bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of bio‐based plasticizer from custard apple seed oil for PVC application
Authors: Kharat Baburao M. , More Aarti P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the research, a bio‐based through epoxidizing, plasticizer was created non‐toxic custard apple seed oil (CASO) using peroxy acid generated in situ and investigates the application of a bio‐based plasticizer in the compounding of polyvinyl chloride as epoxidized custard apple seed oil (ECASO) (PVC). The ECASO was synthesized through an epoxidation reaction and characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and analytical parameters such as epoxy value, and oxirane conversion. To create plasticized PVC, the PVC was mixed with different ratios of ECASO and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) using a two‐roll mill and prepared PVC sheet by compression molding. The ECASO plasticizer completely fuses with PVC and plasticized PVC sheets are made. Glass transition temperature, tensile strength, percent elongation, solvent resistance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis were among the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PVC sheets that were assessed. This result shows the plasticization efficiency of ECASO and DOP combined was similar to that of DOP alone, even with the same plasticizer loading. Moreover, when used in combination with DOP, ECASO was found to be a more efficient plasticizer. As a result, ECASO can be used as a biobased substitute for DOP, replacing up to 60% of the ECASO plasticizer loading.
Stability and policy threats: US public opinion after a decade of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Haeder Simon F. , Sylvester Steven 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to shape US politics at the elite level. We know less about whether this conflict still carries over to the broader public. Moreover, we know little about the degree to which the conflict reaches into its various policies and whether the policy threats to the ACA can affect public opinion. We fielded a large, and demographically diverse survey of US adults using Lucid (N = 6066) from July 8–21, 2020. The survey contained an experiment that introduced the topic to respondents as the 2010 health reform law, the ACA, or Obamacare and at times highlighted the potential undoing of the ACA by the US Supreme Court. Analyses were conducted using Ordinary Least Squares regression. Our findings indicate that perceptions of the ACA differ substantial based on partisanship and racial prejudice. Framing still matters in the minds of Americans and their perception of health reforms in general and its individual components by extending these differences. However, we find only very limited evidence for changes to public attitudes related to the policy threat of the Supreme Court ruling the ACA constitutional in California v. Texas. The ACA remains a political battleground in the minds of Americans. The politics of the ACA continue to be shaped by perceptions of race and partisanship.
Prognostic impact of prior LVEF in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Schmitt Alexander , Behnes Michael , Weidner Kathrin , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Reinhardt Marielen , Abel Noah , Lau Felix , Forner Jan , Ayoub Mohamed , Mashayekhi Kambis , Akin Ibrahim , Schupp Tobias 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aims
As there is limited evidence regarding the prognostic impact of prior left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), this study investigates the prognostic impact of longitudinal changes in LVEF in patients with HFmrEF.

Methods
Consecutive patients with HFmrEF (i.e. LVEF 41–49% with signs and/or symptoms of HF) were included retrospectively in a monocentric registry from 2016 to 2022. Based on prior LVEF, patients were categorized into three groups: stable LVEF, improved LVEF, and deteriorated LVEF. The primary endpoint was 30-months all-cause mortality (median follow-up). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital and 12-months all-cause mortality, as well as HF-related rehospitalization at 12 and 30 months. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were applied for statistics.

Results
Six hundred eighty-nine patients with HFmrEF were included. Compared to their prior LVEF, 24%, 12%, and 64% had stable, improved, and deteriorated LVEF, respectively. None of the three LVEF groups was associated with all-cause mortality at 12 (p ≥ 0.583) and 30 months (31% vs. 37% vs. 34%; log rank p ≥ 0.376). In addition, similar rates of 12- (p ≥ 0.533) and 30-months HF-related rehospitalization (21% vs. 23% vs. 21%; log rank p ≥ 0.749) were observed. These findings were confirmed in multivariable regression analyses in the entire study cohort.

Conclusion
The transition from HFrEF and HFpEF towards HFmrEF is very common. However, prior LVEF was not associated with prognosis, likely due to the persistently high dynamic nature of LVEF in the follow-up period.

