bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Residual volume of extruded disc material and residual spinal cord compression measured on postoperative MRI do not predict neurological outcomes in dogs following decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: Auffret Vincent , Castel Aude , Juette Tristan , Finck Cyrielle 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPublished studies on the validity of using quantitative MRI measures of pre‐ and postoperative spinal cord (SC) compression as prognostic indicators for dogs undergoing surgery for intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) are currently limited. The aim of this retrospective analytical study was to describe the volume of postoperative residual extradural material (VREM) and the ratio of the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of maximum SC compression to the CSA of SC in a compression‐free intervertebral space as MRI measures of preoperative and postoperative compression (residual spinal cord compression, RSCC), and to compare these measures between the neurological outcome in a group of dogs. Inclusion criteria were dogs that underwent surgery for thoracolumbar IVDE, were imaged pre‐ and immediately postoperatively by MRI, and had a neurological follow‐up examination 2 to 5 weeks postoperatively. Two blinded observers independently performed measurements in pre‐ and postoperative MRI studies. Dogs were classified into positive outcome (PO) and negative outcome (NO) groups based on follow‐up neurologic examination scores. Seventeen dogs were included (12 PO, 5 NO). Interobserver agreement for MRI measurements was good to excellent (ICCs: 0.76–0.97). The prevalence of residual extradural material in postoperative MRI studies was 100%. No significant differences in mean preoperative SC compression, mean RSCC, mean SC decompression, or VREM were found between outcome groups (P = .25; P = .28; P = .91, P = .98). In conclusion, neither postoperative VREM nor RSCC could predict successful neurological outcomes.
Role of Magnet®‐recognized hospital nurse managers in implementing evidence‐based practice: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Mathew Della , Cesario Sandra K. , Malecha Ann , Toms Robin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare systems recognize evidence‐based practice (EBP) as the prestigious standard for providing safe and high‐quality patient care, nursing excellence, and Magnet Recognition. Despite the well‐documented benefits, implementation of EBP is inconsistent and remains elusive in the US and throughout the world and many patients still fail to receive evidence‐based care. The literature revealed a huge gap between nursing science and practice but provided evidence that nurse managers (NMs) had a pivotal leadership role in implementing EBP.AimTo gain a deeper understanding of Magnet‐recognized hospital nurse managers' (MRHNMs) leadership roles, the influencing factors, and their experience in implementing EBP to enhance EBP initiatives and sustain Magnet recognition.MethodThis mixed‐method study guided by Goodall's (Australasian Psychiatry, 2016. 24, 231) theory of expert leadership used a sequential explanatory method with a quantitative‐driven design based on a national correlational survey augmented by a qualitative descriptive component using semi‐structured interviews.ResultsThe findings of the study demonstrated that MRHNMs had a 54.6% effective leadership role in implementing EBP and produced numerous themes indicating that MRHNMs did implement EBP with struggle. MRHNMs in this study viewed EBP as a healthcare priority and leadership of NMs is necessary to promote EBP. However, lack of knowledge, difficulties with the EBP process, time constraints, and staffing issues negatively impacted EBP. Postgraduate degree, formal EBP education, critical care units as workplace, collaboration with doctorally prepared nurses, and Magnet culture enhanced EBP among MRHNMs.Linking Evidence to ActionEBP is essential for Magnet recognition and is a hallmark of nursing excellence, however, is a complex and challenging process. The leadership of NMs is necessary to shape evidence‐based care, and NMs require EBP preparation during leadership training, necessary resources, and time to complete the EBP process. EBP cannot become a reality without leaders being engaged, supportive, and persistent.
Quantifying the Influence of X-Ray Irradiation on Cell-Size-Scale Viscoelasticity of Collagen Type 1
Authors: Mäntylä Väinö Mikael , Lehtonen Arttu Juhani , Korhonen Vesa , Srbova Linda , Pokki Juho 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
X-rays are widely used in mammography and radiotherapy of breast cancer. The research has focused on the effects of X-rays on cells in breast tissues, instead of the tissues' nonliving material, extracellular matrix. It is unclear what the influence of X-ray irradiation is on the matrix's mechanical cues, known to regulate malignant cancer-cell behaviors. Here, we developed a technique based on magnetic microrheology that can quantify the influence of X-ray irradiation on matrix viscoelasticity––or (solid-like) elastic and (liquid-like) viscous characteristics––at cell-size scales. To model breast-tissue extracellular matrix, we used the primary component of the tissue matrix, collagen type 1, as it is for control, and as irradiated by X-rays (tube voltage 50 kV). We used a magnetic microrheometer to measure collagen matrices using 10-μm-diameter magnetic probes. In each matrix, the probes were nanomanipulated using controlled magnetic forces by the microrheometer while the probes' displacements were detected to measure the viscoelasticity. The collagen-matrix data involve with a typical spatial variation in viscoelasticity. We find that higher irradiation doses (320 Gy) locally reduce stiffness (soften) collagen matrices and increase their loss tangent, indicating an elevated liquid-like nature. For lower, clinically relevant irradiation doses (54 Gy), we find insignificant matrix-viscoelasticity changes. We provide this irradiation-related technique for detection, and modification, of matrix viscoelastic cues at cell-size scales. The technique enables enhanced characterization of irradiated tissue constituents in a variety of breast-cancer radiotherapy types.
