bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of surgical resection and ablation for the treatment of early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Bilan , Xi Xiaoli , Yu Hongsheng , Jiang Hao , Liang Zixi , Smayi Abdukyamu , Wu Bin , Yang Yidong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal treatment strategy for early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, specifically in regard to surgical resection (SR) and ablation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SR and ablation on recurrence and prognosis in early‐stage HCC patients, to optimize treatment strategies and improve long‐term survival.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 801 patients diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0/A HCC and treated with SR or ablation between January 2015 and December 2019. The effectiveness and complications of both treatments were analyzed, and patients were followed up to measure recurrence and survival. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to increase comparability between the two groups. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze recurrence and survival, and a Cox risk proportional hazard model was used to identify risk factors that affect recurrence and surviva.ResultsBefore PSM, the overall survival (OS) rates were similar in both groups, with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rates better in the SR group than in the ablation group. After PSM, there was no significant difference in OS between the two groups. However, the RFS rates were significantly better in the SR group than in the ablation group. The ablation group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the SR group, with shorter treatment times, reduced bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and lower hospital costs. Concerning the location of the HCC within the liver, comparable efficacy was observed between SR and ablation for disease located in the noncentral region or left lobe. However, for HCCs located in the central region or right lobe of the liver, SR was more effective than ablation.ConclusionsThis study revealed no significant difference in OS between SR and ablation for early‐stage HCC, with SR providing better RFS and ablation demonstrating better safety profiles and lower hospital costs. These findings offer valuable insights for clinicians in determining optimal treatment strategies for early‐stage HCC patients, particularly in terms of balancing efficacy, safety, and cost considerations.
Polymer Network Comprised of Steroidal Rotors as a Promising Storage Material
Authors: Wysocka Joanna , Malinowska Marta , Pawlak Tomasz , Zgardzińska Bożena , Markiewicz Karolina H. , Misiak Paweł , Wilczewska Agnieszka Z. , Potrzebowski Marek , Santillan Rosa , Flórez‐López Edwin , Farfán Norberto , Jastrzebska Izabella 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by Dr habil. Izabella Jastrzebska‘s group from the University of Białystok, Poland. The image shows a polymeric network with molecular rotors (MR) as crosslinks. The MR rotation is slowed or inhibited when a molecule of stored gas is placed inside the polymer material. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202300793.
Multifunctional Interface Modification Enables Efficient and Stable HTL‐Free Carbon‐Electroded CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wu Lin , Chen Jianlin , Ju Jiayao , Zeng Yuxi , Wu Zihan , He Jintao , Huang Jincheng , Peng Zhuoyin , Chen Jian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, hole transport layer‐free all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br carbon‐electroded perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have garnered significant attention due to a trade‐off between stability and photovoltaic performance. However, there are inevitably many defects generated at the surfaces or grain boundaries of CsPbI2Br perovskite films, which will serve as carrier non‐radiative recombination centers, and CsPbI2Br perovskite films are sensitive to water molecules to degrade, together with energy level mismatch between CsPbI2Br perovskite and carbon electrodes. Herein, 1‐benzyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (1‐B‐3‐MIMPF6), an imidazolium‐based ionic liquid simultaneously containing benzene ring and fluorine atoms, was introduced for the modification of the perovskite/carbon interface. The results showed that it could effectively reduce defects, enhance carrier transfer, mitigate carrier non‐radiative recombination, facilitate energy alignment, and block moisture intrusion. Therefore, the photovoltaic performance of the modified PSCs with ITO/SnO2/CsPbI2Br/1‐B‐3‐MIMPF6/carbon architecture has been boosted with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.47 %, open circuit voltage of 1.20 V, short circuit current density of 14.69 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 76 %. Moreover, the unencapsulated modified devices exhibited an improved stability and the PCE maintained 78 % of their initial PCE after 24 h storage at room temperature in a 30 %–35 % humidity environment, whereas that of the pristine devices dropped to almost zero.
Modeling, simulation, and experimental studies of a novel battery charger for fuel cell applications based on a new high step‐up DC‐DC converter
Authors: Bayat Pezhman , Bayat Peyman 
Published: March 2024

SummaryDuring winter, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) faces operational challenges, potentially leading to ice formation in membranes and gas technology. To achieve favorable operational conditions and output voltage, suitable power electronic devices are indispensable. Consequently, the fuel cell module links to the battery through a DC‐DC converter. Addressing the necessity for an efficient battery charger in fuel cell electric vehicle applications, this article introduces a new high step‐up DC‐DC converter. It employs a boosting structure, incorporating a coupled inductor to elevate voltage gain while substantially reducing voltage and current stresses on components, a fitting attribute for PEMFC electric vehicle battery chargers. Additionally, the proposed converter boasts high efficiency and a minimal component count. Moreover, the study meticulously explores various operating modes of the converter, offering comprehensive analyses and operational relationships. To evaluate dynamic behavior and ensure stability, the study employs small signal modeling and devises a controller based on the maximum power point tracking principle. MATLAB simulations validate the converter's performance, while a laboratory‐built prototype (48 V input, 220 V output, 500 W) substantiates its characteristics, aligning with theoretical projections. Finally, a comparative analysis between simulation, experimentation, and theoretical calculations validates the converter's functionality. Ultimately, this work emphasizes the critical role of a well‐designed high‐efficiency DC‐DC converter in the context of PEMFC electric vehicle battery charging during challenging winter conditions. The proposed converter's innovative design, minimal componentry, efficiency, and validated performance through simulation, experimentation, and theory underscore its potential significance in enhancing fuel cell electric vehicle technology.
