bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in benign pediatric thyroid disease in the US: An initial case series
Authors: Kim Grace S. , Seeley Hilary , Noel Julia , Ahmad Iram , Meister Kara 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign nonfunctional thyroid nodules or functional lingual thyroid gland in a pediatric population.MethodsFour pediatric patients (four female; mean age 13.50 ± 4.04, range 8–17 years) with either benign thyroid nodules or mildly obstructive lingual thyroid glands were treated with RFA from 2020 to 2021 were evaluated. The inclusion criteria for RFA therapy were (i) age < 18 years; (ii) benign cytopathological results on ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration; (iii) pressure or pain symptoms caused by the thyroid nodules; (iv) dysphagia or obstruction caused by the lingual thyroid tissue; (v) follow up for >6 months with otolaryngology or endocrinology.ResultsTwo patients had benign non‐functioning thyroid nodules and two had mildly obstructive functioning lingual thyroid glands. Mean follow up was 10.75 ± 4.79 months. Each patient underwent one RFA session with no complications. For the patients with thyroid nodules, there was >74% reduction in nodule size at last follow up with improvement in neck swelling and pain. For the patients with lingual thyroid glands, both did not have any other functional thyroid gland identified. Both had visible decrease in size of the gland as visualized transorally with improvement in dysphagia and obstructive symptoms when lying flat.ConclusionRFA is a safe and effective option for managing benign thyroid nodules and lingual thyroid glands in a pediatric patient population.Level of evidence4.
Intrinsically Colored Polyimide Films Prepared by Embedding Chromophores on the Polymer Backbones
Authors: Yang Yu , Zheng Tianyue , Qin Juan , Yan Jingling , Wang Zhen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA versatile strategy of preparing colored polyimide (PI) films is developed by embedding colored monomers on the backbones of colorless substrate polymers. Intrinsically colored PI films of four colors—red, yellow, blue, and purple—are prepared by introducing relative chromophores to the substrate PI that are synthesized from 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB) and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA)—two widely used monomers for colorless and transparent PI films. In addition, a series of orange and green PI films are prepared by simple mixing of the red, yellow, or blue PIs. The properties of these colored PI films are characterized, exhibiting good mechanical, thermal, and solubility properties, as well as different color and brightness depending on the amounts and types of chromophores. The optical properties of these films are determined by UV–vis spectroscopy and Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) Lab. It is demonstrated that the introduction of even small amounts of chromophores can afford spectrally colored films while maintaining the original benign properties of the substrate PIs.
High Electrical and Mechanical Properties Obtained in a Polyimide‐Based Nanocomposite with Sandwich Structure via Multidimensional Design
Authors: Zhao He , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Zhenlong , Yin Jinghua , Chen Minghua , Liu Yuanyuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAs an excellent polymer material, polyimide (PI) plays an important role in practical applications. However, traditional filler doping modification is hard to simultaneously improve the dielectric properties and mechanical properties of the film. Here, PI–boron nitride (BN) nanosheets/PI–sodium titanate nanotubes (STNs)/PI–BN composite films with sandwich structure are prepared by in situ polymerization and multilayer coating processes, which significantly enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of dielectric films. With only 0.5 wt% fillers doping, the AC breakdown strength of the composite film can reach 183.7 kV mm−1, which is 16.41% higher than that of pure PI. When the filler doping is 1.5 wt%, the corona aging time of the composite film achieves 311.7% higher than that of pure PI film. In addition, the composite film exhibits outstanding elongation at break (58%) and tensile strength (138.92 MPa) performance. The 2D BN of the outer layer and 1D STNs of the middle layer effectively block the injection of charge carriers while improving the internal polarization response. A mechanism related to microstructure and interface is proposed to explain the improvement of electrical and mechanical properties in detail. This work provides a useful idea for the accurate design of high‐performance dielectric films.
