‐CT. Combined with the mechanical properties of rubber composites and parameters of filler networks, the mechanical contributions arising from filler–rubber interactions are quantified. The findings underscore the robust interactions between oxidized CB and rubber matrix, exhibiting a mechanical property enhancement ratio of ≈59.2% at low strains in comparison to normal CB filler. The results indicate the synergies encompass of filler network, rubber chains, and filler–rubber interactions all play important roles for reinforcement, which aligns with the broader understanding of filler–rubber interactions and CB reinforcement mechanisms.
Multi‐porous extension of anisotropic poroelasticity: Consolidation and related coefficients
Authors: Adamus Filip P. , Healy David , Meredith Philip G. , Mitchell Thomas M. , Stanton‐Yonge Ashley 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe propose the generalization of the anisotropic poroelasticity theory. At a large scale, a medium is viewed as quasi‐static, which is the original assumption of Biot. At a smaller scale, we distinguish different sets of pores or fractures that are characterized by various fluid pressures, which is the original poroelastic extension of Aifantis. In consequence, both instantaneous and time‐dependent deformation lead to fluid content variations that are different in each set. We present the equations for such phenomena, where the anisotropic properties of both the solid matrix and pore sets are assumed. Novel poroelastic coefficients that relate solid and fluid phases in our extension are proposed, and their physical meaning is determined. To demonstrate the utility of our equations and emphasize the meaning of new coefficients, we perform numerical simulations of a triple‐porosity consolidation. These simulations reveal positive pore pressure transients in the drained behaviour of weakly connected pore sets, and these may result in the mechanical weakening of the material.
Study on improving the toughness of rapidly curing epoxy resin composite materials with a biobased microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Bi Xiaoke , Liu Guoying , Cao Lijun , Sun Ce , Tana Haiyan , Zhang Yanhua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRapid solidification molding is one of the main low‐cost forming methods for composite materials, and the reasonable selection of the solidification molding process is the key to achieving material performance. The curing system used in this paper is the widely used, inexpensive, and readily available epoxy resin (WSR618) and the transparent, colorless, and less toxic 593 curing agent, which cures at room temperature. Through the study of various temperature formulations, a rapid curing system was determined that has a 10‐min cure at 80°C. The results showed that when the mass ratio of epoxy (EP) resin to curing agent was 5:1, the curing system was selected at 80°C for 10 min, and the bending strength could reach 100.19 MPa, and the impact strength could reach 12.82 kJ/m2. However, the difficulty caused by quick solidification was a reduction in mechanical characteristics, which required modification. Microcrystalline cellulose is cheap and readily available and widely available, so microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was chosen for modification in this study. The experimental results showed that the addition of MCC reduced the fracture brittleness of EP composite materials. When 0.75% MCC was added, the bending and tensile strengths reached 116.88 and 52.53 MPa, respectively, which were 16.66% and 18.74% higher than unmodified EP. The elongation at break reached 11.57%, which is 14.13% higher than unmodified.
Sustainable composites with self‐healing capability: Epoxidized natural rubber and cellulose propionate reinforced with cellulose fibers
Authors: Utrera‐Barrios S. , Pinho Lopes O. , Mas‐Giner I. , Verdejo R. , López‐Manchado M. A. , Hernández Santana M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), self‐healing elastomers stand out as a cutting‐edge field in Rubber Science and Technology. These materials have the potential to reduce resource consumption, prolong the lifespan of infrastructure and products, and contribute to the Circular Economy. This study presents the development of bio‐based self‐healing elastomeric composites prepared from blends of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and cellulose propionate (CP) reinforced with cellulose fibers (CFs). The ENR/CP ratio was optimized, with a 70/30 ratio enhancing the tensile strength (TS) of the base rubber and slightly reducing the elongation at break. This blend demonstrated a TS healing efficiency of 75% after a temperature‐driven healing protocol (200 bar at 150°C during 12 h). Then, the CF content was varied to enhance both mechanical performance and self‐healing capabilities. Remarkably, from medium‐high (5 phr to 15 phr) CF content, healing efficiencies higher than 85% were observed with important improvements in the mechanical performance. The self‐healing process was attributed to the synergistic interplay between the polymeric chain mobility and the formation of hydrogen bonds. This innovative approach promises materials with extended lifespans, mechanical robustness, and repairability, underscoring the commitment to SDGs 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.Highlights
Matrix of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and cellulose propionate (CP) blends.
Cellulose fibers (CFs) reinforced the ENR/CP 70/30 optimized blend.
CF addition increases tensile strength (TS) by up to 60%.
Healing efficiency over 85% achieved with 5 phr to 15 phr CFs content.