Graphical Abstract
Status of alternative angiogenic pathways in glioblastoma resected under and after bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Ezaki Taketo , Tanaka Toshihide , Tamura Ryota , Ohara Kentaro , Yamamoto Yohei , Takei Jun , Morimoto Yukina , Imai Ryotaro , Kuranai Yuki , Akasaki Yasuharu , Toda Masahiro , Murayama Yuichi , Miyake Keisuke , Sasaki Hikaru 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) acquires resistance to bevacizumab (Bev) treatment. Bev affects angiogenic factors other than vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are poorly understood. We investigated changes in angiogenic factors under and after Bev therapy, including angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1), angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), placental growth factor (PLGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, and ephrin A2 (EphA2). Fifty-four GBM tissues, including 28 specimens from 14 cases as paired specimens from the same patient obtained in three settings: initial tumor resection (naïve Bev), tumors resected following Bev therapy (effective Bev), and recurrent tumors after Bev therapy (refractory Bev). Immunohistochemistry assessed their expressions in tumor vessels and its correlation with recurrent MRI patterns. PLGF expression was higher in the effective Bev group than in the naïve Bev group (p = 0.024) and remained high in the refractory Bev group. ANGPT2 and EphA2 expressions were higher in the refractory Bev group than in the naïve Bev group (p = 0.047 and 0.028, respectively). PLGF expression was higher in the refractory Bev group compared with the naïve Bev group for paired specimens (p = 0.036). PLGF was more abundant in T2 diffuse/circumscribe patterns (p = 0.046). This is the first study to evaluate angiogenic factors other than VEGF during effective and refractory Bev therapy in patient-derived specimens.
Large vessel occlusion detection by non-contrast CT using artificial ıntelligence
Authors: Aytaç Emrah , Gönen Murat , Tatli Sinan , Balgetir Ferhat , Dogan Sengul , Tuncer Turker 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Computer vision models have been used to diagnose some disorders using computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. In this work, our objective is to detect large and small brain vessel occlusion using a deep feature engineering model in acute of ischemic stroke.

Methods
We use our dataset. which contains 324 patient’s CT images with two classes; these classes are large and small brain vessel occlusion. We divided the collected image into horizontal and vertical patches. Then, pretrained AlexNet was utilized to extract deep features. Here, fc6 and fc7 (sixth and seventh fully connected layers) layers have been used to extract deep features from the created patches. The generated features from patches have been concatenated/merged to generate the final feature vector. In order to select the best combination from the generated final feature vector, an iterative selector (iterative neighborhood component analysis—INCA) has been used, and this selector has chosen 43 features. These 43 features have been used for classification. In the last phase, we used a kNN classifier with tenfold cross-validation.

Results
By using 43 features and a kNN classifier, our AlexNet-based deep feature engineering model surprisingly attained 100% classification accuracy.

Conclusion
The obtained perfect classification performance clearly demonstrated that our proposal could separate large and small brain vessel occlusion detection in non-contrast CT images. In this aspect, this model can assist neurology experts with the early recanalization chance.
A stable mapping of nmODE
Authors: Luo Haiying , He Tao , Yi Zhang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAdversarial attacks pose significant challenges to the reliability and performance of neural networks. Despite the development of several defense mechanisms targeting various types of adversarial perturbations, only a few manage to strike a balance between theoretical soundness and practical efficacy. nmODE (neural memory ordinary differential equation) is a recently proposed model with several intriguing properties. By delving into the rare attribute of global attractors inherent in nmODE, this paper unveils its stable mapping, thereby conferring certified defense capabilities upon it. Moreover, a novel quantitative approach is proposed, establishing a mathematical link between perturbations and nmODE’s defense proficiency. Additionally, a training technique termed as nmODE+ is put forward, enhancing the defense capability of nmODE without imposing additional training burdens. Extensive experiments demonstrate nmODE’s resilience to various perturbations, showcasing its seamless integration with neural networks and existing defense mechanisms. These findings offer valuable insights into leveraging differential equations for robust neural network security.