Inhibition of 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase protects neurons from ferroptosis in ischemic stroke
Authors: Xu Yunfei , Li Kexin , Zhao Yao , Zhou Lin , He Nina , Qiao Haoduo , Xu Qing , Zhang Huali , Liu Ying , Zhao Jie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIschemic stroke is an acute serious cerebrovascular disease with high mortality and disability. Ferroptosis is an important regulated cell death (RCD) in ischemic stroke. 15‐Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15‐PGDH), a degrading enzyme of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), is shown to regulate RCD such as autophagy and apoptosis. The study aimed to determine whether 15‐PGDH regulates ferroptosis and ischemic stroke, and further the exact mechanism. We demonstrated that overexpression of 15‐PGDH in the brain tissues or primary cultured neurons significantly aggravated cerebral injury and neural ferroptosis in ischemic stroke. While inhibition of 15‐PGDH significantly protected against cerebral injury and neural ferroptosis, which benefits arise from the activation of the PGE2/PGE2 receptor 4 (EP4) axis. While the impact of 15‐PGDH was abolished with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) deficiency. Then, 15‐PGDH inhibitor was found to promote the activation of cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB) and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) via the PGE2/EP4 axis, subsequently transcriptionally upregulate the expression of GPX4. In summary, our study indicates that inhibition of 15‐PGDH promotes the activation PGE2/EP4 axis, subsequently transcriptionally upregulates the expression of GPX4 via CREB and NF‐κB, and then protects neurons from ferroptosis and alleviates the ischemic stroke. Therefore, 15‐PGDH may be a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
What types of business environment fosters the emergence of more specialized and sophisticated “little giant” enterprises?—An empirical study based on the TOE framework and configuration adaptation theory
Authors: Tang Gennian , Wang Luqian , Zheng Tao , Wu Weie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNurturing specialized and sophisticated enterprises is a vital strategic initiative to mitigate the dependency on crucial technologies and to promote the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing industry. Basing on a technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework, combined with geographic concentration, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), and data envelopment analysis (DEA) methods, this article analyzes the conducive business environment for the growth of specialized and sophisticated “little giant” enterprises (LGEs) from configurational perspective. It takes the quantity and density of LGEs in different regions of China as the consequence event. The findings show that: (1) the spatial distribution of LGEs is highly uneven with a geographic concentration index (CR5) of 0.436 and a Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of 0.0599. (2) The presence of numerous technology‐oriented SMEs and a “favorable” business environment are not necessarily the regions where a larger number of LGEs are fostered. Indeed, the harmonious interplay of TOE is more important for achieving optimal outcomes. The differential configurations contributing to the regional output variations of LGEs can be classified with three patterns: technology‐organization‐environment synergistic promotion type (H1), innovation stimulation through effective financial support type (H2a), and compensatory type for inadequate innovation resources (H2b). While these configurations may lead to similar outcomes, they do not yield the same effectiveness. (3) The DEA reveals a tendency for “over‐optimization” in improving regional business environment under the TOE framework, indicating the presence of “input redundancy” and corresponding “output loss” issues in TOE factors. Local governments must adhere to the “barrel principle” and optimize the business environment that aligns with development of LGEs through the concept of dynamic adaptation. Adopting an organizational mindset of “stringing beads into chains” can help construct regional industrial chains with distinctive features.
Analyzing rational decision‐making's effect: Empirical evidence from Green supply chain
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhang Xueqing , Peng Jianwen , Tan Yingshuang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUnder the global environmental degradation and intense competition, firms are increasingly resorting to green supply chains to achieve sustainability, and rational decision‐making by managers is unprecedented desired in management supply chain operations management. This study investigates the effect of rational decision‐making in green supply chains on environment, social welfare, and sustainability. Based on a sample of 856 firms that disclose green supply chain, we established a supply chain game theory model consisting of manufacturers and retailers, where retailers are risk averse, and used regression analysis to test hypotheses. We find that the micro‐level empirical evidence on rational decision‐making in green supply chain does exist—namely, rational decision‐making not only has a beneficial effect on the environment and social welfare, but also can improve the sustainability of the supply chain. The results give valuable insights to supply chain management in rational decision‐making and provide application recommendations for managers by constructing a strategic initiative for sustainable development.
The competitive balance of UEFA and CONMEBOL football leagues: On managing the number of teams in league design
Authors: Triguero‐Ruiz Francisco , Avila‐Cano Antonio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article augments the literature on the analysis of competitive balance, encompassing its measurement, comparisons across leagues and seasons, and ramifications for league management. Central to our examination is the notion of competitive balance, which is intimately tied to the concentration concept. This concept can be depicted as a dual metric—capturing both inequality and the number of competing teams. Historically, its magnitude has been gauged using standardised measures of inequality and concentration. Among these, the Herfindahl–Hirschman index and its subsequent refinements stand out. We employ the distance‐to‐competitive‐balance index, which, contingent upon the metric space chosen, qualifies either as an inequality or concentration measure. Our analysis spans the 2009/2010 to 2018/2019 seasons for both the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) championships in the pre‐COVID‐19 era. We discern a tangible and significant correlation between the competitive equilibrium of leagues and the performance metrics of national teams. Both the disparities in strengths of teams and the number of participating teams emerged as paramount variables shaping this competitive balance. Further, we delineate the elasticities of competitive balance relative to these determinants. Our insights bear implications for designing football championship structures and delineating sports policies; thus, they are valuable for relevant sports governing bodies and federations. The strategic decision to enlarge team count vis‐à‐vis curtailing discrepancies in team competencies is nuanced, varying across federations and confederations. The Big Five European leagues display heightened sensitivity to inequality factors (with interventions such as financial fair play, salary caps or revenue distribution yielding pronounced effects), whereas for CONMEBOL, elasticity in relation to team count holds greater significance.