Enhancing Inhalation Drug Delivery: A Comparative Study and Design Optimization of a Novel Valved Holding Chamber
Authors: Azimi Shahab , Arzanpour Siamak 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper presents an innovative approach to the design optimization of valved holding chambers (VHCs), crucial devices for aerosol drug delivery. We present the design of an optimal cylindrical VHC body and introduce a novel valve based on particle impaction theory. The research combines computational simulations and physical experiments to assess the performance of various VHCs, with a special focus on the deposition patterns of medication particles within these devices. The methodology incorporates both experimental and simulation approaches to validate the reliability of the simulation. Emphasis is placed on the deposition patterns observed on the VHC walls and the classification of fine and large particles for salbutamol sulfate particles. The study reveals the superior efficacy of our valve design in separating particles compared to commercially available VHCs. In standard conditions, our valve design allows over 95% of particles under 7 μm to pass through while effectively filtering those larger than 8 μm. The optimized body design accomplishes a 60% particle mass flow fraction at the outlet and an average particle size reduction of 58.5%. When compared numerically in terms of size reduction, the optimal design outperforms the two commercially available VHCs selected. This study provides valuable insights into the optimization of VHC design, offering significant potential for improved aerosol drug delivery. Our findings demonstrate a new path forward for future studies, aiming to further optimize the design and performance of VHCs for enhanced pulmonary drug delivery.
An Apparatus for Measuring Combined Shear-Tensile Loading in Fibrous Tissues Ex Vivo
Authors: Blank Jonathon L. , Roth Joshua D. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Soft tissues such as tendon and ligament undergo a combination of shear and tensile loading in vivo due to their boundary conditions at muscle and/or bone. Current experimental protocols are limited to pure tensile loading, biaxial loading, or simple shear, and thus may not fully characterize the mechanics of these tissues under physiological loading scenarios. Our objective was to create an experimental protocol to determine the shear modulus of fibrous tissues at different tensile loads. We assembled a four-actuator experimental system that facilitated shear deformation to be superimposed on a tissue subjected to an axial preload. We measured shear modulus in axially loaded electrospun nanofiber scaffolds with either randomly oriented or aligned fibers. We found that shear modulus in the nanofiber phantoms was shear-strain stiffening and dependent on both the axial load (p &lt; 0.001) and fiber alignment (p &lt; 0.001) of the scaffold. The proposed system can enhance our understanding of microstructure and functional mechanics in soft tissues, while also providing a platform to investigate the behavior of electrospun scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Our experimental protocol for determining loaded shear modulus would be further useful as a method to gauge tissue mechanics under loading conditions that are more representative of physiological loads applied to tendon and ligament.
Numerical Study on Thermal Hydraulic and Flow-Induced Noise in Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Channels
Authors: Gan Xinhai , Wang Jinghan , Liu Zhiyu , Zeng Min , Wang Qiuwang , Cheng Zhilong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Mini-channel heat exchangers are widely used due to their compact structures and high efficiency. Integrating heat exchangers with triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) has shown great potential to optimize the flow and heat transfer performance. In this study, Gyroid (G), Diamond (D), and IWP type TPMS-based heat exchangers are constructed in three dimensions. The thermal-hydraulic, entropy production, and flow-induced noise characteristics of TPMS-based heat exchangers are numerically investigated. The results indicate that the TPMS channels with larger viscosity entropy production have smaller thermal entropy production due to the greater flow disturbance. The G-channel has the highest friction factor and the lowest sound source intensity, while the D-channel obtains the strongest sound source intensity due to frequent cross-collisions of the fluid. The sound source intensity of the IWP channel is 10% lower than the D-channel. The wall dipole sound source plays a dominant role in TPMS channels. This study provides different perspectives to evaluate the performance of a TPMS heat exchanger and provides references for the design and optimization of TPMS heat exchangers.