Relationship Undermining in Couple Therapy
Authors: Doherty William J. , Harris Steven M. , Mussa Kadija 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe examined the prevalence of relationship undermining statements by therapists treating couples, as reported by clients, and the association of these statements with outcomes. Participants (n = 270) reported on recollections of their therapist saying that they were incompatible, that therapist could not help them, that the relationship was beyond repair, that divorce was the best or most realistic option, or told one of partners that the other had a personality problem, or proposed individual therapy instead of couple therapy. Findings showed a prevalence rate of 10-28% across these five undermining statements; 40% of clients reported at least one statement. Undermining statements were associated with poorer outcomes and shorter duration of couple therapy. We suggest that some therapists treating couples lack a systemic/relationship framework and set of skills, which leads them to become frustrated and pessimistic with difficult couple cases. We offer implications for the training of couple therapists.
Risk of desirable user experiences: insights from those who create, facilitate and accept mobile payments
Authors: Mahler Martin , Murphy Andrew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIncorporating fluency theory into a user experience design framework, this study utilises design considerations, drawing on complementary angles of the two theoretical domains, as a foundation with the ultimate goal of creating beneficial mobile payment experiences. An exploratory approach is deployed through semi-structured interviews to provide insights into experience design considerations utilising sensory elements and risk perception, a combination which has thus far received little attention. Research participants consist of senior managers that work for companies that create, facilitate, or accept mobile payment apps or processes. A conceptual framework is proposed with design as a starting point, including aesthetics and the need for a simplified experience, along with sensory elements that replicate familiar visual, audio, and haptic stimuli. These lead to a more usable experience that is perceived as easy to use through a frictionless experience. Usefulness is increased as exposure increases, and new app or process features can be added once prior features become familiar through repeated use. Key trade-offs include a simplified experience versus feature-rich experience, and frictionless experiences versus security risks, with key practical suggestions on how these can be approached.
Nonlinear analysis of the synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop under unbalanced grid voltage
Authors: Ponomarev Anton , Hagenmeyer Veit , Gröll Lutz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL), also called dqPLL, is an electric circuit commonly used in power electronics to estimate the phase angle of a three-phase AC grid. If the voltage is unbalanced, the PLL is modeled as a periodically forced nonlinear oscillator and is known in practice to converge to a steady oscillation. In the existing literature, the oscillation has been studied via linearization assuming a low level of unbalance. Aiming for stronger nonlocal statements, we present nonlinear analysis. We apply the method of autonomous comparison systems and incremental stability to show that the steady oscillation is unique and attractive in a wider neighborhood. Its lock-in domain is estimated using numerical phase portrait analysis. The oscillation is further approximated up to the terms of the second order in the unbalance factor—it yields an estimation of the time average of the PLL’s phase error which is not visible by linearization only. The results provide stability guarantees and can guide the tuning of SRF-PLL.
Design of the Dutch multicentre study on opportunistic screening of geriatric patients for atrial fibrillation using a smartphone PPG app: the Dutch-GERAF study
Authors:   Dutch-GERAF investigators, Zwart Lennaert A. R. , Spruit Jocelyn R. , Hemels Martin E. W. , de Groot Joris R. , Pisters Ron , Riezebos Robert K. , Jansen René W. M. M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Screening of high-risk patients is advocated to achieve early detection and treatment of clinical atrial fibrillation (AF). The Dutch-GERAF study will address two major issues. Firstly, the effectiveness and feasibility of an opportunistic screening strategy for clinical AF will be assessed in frail older patients and, secondly, observational data will be gathered regarding the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulation (OAC).

