bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A facile method for the synthesis of foamed silicone rubber
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Zhu Zhichen , Jiang Li , Jin Xiang , Yang Hongjun , Jiang Qimin , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Bibiao , Huang Wenyan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Foamed silicone rubber was prepared by mixing 45% vinyl silicone oil (Base), Karstedt platinum catalyst (Cata), and hydrogenated silicone oil (SiH) and the resulting material was subjected to secondary vulcanization, which led to its performance requirements. Vinyl silicone oil and hydrogenated silicone oil underwent an addition reaction under the action of a platinum catalyst to form an elastomer with a cross-linked network structure. The results showed that by increasing the content of hydrogenated silicone oil in the formulation, the elongation at break of the foamed silicone gel material decreased but the tensile strength increased. When the content of hydrogenated silicone oil in the formulation decreased, the elongation at break of the foamed silicone material increased. When the content of Karstedt catalyst in the formulation increased, the formation time of the reaction gel was greatly shortened, and the cell structure tended to be dense but delicate. When the proportion of vinyl silicone oil in the formulation increased, the elongation at break of the foamed, molded silicone rubber increased. However, the elastic modulus decreased, and the thermal stability improved. Finally, a more suitable formulation of VBase: VCata: VSiH= 32: 1: 2 was obtained, which showed a tear resistance of 5.52 KN/m, ductility of 133%, and limiting oxygen index of 26 with a stability temperature of 346.8 °C when the thermal mass loss reached 95%.
Synthesis of MnO-LiF Composite Cathode Material Using NH4F as a fluorine source
Authors: Tang Anping , Chen Juedong , Xu Guorong , Song Haishen , Wang Jinglun , Chen Hezhang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Non-intercalation cathode materials based on nanocomposites of lithium fluoride and Li-free transition metal compounds have drawn attention as materials for fabricating the cathode of lithium ion batteries owing to their high theoretical specific capacities and high redox voltages. In the present study, a nanocomposite of MnO-LiF was in situ synthesized by a quick annealing at 500 °°C for just 5 minutes using a mixture of ammonium fluoride, manganese acetate, and lithium acetate as precursor. The synthesized composite is investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, and charge-discharge measurements. As a lithium-ion battery cathode, it delivers respectively an initial discharge specific capacity of 170 mAh g-1 and a discharge specific capacity of 137 mAh g-1 in the 50th cycle at a current rate of C/20, equivalent to a moderate capacity retention rate of 80.6%. The novel synthesis approach proposed offers access to electrochemically active composites of lithium fluoride and Li-free transition metal oxides.
Experimental investigation of the effect of interstitial liquid on the shear characteristics of geotechnical granular materials
Authors: Hu Yuxiang , Yang Dong , Niu Wenqing , Zhang Weilong , Zheng Hu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Interstitial liquid between particles is a significant factor affecting the shear characteristics of geotechnical granular materials. To further investigate this issue, this study systematically conducted ring shear tests on quartz sand of different saturations and particle sizes to study the effects of interstitial fluid on the effective friction coefficient, system fluctuations, volume strain, and particle breakage. It was found that the impact of saturation on the shear characteristics of quartz sand has a strong correlation with particle size. The effective friction coefficient of coarse sand shows a trend of increasing and then decreasing with increasing saturation. In contrast, the effective friction coefficient and system fluctuations of medium and fine sands are not sensitive to changes in saturation. The volume strain changes of quartz sand during shearing can be divided into three stages, with the trend in each stage significantly affected by saturation and particle size. The absolute crushing rate of coarse sand gradually decreases with increasing saturation. The smaller the particle size, the lower the likelihood of breakage. The impact of saturation on the absolute breakage rate of finer particles is not significant. Based on the results analysis, the interstitial liquid has an undeniable effect on the shear characteristics of geotechnical granular materials. The findings provide a scientific basis for further understanding the dynamic mechanisms behind the shear deformation and failure-induced disasters of geotechnical granular materials.