Optimization of Y-Shaped Micro-Mixers With a Mixing Chamber for Increased Mixing Efficiency and Decreased Pressure Drop
Authors: Samancıoğlu Umut Ege , Koşar Ali , Cetkin Erdal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, Y-shaped micromixers with mixing chamber design optimized as rotation and chaotic advection in the fluid domain increase with the chamber. Motivated by the advantages of Y-shaped mixers, a parametric study was performed for inlet angles (α, β), inlet channel eccentricities (x-ecc, z-ecc) and length scale ratios (L1/L2, D1/D2, and Vsp). z-eccentricity is introduced in addition to x-eccentricity to create a design that further enhances the swirl and chaotic advection inside mixing chamber for the first time. The results reveal that the maximum mixing efficiency can be achieved for Reynolds number of 81 and α, β, x-ecc, z-ecc, D1/D2, and L1/L2 values of 210°, 60°, 20 μm, 20 μm, 1.8, and 4, respectively. In addition, the proposed Y-shaped micromixer leads to a lower pressure drop (at least 50% reduction for all Reynolds numbers) in comparison to competing design. The maximum reduction in pressure drop is 72% less than the curved-straight-curved (CSC) (Re = 81) with mixing efficiency of 88% and pressure drop of 9244.4 Pa. Overall, an outstanding mixing efficiency was offered over a wide range of Reynolds numbers with distinctly low pressure drop and a compact micromixer design, which could be beneficial for a wide variety of applications where volume and pumping power are limited.
Effect of Wettability Gradient on the Scale Formation in Falling Film Flow
Authors: Jin Hong-Qing , Kalle Aditi , Zhang Yuheng , Wang Sophie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Mitigation of scale formation and performance degradation remains a vital challenge for falling film evaporators in various industries. In this work, an experimental study of falling film flow on a horizontal tube is conducted to investigate the effects of wettability gradients on thermal, hydraulic, and fouling behavior. It is revealed that certain hydrophobic coating patterns, such as strip, ring, and grid patterns, lead to unwetted heat transfer area, which results in decreased heat transfer compared to fully wetted plain tube. By adjusting the geometry and position of the wettability gradient, the hybrid coating demonstrates improved heat transfer performance. Based on the characteristics of horizontal tube falling film flow, impinging jet, thin film flow, and liquid retention at the tube bottom, a hybrid coating pattern is developed to improve surface wetting and mitigate the scaling coverage. It is revealed that scale deposition is regulated by wettability gradient. Crystals tend to be dense and compact in hydrophilic areas, while they appear scattered or even absent in hydrophobic regions, depending on the dimension of the hydrophobic area. While at the hydrophilic/hydrophobic boundary, a noticeable scale thickness step is observed, which raises the potential for self-cleaning. The balance of minimization of scaling layer coverage and maximization of wetting area requires an optimal design in coating dimensions, for which a systemic study of both flow dynamics and fouling characteristics on the falling film is necessary in the future.
Experimental and Computational Evidence of Damped Axial Conduction With Reciprocating Flow
Authors: Mitra Indrasis , Ghosh Indranil 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Axial conduction is a crucial performance deteriorating factor in miniaturized heat transfer devices, primarily due to the low fluid flow rates, high solid cross-sectional to free-flow area ratio, and use of high thermal conductivity materials. These causative factors, inherent to microscale systems, should be chosen such that the axial conduction is minimum. The reciprocating flow of the convective fluid (instead of steady unidirectional flow) is proposed per se as an alternative, which directly alters the solid temperature profile, the root cause of axial conduction. An experimental setup has been built as proof of the concept. In the test rig, a double-acting reciprocating pump generates a fully reversing periodic flow of air through a flow channel carved into a steel block embedded with a heater. The experimental temperature profile in the solid at the cyclic steady-state is bell-shaped, indicating a virtual adiabatic plane capable of restricting axial heat transfer. The experimental results are verified with taking the help of an independent and detailed finite-element-based numerical analysis. Similarly, the nondimensional interfacial flux ratio (ϕ0), integrally related to axial conduction, for unidirectional and reciprocating flow are found to be significantly different. This ratio in the vicinity of the inlet is ∼53% less with the reciprocating compared to the equivalent unidirectional flow. The optimal thermal performance with the reciprocating flow is correlated through a critical Strouhal number expression, Sr≤πDh/L. In thermal management applications employing reciprocating flow, the limiting relation can be used to determine flow parameters and optimum geometry.
Separation energies of light $$\varLambda $$ hypernuclei and their theoretical uncertainties
Authors: Le Hoai , Haidenbauer Johann , Meißner Ulf-G. , Nogga Andreas 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSeparation energies of light $$\varLambda $$
Λ
hypernuclei ($$A\le 5$$