Methods
This is a multicentre study on opportunistic screening of geriatric patients for clinical AF using a smartphone photoplethysmography (PPG) application. Inclusion criteria are age ≥ 65 years and the ability to perform at least three PPG recordings within 6 months. Exclusion criteria are the presence of a cardiac implantable device, advanced dementia or a severe tremor. The PPG application records patients’ pulse at their fingertip and determines the likelihood of clinical AF. If clinical AF is suspected after a positive PPG recording, a confirmatory electrocardiogram is performed. Patients undergo a comprehensive geriatric assessment and a frailty index is calculated. Risk scores for major bleeding (MB) are applied. Standard laboratory testing and additional laboratory analyses are performed to determine the ABC-bleeding risk score. Follow-up data will be collected at 6 months, 12 months and 3 years on the incidence of AF, MB, hospitalisation, stroke, progression of cognitive disorders and mortality.

Discussion
The Dutch-GERAF study will focus on frail older patients, who are underrepresented in randomised clinical trials. It will provide insight into the effectiveness of screening for clinical AF and the efficacy and safety of OAC in this high-risk population.

Trial registration
NCT05337202.
Docker Container-Based Framework of Apache Kafka Node Ecosystem: Vehicle Tracking System by License Plate Recognition on Surveillance Camera Feeds
Authors: Kul Seda , Kumcu Sarper , Sayar Ahmet 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVehicle tracking and license plate recognition (LPR) over video surveillance cameras are essential intelligent traffic monitoring systems. Due to the enormous amount of data collected each day, it would be difficult to track vehicles by license plate in a real-world traffic setting. Large volumes of data processing, real-time request responses, and emergency scenario response may not be possible using conventional approaches. By combining license plate recognition with the docker container-based structure of the Apache Kafka node ecosystem, the suggested solution takes a novel approach to vehicle tracking. The primary components of our suggested framework for reading license plates are the identification of license plates and text data queries. License plate localization is performed with You Only Look Once version 3 (YOLOv3) and character recognition with Optical Character Recognition (OCR). The detected vehicle images with license plate results are published on related topics with Apache Kafka. Apache Kafka is a publish-subscribe (producers-consumers) messaging system and one of the most popular architectures used for streaming data. For each license plate search, a topic will be created in the framework where producers publish and consumers receive data. Thus, the workload of the operators will be reduced and they will be able to pay attention to more important events in traffic.
New correlations to estimate the rough fracture permeability using computational fluid dynamics simulation
Authors: Valizadeh Farshid , Ghaedi Mojtaba , Hemmati Sara , Feilizadeh Mehrzad , Garmsiri Hamid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn fractured reservoirs, the fracture network provides the main path for fluid flow. Appropriate estimation of the fracture permeability influences the precise prediction of the reservoir’s future performance. Commonly, for a known geometry of natural or induced fracture, the permeability is estimated by applying local cubic law. One major drawback of this approach is that the fracture surface roughness, which has a significant effect on fracture permeability, is not considered. Moreover, the knowledge about the impact of fracture surface roughness on fracture permeability is not currently sufficient. In this research, the fluid flow in fractures with rough-walled surfaces was studied using computational fluid dynamics. For this purpose, the fluid flow through fractures was simulated by applying appropriate roughness for fracture walls. Furthermore, two correlations, based on response surface methodology and power-law models, were proposed to predict fracture permeability as a function of four independent variables (surface roughness, fracture aperture, angle, and porosity). The results of the two presented correlations were validated, and the statistical analysis indicates that both models are appropriate to predict fracture permeability. The findings of this study will be of great assistance with understanding and characterization of the fluid flow in rough fractures and can be used in future works.
An integrated geomechanical and petrophysical multiparameter approach for gas reservoir evaluation
Authors: Kablan Or Aimon Brou Koffi , Chen Tongjun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntegrating petrophysical and geomechanical parameters is an efficient approach to evaluating shale gas reservoir potential. The high cost of corings and their limited number, coupled with time-intensive investigation, led researchers to use this alternative combination approach. In the Jiaoshiba area, from single-pilot well core data and log measurements, petrophysical and geomechanical parameters such as shale volume, total organic carbon, gas content, as well as pore pressure, stress components, and mineral brittleness were first estimated using established methods. In the second phase, based on logging curves, the reservoir electro-facies (EF) classification was performed using the unsupervised multi-resolution graph-based clustering method on a series of twenty wells, identifying five EF with different intrinsic characteristics. Unsupervised analyses were developed using the multilayer artificial neural network while incorporating the K-nearest neighbors and graphical classification algorithms. The results from the first and second phases indicate reservoir richness in organic matter, with the best reservoir exhibited by EF2 and EF3. In addition, effective stress components (SV, SH, and Sh) evaluation shows a normal stress regime with hydraulic fracture systems perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress at each measured depth of the reservoir (Sv > SH > Sh). This research workflow can efficiently evaluate shale reservoirs with a realistic approach for identifying favorable fracturing positions while reducing errors due to human interference.
Management of surgical diseases of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: indications of the United Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery (SIUEC)
Authors: Del Rio Paolo , Boniardi Marco , De Pasquale Loredana , Docimo Giovanni , Iacobone Maurizio , Materazzi Gabriele , Medas Fabio , Minuto Michele , Mullineris Barbara , Polistena Andrea , Raffaelli Marco , Calò Pietro Giorgio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Abstract
A task force of the United Italian society of Endocrine Surgery (SIUEC) was commissioned to review the position statement on diagnostic, therapeutic and health‑care management protocol in parathyroid surgery published in 2014, at the light of new technologies, recent oncological concepts, and tailored approaches. The objective of this publication was to support surgeons with modern rational protocols of treatment that can be shared by health-care professionals, taking into account important clinical, healthcare and therapeutic aspects, as well as potential sequelae and complications. The task force consists of 12 members of the SIUEC highly trained and experienced in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The main topics concern diagnostic test and localization studies, mode of admission and waiting time, therapeutic pathway (patient preparation for surgery, surgical treatment, postoperative management, management of major complications), hospital discharge and patient information, outpatient care and follow-up, outpatient initial management of patients with pHPT.
Vascularized tumor models for the evaluation of drug delivery systems: a paradigm shift
Authors: Lopez-Vince Elliot , Wilhelm Claire , Simon-Yarza Teresa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs the conversion rate of preclinical studies for cancer treatment is low, user-friendly models that mimic the pathological microenvironment and drug intake with high throughput are scarce. Animal models are key, but an alternative to reduce their use would be valuable. Vascularized tumor-on-chip models combine great versatility with scalable throughput and are easy to use. Several strategies to integrate both tumor and vascular compartments have been developed, but few have been used to assess drug delivery. Permeability, intra/extravasation, and free drug circulation are often evaluated, but imperfectly recapitulate the processes at stake. Indeed, tumor targeting and chemoresistance bypass must be investigated to design promising cancer therapeutics. In vitro models that would help the development of drug delivery systems (DDS) are thus needed. They would allow selecting good candidates before animal studies based on rational criteria such as drug accumulation, diffusion in the tumor, and potency, as well as absence of side damage. In this review, we focus on vascularized tumor models. First, we detail their fabrication, and especially the materials, cell types, and coculture used. Then, the different strategies of vascularization are described along with their classical applications in intra/extravasation or free drug assessment. Finally, current trends in DDS for cancer are discussed with an overview of the current efforts in the domain.
Graphical Abstract