bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating pulmonary artery pressures by echocardiography in patients with emphysema
Authors: Fisher M. R. , Criner G. J. , Fishman A. P. , Hassoun P. M. , Minai O. A. , Scharf S. M. , Fessler and H. E. 
Published: July 2007

In patients with emphysema being evaluated for lung volume reduction surgery, Doppler echocardiography has been used to screen for pulmonary hypertension as an indicator of increased peri-operative risk.To determine the accuracy of this test, the present authors compared the results of right heart catheterisations and Doppler echocardiograms in 163 patients participating in the cardiovascular substudy of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial. Substudy patients had both catheterisation and Doppler echocardiography performed before and after randomisation.In 74 paired catheterisations and echocardiograms carried out on 63 patients, the mean values of invasively measured pulmonary artery systolic pressures and the estimated right ventricular systolic pressures were similar. However, using the World Health Organization's definitions of pulmonary hypertension, echocardiography had a sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 74%, positive predictive value of 68% and a negative predictive value of 67% compared with the invasive measurement. Bland–Altman analysis revealed a bias of 0.37 kPa with 95% limits of agreement from -2.5–3.2 kPa.In patients with severe emphysema, echocardiographic estimates of pulmonary artery pressures correlate very weakly with right heart catheterisations, and the test characteristics (e.g.sensitivity, specificity,etc.) of echocardiographic assessments are poor.
Statistical Evaluation of Promoted Ignition Test Data
Authors: Suvorovs Terese , Ward Nicholas R. , Steinberg Theodore A. , Wilson Richard 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of promoted ignition test data based on formal statistical techniques. Logistic regression is identified as an appropriate method for modeling binary burn–no-burn test data. Logistic regression is applied to the data sets from promoted ignition testing of two Hastelloy® alloys, C-276 and G-3, previously published by Zawierucha et al., ASTM STP 1111, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1991, pp. 270–287. The logistic regression model is used to predict the burn probability over a range of pressures in the nonflammable and flammable domains, and was shown to fit the raw data well. Confidence intervals for the model are also determined, allowing the uncertainty associated with the predicted burn probabilities to be quantified. The relationship between the amount of test data available and confidence levels is discussed, and recommendations are made to improve the current standard test methodology. In particular, more repeated tests are required at all pressure levels considered, and tests are also required at pressures in the nonflammable domain (in addition to the flammable domain). It is shown that there is a low level of statistical confidence associated with the definition of threshold pressure under the current methodology. It is concluded that the use of the logistic regression model is beneficial since it allows for the quantification of burn probabilities and confidence levels, which enables the definition of threshold pressure to be related to a critical burn probability threshold.
Preoperative diagnosis of insulinoma: low body mass index, young age, and female gender are associated with negative imaging by endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Kann P H , Ivan D , Pfützner A , Forst Th , Langer P , Schaefer S 
Published: July 2007

Objective: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a highly reliable procedure to localize insulinomas preoperatively. It has been considered to be important in planning surgical strategy, especially considering a minimal invasive approach. However, even under ideal conditions experienced examiners miss about 10–20% of insulinomas by EUS imaging.
Design and methods: This retrospective study aimed to identify factors associated with negative EUS imaging. Twenty-nine consecutive patients (24 benign and 5 malignant) with sporadic pancreatic insulinomas confirmed by successful surgery and positive histopathology were included. All EUS examinations were performed by one single experienced examiner over a period of one decade.
Results: Three of the tumors were not detected by preoperative EUS as they were isoechoic to the surrounding healthy pancreatic tissue; 25 could be detected as hypoechoic lesions, (including all malignant tumors), and one lesion was hyperechoic. Low body mass index (P=0.053) and young age (P=0.037) were associated with negative EUS imaging. All patients with negative imaging were females. The position on the examiner’s learning curve, the diameter and location of insulinoma, and endocrine parameters (insulin concentrations and insulin–glucose ratios in the prolonged fasting test) had no influence on the success of EUS imaging.
Conclusions: Some insulinomas are missed by preoperative EUS imaging as they are completely isoechoic. A low body mass index, female gender, and young age might be risk factors for negative imaging.
