bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Norepinephrine Use on Free Flap Survival in Breast Reconstructive Microsurgery
Authors: Larcher Quentin , Mernier Thibaud , Feigna Marie , Pozzo Victor , Lantieri Laurent 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe optimal method for maintaining intraoperative blood pressure during microsurgical procedures remains controversial. While intravenous fluid administration is essential, overfilling can lead to complications. Vasopressor agents are used cautiously due to their vasoconstrictive effects, which could potentially lead to flap failure. Numerous studies have explored the possible link between amine administration and free flap failure, yielding inconsistent results. This study aims to determine whether intraoperative norepinephrine administration increases the flap failure rate in microsurgical breast reconstructions.MethodsAll women (n = 335) who underwent breast reconstruction using DIEP or PAP flaps (n = 400) in 2018 and 2022 in the Plastic Surgery Department of Georges‐Pompidou European Hospital (Paris, France) were included in the study. These patients were classified into two groups based on the intraoperative administration of norepinephrine: the N+ group (50 patients) and the N− group (285 patients). Norepinephrine was administered when systolic blood pressure fell below 90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped below 65 mmHg, following fluid resuscitation in 2018, or without prior fluid loading in 2022. The primary endpoint was total flap loss. Secondary endpoints included arterial and venous thrombosis and the need for revision surgeries.ResultsNorepinephrine administration significantly increased the risk of total flap loss in DIEP and PAP flap surgeries (p < 0.001). It also heightened the risk of arterial thrombosis (p = 0.002) and venous thrombosis (p = 0.04), and led to a greater number of revision surgeries (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that PAP flaps are more sensitive to norepinephrine compared to DIEP flaps.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the intraoperative administration of any dose of norepinephrine is associated with an increased risk of flap failure in breast reconstructive microsurgery using DIEP and PAP flaps.
Attix free‐air chamber correction factors computed using EGSnrc
Authors: Stasko John T. , Culberson Wesley S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundA cylindrical free‐air chamber, the Attix FAC, is used for absolute air‐kerma measurements of low‐energy photon beams at the University of Wisconsin Medical Radiation Research Center. Correction factors for air‐kerma measurements of specific beams were determined in the 1990s. In order to measure air‐kerma rates of beams in development, new correction factors must be computed.PurposeWe aimed to compute monoenergetic correction factors for air‐kerma measurements with the Attix FAC that could be used to determine corrections for arbitrary polyenergetic beams.MethodsA model of the Attix FAC was created in the Monte Carlo code, EGSnrc. The EGSnrc user codes, egs_fac, and egs_chamber, were utilized to calculate aperture transmission, scatter, collecting rod electron loss, and wall electron loss correction factors for incident monoenergetic photon beams with energies between 5 and 50 keV. Beam‐specific correction factors were then derived from the monoenergetic correction factors and compared with the currently accepted values.ResultsCorrection factors were computed in 0.5 keV intervals. The newly calculated beam‐specific correction factors and the old conventional values agreed within 0.1% for all beams investigated.ConclusionsThe process for determining monoenergetic correction factors for air‐kerma measurements with a free‐air chamber is detailed in this work. Beam‐specific correction factors can then be calculated if photon spectra are known. This process can be carried out for any free‐air chamber, given specific materials and dimensions for modeling.