Self‐healing attributed to polymeric chain mobility and hydrogen bonds.
High‐performance wood‐reinforced crosslinked high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Ahmad Hibal , Rodrigue Denis 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the manufacturing of high‐performance wood‐crosslinked high‐density polyethylene composites (WxHDPEC). In particular, the effect of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) treatment and concentration (0–50 wt%) of maple wood fibers is investigated. The samples were produced via dry‐blending followed by compression molding and a set of characterization was performed including chemical, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. The gel content was found to increase with increasing wood fiber content, while the surface modification significantly improved the tensile strength (11%), tensile modulus (298%), flexural strength (138%), and flexural modulus (81%). Thermal analyses also showed improved thermal stability and higher thermal resistance for the treated composites. Finally, the Shore D hardness increased by 11.0 (from 61.5 to 72.5) and 12.1 (from 61.5 to 73.6) points, while the Shore A hardness increased by 7.5 (from 91.5 to 99.0) and 8.1 (from 91.5 to 99.6) points for the untreated and treated composites, respectively. These improvements are attributed to effective adhesion between MAPE‐treated wood fibers and the xHDPE matrix. The findings not only advance our understanding of these complex materials but also provide alternatives for various applications from construction to automotive engineering.Highlights
High‐performance wood‐reinforced crosslinked high‐density polyethylene was produced.
The effect of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) treatment and maple wood fibers was studied.
Higher crosslink density in MAPE‐treated wood‐xHDPE was obtained.
Wood‐crosslinked high‐density polyethylene composites have better properties.
High strength and anti‐swelling hydrogel strain sensors based on amphiphilic polyurethane assemblies for human‐motion detection
Authors: Lei Lingling , Chen Baocheng , Wang Shiyu , Cheng Xu , Qiu Jinghong , Wang Haibo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHydrogel sensors are widely used in electronic skin, soft robotics, bioengineering, and medical therapy due to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and better biocompatibility. However, the swelling property of hydrogels has been hindering their application in underwater scenarios. Therefore, in this study, to address the anti‐swelling behavior of hydrogels, MXene nanosheets were modified by 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorooctyltrimethoxysilane and then compounded with acrylamide and polyurethane to obtain multifunctional conductive hydrogels (PAM‐WPU/FMX hydrogels). Through the synergistic effect of chemical cross‐linking and hydrogen bonding on the gel network, the hydrogel sensor was characterized by strong resistance to swelling (swelling ratio = 2.22), excellent mechanical properties (strain at break after swelling equilibrium = 418.6%), and high strain sensitivity. For underwater applications, this study offers a model technique for the quick gelation of strong, swelling‐resistant hydrogels.Highlights
Amphiphilic polyurethane micelles provided energy dissipation.
Modified MXene was hydrophobic and electrically conductive.
The strain of the hydrogel obtained after MXene modification was enhanced.
The structural recovery capacity of both hydrogels was more than 60%.
The modified hydrogel swollen but still had excellent sensing properties.
A comparison of aminoglycoside antibiotic serum concentrations collected by peripheral veins and peripherally inserted central catheters in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sherwood Sabrina J. , Tak Casey , Bhakta Zubin N. , Packer Kristyn , Jacobs Hollyann , Liou Theodore G. , Young David C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeople with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) are frequently hospitalized for treatment of pulmonary exacerbation. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Pulmonary Guidelines support the use of intravenous aminoglycosides with therapeutic drug monitoring for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbation due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Serum intravenous tobramycin concentrations are commonly collected by peripheral venipuncture (PV). Discomfort associated with collection of samples by PV prompts collection via PICC, but the accuracy of intravenous tobramycin serum levels collected by PICC has not been documented in adult PwCF. The primary study objective was to evaluate the difference between intravenous tobramycin serum levels collected by PV and PICC in adult PwCF.MethodsThe authors conducted a prospective case‐control study of adult PwCF admitted to University of Utah Health for a pulmonary exacerbation receiving tobramycin by a single lumen PICC. The authors compared tobramycin peak and random serum levels collected by PV and PICC using a detailed flush and waste protocol.ResultsThe authors analyzed a total of 19 patients with peripheral and PICC samples. The mean tobramycin peak collected by PV (27.2 mcg/mL) was similar to the mean peak collected by PICC (26.9 mcg/mL) (paired samples Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, p = .94). The correlation coefficient was 0.88 (95% CI = 0.85–0.91, p < .001).ConclusionTobramycin serum samples collected by PICC appear to be similar in value to PV collections. Collecting aminoglycoside levels by PICC rather than PV may reduce patient discomfort and improve quality of life. Additional multicenter studies are needed to confirm these results.