Performance analysis of signal processing algorithms for wall clutter mitigation and contrast target detection
Authors: Singh Akhilendra Pratap 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe presence of clutter in through‐the‐wall images significantly degrades image quality and hampers the performance of algorithms used for data processing in tasks such as target detection, identification, or reconstruction. Real building walls exhibit inherent inhomogeneities, featuring varying frequency and spatial properties that defy the assumption of a smooth surface. Consequently, they produce nonuniform wall surface reflections at each scanning position. Furthermore, these walls often incorporate supply pipes that introduce substantial clutter, which, although stronger than the target responses, remains weaker than the wall surface clutter. Additionally, this clutter often exhibits signatures similar to those of the target. In real‐world scenarios, target reflections can manifest as wide, flat hyperbolas or nearly straight lines, and they may be positioned near the wall. Consequently, distinguishing targets from clutter becomes a complex challenge. Various clutter reduction methods have been proposed in recent years, showing varying degrees of success. However, the effectiveness of these methods in the literature is inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. To address this issue, a comprehensive investigation of well‐established clutter reduction methods was conducted to evaluate their performance under identical conditions. These methods were rigorously assessed using practical radar‐measured data acquired in the presence of actual building wall materials and contrasting targets. Evaluation criteria include the target‐to‐clutter ratio and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio. The results of the experiment revealed that independent component analysis outperformed other clutter reduction methods, demonstrating superior performance in mitigating clutter and enhancing target detection.
Engineering antibacterial shrinkage‐free trinary PLGA‐based GBR membrane for bone regeneration
Authors: Doost Ahad Rabbani , Shokrolahi Fatemeh , Shokrollahi Parvin , Barzin Jalal , Hosseini Samaneh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was preparation of a multilayer electrospun poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐based guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane with controlled shrinkage behavior and alveolar bone regeneration property. First, PLGA copolymer, and zinc‐doped hydroxyapatite (Zn‐HAp) particles were prepared and characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Since the electrospun PLGA scaffolds showed about 80% shrinkage at physiological conditions (phosphate‐buffered saline, 37°C), the effect of factors such as fiber‐alignment, and additives including natural polymers such as gelatin and chitosan, and Zn‐HAp particles; as well as solution preparation method was investigated on the shrinkage ratio. The results showed that it is possible to eliminate the shrinkage of the scaffold in the physiological environment through appropriate design of a tri‐layer PLGA‐CHI/PLGA‐Gel/PLGA‐Gel‐ZnHAp membrane. The designed tri‐layer membrane demonstrated a bubble point smaller than 7 μm, and improved mechanical properties compared with the individual sub‐layer scaffolds. Additionally, it exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity when compared with a similar three‐layer membrane in which HAp was used instead of Zn‐HAp. This observation suggests a synergistic antibacterial effect resulting from the presence of both zinc ions in Zn‐HAp and chitosan . Osteogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the optimal multilayer composite scaffold, was investigated using alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin red staining assays, and the results suggested that the scaffold could support osteogenic differentiation of the stem cells. The designed membrane was implanted in critical size (1 cm) mandibular defects in dogs, and bone regeneration was monitored by computed tomography. Defects treated with the GBR membrane, and the control group showed 69.31% and 44.63%, newly mineralized tissue, respectively, after 8 weeks post implantation. Based on our results, the engineered 3‐layer scaffold is a promising candidate as a GBR membrane for periodontal applications.
Multifactor optimization for induction welding of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites based on response surface methodology
Authors: Li Mengjuan , Wen Lihua , Wang Shiyu , Liang Jun , Hou Xiao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInduction welding of thermoplastic (CFRP) composites is one of the most promising welding techniques due to its high efficiency, flexibility, and selectivity of the heat area. However, the nonuniformity of the temperature field in the welding area poses a challenge to welding quality. In this paper, a multifactor optimization method devoted to the quality and efficient bonding of carbon fiber‐reinforced polycarbonate (CF/PC) composites was presented. A transient three‐dimensional finite element model was developed and validated to analyze the heating characteristics during the welding process. The mapping relationship between process parameters—equilibrium temperature and relative effective area were established to optimize the weld quality applying the response surface method. The single lap shear experiment was carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of the welded joints, focusing on micro appearances and welding defects. The results show that the optimal process parameters are a current of 100A and a coil distance from the surface of 3.6 mm. Under the process parameter, the effective welding area is 0.3823 with an error of 4.25%.Highlights
The transient three‐dimensional finite element (FE) model was established.
The evaluation indicators for welding quality were proposed.
The multifactor optimization method for process parameters was developed.
The mechanical property and welding defects of welded joints is evaluated.