A
≤
5

) and their theoretical uncertainties are investigated. Few-body calculations are performed within the Faddeev-Yakubovsky scheme and the no-core shell model. Thereby, modern and up-to-date nucleon-nucleon, three-nucleon and hyperon-nucleon potentials derived within chiral effective field theory are employed. It is found that the numerical uncertainties of the few-body methods are well under control and an accuracy of around 1 keV for the hypertriton and of better than 20 keV for the separation energies of the $$^{\,4}_{\varLambda }\textrm{He}$$

Λ

4

He

and $$^{\,5}_{\varLambda }\textrm{He}$$

Λ

5

He

hypernuclei can be achieved. Variations caused by differences in the nucleon-nucleon interaction are in the order of 10 keV for $$^{\,3}_{\varLambda }\textrm{H}$$

Λ

3

H

and no more than 110 keV for $$A=4,\,5$$

A
=
4
,

5

$$\varLambda $$
Λ
hypernuclei, when recent high-precision potentials up to fifth order in the chiral expansion are employed. The variations are smaller than the expected contributions from chiral hyperon-nucleon-nucleon forces which arise at the chiral order of state-of-the-art hyperon-nucleon potentials. Estimates for those three-body forces are deduced from a study of the truncation uncertainties in the chiral expansion.
A continuum mechanics model of the plant cell wall reveals interplay between enzyme action and cell wall structure
Authors: Smithers Euan T. , Luo Jingxi , Dyson Rosemary J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Plant cell growth is regulated through manipulation of the cell wall network, which consists of oriented cellulose microfibrils embedded within a ground matrix incorporating pectin and hemicellulose components. There remain many unknowns as to how this manipulation occurs. Experiments have shown that cellulose reorients in cell walls as the cell expands, while recent data suggest that growth is controlled by distinct collections of hemicellulose called biomechanical hotspots, which join the cellulose molecule together. The enzymes expansin and Cel12A have both been shown to induce growth of the cell wall; however, while Cel12A’s wall-loosening action leads to a reduction in the cell wall strength, expansin’s has been shown to increase the strength of the cell wall. In contrast, members of the XTH enzyme family hydrolyse hemicellulose but do not appear to cause wall creep. This experimentally observed behaviour still awaits a full explanation. We derive and analyse a mathematical model for the effective mechanical properties of the evolving cell wall network, incorporating cellulose microfibrils, which reorient with cell growth and are linked via biomechanical hotspots made up of regions of crosslinking hemicellulose. Assuming a visco-elastic response for the cell wall and using a continuum approach, we calculate the total stress resultant of the cell wall for a given overall growth rate. By changing appropriate parameters affecting breakage rate and viscous properties, we provide evidence for the biomechanical hotspot hypothesis and develop mechanistic understanding of the growth-inducing enzymes.