Brown adipose tissue-derived FGF21 mediates the cardioprotection of dexmedetomidine in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Ding Yi , Su Jiabao , Shan Beiying , Fu Xiao , Zheng Guanli , Wang Jiwen , Sun Haijian , Zhang Jiru 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in regulating cardiovascular homeostasis through the secretion of adipokines, such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist with a protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). It remains largely unknown whether or not BAT-derived FGF21 is involved in DEX-induced cardioprotection in the context of MI/RI. Herein, we demonstrated that DEX alleviated MI/RI and improved heart function through promoting the release of FGF21 from interscapular BAT (iBAT). Surgical iBAT depletion or supplementation with a FGF21 neutralizing antibody attenuated the beneficial effects of DEX. AMPK/PGC1α signaling-induced fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) release in brown adipocytes is required for DEX-mediated cardioprotection since blockade of the AMPK/PGC1α axis weakened the salutary effects of DEX. Co-culture experiments showed that DEX-induced FGF21 from brown adipocytes increased the resistance of cardiomyocytes to hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury via modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Our results provided robust evidence that the BAT-cardiomyocyte interaction is required for DEX cardioprotection, and revealed an endocrine role of BAT in DEX-mediating protection of hearts against MIRI.
How (not) to Compute the Halting Probability.
Authors: Jalilvand Manizheh , Nikzad Behzad , Salehi Saeed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We study Chaitin’s well-known constant number Omega, and show that it is not a probability of halting the randomly chosen input-free programs. We suggest some methods for defining the halting probabilities by various measures.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020): 60A10 · 28A05 · 68Q04 · 03D10.
Testing the Kuznets Curve Hypothesis at the Sector Level: Evidence from PNARDL for OECD Countries
Authors: Songur Mehmet , Uğurlu Erginbay , Muratoğlu Yusuf , Şanlı Devran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Since the contribution of economic sectors to GDP is heterogeneous, they also contribute differently to CO2 emissions and environmental degradation. Although many studies investigate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, there are still gaps in this literature, specifically in sectors. This study contributes to the literature in several ways. First, it examines the validity of the environmental EKC hypothesis for four different sectors (Agriculture, Industry, Manufacture and Service). Second, the impact of energy consumption on CO2 is examined asymmetrically. Finally, annual data from 38 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022 are used to fill this gap. The method used in the study is a new panel nonlinear ARDL to capture the asymmetric effect of energy consumption on CO2. The findings show that the EKC hypothesis is valid for sectors other than the industrial sector and for the overall economy. The turning point of the Kuznets Curve for the total economy is estimated as $29250 GDP per capita. The PNARDL model's error correction term (ec) is negative and significant. However, the magnitude of the term suggests that the system will return to long-term equilibrium after approximately 2.87 years following any shock. It has been determined that agriculture is the sector that causes the most environmental degradation by increasing CO2 emissions. This situation highlights the limited availability of productive capital equipment and renewable sources in the agricultural sector, even in OECD countries. Moreover, the empirical results clearly show that energy consumption has asymmetric effects on emissions in both the long and short run. Positive and negative shocks in energy consumption increase CO2 emissions in OECD economies in the long run. Asymmetric effects are valid for four sectors.
Jel Codes: Q42, Q43, Q53
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a proposal for including preoperative serological indicators improves the Milan criteria expanded
Authors: JIAO Ning , YAN Cheng , HE Li , JIN Hai Long , OIU Shuang , LI Chao , ZHENG Zhi Sheng , LU Bin , WU Feng Dong , YANG Yang , CHEN Xin Guo , ZHANG Qing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the predictive effect of preoperative serological indicators on long-term overall survival (OS) and tumor recurrence-free survival (TFS) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT), and to explore its significance for expanding the Milan criteria.
