bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined impact of myosteatosis and liver steatosis on prognosis in stage I–III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lee Dong Hee , Jo Il , Lee Hye Sun , Kang Jeonghyun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundMyosteatosis and liver steatosis (LS) have been recognized as patient‐derived image biomarkers that correlate with prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, the significance of considering fat deposition in multiple body areas simultaneously has been underestimated. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of myosteatosis and LS in stage I‐III CRC patients.MethodsA total of 616 stage I‐III CRC patients were included in the study. Myosteatosis was assessed using skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), and LS was estimated by calculating the Hounsfield unit of the liver and spleen ratio (LSR). Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to evaluate disease‐free survival (DFS). A combination of myosteatosis and LS was proposed, and its discriminatory performance was compared using the C‐index.ResultsAmong the 616 participants, the median (interquartile) age was 64 (55–72) years, and 240 (38.9%) were female. The median and interquartile range of LSR were determined as 1.106 (0.967–1.225). The optimal cutoff value for LSR was identified as 1.181, leading to the classification of patients into low (410, 66.5%) and high LSR (206, 33.4%) groups. Among the patients, 200 were categorized into the low SMD group, while 416 were allocated to the high SMD group. Both myosteatosis and LS were identified as independent prognostic factors in the multivariable analysis. The combination of these two variables resulted in a three‐group classification: high SMD with low LSR group, high SMD with high LSR group, and low SMD group. When comparing the C‐index values, the three‐group classification exhibited superior discriminatory performance compared with considering myosteatosis and LS separately.ConclusionsMyosteatosis was associated with poorer survival, while the presence of LS was linked to a better prognosis in non‐metastatic CRC patients. Simultaneously considering fat infiltration can serve as a more effective prognosticator in non‐metastatic CRC patients.
Orthodontics rewired: A new approach to predoctoral competency training
Authors: Lipp Mitchell J. , Clarke Christopher L. , Cho Kiyoung 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe changes in a competency‐based orthodontics course in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, and compare outcomes before and after these adaptations.MethodsExempted by NYU IRB (#FY2021‐4795, #FY2021‐5748). At NYU College of Dentistry, assessments and surveys for D3 course groups were compared: 2018 (N = 89, in‐person) and 2022 (N = 109, hybrid; remote synchronous with cold‐calling). Assessments were identical and proctored. Pass rates, mean scores, and score distributions were compared using t‐tests and Z‐scores. Internal consistency of surveys was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. Six paired Likert items were categorized into Positive, Neutral, and Negative and compared using Fisher's exact test and phi coefficients. Four items were added to the 2022 survey to assess students’ responses to “cold‐calling” and were evaluated using descriptive statistical methods.ResultsNo significant differences in pass rates or mean assessment scores were found between 2018 (79.8%, 1.45 ± 1.11) and 2022 (80.7%, 1.50 ± 0.97) groups. Surveys demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.95 and 0.81). Response rates were 79% and 80% for both groups with a median score of 4 (Agree) or higher, indicating positive confidence and motivation. Fisher's exact test and phi coefficients did not find significant differences across surveys (p ≤ 0.05). The four additional Likert items in the 2022 group survey suggested that cold‐calling increased preparedness and anxiety. The median score for cold‐call items = 4 (Agree).ConclusionsThe null hypothesis was upheld. Assessment and survey outcomes for 2018 and 2022 were similar. Students displayed increased confidence and motivation. “Cold‐calling” was associated with increased preparedness, engagement, and anxiety.
