bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insolvency courts: General principles for systems design
Authors: Casey Anthony J. , Macey Joshua C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article sets out general principles for designing the role of corporate insolvency courts. The authors identify four general considerations relevant to that design: (a) the sophistication and development of the relevant private markets and private law, (b) the applicable background corporate law principles, (c) the competence—in terms of experience and sophistication, capacity and resources, efficiency, and neutrality and lack of corruption—of the courts in question, and (d) the availability of alternative systems through forum and venue shopping or other forms of exit. Having identified these considerations, the article then explores how each affects the role that insolvency courts should play and the level of discretion courts should exercise. The authors also discuss the extent to which other procedural or insolvency provisions can substitute for judicial oversight and discretion.
A case of ipsilateral three simultaneous renal cell carcinomas with different histologic types
Authors: Tanaka Satoki , Goto Yusuke , Fujimoto Ayumi , Arai Takayuki , Sato Hiroaki , Sazuka Tomokazu , Imamura Yusuke , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ikeda Jun‐Ichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionFew reports have presented sporadic multifocal renal cell carcinomas of different histologic types occurring simultaneously in a single kidney. Here, we present a case of three ipsilateral renal cell carcinomas with three histologic types.Case presentationA 44‐year‐old man with end‐stage renal disease due to nephrosclerosis was referred to our hospital for an incidental renal tumor. Following the introduction of hemodialysis, enhanced computed tomography revealed a renal tumor suggestive of clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma with a cystic component. With a preoperative diagnosis of one renal tumor, he underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. However, pathological examination revealed three renal cell carcinomas with three histological diagnoses: clear‐cell, papillary, and clear‐cell papillary renal cell carcinomas.ConclusionPreoperative imaging may not detect all synchronous ipsilateral multifocal renal cell carcinomas. Patients with severe renal function impairment may have synchronous multifocal renal cell carcinomas.
Development of a novel PLDLA/β‐TCP composite‐based biodegradable anterior cervical plate and screw system
Authors: Kwon Younghoon , Hossain Mosharraf , Lee Minsu , Jeong Je Hoon 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe investigated the effectiveness and safety of a new composite‐based biodegradable anterior cervical plate/screw (ACPS) system for the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) fixation. A biocomposite in combination with 30 wt% β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP; a biodegradable ceramic having osteoconductive ability) and 70 wt% poly‐l/d‐lactide copolymer (PLDLA; a biodegradable polymer) was developed and used in the ACPS device, comprising one plate and four screws for fixation. Based on a literature review, a clinically required period of performance maintenance was set as 16 weeks, and to verify the performance for a period of 16 weeks or more, the test was conducted for 26 weeks. Following ISO 13781:2017 testing protocols, an in vitro degradation test was performed to verify the performance and evaluate the decomposition characteristics of the biodegradable ACPS system. Using an animal model as a preclinical investigation, the prepared ACPS device was implanted into five mongrel dogs weighing over 30 kg to evaluate the detachment prevention effect of the ACPS system on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cage after ACDF. By week 26, the molecular weight was decreased by 45.35% for the plate and 52.56% for the screw; the bending strength of the plate was decreased by approximately 26.2% when compared with the initial stage. The torsional yield strength and pullout strength of the screw was increased by 52.31% and 5.3%, respectively by week 2 and then subsequently decreased until week 26. No detachment or dislocation of the inserted PEEK cage was observed for 26 weeks in vivo study. These findings recommend that the ACPS system might be a promising biodegradable tool for the fixation of interbody implants and supporting the fusion in an ACDF model. Furthermore, additional clinical trials are planned for the future.