Low TSH levels are not associated with osteoporosis in childhood
Authors: Papadimitriou Anastasios , Papadimitriou Dimitrios T , Papadopoulou Anna , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Fretzayas Andreas 
Published: July 2007

Introduction: A recent study on TSH receptor (TSHR) null mice suggested that skeletal loss occurring in hyperthyroidism is caused by the low TSH rather than high thyroid hormone levels. The aim of this study was to examine whether low TSH results in osteoporosis in the human.
Subjects and methods: We determined bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone metabolism in two male siblings aged 9.8 and 6.8 years with isolated TSH deficiency, due to a mutation of the TSH β-subunit gene. BMD was measured in the lumbar spine (L1–L4) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Laboratory investigation included the determination of serum calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, parathyroid hormone concentrations, and urine calcium (Ca)/creatinine (Cr) ratio. Osteoblast activity was measured by serum bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels, and osteoclast activity by urine cross-linked amino-terminal, carboxy-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and deoxypyridinoline concentrations.
Results: BMD of both patients was within the normal range for age and sex; z-scores were −0.55 and −0.23 for patients 1 and 2 respectively. Serum calcium, phosphate, urine Ca/Cr ratio, and specific markers of bone metabolism were also within normal range.
Conclusion: In childhood, chronic extremely low TSH levels, in the face of normal thyroid hormone levels, are not related to bone loss.
The conservation impact of botanical drones: Documenting and collecting rare plants from vertical cliffs and other hard‐to‐reach areas
Authors: Nyberg Ben , Bairos Célia , Brimhall Marcela , Deans Susan M. , Hanser Sholeh , Heintzman Scott , Hillmann Kitalong Ann , Menezes de Sequeira Miguel , Nobert Niro , Rønsted Nina , Soaladaob Naito , Wood Kenneth R. , Williams Adam M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A high percentage of island floras are at risk of extinction and have been reduced to relic populations, often in remote hard‐to‐reach areas. Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS aka drones) are now being utilized to assist in the survey and collection of rare plants in inaccessible areas or vertical cliff habitats.

Here, we test the application of this technology for conservation of 23 plant taxa in three oceanic island hotspots: Hawaiʻi, Madeira and the Republic of Palau. We collect high‐resolution imagery using a small UAS to document the distribution and abundance of vascular flowering plants. Location information is then used to map and assess plant populations. Depending on the terrain, collections are completed using either traditional rope techniques or newly developed remote drone‐based collection methods.

Over the course of 6 years, we have greatly expanded our knowledge of rare and endangered species, while increasing survey efficiency and staff safety. Most importantly, this work has had a large impact on the conservation of critically endangered plants. Although using drones for botanical conservation comes with limits and challenges, we see great potential in the continued employment of these techniques wherever plants are growing on cliffs or in other hard‐to‐reach areas.
Enhancing Tranexamic Acid Penetration through AQP‐3 Protein Triggering via ZIF‐8 Encapsulation for Melasma and Rosacea Therapy
Authors: Tang Jie , Li Yu , Hu Xuefeng , Hua Wei , Xu Haoning , Li Li , Xu Fujian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe systemic use of tranexamic acid (TA) as an oral drug can bring adverse reactions, while intradermal injection leads to pain and a risk of infection. Moreover, it is difficult for highly hydrophilic TA to penetrate the skin barrier that contains lots of hydrophobic lipid compounds, which poses enormous restrictions on its topical application. Current transdermal TA delivery strategies are suffering from low drug load rates, plus their synthesis complexity, time‐consumption, etc. adding to the difficulty of TA topical application in clinical therapeutics. To increase the penetration of TA, a novel approach using TA‐loaded ZIF‐8 (TA@ZIF‐8) is developed. The encapsulation efficiency of TA@ZIF‐8 reaches ≈25% through physical adsorption and chemical bonding of TA indicates by theoretical simulation and the improved TA penetration is elevated through activating the aquaporin‐3 (AQP‐3) protein. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate the preponderance of TA@ZIF‐8 for penetration ability and the advantages in intracellular uptake, minor cytotoxicity, and inhibition of melanogenesis and inflammatory factors. Moreover, clinical trials demonstrate the safety and efficacy of TA@ZIF‐8 in the treatment of melasma and rosacea. This work presents a potential topical application of TA, free from the safety concerns associated with systemic drug administration.