Methods: Clinical data of 253 patients after LT in HCC were collected retrospectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the best cut-off value. χ2 test was used to analyze the correlation between preoperative serological indicators and tumor pathological features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the risk factors affecting the OS and TFS rates and the predictive values of different LT criteria were compared. Nomogram model was used to predict the OS and TFS rates of patients exceeding Milan criteria.
Results: Independent risk factors for poor OS and TFS rates were alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >200 ng/mL, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) >80 IU/l, total tumor diameter (TTD) >8 cm and microsatellite lesions. Nomogram model showed patients beyond Milan criteria had better survival when AFP ≤200 ng/mL and GGT ≤80 IU/l or AFP ≤200 ng/mL, GGT ≤80 IU/l and TTD ≤8 cm. According to Milan criteria, AFP, GGT and DDT, Milan-AFP-GGT-TTD (M-AGT) criteria was established. There was no significant difference in OS and TFS rates among patients in M-AGT, Milan, Hangzhou, Malaya and UCSF criteria.
Conclusions: Preoperative serological indicators AFP and GGT can effectively predict long-term OS and TFS in HCC patients after LT. Establishing M-AGT criteria based on serological indicators is helpful to supplement the Milan criteria.
Prediction of pregnancy outcomes of single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer using combination of an automatic classification algorithm applied on cleavage stage embryos and blastocyst morphological assessment: a single - centre, retrospective study
Authors: Dinh Hop Vu , Manh Cuong An , Tu Anh Phi Thi , Lien Huong Nguyen Thi , Le Hoang , Van Hanh Nguyen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To investigate a combination of the Early Embryo Viability Assessment (EEVA) system and blastocyst morphological assessment as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes of single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer, such as implantation and ongoing pregnancy.
Methods
The retrospective study was conducted in a single centre from 2020 to 2023 and included 511 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles. Blastocyst were selected for transfer based on conventional morphological assessment. Embryos Day 3 were evaluated using EEVA software. The correlation between the EEVA system alone, or a combination of the EEVA system and blastocyst morphological assessment, and pregnancy outcomes was qualified by generalized estimating equations (GEEs).
Results
The implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy were higher with lower scores generated by the EEVA software. A GEE model showed a negative association between a higher embryo score and lower odds of implantation and ongoing pregnancy. The OR of Score 3;4;5 vs. 1 were 0.350; 0.288; 0.282 (95%CI 0.201–0.607; 0.151–0.546; 0.125–0.636, p=0.000), respectively, for implantation. The OR of Score 3;4;5 vs. 1 were 0.321; 0256; 0.228 (95%CI 0.184-0.557; 0.129-0.505; 0.092-0.563, p=0.000), respectively, for ongoing pregnancy. The AUC of the model using the EEVA system for implantation and ongoing pregnancy potential is 0.651 and 0.655, respectively. The AUC of the model combining both systems for implantation and ongoing pregnancy potential is 0.730 and 0.726. The differences were statistically significant (p=0.0001).
Conclusions
The EEVA system can predict the success rates of assisted reproduction cycles, especially when combined with blastocyst morphological assessment in blastocyst selection for transfer.
Atypical Appearance of Recurrence and Metastasis of Gastrointestinal Carcinomas and Its Treatment Response: Solve 18F-FDG PET/CT Challenging Cases Using 68Ga-FAPI PET/MRI: a case-control study
Authors: Miao Jingxuan , Xu Yifei , Zhao Xuefeng , Su Xiaoyu , Zhu Gan , Wu Tao , Wang Hui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background To compare the efficiency of Gallium 68 (68Ga)-labeled FAP inhibitor-04 (68Ga-FAPI-04) positron emission tomography(PET)/MRI with conventional fluorine 18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract(GI) cancers suspected of recurrence or metastasis, especially when glucose metabolism is atypical, which complicates diagnosis by 18F-FDG.
