bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Prognostication of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA MRI and CT in Patients With Macrotrabecular‐Massive Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Jie , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Limei , Chen Fengxi , Li Yiman , Zuo Guojiao , Pei Mi , Zhang Huarong , Yu Linze , Liu Chen , Wang Jian , Han Qi , Cai Ping , Li Xiaoming 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundMacrotrabecular‐massive hepatocellular carcinoma (MTM‐HCC) is highly aggressive. Comparing the diagnosis ability of CT and gadoxetate disodium (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) MRI for MTM‐HCC are lacking.PurposeTo compare the performance of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA MRI and CT for differentiating MTM‐HCC from non‐MTM‐HCC, and determine the prognostic indicator.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsPost‐surgery HCC patients, divided into the training (N = 272) and external validation (N = 44) cohorts.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T, T1‐weighted imaging, in‐opp phase, and T1‐weighted volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination/liver acquisition with volume acceleration; enhanced CT.AssessmentThree radiologists evaluated clinical characteristics (sex, age, liver disease, liver function, blood routine, alpha‐fetoprotein [AFP] and prothrombin time international normalization ratio [PT‐INR]) and imaging features (tumor length, intratumor fat, hemorrhage, arterial phase peritumoral enhancement, intratumor necrosis or ischemia, capsule, and peritumoral hepatobiliary phase [HBP] hypointensity). Compared the performance of CT and MRI for diagnosing MTM‐HCC. Follow‐up occurred every 3–6 months, and nomogram demonstrated the probability of MTM‐HCC.Statistical TestsFisher test, t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, area under the curve (AUC), 95% confidence interval (CI), multivariable logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier curve, and Cox proportional hazards. Significance level: P < 0.05.ResultsGd‐EOB‐DTPA MRI (AUC: 0.793; 95% CI, 0.740–0.839) outperformed CT (AUC: 0.747; 95% CI, 0.691–0.797) in the training cohort. The nomogram, incorporating AFP, PT‐INR, and MRI features (non‐intratumor fat, incomplete capsule, intratumor necrosis or ischemia, and peritumoral HBP hypointensity) demonstrated powerful performance for diagnosing MTM‐HCC with an AUC of 0.826 (95% CI, 0.631–1.000) in the external validation cohort. Median follow‐up was 347 days (interquartile range [IQR], 606 days) for the training cohort and 222 days (IQR, 441 days) for external validation cohort. Intratumor necrosis or ischemia was an independent indicator for poor prognosis.Data ConclusionGd‐EOB‐DTPA MRI might assist in preoperative diagnosis of MTM‐HCC, and intratumor necrosis or ischemia was associated with poor prognosis.Evidence Level4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Effect of long‐term strip tillage on soil macropore structure in cool black soil region of Northeast China
Authors: Han Jinze , Li Jianye , Jiang Yanyan , Wang Dichen , Chen Qiang , Zhang Xingyi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSoil pore structure is essential for storing and transporting water, and it can be affected by different tillage practices. Strip tillage (ST) is an innovative technology aimed at addressing the challenge of reduced crop yield caused by no‐tillage (NT) in the cool black soil region of Northeast China. Nevertheless, what remains unclear is the influence of ST on soil pore structure in the cool black soil region. After conducting a 14‐year long‐term positioning experiment, this study investigated the variations in spatial distribution patterns of soil macropores under ST practice using X‐ray computed microtomography (μCT). The research also examined, the response of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil bulk density to ST compared to conventional tillage (CT). This finding revealed that ST significantly increased the macroporosity (>25 μm) at 0–20 cm depths in comparison with CT. The detailed analysis of soil pore size distribution revealed a significant increase in macroporosity of the >2000 μm pore sizes in 0–10 cm layer by 144.79% because of ST. Furthermore, ST significantly increased pore connectivity at the 0–10 cm depth by 3.37% and pore fractal dimension at the 10–20 cm depth by 13.42%. Meanwhile, there was a significant correlation among the changes in soil bulk density, SOC content, macroporosity, pore connectivity, and pore tortuosity, indicating soil bulk density and SOC have a substantial impact on the pore structure. Overall, the implementation of ST leads to a significant enhancement in soil pore structure, improving the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of ST in the cool black soil region of Northeast China. This research aids in advancing the conservation and sustainable utilization of black soil.