Nature‐Inspired Gelatin‐Based Adhesive Hydrogel: A Rapid and User‐Friendly Solution for Hemostatic Applications
Authors: Wang Haihua , Wang Mengxi , Wu Jingheng , Zhu Shilei , Ye Yanan , Liu Yushan , Li Ke , Li Ruyue , Zhang Yuhang , Wei Meng , Yang Xin , Meng Leixin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractConventional hemostatic agents face challenges in achieving rapid hemostasis and effective tissue repair due to limited hemostatic scenarios, suboptimal efficacy, and inadequate adhesion to wet tissues. Drawing inspiration from nature‐sourced materials, a gelatin‐based adhesive hydrogel (AOT) is designed, easily prepared and quick to form, driven by Schiff base and multiple hydrogen bonds for applications in arterial and liver bleeding models. AOT exhibits exceptional adhesion to wet tissues (48.67 ± 0.16 kPa) and displays superior hemostatic properties with reduced blood loss and hemostatic time compared to other hydrogels and conventional hemostatic materials. Moreover, AOT exhibits good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In summary, this easily prepared adhesive hydrogel has the potential to supplant traditional hemostatic agents, offering a novel approach to achieve swift sealing of hemostasis and facilitate wound healing and repair in broader application scenarios, owing to its unique advantages.
High‐Color‐Rendition White QLEDs by Balancing Red, Green and Blue Centres in Eco‐Friendly ZnCuGaS:In@ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Jiang Jiangyuan , Zhang Shuai , Shan Qingsong , Yang Linxiang , Ren Jing , Wang Yongjin , Jeon Seokwoo , Xiang Hengyang , Zeng Haibo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhite light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) are the key components in the next‐generation lighting and display devices. The inherent toxicity of Cd/Pb‐based quantum dots (QDs) limits the further application in WLEDs. Recently, more attention is focused on eco‐friendly QDs and their WLEDs, especially the phosphor‐free WLEDs based on mono‐component, which profits from bias‐insensitive color stability. However, the imbalanced carrier distribution between red‐green‐blue luminescent centers, even the absence of a certain luminescent center, hinders their balanced and stable photoluminescence/electroluminescence (PL/EL). Here, an In3+‐doped strategy in Zn‐Cu‐Ga‐S@ZnS QDs is first proposed, and the balanced carrier distribution is realized by non‐equivalent substitution and In3+ doping concentration modulation. The alleviation of the green emitter by the In3+‐related red emitter and the compensation of blue emitter by the Zn‐related electronic states contribute to the balanced red‐green‐blue emitting with high PL quantum yield (PLQY) of 95.3% and long lifetime (T90) of over 1100 h in atmospheric conditions. Thus, the In3+‐doped WLEDs can achieve exceedingly slight proportional variations between red‐green‐blue EL intensity over time (∆CIE = (0.007, 0.009)), and high champion CRI of 94.9. This study proposes a single‐component QD with balanced and stable red‐green‐blue PL/EL spectrum, meeting the requirements of lighting and display.
Recent Advances in Material Technology for Leukemia Treatments
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Huaiji , Ye Tong , Guo Peilin , Lin Xiaoyun , Hu Yuxing , Wei Wei , Wang Shuang , Ma Guanghui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLeukemia is a widespread hematological malignancy characterized by an elevated white blood cell count in both the blood and the bone marrow. Despite notable advancements in leukemia intervention in the clinic, a large proportion of patients, especially acute leukemia patients, fail to achieve long‐term remission or complete remission following treatment. Therefore, leukemia therapy necessitates optimization to meet the treatment requirements. In recent years, a multitude of materials have undergone rigorous study to serve as delivery vectors or direct intervention agents to bolster the effectiveness of leukemia therapy. These materials include liposomes, protein‐based materials, polymeric materials, cell‐derived materials, and inorganic materials. They possess unique characteristics and are applied in a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and other evolving treatments. Here, an overview of these materials is presented, describing their physicochemical properties, their role in leukemia treatment, and the challenges they face in the context of clinical translation. This review inspires researchers to further develop various materials that can be used to augment the efficacy of multiple therapeutic modalities for novel applications in leukemia treatment.