Compact body‐worn MIMO antenna with high port isolation for UWB applications
Authors: Pandey Raju , Biswas Ashim Kumar , Chakraborty Ujjal 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis article investigates the mutual coupling reduction of a compact two elements wearable ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna. The ground plane of the proposed wearable MIMO antenna structure consists of three connected square ring‐shaped stubs and two rectangular slots of narrow height. These ground stubs and slots minimize the mutual coupling effect between antennas and provide high isolation. The suggested MIMO antenna functions from the 1.87 to 13.82 GHz frequency spectrum covering WLAN (2.4–2.484 GHz), UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz), and X band (8–12 GHz) with 152.32% fractional bandwidth. It sustains port isolation above 27 dB throughout the 2 to 13.82 GHz frequency band. Inside the whole working frequency band, the suggested antenna offers a tiny envelope correlation coefficient (ECC < 0.098), greater diversity gain (DG > 9.93 dB), minimum channel capacity loss (CCL < 0.32 bits/s/Hz), and slight magnitude variation in mean effective gain of antenna ports (< 0.1 dB). The recommended antenna yields a SAR level below the designated threshold (<1.6 W/kg), affirming its suitability for body‐worn applications. The designed MIMO antenna structure has an overall volume of 32 × 48 × 1.5 mm3.
Can an effective end‐of‐life intervention for advanced dementia be viewed as moral?
Authors: Terman Stanley A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMany people dread prolonged dying with suffering in the terminal illness, advanced dementia. To successfully facilitate a timely dying, advance directives must be effective and acceptable. This article considers whether authorities, including treating physicians, can accept as moral, the effective intervention that ceases caregivers’ assistance with oral feeding and hydrating. The article presents eight criticisms and “alternate views” regarding ceasing assisted feeding/hydrating. It draws on perspectives from clinical medicine, law, ethics, and religion. The conflict is between (A) people's core beliefs that reflect cultural norms and religious teachings regarding what is moral versus (B) patients’ autonomous right of self‐determination and claim right to avoid suffering. The article presents each side as strongly as possible. Accepting the intervention as moral could allow patients a peaceful and timely dying from patients’ underlying disease. Confidence in future success can deter patients and their surrogates from considering a hastened dying in earlier stages of dementia.
Navigating late‐stage dementia: A perspective from the Alzheimer's Association
Authors: Clifford Kristen , Moreno Monica , Kloske Courtney M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and decline in other cognitive abilities enough to interfere with daily life. AD accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. The late stage of AD tends to be the shortest stage and, on average, lasts 1 to 2 years. As this stage of the condition progresses, it requires continuous intensive long‐term care and around‐the‐clock intensive care. The Alzheimer's Association stands firm in its commitment to supporting individuals living with AD and other dementia, their care partners, and their health‐care providers as they navigate treatment and care decisions across the continuum of the disease. This article is a direct response to recently published works that run counter to the Association's viewpoint. It outlines the Association's perspective on crucial factors for consideration during late‐stage dementia care, including advanced directives, palliative care, nutrition, and legal considerations. It explores diverse perspectives from the field, differing from the Alzheimer's Association's stance. Last, it underscores resources available through the Alzheimer's Association, aiming to present a comprehensive perspective on late‐stage care for support and assistance to all involved.
Commentary to: “Timely dying in dementia: Use patients' judgments and broaden the concept of suffering.” Timely dying, suffering in dementia, and a role for family and professional caregivers in preventing it
Authors: van der Steen Jenny T. , Scheeres‐Feitsma Trijntje M. , Schaafsma Petruschka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBroadening the concept of suffering in dementia to five types of suffering including suffering of family caregivers as proposed by Terman et al., may help raise awareness on a need to relieve suffering when living with dementia and adopt a holistic approach. However, as objective criteria in advance care plans for severe enough suffering to stop assisted feeding or other life‐sustaining treatment in people with advanced dementia, these still need interpretation in the context of, for example, available treatment, and change in coping. New is the proposal to broaden severe enough suffering to suffering of family, including “bi‐directional empathic suffering.” We believe this creates new dilemmas regarding responsibility and may increase feelings of guilt. Quantifying suffering by adding up moderate suffering could further complicate matters. Therefore, we argue that a health care professional should guide the process and assume responsibility over current decisions to follow a person's previous wishes.