A simplified low‐cost phantom for image quality assessment of dental cone beam computed tomography unit
Authors: Rabba James Anthony , Jaafar Hanis Arina , Suhaimi Fatanah Mohamad , Jafri Mohd Zubir Mat , Osman Noor Diyana 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionA standardised testing protocol for evaluation of a wide range of dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) performance and image quality (IQ) parameters is still limited and commercially available testing tool is unaffordable by some centres. This study aims to assess the performance of a low‐cost fabricated phantom for image quality assessment (IQA) of digital CBCT unit.MethodsA customised polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylindrical phantom was developed for performance evaluation of Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid digital dental CBCT unit. The fabricated phantom consists of four different layers for testing specific IQ parameters such as CT number accuracy and uniformity, noise and CT number linearity. The phantom was scanned using common scanning protocols in clinical routine (90.0 kV, 8.0 mA and 13.6 s). In region‐of‐interest (ROI) analysis, the mean CT numbers (in Hounsfield unit, HU) and noise for water and air were determined and compared with the reference values (0 HU for water and −1000 HU for air). For linearity test, the correlation between the measured HU of different inserts with their density was studied.ResultsThe average CT number were −994.1 HU and −2.4 HU, for air and water, respectively and the differences were within the recommended acceptable limit. The linearity test showed a strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.9693) between the measured HU and their densities.ConclusionThe fabricated IQ phantom serves as a simple and affordable testing tool for digital dental CBCT imaging.
Performance evaluation of fully automated cobas® 6800 CMV PCR for the detection and quantification of cytomegalovirus DNA in neonatal urine and saliva, and adult urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion
Authors: Tan Ngee Keong , Pope Cassie F. , Carrington David 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLaboratory testing for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in bodily fluids is essential to manage congenital and prenatal CMV infection. The rapid and fully automated cobas® CMV PCR is approved only for the testing of plasma in transplant patients. To evaluate the performance of the cobas® CMV to detect and quantify CMV DNA in neonatal and adult female urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion, the limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantification (LoQ), imprecision, linearity, PCR efficiency, bias, analytical specificity, cross‐reactivity, and cross‐contamination of the cobas® CMV for urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion was determined. The performance of the assay was evaluated prospectively with two laboratory‐developed PCR assays using neonatal and adult urine, saliva swabs, and vaginal swabs. The LoD and LoQ were 31 and 100 IU/mL, respectively, for urine, and 81 and 100 IU/mL, respectively, for vaginal secretion. The LoD and LoQ for saliva were the same (200 IU/mL). The cobas® CMV was precise (coefficient of variation ≤10%), linear (R2 ≥ 0.995), and efficient (1.07 and 1.09) between 100 and 250,000 IU/mL for the sample types. The bias and analytical specificity was <±0.30 log10 IU/mL and 100%, respectively. Cross‐reactivity with non‐CMV pathogens was not detected. Cross‐contamination rate was 0.28%. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the cobas® CMV for neonatal urine and saliva were ≥95.0%, ≥93.3%, and ≥90.4%, respectively. The overall percent agreement for adult urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion was 86.6%, 94.5%, and 89.4%, respectively. Taken together, the cobas® CMV demonstrated acceptable analytical and diagnostic performance, and is suitable for routine diagnostic laboratory investigation of CMV infection in neonates and adults.
Zero to minimal fluoroscopy for cardiac electronic device implantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luke Kevin , Milla Clonia , Tandi Joshua Kurnia , Julario Rerdin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundFluoroscopy is conventionally performed for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy and carries radiation drawback for both patients and medical workers. Recently, zero to minimal fluoroscopy (ZMF) approach is introduced to reduce radiation exposure of fluoroscopy. This study compares the feasibility and safety of ZMF approach to fluoroscopy for CIEDs therapy in adults.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science in March 2023. All observational or experimental studies comparing ZMF approach to fluoroscopy for adult CIEDs therapy were included. Reviews, case report/series, animal studies, and non‐English articles were excluded. The success rate, procedural time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and complications rate were compared for each approach.ResultsSeven articles for permanent and three articles for temporary CIEDs were included for analysis. The success rate of ZMF for permanent CIEDs was similar to fluoroscopy method (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.33–4.15). The procedural time of ZMF was similar to fluoroscopy for both permanent and temporary CIEDs (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.10, 95% CI: −0.35 to 0.55 and SMD: −0.71, 95% CI: −1.87–0.44, respectively). However, ZMF approach markedly reduced the fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure for permanent CIEDs (SMD: −1.80, 95% CI: −2.49 to −1.12 and SMD: −1.26, 95% CI: −2.24 to −0.29). The complication rate was similar for permanent CIEDs (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.41–2.84), yet lowered for temporary CIEDs (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20–0.59).ConclusionZMF had similar success rate, procedural time, and sum complication rate for permanent CIEDs implantation with a significant reduction of fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure.