Photochromic 3D Optical Storage: Laser‐Induced Regulation of Localized Optical Basicity of Glass
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Wu Yaman , Lin Hang , Chen Gengxu , Hao Yanxue , Wang Pengfei , Lin Shisheng , Xu Ju , Cheng Yao , Wang Yuansheng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract3D optical storage, spatially expanding storage capacity, is regarded as an effective and economical way to break the diffraction limit of the conventional 2D optical storage. In this study, a new kind of 3D optical storage medium, i.e., vanadium ions (V5+) doped sodium borate glass, is developed, showing intriguing spatially‐selected photochromism (PC) upon laser driven excitation. Significantly, a brand‐new PC mechanism of V5+‐aggregation regulated by localized optical basicity (OB) of glass is proposed and demonstrated. The developed PC glass is responsive to a low‐price desktop‐level mini‐laser to encode optical information, yields unique twofold decoding modes in bright‐ and dark‐fields, and shows good data erasibility. 3D volumetric optical storage with a memory density of ≈480 Mbit cm−3 is realized with the aid of an advanced femtosecond laser micro‐machining system. The findings suggest a novel design approach to fabricate 3D PC glass in terms of manipulating the scale of optical basicity in glass, hopefully stimulating the development of new multi‐dimensional PC optical storage media.
Zn2+/Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Itaconic Acid) Hydrogels as Potential Antibacterial Wound Dressings
Authors: Vuković Jovana S. , Radić1 Marija M. Babić , Trifunović Saša B. , Koch Thomas , Perić‐Grujić Aleksandra A. , Vojnović Sandra , Tomić Simonida Lj. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAntibacterial hydrogels, as an advanced approach, can create optimal conditions for wound healing, even in the fight against stubborn and difficult‐to‐treat wound infections. Interestingly, pH is an often neglected clinical parameter, although it has a significant impact on the wound healing process. At different stages of wound healing, the pH in the wound bed changes from slightly alkaline to neutral to acidic. To develop novel pH‐sensitive antibacterial hydrogel dressings, Zn2+‐loaded poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate/itaconic acid) hydrogels are synthesized. The hydrogels exhibit pH‐sensitive swelling in the physiologically relevant pH range, with a pronounced swelling ability at neutral pH. The controlled release of Zn2+ occurs in a buffer of pH 7.40 at 37 °C. The liquid transport mechanism and release kinetics are evaluated using the specific kinetic models of Ritger‐Peppas and Peppas‐Sahlin. The effect of Zn2+ on structural, thermal, swelling, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties is evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling studies, MTT, and antibacterial tests. The hydrogels show excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The research opens new perspectives for efficient wound healing management, and the extension of the study will be orchestrated by optimising the hydrogel composition to achieve improved performance.
Fast Degradable and Thermally Conductive Silicone Rubber Vitrimer with Low Dielectric and UV‐Shielding Properties
Authors: Zhang Kuan , Dang Lin , Zhang Junliang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSilicone rubbers are widely employed in various fields such as electronics, electrical engineering, mobile communications, aerospace, and automotive industries. However, silicone rubbers are typically challenging to reprocess and degrade. Moreover, with the advancement of technology, higher demands are placed on its thermal conductivity and dielectric properties. In this study, diglycidyl ether terminated polydimethylsiloxane is cured by 4,4′‐dithiodibutyric acid which contains dual dynamic covalent disulfide and ester bonds with triazobicyclodecene as the ester exchange catalyst to prepare silicone rubber vitrimers (SRVs) through a casting method. The SRVs demonstrate a relatively higher intrinsic thermal conductivity of 0.26 W (m⁻1 K⁻1) compared to ≈0.20 W (m⁻1 K⁻1) of conventional silicone rubber. Besides, the SRVs exhibit very low and stable dielectric constant and dielectric loss at both low and high frequencies (X‐band). The lowest dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent at 10 GHz are 2.75 and 0.0650, respectively. Besides, the dual dynamic covalent bonds enable the SRVs to have excellent reprocessability and fast degradability. Moreover, the SRVs reveal UV‐shielding capability, as the transmittance of the SRVs is 0% from 200 to 400 nm of UV light.