Jumping droplets
Authors: Boreyko Jonathan B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhen microdroplets with quasi‐spherical contact angles coalesce together on a low‐adhesion substrate, the capillary‐inertial expansion of the liquid bridge induces a dramatic out‐of‐plane jumping event due to symmetry breaking. From the onset of merging, droplet jumping initiates after a capillary‐inertial time scale of  μs with characteristic jumping speeds of order  m/s. This coalescence‐induced jumping‐droplet effect is most commonly observed among a population of growing dew droplets on a superhydrophobic condenser, but can also occur by colliding deposited droplets together or during droplet sliding on fog harvesters. In this review, we cover the historical development of capillary‐inertial jumping droplets, summarize the decade‐long effort to rationalize the ultra‐low energy conversion efficiency and critical droplet size of the phenomenon, and then present 15 variations on a theme of jumping. Capillary‐inertial jumping droplets are not only a visceral illustration of the surprising power of surface tension at the microscale but they also have the potential to enhance phase‐change heat transfer, enable self‐cleaning surfaces, combat frost formation, harvest energy, and govern the rate of disease spread for wheat crops.
Synthesis, structural characterization, analytical profiling, and application to authentic samples of synthesized Phase I metabolites of the synthetic cannabinoid 5F‐MDMB‐PICA
Authors: Chen Rui‐Jia , Zhang Zi‐hua , Yang Shenglan , Yu Shu‐chen , Wang Jun‐chang , Liao Ping‐yong , Qiu Ting‐ting , Xiao Lu , Xue Shang , Chen Hong , Shao Wen‐bin , Hu Jian‐wen , Lan Yun , Chen Xi‐long , Xu Yue , Zhou Tian‐meng , Zhao Xue‐jun , Liu Wen‐bin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract5F‐MDMB‐PICA, an indole‐type synthetic cannabinoid (SC), was classified illicit globally in 2020. Although the extensive metabolism of 5F‐MDMB‐PICA in the human body warrants the development of robust analytical methods for metabolite detection and quantification, a current lack of reference standards for characteristic metabolites hinders such method creation. This work described the synthesis of 18 reference standards for 5F‐MDMB‐PICA and its possible Phase I metabolites, including three hydroxylated positional isomers R14 to R16. All the compounds were systematic characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, two methods were developed for the simultaneous detection of all standards using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. By comparison with authentic samples, R17 was identified as a suitable urine biomarker for 5F‐MDMB‐PICA uptake.
The potential of coextraction as an emerging trend in the development of new functional food ingredients
Authors: Basak Somnath , Singhal Rekha S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe search for new functional ingredients that meet the nutritional and technological requirements from the available resources cost‐effectively has been an ongoing activity by both academia and industry. In this respect, coextraction of the ingredients is a promising approach for valorization of food wastes as can be seen from reports that have been emerging since the last decade. The process can be used for the coextraction of all major food ingredients, namely, lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides. The approach being presented in this review is based on using two or more resources to obtain ingredients through a single process. This review looks into some of these possibilities, presents future perspectives, and calls for attention from the scientific community to explore this area of research with high translational capabilities. Coextraction offers an opportunity for valorization of wastes with energy conservation and minimizing solvent usage, wherein the bioactives present therein can be coextracted with a major food ingredient and used in the formulations, while using the principles of circular economy. Apart from the processing advantage it provides, coextraction from different sources has been reported to positively influence the structural, nutritional, and functional properties of food ingredients.