Plant‐mediated fabrication of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their catalytic effects on electro‐oxidation of formaldehyde
Authors: Rigi Fatemeh , Yavari Zahra , Kaedi Fariba 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4‐NPs) were synthesized by aqueous extract of Artemisia vulgaris plant at 50°C. The biosynthesized extract mediated Co3O4‐NPs were characterized through different methods containing FT‐IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDS (Energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy), and XRD (x‐ray diffraction). Co3O4‐NPs as an efficient and practical catalyst was employed for the electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde; which was an irreversible charge transfer controlled by mass transfer. The coefficients of electron transfer and diffusion were 0.87 and 0.122 cm2/s for formaldehyde oxidation on Co3O4 electrode, respectively. The formation of the CoOOH species during potential sweeping appears to be involved in the catalytic activity of the Co3O4 toward formaldehyde oxidation.
Product‐facilitated conversations: When does starting a conversation by mentioning a product lead to better conversational outcomes?
Authors: Wiener Hillary J. D. , Bettman James R. , Luce Mary Frances 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper examines product‐facilitated conversations. In three studies, we show that the products consumers publicly display influence how other consumers start conversations with them and how enjoyable and self‐disclosing these conversations are. Study 1 is an experiment in the field that shows that product‐facilitated conversations are deeper and more enjoyable than non‐product‐facilitated ones. Study 2 examines the characteristics of products that, when mentioned, lead to good conversations and identifies uniqueness and commonality as key characteristics. Study 3 is an additional experiment in the field that tests these characteristics and shows that products with those characteristics are better conversation starters than the weather. Overall, these studies show novel social benefits to talking about products and generate new ideas about how talking about products can help consumers meet new people, smooth awkward social situations, and build relationships.
Helicobacter pylori infection—A risk factor for lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase over‐activity: A cross‐sectional study among patients with dyspepsia in Cameroon
Authors: Faujo Nintewoue Ghislaine Florice , Tali Nguefak Lionel Danny , Ngatcha Ghislaine , Tagni Sartre Michele , Talla Paul , Menzy Moungo‐Ndjole Carole Marlyse , Kouitcheu Mabeku Laure Brigitte 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimThere is an intimate relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to gastritis in almost all the hosts. So, we hypothesize that gastritis in H. pylori infection may be described as the accumulation of continuous oxidative damage.MethodsThe study was conducted from October 2020 to October 2021 at three reference health facilities in Cameroon. A total of 266 participants (131 males and 135 females) ranging from 15 to 88 years old with 48.28 ± 17.29 years as mean age were enrolled. Each participant gave a written informed consent and ethical committees approved the protocol. Biopsies samples were collected for H. pylori detection using histological examination and rapid urease test. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) content, and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated in serum as biomarkers of oxidative stress.ResultsHelicobacter pylori was detected in 71.80% of our sample population. Low income level was associated with higher GSH level (P = 0.0249) and having family history of gastric cancer to higher SOD activity (P = 0.0156). A significant higher MDA content (P < 0.0001) and SOD activity (P = 0.0235) was recorded among infected individuals compared with noninfected ones. A significantly higher MDA content and SOD activity was recorded among smokers (P = 0.0461) and participants older than 50 years old (P = 0.0491) with H. pylori positivity.ConclusionOur findings showed that H. pylori infection is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The presence of this pathogen in elderly individuals or in smokers increased their risk for oxidative stress.
Chinese aid and corruption in African local governments
Authors: Cha Sujin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDoes foreign aid reshape citizen views on governments? How does Chinese aid relate to corruption perception in African local governments? Studying 33 African countries from 2000 to 2014 (175 590 respondents), Chinese aid heightens perceived corruption in local councillors and officials. Corruption scandals likely contribute to negative views of both China and local governance. Control variables like World Bank aid and Confucius Institutes disprove alternate theories. Heterogeneous effects demonstrate that China's aid is unwelcome among low‐skilled individuals who feel threatened by its expansion, magnifying corruption perception. This suggests that Chinese aid's unfavourable image fosters scepticism among African citizens and undermines collaborating local governments.
