bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling CSF circulation and the glymphatic system during infusion using subject specific intracranial pressures and brain geometries
Authors: Dreyer Lars Willas , Eklund Anders , Rognes Marie E. , Malm Jan , Qvarlander Sara , Støverud Karen Helene , Mardal Kent-Andre , Vinje Vegard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Infusion testing is an established method for assessing CSF resistance in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). To what extent the increased resistance is related to the glymphatic system is an open question. Here we introduce a computational model that includes the glymphatic system and enables us to determine the importance of 1) brain geometry, 2) intracranial pressure and 3) physiological parameters on the outcome of and response to an infusion test.
Methods: We implemented a seven-compartment multiple network porous medium model with subject specific geometries from MR images. The model consists of the arterial, capillary and venous blood vessels, their corresponding perivascular spaces, and the extracellular space (ECS). Both subject specific brain geometries and subject specific infusion tests were used in the modeling of both healthy adults and iNPH patients. Furthermore, we performed a systematic study of the effect of variations in model parameters.
Results: Both the iNPH group and the control group reached a similar steady state solution when subject specific geometries under identical boundary conditions was used in simulation. The difference in terms of average fluid pressure and velocity between the iNPH and control groups, was found to be less than 6 % during all stages of infusion in all compartments. With subject specific boundary conditions, the largest computed difference was a 75 % greater fluid speed in the arterial perivascular space (PVS) in the iNPH group compared to the control group. Changes to material parameters changed fluid speeds by several orders of magnitude in some scenarios. A considerable amount of the CSF pass through the glymphatic pathway in our models during infusion, i.e., 28% and 38% in the healthy and iNPH patients, respectively.
Conclusions: Using computational models, we have found the relative importance of subject specific geometries to be less important than individual differences in terms of fluid pressure and flow rate during infusion. Model parameters such as permeabilities and inter-compartment transfer parameters are uncertain but important and have large impact on the simulation results. The computations predicts that a considerable amount of the infused volume pass through the brain either through the perivascular spaces or the extracellular space.
Novel piercing punch design for realizing clean cutting surface of aluminum alloy and its application to enhancing hole flanging ability
Authors: lawanwong komgrit , leetrakul pongsakorn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The effects of piercing parameters such as clearance, cutting distance, surface roughness on the sheared surface, and the delay-cracking mechanism in the hole-piercing process are investigated in this study. The characteristics of the piercing hole cross-section are compared based on a statistical analysis and finite element simulation results to realize a new punch design concept. The statistical analysis revealed that the differences in the mean sheared surface between the new and conventional punch designs were statistically significant under all the conditions. The experimental results for all the piercing clearances demonstrate that the new punch design can significantly reduce the die roll size and generate a smooth sheared surface. The use of an accurate finite element simulation allows us to understand the process parameters before fabricating the die. An advantage of the new piercing punch design in terms of hole-flanging ability is observed through an increased hole-expansion ratio. The new design can also produce high-quality, cutting-edge aluminum and advanced high-strength steel sheets.
Exploring incentives to move up the Food Waste Hierarchy: a case study of the Australian cheese manufacturing sector
Authors: Hetherington Jack , Loch Adam , Juliano Pablo , Umberger Wendy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Halving food loss and waste by 2030 is a major global challenge. The Food Waste Hierarchy underpins strategies to achieve this, but understanding the relative importance of motivators to incentivise change is limited. This study utilises the pertinent case study of the by-product of cheese-making, 'whey', to explore this in Australia. Through semi-structured interviews with 42 nationally-representative firms, motivators were quantified using a novel 100-point allocation instrument. Profit maximisation, environmental protection, and government regulation emerge as key motivators, but there is significant heterogeneity. Motivators generally do not differ markedly across hierarchy-levels, except for government regulations, which both incentivise and disincentivise change. Findings indicate a potential failure of markets, governments and social licenses to lead to efficient resource allocation while limiting negative externalities. Pathways to challenge the status quo and transform the food system are discussed, which will likely require simultaneous forces to move enough firms up the hierarchy by 2030.