Methods 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI scans were acquired independently for participants with pathologically or endoscopically confirmed GI tumors with signs of recurrence or metastasis, especially for postoperative patients. We used McNemar’s test to compare the diagnostic effects of these two technologies. The normalized maximum standardized uptake values(SUVmax) of selected lesions were measured and analyzed by Student’s t-test, between SUVmax of the primary lesion and treatment response was explored in patients who received systemic therapy.
Results Twenty-two(median age 61 years±7;12 males) participants were evaluated. 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI was more sensitive than 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect involved lymph nodes after surgery (100% [86/86] vs 90% [77/86], P = 0.003) as well as bone and visceral metastases (92% [24/26] vs 62% [16/26], P = 0.02). In addition, the uptake of 68Ga-FAPI-04 was higher than 18F-FDG in primary lesions (normalized SUVmax: 6.06 ± 2.27 vs 2.75 ± 1.52, P = 0.004), involved lymph nodes (normalized SUVmax: 9.07 ± 2.93 vs 3.96 ± 1.73, P < 0.001), bone metastases (normalized SUVmax:11.17 ± 2.18 vs 6.15 ± 1.39, P < 0.001), and liver metastases (normalized SUVmax: 3.75 ± 2.07 vs 2.55 ± 0.86, P = 0.047), etc.
Conclusion 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI provides superior diagnostic effects and visualization of atypical metabolism GI tumors which are difficult to diagnose with 18F-FDG PET/CT, especially for the postoperative recurrent metastases.
Hepatic infarction occurred after 125 I particle stent treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A case report
Authors: Yang Jiemin , Qin Yang , Lv Zhongyuan , Xiao Qingqing , Miao Ying , Huang Huiping , Mao Jingsong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Hepatic infarction is a rare liver condition. The purpose of this study is to report a case of hepatic infarction caused by thrombus formation following portal vein stent implantation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus, and to explore the underlying causes. The patient in this study was a 52-year-old male admitted with diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma involving the right lobe and portal vein tumor thrombus. After undergoing portal vein stent implantation and I125 particle strand implantation treatment, the portal vein was patent, and the pressure decreased. However, multiple instances of hepatic artery chemoembolization combined with targeted immunotherapy resulted in gradual reduction in the diameter of the hepatic artery and affecting hepatic arterial blood flow. Two months post-stent implantation, thrombus formation within the stent was noted, and the patient's condition did not improve with anticoagulant therapy, as evidenced by follow-up CT scans showing an increase in thrombi. Six months later, the patient suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding and, despite emergency esophagogastric variceal ligation and hemostatic treatment, developed hepatic parenchymal infarction and liver function failure. We reveal the underlying cause is that (1) thrombus formation within the portal vein stent, leading to portal vein embolism and obstructed blood flow due to exacerbated portal hypertension after various treatments; and (2) the effect of hepatic artery chemoembolization, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy on tumor angiogenesis, causing reduced hepatic artery diameter and impaired arterial blood flow. These factors disrupt the liver's dual blood supply system, ultimately contributing to hepatic infarction.To our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic infarction as a complication following portal vein stent implantation for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus, and it holds significant reference value for guiding the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with concurrent portal vein tumor thrombus in a clinical setting.
Association between preoperative cerebrovascular accidents with length of hospital stay among patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty in Singapore: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wang Jinpei , Hou Xinjiang , Yue Zhiyong , Wang Guaijuan , Liu Runna , Ren Jiasen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Multiple studies have suggested that preoperative cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are linked to unfavorable outcomes in elective orthopedic surgeries. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a prior history of CVA has an independent association with the length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients who undergo primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Methods
For this retrospective cohort study, a total of 2083 patients who underwent unilateral TKA at a tertiary academic medical center in Singapore between January 2013 and June 2014 were included. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were utilized to identify the independent risk factors associated with LOS. Furthermore, subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between CVA and LOS.