Azvudine for the Treatment of COVID‐19 in Pre‐Existing Cardiovascular Diseases: A Single‐Center, Real‐World Experience
Authors: Wu Liu , He Zhong‐Han , Huang Ling , Guo Xin , Li Xu‐Yong , Zhang Hong‐Da , Chen Man‐Hua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCOVID‐19 can lead to adverse outcomes in patients with pre‐existing diseases. Azvudine has been approved for treating COVID‐19 in China, but the real‐world data is limited. It is aimed to investigate the efficacy of Azvudine in patients with COVID‐19 and pre‐existing cardiovascular diseases. Patients with confirmed COVID‐19 and pre‐existing cardiovascular diseases are retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcome is all‐cause death during hospitalization. Overall, 351 patients are included, with a median age of 74 years, and 44% are female. 212 (60.6%) patients are severe cases. Azvudine is used in 106 (30.2%) patients and not in 245 (69.8%). 72 patients died during hospitalization. After multivariate adjustment, patients who received Azvudine a lower risk of all‐cause death (hazard ratio: 0.431; 95% confidence interval: 0.252–0.738; p = 0.002) than controls. Azvudine therapy is also associated with lower risks of shock and acute kidney injury. For sensitivity analysis in the propensity score‐matched cohort (n = 90 for each group), there is also a significant difference in all‐cause death between the two groups (hazard ratio: 0.189; 95% confidence interval: 0.071–0.498; p < 0.001). This study indicated that Azvudine therapy is associated with better outcomes in COVID‐19 patients with pre‐existing cardiovascular diseases.
Enhanced CO2 Electroreduction to Multi‐Carbon Products on Copper via Plasma Fluorination
Authors: Zhou Ziqian , Hu Xiaosong , Li Jiye , Xie Haijiao , Wen Liaoyong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi‐carbon (C2+) compounds offers a viable approach for the up‐conversion of greenhouse gases into valuable fuels and feedstocks. Nevertheless, current industrial applications face limitations due to unsatisfactory conversion efficiency and high overpotential. Herein, a facile and scalable plasma fluorination method is reported. Concurrently, self‐evolution during CO2 electroreduction is employed to control the active sites of Cu catalysts. The copper catalyst modified with fluorine exhibits an impressive C2+ Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 81.8% at a low potential of −0.56 V (vs a reversible hydrogen electrode) in an alkaline flow cell. The presence of modified fluorine leads to the exposure and stabilization of high‐activity Cu+ species, enhancing the adsorption of *CO intermediates and the generation of *CHO, facilitating the subsequent dimerization. This results in a notably improved conversion efficiency of 13.1% and a significant reduction in the overpotential (≈100 mV) for the C2+ products. Furthermore, a superior C2+ FE of 81.6% at 250 mA cm−2, coupled with an energy efficiency of 31.0%, can be achieved in a two‐electrode membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer utilizing the fluorine‐modified copper catalyst. The strategy provides novel insights into the controllable electronic modification and surface reconstruction of electrocatalysts with practical potential.
Clinicopathological correlation of cerebrospinal fluid alpha‐synuclein seed amplification assay in a behavioral neurology autopsy cohort
Authors: Samudra Niyatee , Fischer D. Luke , Lenio Steven , Lario Lago Argentina , Ljubenkov Peter A. , Rojas Julio C. , Seeley William W. , Spina Salvatore , Staffaroni Adam M. , Tablante Jonathan , Wekselman Fattin , Lamoureux Jennifer , Concha‐Marambio Luis , Grinberg Lea T. , Boxer Adam L. , VandeVrede Lawren 
Published: March 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONLewy body disease (LBD) is a common primary or co‐pathology in neurodegenerative syndromes. An alpha‐synuclein seed amplification assay (αSyn‐SAA) is clinically available, but clinical performance, especially lower sensitivity in amygdala‐predominant cases, is not well understood.METHODSAntemortem CSF from neuropathology‐confirmed LBD cases was tested with αSyn‐SAA (N = 56). Diagnostic performance and clinicopathological correlations were examined.RESULTSSimilar to prior reports, sensitivity was 100% for diffuse and transitional LBD (9/9), and overall specificity was 96.3% (26/27). Sensitivity was lower in amygdala‐predominant (6/14, 42.8%) and brainstem‐predominant LBD (1/6, 16.7%), but early spread outside these regions (without meeting criteria for higher stage) was more common in αSyn‐SAA‐positive cases (6/7, 85.7%) than negative (2/13, 15.4%).DISCUSSIONIn this behavioral neurology cohort, αSyn‐SAA had excellent diagnostic performance for cortical LBD. In amygdala‐ and brainstem‐predominant cases, sensitivity was lower, but positivity was associated with anatomical spread, suggesting αSyn‐SAA detects early LBD progression in these cohorts.Highlights
A cerebrospinal fluid alpha‐synuclein assay detects cortical LBD with high sensitivity/specificity.