Dominant VPS16 Pathogenic Variants: Not Only Isolated Dystonia
Authors: Monfrini Edoardo , Avanzino Laura , Palermo Giovanni , Bonato Giulia , Brescia Gloria , Ceravolo Roberto , Cantarella Giovanna , Mandich Paola , Prokisch Holger , Storm van's Gravesande Karin , Straccia Giulia , Elia Antonio , Reale Chiara , Panteghini Celeste , Zorzi Giovanna , Eleopra Roberto , Erro Roberto , Carecchio Miryam , Garavaglia Barbara , Zech Michael , Romito Luigi , Di Fonzo Alessio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundVPS16 pathogenic variants have been recently associated with inherited dystonia. Most patients affected by dominant VPS16‐related disease display early‐onset isolated dystonia with prominent oromandibular, bulbar, cervical, and upper limb involvement, followed by slowly progressive generalization.CasesWe describe six newly reported dystonic patients carrying VPS16 mutations displaying unusual phenotypic features in addition to dystonia, such as myoclonus, choreoathetosis, pharyngospasm and freezing of gait. Response to bilateral Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation (GPi‐DBS) is reported in three of them, associated with significant improvement of dystonia but only minor effect on other hyperkinetic movements. Moreover, five novel pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants are described.ConclusionsThis case collection expands the genetic and clinical spectrum of VPS16‐related disease, prompting movement disorder specialists to suspect mutations of this gene not only in patients with isolated dystonia.
Persistence of multidimensional time‐varying skills of fund managers: A comparison of conventional and Islamic equity funds
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , ur Rehman Ramiz , Ali Rizwan , Jadoon Atif 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis comparative study investigates the time‐varying skills of Shariah‐Compliant and conventional equity fund managers in selectivity, volatility, market return, liquidity, and higher‐order of Multidimensional Time‐Varying Skills of Fund Managers: A Comparison of Conventional and Islamic Equity Fundsco‐moments. Additionally, it examines the persistence and causal relationships among these timing abilities. The analysis utilizes equity mutual funds data from January 2010 to June 2022, encompassing three major Islamic countries: Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, representing over 80% of the Islamic funds market. Employing diverse time‐varying techniques, this study reveals the presence of selectivity, volatility, and co‐skewness timing skills while detecting the absence of a market, liquidity, and co‐kurtosis timing abilities among conventional and Islamic fund managers.
Effect of surface texture spacing on interface heat transfer and tensile property of laser‐welded steel/CFRTP joint
Authors: Zhang Zequn , Zhao Hongyun , Zhao Yixuan , Wang Shijia , Su Jianhui , Chen Bo , Song Xiaoguo , Tan Caiwang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMetal‐polymer hybrid joints can contribute to weight reduction and have potential use in transportation industries. In this work, laser texturing was used to enhance bonding strength of laser‐welded 304 stainless steel/carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) joint. The tight relationship between surface texture spacing and porosity characteristic as well as tensile property of joint was systematically investigated. The temperature field distribution during welding process was simulated and the mechanism of porosity suppression depending on grid spacing was discussed. The result showed that the number of pores at cross‐section decreased first and then rose with the increase of micro‐structure spacing, which corresponded to the variation trend of bonding strength and was inconsistent with the evolution of connecting area. The joint achieved the minimum porosity defect and reached maximum fracture load of 2594 N when the grid spacing was 1.2 mm, while the maximum joint width of 9.28 mm was obtained when 0.4 mm spacing was adopted, indicating that the joint quality rather than mechanical interlocking governed the mechanical property of joint. Appropriate interface contact conductance (TCC) related to texture spacing could optimize the interface heat dissipation rate, and was the key factor to efficiently control the shrinkage porosity. The TCC of small or large grid spacing was too high or too small, resulting in failure of the heat transfer path through the interface to metal during cooling process. Moreover, the proper texture spacing improved the uniformity of joint strain distribution in tensile‐shear testing, which benefited joint strength.Highlights
Laser‐textured grid pattern spacing affected number and distribution of pores.