New nematicidal compounds from Mentha spicata L. against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Mondal Partha Chandra , Kumar Vijay , Kaushik Parshant , Shakil Najam Akthar , Pankaj  , Rana Virendra Singh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode) is one of the most destructive pests of crops worldwide. Injudicious use of synthetic nematicides has led to environmental toxicity, development of resistance and disruption of ecological balance, necessitating the need for safer and effective alternatives. Essential oil from Mentha spicata has been reported to have nematicidal activity but the activity of its polar constituents is unexplored against the nematodes, infesting agricultural crops. Six compounds, Stigmasterol (1), β-Sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (2), 3β,13β-Dihydroxy-urs-11-en-28-oic acid (3), 5,6-Dihydroxy-7,8,4′-trimethoxyflavone (4), 5,6,4′-Trihydroxy-7,8,3′-trimethoxyflavone (5), and 5,6,4′-Trihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone (6) were isolated from methanolic extract of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and identified by NMR (1D & 2D) spectral analysis. Compound 3 was identified for the first time from genus Mentha. In vitro nematicidal activity of pure compounds (2, 4–6) was carried out against Meloidogyne incognita and results showed significant mortality (LC50 values ranging between 62.64 and 74.19 ppm after 96 hours). Molecular docking study revealed the favorable binding of the test compounds with acetylcholinesterase enzyme, facilitated by H-bond, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. The binding energy of the tested compounds with the target protein was found highest in 5 (-10.0 kcal/mol), 6(-9.9 kcal/mol) followed by 2 (-9.2 kcal/mol) and 4 (-8.9) kcal/mol. The minimum binding energy was recorded in carbofuran (-7.5 kcal/mol), a positive control and was also corroborated with in vitro nematicidal activity. This study showed the potent nematicidal activity of compounds (2,4–6), which can be further used for the development of nematicides against M. incognita in agriculture.
Evaluation of the quality and readability of web-based patient information on colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Doluweera Dinul , Seneviratne Suranjith , De Zoysa Ishan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
Effective patient education is crucial for empowering patients with colorectal cancer to make informed decisions about surgery. This study evaluated the quality and readability of web-based patient information on colorectal cancer surgery.
Results
The leading search engines Google, Yahoo!, and Bing were searched using the keyword “colorectal cancer surgery”. The top 100 results from each platform were screened further based on predetermined criteria. A total of 39 websites were analysed. Our findings showed that patient information websites had low readability, with mean Flesch‒Kincaid Reading Ease scores and Gunning Fog Index scores of 51.5 (range: 30.7–70.1) and 9.37 (range: 5.8–13.6), respectively, both exceeding the recommended reading level for health resources. Although the mean DISCERN score (50.4) indicated “fair” reliability and quality, many websites lacked key information. Few websites provided references (35.9%, n = 14) or were reviewed by experts (n = 15, 28.5%). Websites providing information on the benefits and risks of surgery were also scarce (7.7% and 30.8%, respectively). Less than 30% provided sufficient information on post-treatment quality of life and stoma care. Among the top 10 DISCERN-rated websites, only one had the target readability level, and only 3 appeared within the first 10 search engine results.
Punitive attitudes toward cartels: Evidence from an experimental study
Authors: Boulu-Reshef Béatrice , Schlumberger Constance Monnier 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants of punitive attitude toward cartels and documents the factors underlying the support for harsher sanctions against these anticompetitive practices. The responses are collected in an experimental design in which respondents are exposed to various levels of cartel-type agreement costs. This experimental manipulation allows us to highlight the fact that individuals are more punitive when they are victims of cartels that reduce substantially their earnings. In addition, punitiveness increases in the number of cartels experienced. Overall, punitive attitudes toward cartels are influenced by socio-demographic variables as age and education level. Being a man is also associated with higher punitiveness. Last, the perceived seriousness of cartels and cartel awareness, are associated with higher punitive attitudes.
JEL code : C91, K21, K42, L41, M12
Detection of Malware and Adware Using Machine Learning: A Practical Approach
Authors: Chaudhary Dhruv , Bakshi Kanishk , Jha Pramod Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The paper presents a comprehensive approach to detecting malware and adware using machine learning techniques. It outlines the methodology involved in dataset preparation, feature engineering, model selection, and evaluation. A diverse dataset comprising instances of both malware and benign software was curated, ensuring representativeness and generalizability. Various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, decision trees, and neural networks , were employed to build and evaluate the detection models. The results demonstrate the superiority of neural network-based approaches over traditional methods, with significant improvements in accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. Evaluation metrics extended beyond conventional measures to include ROC-AUC score, false positive rate (FPR), and true negative rate (TNR), providing a comprehensive assessment of model performance. The research highlights the robustness and scalability of the model through extensive testing on large-scale datasets, indicating its suitability for real-world deployment in diverse environments. Future directions include enhancing interpretability, optimizing hyperparameters, and integrating advanced techniques like ensemble learning and deep learning architectures. Overall, the research contributes to advancing the state-of-the-art in cybersecurity and holds potential for practical applications in threat detection and mitigation.