Socio‐economic position, multimorbidity, and health care utilization among Danish left ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Schjødt Inge , Mols Rikke E. , Bakos István , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Gustafsson Finn , Kristensen Søren L. , Larsson Johan E. , Christensen Bo , Eiskjær Hans , Løgstrup Brian B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsIncreasing numbers of patients with advanced heart failure and significant comorbidity and social barriers are considered for left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We sought to examine health care utilization post‐LVAD implantation, including the influence of individual‐level socio‐economic position and multimorbidity.Methods and resultsWe conducted a Danish nationwide cohort study linking individual‐level data from clinical LVAD databases, the Scandiatransplant Database, and Danish national medical and administrative registries. Socio‐economic position included cohabitation status, educational level, and employment status. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more chronic conditions from at least two chronic disease groups. Health care utilization (hospital activity, general practice activity, and redeemed medical prescriptions) within 2 years post‐discharge after LVAD implantation was evaluated using descriptive statistics at 0.5 year intervals. We identified 119 patients discharged alive with first‐time LVAD implanted between 2006 and 2018. The median age of the patients was 56.1 years, and 88.2% were male. Patients were followed until heart transplantation, LVAD explantation, death, 31 December 2018, or for 2 years. The median follow‐up was 0.8 years. The highest median use of health care services was observed 0–0.5 years post‐LVAD discharge compared with the subsequent follow‐up intervals: 0.5–1, 1–1.5, and 1.5–2 years, respectively. The median (interquartile range) number of hospitalizations was 10 (7–14), bed days 14 (9–28), outpatient visits 8 (5–12), telephone contacts with a general practitioner 4 (2–8), and total redeemed medical prescriptions 26 (19–37) within 0–0.5 years post‐LVAD discharge compared with the median utilization within the consecutive follow‐up periods [e.g. within 0.5–1 year: hospitalizations 5 (3–8), bed days 8 (4–14), outpatient visits 5 (3–8), telephone contacts 2 (0–5), and redeemed medical prescriptions 24 (18–30)]. The median use of health care services was stable from 0.5 years onwards. The median number of hospitalizations and bed days was slightly higher in patients living alone with a low educational level or low employment status within 0–0.5 years post‐LVAD implantation. Finally, the median number of in‐hospital days and redeemed prescriptions was higher among patients with pre‐existing multimorbidity.ConclusionsAmong patients who underwent LVAD implantation, health care utilization was high in the early post‐LVAD discharge phase and was influenced by socio‐economic position. Multimorbidity influenced the number of in‐hospital days and redeemed prescriptions during the 2 year follow‐up.
Strategies to deal with genetic analyzer‐specific DNA methylation measurements
Authors: So Moon Hyun , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Hwan Young 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTargeted bisulfite sequencing using single‐base extension (SBE) can be used to measure DNA methylation via capillary electrophoresis on genetic analyzers in forensic labs. Several accurate age prediction models have been reported using this method. However, using different genetic analyzers with different software settings can generate different methylation values, leading to significant errors in age prediction. To address this issue, the study proposes and compares four methods as follows: (1) adjusting methylation values using numerous actual body fluid DNA samples, (2) adjusting methylation values using control DNAs with varying methylation ratios, (3) constructing new age prediction models for each genetic analyzer type, and (4) constructing new age prediction models that could be applied to all types of genetic analyzers. To test the methods for adjusting values using actual body fluid DNA samples, previously reported adjusting equations were used for blood/saliva DNA age prediction markers (ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, MIR29B2CHG/C1orf132, and TRIM59). New equations were generated for semen DNA age prediction markers (TTC7B, LOC401324/cg12837463, and LOC729960/NOX4) by drawing polynomial regression lines between the results of the three types of genetic analyzers (3130, 3500, and SeqStudio). The same method was applied to obtain adjustment equations using 11 control DNA samples. To develop new age prediction models for each genetic analyzer type, linear regression analysis was conducted using DNA methylation data from 150 blood, 150 saliva, and 62 semen samples. For the genetic analyzer‐independent models, control DNAs were used to formulate equations for calibrating the bias of the data from each genetic analyzer, and linear regression analysis was performed using calibrated body fluid DNA data. In the comparison results, the genetic analyzer‐specific models showed the highest accuracy. However, genetic analyzer‐independent models through bias adjustment also provided accurate age prediction results, suggesting its use as an alternative in situations with multiple constraints.
Development and evaluation of a microcontrolled solar tracker based on chronological positioning
Authors: da Silva Souza Anacreone , da Rocha Queiroz Juliano , Colombo Murilo Silva , Costa Thiago Queiroz , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves , Schiavon Gilson Junior , da Motta Lima Oswaldo Curty 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCurrently, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy. Solar trackers (ST) are devices that track and maintain the alignment of solar collectors with the sun's rays, thereby increasing energy generation. This article reports on the development of a microcontrolled dual‐axis solar tracker. The system lacks feedback and relies on astronomical equations to calculate the position of the sun. The positioning of the solar panel is controlled by an on–off controller, while the energy generated by the tracker is compared to the output of a stationary panel. Unlike other studies, this work takes into account the energy consumed during the process, including powering the control system and moving the structure. The true tracking gain is estimated using this method. The tracker was analyzed over three days under different climatic conditions, including sunny, partly cloudy, and cloudy weather. After evaluation, the average error of the solar positioning algorithm was 1%. On a sunny day, the tracker produced 52.96% more energy than the fixed system. Considering the energy consumed by the tracking system, the net gain was 48.88%. The average gross gain for the three days analyzed was 45.64%, which is higher than the results of recent studies using the same tracker configuration. For the cloudy day, tracking was not very effective, resulting in a net gain of only 2.14%. In future work, an irradiation sensor could be included to reduce energy consumption on cloudy days. Additional studies are needed to more accurately evaluate the performance of the trigger, preferably with a one‐year data collection period.