Platelet‐rich plasma in treatment of scar, atrophy, and sulcus: Short‐ and long‐term results
Authors: Woo Peak 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivePlatelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors and is easily obtained from blood samples. Long‐term data after PRP injection into the larynx should be improved. This study reports the short‐term (3 months) and long‐term (12 months) voice results after PRP injection.Materials and MethodsSixty‐three patients with scars (n = 34), sulcus vocalis (n = 17), recalcitrant nodules (n = 5), atrophy (n = 4), or a combination of these (n = 3) were included (158 injections; median follow‐up = 12.3 months). Stroboscopy, voice handicap index (VHI‐10), and cepstral spectral index of dysphonia (CSID) before and after treatment (3 months) and at 12 months were tabulated.ResultsVHI‐10 changed from 19.5 to 14 at 3 months and 21 to 15 in the long term. The CSID scores improved from 31 to 21 in the short term and 31 to 26 in the long term (p < 0.001, paired t‐test). Patients reported improved vocal effort and stamina with slight VHI or CSID score changes. Stroboscopy revealed improved closure and mucosal waves. Patients with severe dysphonia were less likely to improve compared to those with mild to moderate dysphonia. Some patients showed short‐term improvements and then deteriorated back to baseline CSID over time (p < .05, paired t‐test).ConclusionBoth short‐ and long‐term improvements in voice following PRP injection have been reported. Patients with mild‐to‐moderate dysphonia had better outcomes. PRP injection is an alternative treatment for patients with mild‐to‐moderate dysphonia due to vocal fold scarring, sulcus, and atrophy.Level of evidenceII Prospective case series treatment.
Multi‐Energy X‐Ray Linear‐Array Detector Enabled by the Side‐Illuminated Metal Halide Scintillator
Authors: Ran Peng , Yao Qingrui , Hui Juan , Su Yirong , Yang Lurong , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu , Yang Yang (Michael) 
Published: September 2023

AbstractConventional scintillator‐based X‐ray imaging typically captures the full spectral of X‐ray photons without distinguishing their energy. However, the absence of X‐ray spectral information often results in insufficient image contrast, particularly for substances possessing similar atomic numbers and densities. In this study, an innovative multi‐energy X‐ray linear‐array detector is presented that leverages side‐illuminated X‐ray scintillation using the emerging metal halide Cs3Cu2I5. The negligible self‐absorption characteristic not only improves the scintillation output but is also beneficial for improving the energy resolution for the side‐illuminated scintillation scenarios. By exploiting Beer's law, which governs the absorption of X‐ray photons with different energies, the incident X‐ray spectral can be reconstructed by analyzing the distribution of scintillation intensity when the scintillator is illuminated from the side. The relative error between the reconstructed and measured X‐ray spectral is < 5.63%. This method offers an additional energy‐resolving capability for X‐ray linear‐array detectors commonly used in computed tomography (CT) imaging setups, surpassing the capabilities of conventional energy‐integration approaches, all without requiring extra hardware components. A proof‐of‐concept multi‐energy CT imaging system featuring eight energy channels is successfully implemented. This study presents a simple and efficient strategy for achieving multi‐energy X‐ray detection and CT imaging based on emerging metal halides.
Stochastic‐offset‐enhanced restricted slice excitation and 180° refocusing designs with spatially non‐linear ΔB0 shim array fields
Authors: Zhang Molin , Arango Nicolas , Arefeen Yamin , Guryev Georgy , Stockmann Jason P. , White Jacob , Adalsteinsson Elfar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeDeveloping a general framework with a novel stochastic offset strategy for the design of optimized RF pulses and time‐varying spatially non‐linear ΔB0 shim array fields for restricted slice excitation and refocusing with refined magnetization profiles within the intervals of the fixed voxels.MethodsOur framework uses the decomposition property of the Bloch equations to enable joint design of RF‐pulses and shim array fields for restricted slice excitation and refocusing with auto‐differentiation optimization. Bloch simulations are performed independently on orthogonal basis vectors, Mx, My, and Mz, which enables designs for arbitrary initial magnetizations. Requirements for refocusing pulse designs are derived from the extended phase graph formalism obviating time‐consuming sub‐voxel isochromatic simulations to model the effects of crusher gradients. To refine resultant slice‐profiles because of voxelwise optimization functions, we propose an algorithm that stochastically offsets spatial points at which loss is computed during optimization.ResultsWe first applied our proposed design framework to standard slice‐selective excitation and refocusing pulses in the absence of non‐linear ΔB0 shim array fields and compared them against pulses designed with Shinnar‐Le Roux algorithm. Next, we demonstrated our technique in a simulated setup of fetal brain imaging in pregnancy for restricted‐slice excitation and refocusing of the fetal brain.ConclusionsOur proposed framework for optimizing RF pulse and time‐varying spatially non‐linear ΔB0 shim array fields achieve high fidelity restricted‐slice excitation and refocusing for fetal MRI, which could enable zoomed fast‐spin‐echo‐MRI and other applications.