Enhanced thermal conductivity in boron nitride incorporated polyethylene/polymethyl methacrylate composites via double percolation structure
Authors: You Feng , Ke Xue , Tang Gan , Yan Xiaolong , Chen Ruiqi , Jiang Xueliang , Yao Chu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDue to the miniaturization, integration and multi‐functional development of contemporary electronic devices, there is a growing need for efficient thermal conductive composite materials. This study focuses on enhancing the dispersion of modified boron nitride (mBN) within a linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) phase by incorporating LLDPE‐graft‐Aminomethylpyridine (LLDPE‐g‐Py) to non‐covalently modify BN. Additionally, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and LLDPE polymers were introduced to create modified BN/LLDPE/PMMA (mBN/LLDPE/PMMA) composites with a double percolation structure. The co‐continuous structure of the polymer composites was observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By selectively locating the BN modified by LLDPE‐g‐Py within the LLDPE phase, the co‐continuous structure of the LLDPE/PMMA blend was upgraded to a double percolation structure. This double percolation structure establishes a dense and optimal heat transfer network within the polymer matrix. The thermal conductivity of the mBN/LLDPE/PMMA composite with BN loading of 40 wt% was significantly increased to 1.12 Wm−1 K−1, which was 350% higher than that of pure LLDPE, 38% higher than that of the BN/LLDPE composite, and 17% higher than that of the BN/LLDPE/PMMA composite. This study offers valuable insights into non‐covalent modification techniques for BN and the design of double percolation structures in thermal conductive polymer composites.Highlights
The double percolation structure was successfully constructed by simple melt blending method with LLDPE and PMMA as matrix and BN as thermal conductive filler. The double percolation structure can significantly promote the efficiency of heat transfer inside the thermal conductive composites.
A novel non‐covalent modifier LLDPE‐g‐Py was prepared to modify the surface of BN, and the selective localization of modified BN (mBN) in the LLDPE phase was realized.
Factors associated with the onset and survival of subsequent primary breast cancer in female non‐metastatic breast cancer survivors
Authors: Liang Shunshun , Xiang Rongwu , Jia Shubing , Zhou Sihan , Lian Hongmiao , Hu YunChun , Cheng Qian , Zhao Mingyi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the risk factors for the onset of subsequent primary breast cancer (SPBC) in women with a previous diagnosis of early‐stage breast cancer (BC) and to construct a prognostic prediction model for patients with SPBC. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐17 (SEER‐17) database, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis on women with initial primary early‐stage BC from 2004 to 2015. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated to determine the risk of subsequent primary cancer (SPC). A competing risk model was built to identify the risk factors for the onset of SPBC. And risk factors associated with breast cancer‐specific mortality in SPBC patients were evaluated and presented in the form of nomogram. Compared with the general population, the overall risk of SPC for all sites was significantly elevated in women with early‐stage BC (SIR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.20–1.23), and breast is the most frequent site. Age, race and ethnicity, year of diagnosis, history of other tumors, histological type, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, tumor size, positive lymph nodes numbers and ER status were independent risk factors (p < .05) for the onset of SPBC. A new prognosis nomogram demonstrated good discrimination after internal validation with a C‐index of 0.869 (95% CI: 0.859–0.880), and showed favorable consistency and clinical usefulness. The incidence of SPBC and prognosis of patients with SPBC were well estimated based on a large cohort. Our nomogram model had excellent prediction performance and could be a useful tool to predict prognosis.
Developing Effective Antimicrobial Agents: Synthesis and Molecular Docking Study of Ciprofloxacin‐Benzimidazole Hybrids
Authors: Menteşe Emre , Yılmaz Fatih , Menteşe Meltem , Beriş Fatih Şaban , Emirik Mustafa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, we designed and synthesized some new ciprofloxacin‐benzimidazole hybrid compounds and evaluated them for their antimicrobial activity against four Gram‐positive (B. subtilis, B. megaterium, E. faecalis and S. aureus) and five Gram‐negative (E. coli, E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium and Y. pseudotuberculosis) bacteria. Most of the synthesized compounds were found to show better or equivalent activities when compared with the standard drug ciprofloxacin. Among the tested compounds, compounds 4 v and 4 w showed more or the same activities against most of the bacteria. In the light of the information obtained from this study, the results showed that the synthesized hybrid compounds could be potential antibiotic agents. Antimicrobial activities were also confirmed by molecular docking studies against active site of Staphylococcus aureus DNA gyrase. Based on docking results, the compound 4e‐protein complex having the best score was used to perform 100 ns MD simulations to analyze the dynamic behavior and stability of the complex. Furthermore, the active compounds demonstrated acceptable ranges of ADMET properties such as partition coefficients, cellular permeability, and toxicity values.