Exploring Experiences of Palliative Care Patients’ Guardians at Mzuzu Central Hospital
Authors: Nyirenda Connie , Sagawa Jonas , Chilinda Ides 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The number of patients with chronic illnesses who require palliative care services is increasing every year in Malawi. For this reason, family involvement in caregiving has become increasingly important as the number of patients receiving palliative care continues to grow. Guardians play a greater role in the provision of care to patients that are on palliative care. For instance, they provide physical, emotional, and financial support to their patients. Evidence suggests that the guardians/caregivers encounter several challenges as they provide the support. This study therefore, aimed to explore the experiences of family caregivers/guardians when taking care of patients at Mzuzu Central Hospital palliative care clinic.
Methods
This was a descriptive qualitative study, facility based conducted at a public Hospital in Mzuzu City, Malawi among 16 guardians aged above 21 years. Data were collected using a semi- structured interview guide. Ethical approval was obtained from College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee. Thematic analysis of the data was done guided by Collaizi’s framework.
Findings:
The findings from this study reveal that caregivers play a crucial role in patient care, providing psychological support, basic nursing activities, and physical support. It has been noted that they face financial challenges, including transport costs, food, and other needs. Some caregivers leave their main income source, businesses, and work to care for patients, while others face social isolation and distress.
Conclusion
This study has shown that providing palliative care is linked to financial capacity of the guardians. As a result, a multidisciplinary approach and policy reinforcement for palliative care are necessary to reduce the amount of burden that guardians must bear when providing care for patients.
Hot deformation behavior and physical-based constitutive modelling under plane-stress state for Nickle-based superalloy sheets
Authors: Wu Shihao , Chen Xuexin , Bao Zhennan , Xie Liwei , Yang Bo , Zheng Kailun , Wang Yaping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Forming limit curves at high temperatures under plane stress states is beneficial for guiding the process parameter design of hot forming superalloy sheets. Constrained by the high deformation temperatures, the establishment of FLCs of superalloy sheet at high temperatures are extremely diffiuclt. This paper conducts an experimental and modelling research establish the physical based model with the accurate prediction of hot flow behavior as well as micro grain sizes, using which, the forming limit curves can be predicted. First, the uniaxial tensile tests under different temperatures and strain rates and EBSD observations of typical conditions were conducted to obtain the hot flow behavior and grain evolution. Second, the dome test at room temperature was performed, and corresponding simulation was further carried out to obtain the forming limit at room temperature under plane stress states. Using the above results, a plane-stress constitutive model for GH3128 superalloy was established enabling plane-stress test results under typical hot conditions to be accurately predicted. The prediction accuracy of hot uniaxial and biaxial stretching results are 94.2% and 95.4%, respectively.
Use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for trauma and its performance in Japan over the past 18 years: A nationwide descriptive study
Authors: Hoshi Hiromasa , Endo Akira , Yamamoto Ryo , Yamakawa Kazuma , Suzuki Keisuke , Akutsu Tomohiro , Morishita Koji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has been used to control massive hemorrhages. Although there is no consensus on the efficacy of REBOA, it remains an option as a bridging therapy in non-trauma centers where trauma surgeons are not available. To better understand the current landscape of REBOA application, we examined changes in its usage, target population, and treatment outcomes in Japan, where immediate hemostasis procedures sometimes cannot be performed.
Methods: This retrospective observational study used the Japan Trauma Data Bank data. All cases in which REBOA was performed between January 2004 and December 2021 were included. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality rate. We analyzed mortality trends over time according to the number of cases, number of centers, severity of injury, and overall and subgroup mortality associated with REBOA usage. We performed a logistic analysis of mortality trends over time, adjusting for probability of survival based on the trauma and injury severity score.
Results: Overall, 2557 patients were treated with REBOA and were deemed eligible for inclusion. The median age of the participants was 55 years, and male patients constituted 65.3% of the study population. Blunt trauma accounted for approximately 93.0% of the cases. The number of cases and facilities that used REBOA increased until 2019. While the injury severity score and revised trauma score did not change throughout the observation period, the hospital mortality rate decreased from 91.3% to 50.9%. The REBOA group without severe head or spine injuries showed greater improvement in mortality than the all-patient group using REBOA and all-trauma patient group. The greatest improvement in mortality was observed in patients with systolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg. The adjusted odds ratios for hospital mortality steadily declined, even after adjusting for the probability of survival.
Conclusions: While there was no significant change in patient severity, mortality of patients treated with REBOA decreased over time. Further research is required to determine the reasons for these improvements in trauma care.
C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index is a useful indicator for recurrence and survival following curative resection of stage I–III colorectal cancer
Authors: Bekki Tomoaki , Shimomura Manabu , Yano Takuya , Sato Saki , Watanabe Atsuhiro , Ishikawa Sho , Imaoka Kouki , Ono Kosuke , Matsubara Keiso , Mochizuki Tetsuya , Hattori Minoru , Akabane Shintaro , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recently, several simple inflammation-based prognostic scores that can be calculated easily from serum parameters, have been reported to be related to colorectal cancer prognosis. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the prognosis of patients, including inflammation-based prognostic scores, with stage I–III colorectal cancer following curative resection.