Predicting brain tumour growth patterns using a novel MRI‐based tumour spread map: application to radiotherapy planning
Authors: Abbasian Parandoush , Ryner Lawrence , McCurdy Boyd , Kakumanu Saranya , Essig Marco , Venugopal Niranjan , Guan James , Pitz Marshall 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of glioblastomas (GBM) with radiation therapy is extremely challenging due to their invasive nature and high recurrence rate within normal brain tissue.PurposeIn this work, we present a new metric called the tumour spread (TS) map, which utilizes diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to predict the probable direction of tumour cells spread along fiber tracts. We hypothesized that the TS map could serve as a predictive tool for identifying patterns of likely recurrence in patients with GBM and, therefore, be used to modify the delivery of radiation treatment to pre‐emptively target regions at high risk of tumour spread.MethodsIn this proof‐of‐concept study, we visualized the white matter fiber tract pathways within the brain using diffusion tensor tractography and developed an algorithm which mathematically calculates a relative probability index in each voxel, resulting in the generation of the TS map. Based on the information provided by the TS map, the original radiotherapy target volume was then modified to include areas with a higher probability of tumour spread and exclude other areas with a lower probability of spread. A volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plan was then developed utilizing the modified target volumes and subsequently compared to that using the original target volumes. Follow‐up anatomical imaging obtained 8 months post‐surgery was assessed to validate our findings.ResultsA TS map was generated on a glioblastoma patient demonstrating a relative probability of tumour spread along fiber tracts throughout the brain. The modified planning target volume better covered brain regions with a higher risk of tumour spread while still demonstrating a 21% reduction in volume compared to the original planning target volume, resulting in greater preservation of normal tissue. The modified VMAT plan resulted in an average mean dose to four identified recurrences of 80% of the prescription dose, while the original VMAT plan delivered only 63% of the prescription dose as the average mean dose to the recurrences.ConclusionThe utilization of tractography and the generation of corresponding TS maps offer a promising approach to predicting patterns of tumour recurrence and optimizing treatment delivery. Further research is needed to validate the predictive value of the TS map on a larger cohort of patients and explore its potential in personalized treatment strategies for GBM patients.
Self‐Attachable and Conductive Hydrogel Adhesive Patch
Authors: Lee Sang‐Woo , Choi Geonjun , Kim Jaeil , Park Seongjin , Kim Somi , Kang Junghwa , Tawfik Salah M. , Jeong Hoon Eui 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHydrogels have emerged as promising materials for flexible and wearable devices due to their mechanical softness and biocompatibility. However, conventional hydrogels often fail to combine multiple essential functions, such as reusable dry adhesion, strong wet adhesion, and electrical conductivity. Here, we present a multifunctional hydrogel patch that integrates polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The hydrogel features bioinspired mushroom‐shaped micropillars that adapt to target surfaces. This design achieves exceptional adhesion strength on both dry (129.2 kPa) and wet surfaces (116.3 kPa), maintaining its performance through 300 cycles. By incorporating PEDOT:PSS into the PEGDMA network, we significantly enhance the electrical conductivity, enabling effective Joule heating. The micropillar architecture ensures uniform contact with various surfaces, leading to efficient heat transfer. This hydrogel patch represents a significant step forward in flexible and wearable technologies by combining mechanical flexibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, and robust, reversible adhesion in a single material.
Buy Crypto, Sell Privacy: An Extended Investigation of the Cryptocurrency Exchange Evonax
Authors: Brechlin Alexander , Schäfer Jochen , Armknecht Frederik 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTCryptocurrency exchanges have become a multi‐billion dollar industry. Although these platforms are not only relevant for economic reasons but also from a privacy and legal perspective, empirical studies investigating the operations of cryptocurrency exchanges and the behavior of their users are surprisingly rare. A notable exception is a study analyzing the cryptocurrency exchange ShapeShift. While this study described new heuristics to retrieve a significant fraction of trades made on the plaform, its approach relied on identifying cryptocurrency transactions based on previously scraped trade data. This limited the analysis to the timeframe for which data had been acquired and likely led to false negatives in the transaction identification process. In this paper, we replicate and extend previous work by conducting an in‐depth investigation of the cryptocurrency exchange Evonax. Our analysis is based on actual trading data acquired by using a novel methodology allowing to extract detailed information from the public blockchain and the interface of the exchange platform. We are able to identify 30,402 transactions between the launch of Evonax in February 2018 and December 31, 2022, which should be close to a complete set of all transactions. This allows us not only to analyze the business practices of a cryptocurrency exchange but also to identify a number of interesting use cases that are likely to be associated with illegal activity. This paper is an extended version of a research article previously accepted at the CryptoEx Workshop at IEEE ICBC 2024.