Heat dissipation rate varied with various spacing at joint interface.
1.2 mm spacing texture reduced stress concentration during tensile process.
Inoculation of black turtle beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with mycorrhizal fungi increases the nutritional quality of seeds
Authors: Carrara Joseph E. , Reddivari Lavanya , Heller Wade P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilizers has proven successful in boosting the yield and nutritional quality of a variety of crops. AMF associate with plant roots and exchange soil nutrients for photosynthetically derived C in the form of sugars and lipids. Past research has shown that not all AMF species are equal in their benefit to nutrient uptake and crop health, and that the most beneficial AMF species appear to vary by host species. Although an important human food staple, especially in developing regions where nutrient deficiency is a prevalent threat to public health, little work has been done to test the effectiveness of AMF in enhancing the nutritional quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Therefore, our objective was to determine the most beneficial AMF species for inoculation of this important crop. We inoculated black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris black turtle beans) with eight individual AMF species and one mixed species inoculum in an outdoor pot trial over 3 months and assessed the extent to which they altered yield, mineral nutrient and anthocyanin concentration of seeds and leaf tissues. Despite seeing no yield effects from inoculation, we found that across treatments percent root length colonized by AMF was positively correlated with plant tissue P, Cu, and Zn concentration. Underlying these broad benefits, seeds from plants inoculated with three AMF species, Claroideoglomus claroideum (+15%), Funneliformis mosseae (+13%), and Gigaspora rosea (+11%) had higher P concentration than non‐mycorrhizal plants. C. claroideum also increased seed potassium (K) and copper (Cu), as well as leaf aluminum (Al) concentration making it a promising candidate to further test the benefit of individual AMF species on black bean growth in field trials.
Imperfect match between radiation exposure times required for conidial viability loss and infective capacity reduction attenuate UV‐B impact on Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Fernández‐Bravo María , Bonnet Jolijn , Quesada‐Moraga Enrique , Garrido‐Jurado Inmaculada 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDUV‐B radiation represents a significant challenge for the widespread use of entomopathogenic fungi in pest management. This study focused on research of the asynchronous response between virulence and conidial viability against Ceratitis capitata adults using specific statistical models. Moreover, it was also investigated whether the observed differences in susceptibility to UV‐B radiation in in vitro assays among three selected isolates of Beauveria bassiana were reflected in the above‐mentioned asynchrony.RESULTSWhile the irradiation of the three isolates of B. bassiana was associated with a significant loss of conidial viability, their virulence was not significantly affected compared to nonirradiated treatments when exposed to 1200 mW m−2 for 6 h before or after the inoculation of C. capitata. In fact, the irradiation time needed to reduce the mortality to 50% compared to the controls was 34.69 h for EABb 10/225‐Fil, 16.36 h for EABb 09/20‐Fil, and 24.59 h for EABb 09/28‐Fil. Meanwhile, the irradiation time necessary to reduce conidial viability to 50% was 9.89 h for EABb 10/225‐Fil, 8.74 h for EABb 09/20‐Fil, and 4.71 h for EABb 09/28‐Fil.CONCLUSIONThese results highlight the importance of modeling the response of entomopathogenic fungi virulence and conidial susceptibility when exposed to UV‐B radiation for the selection of environmentally competent isolates, regardless of the results obtained in previous in vitro assays on conidial germination. This strategic approach is critical in overcoming the challenges posed by UV‐B radiation and holds the key to realizing the full potential of entomopathogenic fungi in pest management. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Towards carbon‐neutral society: Reconciling peak carbon strategy and thermal power generation via regional eco‐efficiency analysis