Graphic Abstract
Securing Pacemakers using Runtime Monitors over Physiological Signals
Authors: Panda Abhinandan , Pinisetty Srinivas , Roop Partha 
Published: January 2024

Wearable and implantable medical devices (IMDs) are increasingly deployed to diagnose, monitor, and provide therapy for critical medical conditions. Such medical devices are safety-critical cyber-physical systems (CPSs). These systems support wireless features introducing potential security vulnerabilities. Although these devices undergo rigorous safety certification processes, runtime security attacks are inevitable. Based on published literature, IMDs such as pacemakers and insulin infusion systems can be remotely controlled to inject deadly electric shocks and excess insulin, posing a threat to a patient’s life. While prior works based on formal methods have been proposed to detect potential attack vectors using different forms of static analysis, these have limitations in preventing attacks at runtime.This paper discusses a formal framework for detecting cyber-physical attacks on a pacemaker by monitoring its security policies at runtime. We propose a wearable device that senses the Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Photoplethysmogram (PPG) of the body to detect attacks in a pacemaker. To facilitate the design of this device, we map the security policies of a pacemaker w.r.t ECG and PPG, paving the way for designing formal verification monitors for pacemakers for the first time using multiple physiological signals. The proposed monitoring framework allows the synthesis of parallel monitors from a given set of desired security policies, where all the monitors execute concurrently and generate an alarm to the user in the case of policy violation. Our implementation and the performance evaluation results demonstrate the technical feasibility of designing such a wearable device for attack detection in pacemakers. This device is separate from the pacemaker, ensuring no need for re-certification of pacemakers. Our approach is amenable to the application of security patches when new attack vectors are detected, making the approach ideal for runtime monitoring of medical CPSs.
Shameless Dogs: Cynics and Nonhuman Animal Ethics
Authors: Turp Michael-John 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Various philosophical systems have been applied to questions of nonhuman animal ethics, but the ancient Cynics have been ignored despite their close association with dogs and their commitment to philosophy as a way of life. After explaining the neglect and clearing away some obstacles to treating Cynic ethics seriously, this article looks closely at Cynic shamelessness and its connection with conventions that may fail to withstand critical scrutiny. It then goes on to discuss Diogenes’ relationship with food conventions and explores what ancient Cynicism has to offer when it comes to thinking through virtuous relationships between humans and other animals.
Rethinking Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Low-Risk Head and Neck Procedures
Authors: Nelson Avery , Baur Jordan W. , Lew Alison , Pettit Natasha N. , Nguyen Cynthia T. 
Published: January 2024

Objective: For true clean-contaminated head and neck procedures, the literature supports ≤24 hours of perioperative antibiotics. However, there are certain otolaryngology procedures with low surgical site infection (SSI) risk for which there is negligible benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis. The objective of this evaluation was to describe antibiotic use and adherence to evidence-based institutional guidelines in low-risk head and neck procedures. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing low-risk clean-contaminated head and neck procedures wherein antibiotic prophylaxis was not indicated, based on evidence-based institutional guidelines. Results: Among the 291 included patients, perioperative antibiotics were unnecessarily administered in 29% of patients. Among patients who received antibiotics, 76% received preoperative antibiotics and 41% received postoperative antibiotics, for a median duration of 7 days. There were no significant differences in SSIs, mortality, and length of stay for those receiving perioperative antibiotics versus those not receiving perioperative antibiotics. Conclusion: These data highlight the need for antibiotic stewardship interventions and partnerships between antibiotic stewardship teams and surgical services.