Smart Technologies and Transition to the Circular Economy: A European Scenario in SMEs
Authors: Marino Alfonso , Pariso Paolo , Picariello Michele 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe transition toward the circular economy of European small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is one of the focuses of the Agenda in Europe. The paper aims to evaluate if this drive should transform the SMEs and keep European production sustainable and competitive. The paper offers a comparative analysis of the circular economy SMEs shift within the 13 sectors of EU Member States, that have involved innovative SMEs and have begun to use or have long adopted smart technologies for the needs of control, effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental protection and energy aspect. The study highlights and evaluates the transition in 13 sectors with the highest SMEs performance with a major specialization in Smart Technologies. Five key points are identified and evaluated to analyze, the transition degree of every sector toward the circular economy. The research shows a heterogeneous transition with both sectors and countries during which the existence of best practices, are discovered, but cannot be transmitted to other sectors. A series of deterrents to the transition from a linear to a circular economy is composed within the SMEs sectors, specifically technical, commercial, and regulatory.
Use of Organic Dyes to Color the Metakaolin‐Based Geopolymer: A Physico‐Chemical Characterization
Authors: Angelo Antonio D’ , Arconati Vincenzo , Vertuccio Luigi , Viola Veronica , Catauro Michelina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGeopolymers or inorganic aluminosilicate polymers have attracted great interest for their high versatility. The use of geopolymers for cultural heritage restoration purposes is mainly related to ancient buildings. No cases in the literature report the synthesis of colored geopolymers for painting or mosaic restoration. In this preliminary study, the suitability to synthesize colored geopolymers is investigated by the use of organic pH indicator solutions as dyeing agents for white metakaolin‐based geopolymers cured at 25 °C and aged for 56 days. The physicochemical properties are analyzed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), pH, ionic conductivity (IC), integrity, and weight loss tests.
Stabilization Effects of Silica Nanoparticles in SIS Matrix
Authors: Zaharescu Traian , Blanco Ignazio , Borbath Tunde , Borbath Istvan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe stabilization effects of silica nanoparticles are investigated on styrene–isoprene–styrene matrix in the presence of silica nanoparticles by means of nonisothermal chemiluminescence for the implementation of results in the manufacture of plastics products. Three concentrations of n‐SiO2 filler (2%, 5%, and 10%) are prepared and studied. Four heating rates (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C min−1) are selected for the calculation of activation energies required for oxidation. The radiation degradation is achieved by γ‐irradiation, when the profiles of accelerated ageing are discussed. The progress in the oxidative degradation is discussed starting from the kinetic behavior of SIS/n‐SO2 systems as an example for other polymer materials that may be improved by this efficient filler.
Tire Selection for a Military Training Aircraft
Authors: Nicolin Bogdan Adrian , Nicolin Ilie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe aircraft tire is a complex, composite product of vital importance to all aircraft composed of rubber compounds (elastomers), fabric materials (nylon, aramid, or Kevlar), and steel wires (wire beads). The aircraft tire is subjected to very high mechanical stresses during parking, takeoff, and especially on landing, various thermal demands, solar radiation, the action of ozone, and partial discharge of the electrostatic charges accumulated on the outer surface of the aircraft. From the construction point of view, tires are bias tires or radial tires. Most aircraft tire companies recommend inflating their tires with nitrogen because it keeps out moisture, protects against corrosion, promotes compatible pressure, and is nonflammable. The selection of aircraft tires is made according to the stress to which tires are subjected and according to the recommendations of aircraft tire companies, based on the application of the Taguchi classification and the AHP multicriteria analysis methodology.