Cell surface β‐lactamase recruitment: A facile selection to identify protein–protein interactions
Authors: Hinmon Jordan A. , King Jade M. , Mayo Latrina J. , Faries Cierra R. , Lockett Ya'hnis T. , Crawford David W. , Beardslee Patrick C. , Hendricks Alexander , McNaughton Brian R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractProtein–protein interactions (PPIs) are central to many cellular processes, and the identification of novel PPIs is a critical step in the discovery of protein therapeutics. Simple methods to identify naturally existing or laboratory evolved PPIs are therefore valuable research tools. We have developed a facile selection that links PPI‐dependent β‐lactamase recruitment on the surface of Escherichia coli with resistance to ampicillin. Bacteria displaying a protein that forms a complex with a specific protein‐β‐lactamase fusion are protected from ampicillin‐dependent cell death. In contrast, bacteria that do not recruit β‐lactamase to the cell surface are killed by ampicillin. Given its simplicity and tunability, we anticipate this selection will be a valuable addition to the palette of methods for illuminating and interrogating PPIs.
Ca2+/CaM dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)α and CaMKIIβ hub domains adopt distinct oligomeric states and stabilities
Authors: Özden Can , MacManus Sara , Adafia Ruth , Samkutty Alfred , Torres‐Ocampo Ana P. , Garman Scott C. , Stratton Margaret M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCa2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a multidomain serine/threonine kinase that plays important roles in the brain, heart, muscle tissue, and eggs/sperm. The N‐terminal kinase and regulatory domain is connected by a flexible linker to the C‐terminal hub domain. The hub domain drives the oligomeric organization of CaMKII, assembling the kinase domains into high local concentration. Previous structural studies have shown multiple stoichiometries of the holoenzyme as well as the hub domain alone. Here, we report a comprehensive study of the hub domain stoichiometry and stability in solution. We solved two crystal structures of the CaMKIIβ hub domain that show 14‐mer (3.1 Å) and 16‐mer (3.4 Å) assemblies. Both crystal structures were determined from crystals grown in the same drop, which suggests that CaMKII oligomers with different stoichiometries likely coexist. To further interrogate hub stability, we employed mass photometry and temperature denaturation studies of CaMKIIβ and CaMKIIα hubs, which highlight major differences between these highly similar domains. We created a dimeric CaMKIIβ hub unit using rational mutagenesis, which is significantly less stable than the oligomer. Both hub domains populate an intermediate during unfolding. We found that multiple CaMKIIβ hub stoichiometries are present in solution and that larger oligomers are more stable. CaMKIIα had a narrower distribution of molecular weight and was distinctly more stable than CaMKIIβ.
The social integration of rural migrants in urban China: The effect of hometown land tenure
Authors: Zou Jing , Wu Fulong , Zhang Fangzhu , Xu Mengran , Liu Siyao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile rural migrants living in different housing tenures present significantly variegated levels of social integration, little is known about how land tenure in their place of origin affects their integration into the host cities. Using the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey, we identified three dimensions of social integration: (1) permanent settlement intention, (2) cultural integration and (3) psychological integration. We find that migrants do not feel psychological isolation; their settlement intention is lower as a more realistic judgement of prospects. Their cultural integration is even lower, indicating it is a long‐term process. Migrants with land farming by relatives and friends and land subleasing to private are more socially integrated, while hiring someone to cultivate the land, leaving land uncultivated and other land disposal methods reduces migrants' social integration. Furthermore, land subleasing led to stronger psychological integration, even after controlling for the potential endogeneity issue. It weakens their attachment to their hometowns and increases their income to achieve stronger integration. The effect is more salient in the migrants of the new generation, in second‐tier cities and in the digital economy sector.
Why does Australia need to mitigate food loss and waste to ensure food security?
Authors: Islam Md. Ziaul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFood waste in Australia is causing a massive financial burden on the country, with an estimated annual cost of $36.6 billion. Several factors, such as food loss and waste (FLW), inflation, unemployment, and low income, concurrently contribute to Australia's food insecurity problem. This study mainly focuses on FLW, which plays a significant role in Australia's food insecurity. This study finds that despite taking numerous initiatives, including the National Food Waste Strategy 2017, National Food Waste Baseline 2021, Australian Food Pact, and Sector Action Plan, the FLW approximately 7.9 million tonnes of food is wasted every year in Australia. This study explores that in 2022, food insecurity severely affects 21% or 2.1 million households, and 94% of households are concerned about not having enough food in Australia. The author finds that the FLW contributes to producing 17.5 m tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), 2628.3 gigaliters of water use, and 25 m + hectares of agricultural land use by generating food production. Therefore, this study aims to critically evaluate the FLW scenario and management strategies of the Australian government in order to achieve the sustainable development goal‐12 (responsible consumption and production) and target 12.3 of reducing food waste by 50% by the year 2030.