Positivity in prodromal stages of LBD was associated with early cortical spread.
The assay provides precision diagnosis of LBD that could support clinical trials.
The assay can also identify LBD co‐pathology, which may impact treatment responses.
Analysis on the ultraviolet curing process of resin‐based glass fiber composites based on finite element mesoscale model
Authors: Jiang Yue , Xu Jiazhong , Liu Meijun , Fu Tianyu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe resin curing process triggered by ultraviolet radiation possesses numerous advantages, including rapid speed, low cost, and minimal environmental impact. Due to the hindrance of light propagation by the medium, uneven curing or incomplete curing at the bottom may occur frequently, particularly when the material thickness is excessive. To address these issues and delve into the regularities of the light‐curing process, this study employed a modeling approach that separately represents fiber bundles and the resin matrix to construct a mesoscopic model of the resin‐based glass fiber‐reinforced composite material glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Based on the models of light propagation, light‐curing kinetics, and heat conduction, a multiphysics field decoupling model is established to simulate the light‐curing process of GFRP. Using this model, the temporal and spatial variations of the internal light field, degree of curing field, and temperature field within GFRP during the curing process are simulated. The mechanistic reasons for these variations are analyzed. Finally, in conjunction with the regular analysis based on the macroscopic model, the accuracy of the model and the obtained regularities are validated through experiments. This provides an effective analytical method for the study of light‐curing in resin‐based fiber‐reinforced composite materials.
A simple method for preparing flame retardancy EVA/POE‐g‐MAH composites with high tensile strength by modified magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide
Authors: Ji Jitao , Ni Donghua , Shi Yanqin , Yang Zhaoyu , Ma Meng , Zhu Shufan , Wang Xu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFor obtaining flame retardant, oil resistance, high strength, and softness EVA/POE‐g‐MAH composites for cables, multifunctional modified magnesium hydroxide (MH‐KH570), and aluminum hydroxide (ATH‐KH570) were prepared by grafting γ‐(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) onto the surface of MH and ATH. The successful grafting was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle test. The hydrophobicity of MH and ATH was enhanced and the decompose time was extended, called the “sustained release” effect. The ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin elastomer (POE‐g‐MAH) composites containing 62.5 wt% the mixture of MH‐KH570 and ATH‐KH570 in a 1:1 mass ratio was prepared. The vertical combustion test, limited oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimetry proved the flame retardancy performance of the EVA/POE‐g‐MAH composites were enhanced, because of the homogeneous dispersion and the “sustained release” effect of MH‐KH570 and ATH‐KH570. The vertical combustion and LOI reached V‐0 and 38.1%. Importantly, the “crosslinking” effect of MH‐KH570 and ATH‐KH570 further enhanced the tensile strength after the composites crosslinked, and reached 19.9 MPa. In a word, a simple method for preparing flame retardant EVA/POE‐g‐MAH composites with high tensile strength was provided.
Tensions in teaching balanced controversial history: Competing voices within a student teacher in Northern Ireland
Authors: Pace Judith L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHistory education that deals with the controversial and sensitive past is a vehicle for peacemaking in conflict‐affected societies. However, its success is dependent on teachers taking risks to challenge entrenched ‘us versus them’ views of history. How does a student teacher in Northern Ireland grapple with risk‐taking when learning to teach controversial history? What tensions are involved in bringing a different perspective into the classroom that challenges identity‐based understandings and emotions? This paper analyses interview data from a study on the preparation of preservice teachers for teaching controversial issues. It uses dialogical self theory to examine competing voices that animate a student teacher's practice and reveal how her interpretation of pedagogical lessons from university coursework and professional norms bump up against her identity, family loyalty and related emotions. Her conflict brings into relief tensions of learning to teach controversial history in divided societies.