Investigation on the temperature dependence and mechanism of conductive behavior of conductive natural rubber composite with negative temperature coefficient
Authors: Liu Xingyao , Qi Rongqing , Liu Dewen , Dai Bihui , Liao Wenyuan , Wang Qiongfen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractConductive polymer composites (CPCs) often face complex service‐temperature problems. To systematically investigate the influence of temperature on the electrical conductivity and sensing behavior of CPCs, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/natural rubber (NR) composites were studied herein. The research results showed that within the temperature range of −20°C to 60°C, the MWCNT/NR composites had a negative temperature coefficient. Their conductive behavior strengthened with increasing temperature; thus, the composites showed good temperature cycling stability. Increasing temperature was beneficial for the improvement of the monotonicity and symmetry of the resistance–strain response of the composites and the shoulder peak phenomenon. Between 0°C and 60°C, their resistance was less affected by temperature changes and the internal‐charge conduction mechanism was ohmic conduction. Compared with applied voltage and generated strain, temperature more notably influenced charge transport in the composites. Through analytical testing and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulation, the systematic mechanism underlying the influence of temperature on the electrical conductivity and sensing behavior of the MWCNT/NR composites was revealed. Further, the influence of thermal expansion and thermal fluctuations on the electrical conductivity of the MWCNT/NR composites was discussed, indicating that thermal fluctuation plays a dominant role. Overall, this research lays a solid foundation for eliminating temperature interference in the sensing response of MWCNT/NR composites and optimizing their sensing response accuracy.Highlights
Exploring the relationship between temperature and sensing behavior of MWCNT/NR.
Revealing the influence mechanism of temperature on the sensing of MWCNT/NR.
MWCNT/NR exhibits cyclic, stable sensing behavior with negative coefficient.
Stable sensing response significant for temperature compensation.
Lateral crashworthiness of UV‐pultruded hat profiles with 3D printed bio‐inspired inserts
Authors: Ruiz de Eguino Imanol , Saenz‐Dominguez Ivan , Tena Iosu , Sarrionandia Mariasun , Aurrekoetxea Jon 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis paper investigates the potential of UV pultrusion to produce hat‐shaped profiles reinforced with quasi‐isotropic non‐crimp fabric to withstand lateral loading scenarios that are gaining relevance in automotive applications. Out‐of‐plane crushing tests proved that the new profile capacities were comparable to those from similar composite structures manufactured with less productive prepreg‐based technologies. Additionally, when filling the profiles with a 3D‐printed insert inspired by the trabecular structure of beetle forewings, the synergetic effect achieved avoided the critical failure modes of each component; the yield‐arc post‐failure mode of the hollow profile and the catastrophic blasting of the 3D‐printed insert. This way, the load‐bearing and energy dissipation capacities were improved by 570% and 340%, respectively, with the 82% heavier filled specimens. Three‐point bending tests demonstrated that the quasi‐isotropic reinforcement configuration effectively constrained damage extension, preventing propagation along the hat profiles. The integration of a trabecular insert resulted in a more progressive failure mode, increasing the maximum load by 55% and doubling energy absorption with only a 9% weight penalty. These results support the competitiveness of UV‐pultruded profiles for lateral crashworthiness applications and present the integration of trabecular inserts as a promising strategy to further improve their performance.Highlights
Hollow and filled profiles were assessed under lateral crush and bending.
Profiles with quasi‐isotropic reinforcement were manufactured by UV pultrusion.
Lateral crashworthiness of UV pultruded profiles was comparable to prepreg parts.
Bio‐inspired 3D printed inserts enhanced the lateral performance of hat profiles.