Versatile Quinazolinone Synthesis: N‐Bromosaccharin‐Catalyzed Divergence in 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one and Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one Formation
Authors: Hutait Samiran , Maikhuri Vipin K. , Kumar Pandey Avadhesh , Shukla Poonam , Srivastava Suman 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this research, we present an innovative and eco‐friendly methodology for the synthesis of a diverse array of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones, featuring the use of catalytic N‐Bromosaccharin (NBSac). This novel approach is not limited to just one product; it extends to the efficient synthesis of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones by harnessing visible light alongside stoichiometric N‐Bromosaccharin (NBSac) as a multifunctional heterogeneous oxidant. By uniting cyclocondensation and oxidation into a one‐pot sequential process, direct access to quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones is achieved. The developed protocol is characterized by its user‐friendliness, metal‐free operation, wide applicability across diverse substrates, and the ability to recycle the catalyst, making it an appealing and sustainable method for quinazolinone synthesis.
An Adenine‐Based Chromone‐Coupled ‘Off‐On‐Off’ Fluorogenic Dyad for Cascade Detection of Zn2+ and HSO₄− Ions or Zn2+ Ions and Picric Acid
Authors: Maiti Arpita , Mahato Manas , Ahamed Sabbir , Ray Tanusree , Roy Kanak , Roy Mahendra Nath 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA chromone‐coupled adenine‐based fluorogenic chemosensor (BD1) has been introduced for cascade detection of Zn2+ and HSO4−ions or Zn2+ and picric acid (PA) based on the fluorescence ‘OFF‐ON‐OFF’ mechanism. A momentous fluorescence improvement has been observed due to the accumulation of Zn2+ ions in the BD1 solution because of the formation of the Zn2+ chelated BD1 complex. A cyan color fluorescence enhancement is visible under the exposure of a 365 nm UV lamp, which is also manifested in the CIE diagram. The detection limit of our developed sensor BD1 and Zn2+−BD1 complex towards the identification of Zn2+ and HSO4− ions are in the nM and μM range, respectively, in the solution phase. Among the several explosive nitroaromatic compounds (NACs), only PA quenches the fluorescence of the Zn2+ chelated BD1 complex, and the nature of quenching is both static and dynamic. A paper strips‐based test kit experiment is performed for on‐spot identification of Zn2+ ions and PA. Based on these chemically encoded inputs and the fluorescence intensity as optical output, we have constructed an INHIBIT molecular logic circuit. The present report evokes a new approach for the development of new chemosensors from bioinspired materials such as adenine, a purine nucleobase.
Biosynthesis of NIR‐II Ag2Se Quantum Dots with Bacterial Catalase for Photoacoustic Imaging and Alleviating‐Hypoxia Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Chen Shi‐Hui , Liu Hengke , Huang Biao , Zheng Jie , Zhang Zhi‐Ling , Pang Dai‐Wen , Huang Peng , Cui Ran 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDeveloping the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) photoacoustic (PA) agent is of great interest in bioimaging. Ag2Se quantum dots (QDs) are one kind of potential probe for applications in NIR‐II photoacoustic imaging (PAI). However, the surfaces with excess anions of Ag2Se QDs, which increase the probability of nonradiative transitions of excitons benefiting PA imaging, are not conducive to binding electron donor ligands for potential biolabeling and imaging. In this study, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) cells are driven for the biosynthesis of Ag2Se QDs with catalase (CAT). Biosynthesized Ag2Se (bio‐Ag2Se‐CAT) QDs are produced in Se‐enriched environment of S. aureus and have a high Se‐rich surface. The photothermal conversion efficiency of bio‐Ag2Se‐CAT QDs at 808 and 1064 nm is calculated as 75.3% and 51.7%, respectively. Additionally, the PA signal responsiveness of bio‐Ag2Se‐CAT QDs is ≈10 times that of the commercial PA contrast agent indocyanine green. In particular, the bacterial CAT is naturally attached to bio‐Ag2Se‐CAT QDs surface, which can effectively relieve tumor hypoxia. The bio‐Ag2Se‐CAT QDs can relieve heat‐initiated oxidative stress while undergoing effective photothermal therapy (PTT). Such biosynthesis method of NIR‐II bio‐Ag2Se‐CAT QDs opens a new avenue for developing multifunctional nanomaterials, showing great promise for PAI, hypoxia alleviation, and PTT.