Compensation of the Shrinkage Behavior Occurring in Cylindrical Components in the FDM Process
Authors: Koers Thorsten , Magyar Balázs 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFused deposition modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing process that can be used to manufacture three‐dimensional thermoplastic components layer by layer. One disadvantage of FDM is the shrinkage of the components during the manufacturing process. The filament is molten in the nozzle, deposited layer by layer, and cools down again. During solidification, the filament shrinks inhomogeneously in the x/y/z direction, which leads to distortion of the component geometries. Particularly with higher nominal lengths and complex local geometries, there is a need for optimization with regard to dimensional accuracy. The aim of this paper is to counteract this on the software side with global as well as local shrinkage factors. The expected shrinkage within a layer is predicted with an in‐house developed software. The geometric accuracy of the model is verified by experimental investigations on cylindrical test specimens. In these, the so‐called clover effect occurs as a result of the shrinkage. The circular shape of the deposited layer is deformed by the distortion in the x–y plane comparable to a clover. Finally, the results are validated by analyzing a demonstrator in the form of a bracket.
Finite Element Modeling of a Biological Composite Structure Used in Orthodontic Fixed Appliances
Authors: Milicescu Stefan , Nitoi Dan , Mihai Vasile , Chivu Oana , Opran Constantin G. , Nicoară Adrian Ionut 
Published: October 2023

AbstractComposite structures currently represent combinations of materials from the most different structures, chemical compositions, or geometric shapes. There is no scientific or technical field in which these materials, due to their special characteristic properties, are not present. Most of the time it is found that they cannot even be replaced. In this sense, the study presented in this work refers to the behavior of a semibiological structure. This structure is found in the field of dentistry when using fixed dental appliances. The composite structure refers to the metal bracket that is fixed by a bonding and a resin layers that are considered as adhesives to the outer surface of the tooth, i.e., to the enamel that is a biological material. In order to make a prediction of the behavior of structure during the mastication process from the point of view of the displacements and the state of tension, study starts from the practical realization of a joint by gluing the bracket on the surface of a devitalized tooth. Based on it, modeling using the finite element method allows the prediction of masticatory forces based on the analysis of stress states and displacements.
Efficiency of Simulated Annealing Algorithms Used for Improving the In‐Plane Stiffness of Inkjet Printed Composites
Authors: Vasile Alexandru , Coropeţchi Iulian Constantin , Constantinescu Dan Mihai , Sorohan Ştefan. , Picu Catalin Radu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe simulated annealing (SA) method is used in this work as to optimize the in‐plane stiffness of composite materials. Various configurations of the composite differ by the spatial distribution of hard voxels. The microstructure is assumed to be periodic, with a given length of periodicity in voxels in each of the two directions. The solution is obtained using the PyAnsys software under an MIT License, which is a collection of Python packages that enable the usage of ANSYS products. The SA algorithms prove to be very efficient, as they result in obtaining the one of the first three maximum values for the stiffness objective function for at least 98 out of 100 random trials. Therefore, SA can be successfully used for the microstructural design of composites at a fraction of the computational cost required by the brute force approach.
Mathematical Model for the Assessment of the Effect of Fiber Content on the Mechanical Properties of Phenolic Composite Reinforced Date Palm Fiber
Authors: Maou Khaoula , Belloufi Abderrahim , Abdelkrim Mourad , Maior Ioana , Opran Constantin Gheorghe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis work presents the preparation process of composite from date palm fibers and Phenolic as a matrix by compression molding. The composites are prepared with a different weight fraction of fiber from 40 to 60 wt%. The enhancement of the mechanical properties is related to the good interaction and adhesion between the filler and the matrix which is estimated by analyzing the mechanical properties of the produced composite using diverse mathematical models as Hirsch, Pukanszky, and Schrager. The results reveal that the fiber loading has a great influence on the improvement of Young's modulus and tensile strength of the Phenolic compared to the neat Phenolic. The results also show that the Hirsch model is valid for the evaluation of the elastic modulus of treated date palm fibers (TDPFs) Phenolic (PH) composites with R2 = 0.97. Regarding the evaluation of the tensile strength of Phenolic composites, it appears clear that the Pukanszky and Schrager models are adaptable for the UDPFs/PH composites. However, the Pukanszky model is not suitable for the TDPFs/PH composites.