Results
A total of 2083 eligible patients, comprising 1576 females and 507 males, were enrolled in the study. Among them, 2039 had a history of CVA, while the remaining 44 did not. The ethnic distribution was as follows: 83.7% (n = 1743) Chinese, 7.3% (n = 152) Indian, 6.0% (n = 125) Malay, and 3.0% (n = 63) from other ethnicities. The mean age of the sample was 66.5 years, with a median LOS of 4.0 days. The risk factors identified for prolonged LOS were as follows: age equal to or older than 65 years, regional anesthesia, perioperative blood transfusion of 1 unit, perioperative blood transfusion of more than 2 units, American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status (ASA) class III, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, CVA, creatinine level greater than 2 mg/dL, preoperative hemoglobin level between 11-12.9 g/dL, preoperative hemoglobin level greater than or equal to 13 g/dL, and TKA performed on Thursday. Furthermore, a significant association between CVA and LOS was observed using multivariable logistic regression analyses after adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted odds ratio for prolonged LOS in patients with CVA compared to those without CVA was 3.24.
Conclusion
Patients with a previous history of CVA undergoing unilateral TKA are at a heightened risk of enduring a significantly prolonged LOS compared to those without a history of CVA. To enhance patient care and establish suitable perioperative guidelines, close collaboration among orthopedic, medical, and neurological teams is crucial.
Analysis of Lateral Dynamics of the Semi- Autonomous Vehicles for Lane Changes and Cornering Maneuvers
Authors: Yeneneh Kumlachew , Yoseph Bisrat 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the challenge of maneuvering the safety and stability of semi-autonomous vehicles (SAVs) while tracking major aspects of their lateral dynamics under unpredictable situations and conditions. The common aspects of all these cases have been the necessity for balancing that model simplicity with the ability to be able to reflect the real system by using a simple geometric bicycle model, a realistic bicycle model taking into consideration forces, and state-space representation designed with capacity in mind to handle nonlinearities and disturbances. These are used in control strategies to safer and smother maneuvers. We evaluate how well SAVs maintain safety under various conditions based on lateral deviation, relative yaw angle (heading error), and steering wheel angle. The Model Predictive Control (MPC) maintains adaptability during changes, not only in terms of vehicle mass but also velocity, by the use of a cost function that governs smooth maneuvering with minimum deviation (convergence to zero). As an additional observation, at non-nominal velocities, the heavier ones may present a bigger recovery, whereas the lighter vehicles recover faster. The cost function used in MPC for the model will handle these variations so that once, stability and ride comfort can be predicted for different masses of vehicles and their respective speeds.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale in people living with dementia
Authors: Leung Dara Kiu Yi , Wang Yun-Lin , Wang Yun-Han , Ng Zuna Loong Yee , Ma Maggie Sui Ling , Choy Jacky Chak Pui , Wong Gloria Hoi Yan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Supporting people living with dementia to live well with the condition has been promoted as a policy and practice priority. A valid measure of mental well-being can facilitate related research in the growing Chinese dementia population. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Chinese Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) in Chinese people living with dementia in Hong Kong.
Methods
A total of 162 people living with dementia completed the SWEMWBS. Factorial validity of the scale was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent and divergent validity were assessed by Spearman’s correlations with Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD), EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q; depression and anxiety items). Known-group validity was examined based on sex, age, and education level. Congeneric reliability was assessed by standardized factor loadings and error variances, while internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha.
Results
The one-factor structure of SWEMWBS was confirmed (CFI = 0.998, TLI = 0.996, RMSEA = 0.02). The scale had weak-to-moderate correlations with QoL-AD, EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, and NPI-Q Anxiety (r = − .025 to 0.42) but no correlation with NPI-Q Depression. Respondents who were younger, male, and had higher education levels reported higher levels of mental well-being. SWEMWBS showed good congeneric reliability (0.80) and internal consistency (0.80).
Conclusions
The Chinese SWEMWBS showed good validity and reliability for measuring mental well-being in the Chinese dementia population in Hong Kong. Known-group validity results indicate a potentially distinct pattern of well-being among people living with dementia.