Tensile properties and failure of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composite laminate with different fiber types, hybrid ratios, and stacking sequences
Authors: Wang Hangyan , Guo Jiayou , Liu Zhihui 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites are gaining attention due to their impressive strength and stiffness with low density. However, their high‐strength often comes with reduced toughness, and achieving a balance between these properties involves combining fibers using hybrid methods. This study used fabricating HFRP laminates (carbon/Kevlar, carbon/glass, and carbon/glass/Kevlar) with different stacking sequences and hybridization ratios created through molding, followed by tensile testing to evaluate the mechanical behavior. The results showed that hybridization ratios significantly influenced the tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break. For example, compared to the single Kevlar fiber composites, the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the laminate with the optimal configuration of carbon/Kevlar fiber‐reinforced composites increased by 102.93% and 131.65%, respectively, and the elongation at break decreased by 76.13%. This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effect of combining carbon fibers with Kevlar fibers through effective hybridization. The stacking sequences also had a significant effect on tensile strength and elongation at break, although the effect on the tensile modulus was weaker. Additionally, the different tensile properties were obtained by inter hybridization between the three types of fibers. Microscopic observations provided insights into the fracture behavior of HFRP, highlighting phenomena such as brittle/ductile fracture, delamination, fiber pullout, crack suppression, and potential interactions. These observations underscored the complex mechanics governing the mechanical performance of HFRP.Highlights
The tensile properties of HFRP laminates with carbon fiber, glass fiber, and Kevlar fiber hybrids are studied.
The effect of hybridization parameters on the tensile properties of HFRP are studied.
Indicators of the tensile properties of HFRP laminates are compared and analyzed.
The hybrid effect and interaction failure mechanism of HFRP are revealed.
Advances in Prenatal Cell‐Free DNA Screening for Dominant Monogenic Conditions: A Review of Current Progress and Future Directions in Clinical Implementation
Authors: Liao Jun , Xu Naixin , Gao Harry , Hardy Tristan , Levy Brynn , Mehta Lakshmi , Choy Kwong Wai , Huang Hefeng , Zhang Jinglan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPrenatal cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) screening has advanced significantly, extending beyond detecting aneuploidies to sub‐chromosomal copy number variations. However, its application for screening dominant single‐gene conditions, often caused by de novo variants, remains underutilized in the general obstetric population. This study reviews recent data and experience on prenatal cfDNA screening for dominant monogenic conditions using multiple‐gene panels, highlighting its potential to enhance early detection and management of genetic disorders. Integrating comprehensive cfDNA screening into routine prenatal care could complement current imaging techniques and standard prenatal cfDNA screening, which may overlook pre‐symptomatic fetuses with dominant monogenic conditions in early gestation. Despite promising initial results, further research is needed to confirm the clinical validity and utility of cfDNA screening for these conditions. Larger and more diverse studies are necessary to assess the broader applicability of this technology. In addition, key challenges such as access, genetic counseling, ethical considerations, and policy development need to be addressed. A comprehensive approach, including rigorous test design, informed consent, and robust counseling, is essential for the successful adoption of expanded cfDNA screening, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on rheological, thermo‐mechanical, and tribological behavior of epoxy
Authors: Singh Ankita , Chamola Rahul , Goyat M. S. , Paul Bappi , Das Subhankar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractOver the past few years, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been recognized as an effective blend to enhance the mechanical properties of brittle epoxy. However, the literature contains limited systematic studies evaluating PEG's role in improving epoxy performance. Therefore, a systematic approach was employed in the present study to assess the impact of varying weight percentages of PEG on the viscosity, thermo‐mechanical, and tribological properties of epoxy. Adding 10 wt% PEG (PEG‐10) in epoxy is identified as the threshold limit. With PEG‐10, the viscosity significantly decreased by approximately 78%, while fracture toughness, tensile strength, tensile modulus, and failure strain improved by 59.5%, 38.5%, 37.8%, and 54%, respectively, compared to neat epoxy. Additionally, the wear rate was significantly reduced by 92% compared to neat epoxy, though thermo‐mechanical and flexural properties were slightly compromised. Furthermore, the failure mechanisms of the tensile fracture surfaces and wear tracks of epoxy–PEG blends were examined to understand PEG's role more comprehensively.Highlights
A Significant drop in the viscosity of epoxy resin is achieved with the help of PEG‐400.