Numerical Study of Ultrasonic Guided Wave in Composite Reinforced Panels with Different Stiffener Shapes
Authors: Antonio Antonio , Rezazadeh Nima , Polverino Antonio , Beneduce Stefano 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe aim of this work is to propose a numerical methodology based on the finite element (FE) method to study the propagation mechanisms of transmitted, converted, and reflected guided waves in stiffened fiber‐reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite structures. The dispersion curves of such modes can help designers to improve the damage detection sensitivity of Lamb waves based structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Using a FE model, whose accuracy is demonstrated against semi‐analytical data in a previous work, the phenomena of scattering and mode conversion in composite panels characterized by a structural discontinuity, such as a stiffener, are investigated. In particular, the behavior of guided waves is analyzed using stiffeners of different shapes, C and Omega shaped. The research activity makes it possible to highlight conversion of modes and reflected waves at stiffeners, providing new observations compared to the state of the art. The morphological complexities of the structure (thickness steps, multiple boundaries, stiffeners) can be used to redirect guided waves and to allow monitoring of a specific area. Wave reflections interacting with stiffeners, therefore, can be analyzed to improve diagnostics or design new detection strategies.
Effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on growth and survival of long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum larvae
Authors: Hassan Md Mahbubul , Pilnick Aaron R. , Patterson Joshua T. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The presence of heavy metals in seawater is a major challenge for hatchery culture of sea urchin larvae due to their sensitivity to metal pollution. The impact of heavy metals in seawater for sensitive marine larviculture could be minimized via chelation of metals using chemical compounds such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Methods
In this study the effects of EDTA were tested for the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum during larviculture at two concentrations (10 μM and 50 μM) and two exposure durations (6 and 24 days postfertilization). Growth and survival of larvae were evaluated as response variables.

Result
Significant differences in growth and survival of larvae were found among the treatments at different EDTA concentrations and exposure durations. The 10-μM EDTA treatment enhanced growth and survival of larvae relative to control for both exposure durations. The 50-μM EDTA treatment was unsuitable for long-spined sea urchin larviculture due to reductions in growth and survival.

Conclusion
The use of 10 μM EDTA during embryo incubation and larviculture is expected to improve long-spined sea urchin larval fitness, leading to improved hatchery production.
Improved reproducibility of γ‐aminobutyric acid measurement from short‐echo‐time proton MR spectroscopy by linewidth‐matched basis sets in LCModel
Authors: Xiao Ying , Lanz Bernard , Lim Song‐I , Tkáč Ivan , Xin Lijing 
Published: October 2023

Abstractγ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA), as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, is extremely important for maintaining healthy brain function, and deviations from GABA homeostasis are related to various brain diseases. Short‐echo‐time (short‐TE) proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) has been employed to measure GABA concentration from various human brain regions at high magnetic fields. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of spectral linewidth on GABA quantification and explore the application of an optimized basis‐set preparation approach using a spectral‐linewidth‐matched (LM) basis set in LCModel to improve the reproducibility of GABA quantification from short‐TE 1H‐MRS. In contrast to the fixed‐linewidth basis‐set approach, the LM basis‐set preparation approach, where all metabolite basis spectra were simulated with a linewidth 4 Hz narrower than that of water, showed a smaller standard deviation of estimated GABA concentration from synthetic spectra with varying linewidths and lineshapes. The test–retest reproducibility was assessed by the mean within‐subject coefficient of variation, which improved from 19.2% to 12.0% in the thalamus, from 27.9% to 14.9% in the motor cortex, and from 9.7% to 2.8% in the medial prefrontal cortex using LM basis sets at 7 T. We conclude that spectral linewidth has a large effect on GABA quantification from short‐TE 1H‐MRS data and that using LM basis sets in LCModel can improve the reproducibility of GABA quantification.