Authors: Jiang Nanyue , Zhang Chonghui , Su Weihua , Jin Huanhuan , Balezentis Tomas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTransition towards low‐carbon and carbon‐neutral society requires multiple technological solutions. Thermal power generation is the main source of power generation in China and contributes to a large portion of carbon emission. Under the goal of “carbon peak”, thermal power generation efficiency will become an important factor affecting industrial development. Based on the directional distance function, this article assumes energy used as inputs and power generation as an output. Then, energy‐oriented and energy‐generation oriented power generation efficiency analysis models are proposed. The carbon emission is treated as an undesirable output to analyze the regional power generation efficiency with and without industrial transfer. The application focuses on panel data of three regions in China over the period 2013–2017, accounting for three energy inputs: solid, oil and gaseous fuel. The results show that in regard to the factors improving power generation efficiency, pure efficiency and scale efficiency change is positive for the eastern and central regions, while pure technical efficiency change is positive for the western region. By further analyzing the power generation potential, the results also show that the eastern region exhibits potential savings in gaseous fuel, the central region has potential in three fuels, but all not prominent, and the western region has potential in solid and oil fuels. Accordingly, the article puts forward policy recommendations from the perspective of technological innovation, differentiated development, and collaborative communication.
Preparation of Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 Composites for the Thermodynamics and Kinetics Performance on Xylene Isomers Adsorption
Authors: Chen Le , Qiu Tianping , Zhu Yujun , Chong Hailing , Zhao Yupei , Lu Yunxiang , Chen Qun , He Mingyang , Zhang Zhihui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMagnetic Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 materials were synthesized as core‐shell nanocomposites through a secondary growth technique by the combination of magnetic Fe3O4 and Cu‐BTC, which effectively improved the thermal stability of the materials. The interaction energy of Cu‐BTC and Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 with the xylene isomers, o‐xylene (OX), m‐xylene (MX) and p‐xylene (PX), was calculated by DFT method, which were consistent with the results of the experimental adsorption separation results. In order to study the adsorption performance of xylene isomers on Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 composite materials, the thermodynamics and kinetics were systematically studied. The adsorption equilibrium curves were obtained by collecting the gas phase adsorption equilibrium data at different temperatures (298, 318 and 338 K) and being fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models, respectively, in which the Langmuir isotherm equation was fitted well. Further thermodynamic calculations indicated that the affinity of xylene on Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 is spontaneous physical adsorption combining exothermic process, while kinetic studies showed the adsorption of xylene isomers on Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. In breakthrough experiments, Cu‐BTC@Fe3O4 has a high adsorption capacity and selectivity (3.3 for OX/MX) at 453 K, 1.0 MPa.
Reducing Depletion Region Width at Electrode Interface via a Hole‐transport Layer for Over 18% Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Yi , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe large depletion region width at the electrode interface may cause serious energy loss in charge collection of organic solar cells (OSCs), depressing the open‐circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, a pH neutral solution‐processed conjugated polyelectrolyte PIDT‐F:IMC as hole transport layer (HTL) to reduce the depletion region width in efficient OSCs is developed. By utilizing “mutual doping” strategy, the doping density of PIDT‐F:IMC is increased by more than two orders of magnitude, which significantly reduces the depletion region width at the anode interface from 55 to 7.4 nm, playing an effective role in decreasing the energy loss in hole collection. It is also revealed that the optimal thickness of HTL should be consistent with the depletion region width for achieving the minimum energy loss. The OSC modified by PIDT‐F:IMC shows a high PCE of 18.2%, along with an amazing fill factor of 0.79. Moreover, a PCE of 16.5% is achieved in the 1 cm2 OSC by using a blade‐coated PIDT‐F:IMC HTL, indicating the good compatibility of PIDT‐F:IMC with large‐area processing technology. The PIDT‐F:IMC‐modified OCS exhibits a lifetime of 400 h under operational conditions, which is ten times longer than that of the PEDOT:PSS device.