PEG‐400 is mixed with epoxy resin to improve its fracture toughness and tensile properties.
A 92% reduction is observed in the wear rate when PEG‐400 is mixed with epoxy resin at 10 wt%.
Effect of rubber type and accelerator content on polymer–filler interactions of silica‐reinforced vulcanizates
Authors: Jia Weijie , Lin Feifei , Zhong Liang , Zhang Hao , Liu Feng , Li Zhibo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractQuantitatively characterizing the interactions between silica and polymers is crucial, as they significantly influence various essential tire performance metrics, including strain‐stress properties, hysteresis, and abrasion resistance. In this study, the difference in cross‐link densities observed following ammonia treatment and hydrofluoric acid treatment serves to elucidate the chemical interactions between silica and polymer. A swelling test is employed to assess the total cross‐link density, while the ammonia‐modified toluene equilibrium swelling method facilitates the calculation of physical interaction between silica and polymer. The investigation into the effects of rubber type on the structure of vulcanizates demonstrates that matrix cross‐link density, chemical interactions, and total cross‐link density of natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates filled with modified silica are highest. An increase in the content of accelerators enhances both the matrix cross‐link density and the chemical interaction in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) vulcanizates filled with modified silica. For comparative purposes, the structural characteristics and mechanical performance of unmodified silica‐filled vulcanizates are also discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure and physical properties of the vulcanizates is elucidated.Highlights
Chemical interaction of modified silica filled natural rubber (NR) vulcanizate is highest.
Physical interaction evidently decreases after adding Bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide (TESPT) in NR vulcanizates.
For vulcanizates with TESPT, more accelerators, higher chemical interaction.
Higher matrix cross‐links rather than chemical interaction apt to reduce tanδ.
One‐Step Synthesis of Multi‐Block Copolymers of Isotactic Polypropylene (iPP) and Theoretical Studies on the Regioselectivity and Stereoselectivity of Polypropylene
Authors: Zhao Xingyue , Li Han , Liu Jingjiao , Wang Kefeng , Zhang Shaomeng , Dou Tongtong , Li Jiayong , Yu Jicheng , Li Hongming , Wang Jing , Gai Chaojie , Chen Shangtao , Li Shuanhong , Huang Qigu 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTFor multi‐block copolymers, using a one‐step synthesis route can avoid repeating addition of monomers during the reaction, thereby preventing the contamination of polymerization reaction and the accidental termination of the polymer chain. For this purpose, described herein is a simple and efficient approach for synthesizing topological structure multi‐block copolymers of isotactic polypropylene by copolymerizing ethylene, propylene and higher α‐olefins by [N, Si, N, P] multi‐chelated complexes ({P(C6H5)2‐N(C6H5)‐(CH3)2Si‐N‐2,4,6‐(F)3C6H2}ZrCl3). In this contribution, the complexes are found to exhibit high polymerization activity (up to 9.5 × 106gP (mol ∙ Zr)−1 ∙ h−1) and relatively high incorporation content of 1‐octene (up to 15 mol%). Density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the mechanism of copolymerization reaction. The results showed that propylene monomer is more prone to 1,2‐insertion in kinetics to obtain iPP. Different lengths of iPP segments in the copolymer (terpolymer) chain not only led to different melting points but also block the terpolymer of propylene, ethylene and higher α‐olefins. Enhancing α‐olefins and ethylene units within the copolymer chain will also destroy the layered polypropylene crystals. Furthermore, the crystallizable polyethylene segment was not observed, implying that ethylene only participates in forming the random segments in the copolymer chains. Most importantly, polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer with good elasticity can be produced by the copolymerization of propylene with ethylene and 1‐octene.