Methods
This single-center study included 608 patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection between April 2010 and December 2018. A retrospective analysis was performed to identify the prognosis-associated variables in these patients. Next, 1659 patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection from a multi-center database belonging to the Hiroshima Surgical study group of Clinical Oncology were analyzed for survival.
Results
Of the inflammation-based prognostic scores, only preoperative C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index was revealed to predict a poor prognosis in patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer following curative resection. The low C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index was associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival, which was similar in patients from multi-center database. The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index was found to be associated with patient age, systemic condition, comorbidities, and tumor factors. The time-dependent area under the curve for the C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index was superior to those of other inflammation-based prognostic scores in most postoperative observation periods.
Conclusions
The preoperative C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte index was independently associated with long-term prognosis in patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer following curative resection.
A retrospective study of the efficacy of sulbactam in the treatment of patients with extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections
Authors: Yu Jiaxin , Zhang Baoshuang , Yang Yang , Dou Wei , Li Yuliu , Yang Anji , Ruan Xiao , Zhang Bo , Zuo Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Sulbactam (SBT) is one of the most significant treatments for patients with extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB). However, the efficacy and safety of SBT and its high dose regimen has not been well documented. This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SBT-based treatment, particularly at high-dose (≥ 6g/day), for XDR-AB infection.
Method
A total of 52 XDR-AB infected patients treated with intravenous SBT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were included. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, while the secondary outcome was 14-day clinical response and the time of response.
Results
Among the patients, the 28-day all-cause mortality rate was 36.5% (19/52), and the favorable 14-day clinical response rate was 59.6% (31/52). The 28-day mortality was independently associated coinfection with gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and a shorter duration of therapy. Patients with intracranial infection might have a longer survival time. A favorable 14-day clinical response was associated with high dose SBT, and a longer treatment duration. However, the higher creatinine clearance (CrCl) associated with a worse clincal response. In addition, a higher SBT dosage was significantly correlated with a quicker clinical response. No adverse effects related were reported.
Conclusion
The single-agent formulation of SBT emerges as a promising alternative for the treatment of XDR-AB infection, such as intracranial infection, particularly at high doses (≥ 6g/day). Besides, longer duration of treatment correlates with higher survival rate and better favorable clinical response. Higher CrCl negatively correlates with favorable clinical response.
Frequency and severity of hyponatremia in healthy children with acute illnesses
Authors: Shirane Shoichiro , Hamada Riku , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Harada Ryoko , Hamasaki Yuko , Ishikura Kenji , Honda Masataka , Hataya Hiroshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Hyponatremia can occur in the acute phase of any illness through various mechanisms. However, the frequency and severity of hyponatremia are not well known across a broad range of illnesses including medical and surgical diseases and trauma.
Methods
The present, retrospective chart review was conducted at Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center from 2018 to 2019. Included were healthy children aged < 16 years with an acute illness who were urgently admitted and had their serum sodium level measured on admission.
Results
In total, 2,717 patients were urgently admitted and had their serum sodium level measured. Of these, 1,890 were included. Hyponatremia occurred in 260 patients (13.8%). The most common hyponatremic disease was type 1 diabetes mellitus (69%) followed by acute encephalopathy (60%), pyogenic arthritis (60%), and Kawasaki disease (51%). Kawasaki disease, seizure, urinary tract infection, acute appendicitis, lower respiratory tract infection, and acute gastroenteritis were associated with a significantly lower serum sodium value than cases of fracture comprising a control group. Conversely, acute bronchial asthma exacerbation (3%), anaphylaxis (0%), intussusception (0%), acute scrotal disease (0%), head injury (1%), and fracture (0%) were very infrequently associated with hyponatremia.
Conclusion
The present study determined the frequency and severity of hyponatremia in various, acute, pediatric illnesses, including medical and surgical diseases and trauma. Despite reports of respiratory distress and pain inducing vasopressin secretion, hyponatremia was rarely observed on admission in cases of acute bronchial asthma exacerbation, anaphylaxis, intussusception, acute scrotal diseases, head injury, and fracture.
RETRACTED: Preparation of Pluronic F127 Hydrogel Loaded with BIF1-iRGD Recombinant Protein for its Targeted Anti-cancer Effects
Authors: Tamizifar Zahra , Jafarian-Dehkordi Abbas , Taymouri Somayeh , Shafiee Fatemeh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.