Realizations of the generalized adaptive cross approximation in an acoustic time domain boundary element method
Authors: Schanz Martin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn acoustics, the boundary element method (BEM) is much more common compared to elasticity. This is driven by the applications, which are in acoustics very often radiation problems causing trouble in finite element or finite volume methods. Nevertheless, for a time domain calculation, still an efficient BE formulations is lacking. We consider the time domain BEM for the homogeneous wave equation with vanishing initial conditions and given Dirichlet boundary conditions. The generalized convolution quadrature method (gCQ) developed by Lopez‐Fernandez and Sauter is used for the temporal discretisation. The spatial discretisation is done classically. Essentially, the gCQ requires to establish boundary element matrices of the corresponding elliptic problem in Laplace domain at several complex frequencies. Consequently, an array of system matrices is obtained. This array of system matrices can be interpreted as a three‐dimensional array of data, which should be approximated by a data‐sparse representation. The adaptive cross approximation (ACA) can be generalized to handle these three‐dimensional data arrays. Adaptively, the rank of the three‐dimensional data array is increased until a prescribed accuracy is obtained. On a pure algebraic level, it is decided whether a low‐rank approximation of the three‐dimensional data array is close enough to the original matrix. Hierarchical matrices are used in the two spatial dimensions and the third dimension are the complex frequencies. Hence, the algorithm makes not only a data sparse approximation in the two spatial dimensions but detects adaptively how much frequencies are necessary for which matrix block.
Mechanical and vibration behavior of surface‐modified titanium sheet interleaved with woven basalt/flax fiber metal laminates
Authors: Kirubakaran Ramraji , Kaliyamoorthy Rajkumar , Munusamy Rajesh , Annamalai Bhaskar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn fiber metal laminates (FMLs), the order in which fibers with different natural properties are stacked is very important for making materials that absorb vibrations and have good mechanical properties for structural applications. Hence, the present study focuses on the mechanical and vibration characteristics of FML designed with multi‐order energy‐absorbing flax fiber and high‐strength basalt fiber stacking covered with titanium sheets. The fabricated FMLs were designed with titanium/basalt fiber laminate (Ti/B), titanium/flax fiber laminate (Ti/F) and titanium/multi‐order‐flax‐basalt fiber laminate. The mechanical characteristics including tensile, flexural, and impact strength; and vibration characteristics of prepared FMLs were investigated. The higher tensile and flexural strength were revealed in an FML consisting of basalt layers (Ti/B) laminate than the flax core part (Ti/F) due to the strongness of basalt fiber, increasing the capability of load‐bearing of composites. Ti/B FML showed a maximum tensile strength and flexural strength of 412 and 450 MPa. Furthermore, flax fiber absorbs more energy, so the flax layer's inbuilt structure increases energy absorption during impact and vibration testing. Ti/F exhibits the highest impact strength (427.8 kJ/m2) and Ti/B exhibits the lowest impact strength (312.5 kJ/m2) because flax fibers are more ductile than basalt fibers, increasing the toughness of the FML. Ti/F FML structure, the greatest natural frequency of modes 1, 2, and 3 (549.03, 715.07, and 956.15 Hz) was observed. Natural fiber hybridization designed for FML, such as the Ti/B/F laminate, improved mechanical and vibration properties, making it suitable for structural applications.Highlights
Fiber metal laminates were designed with titanium/flax/basalt.
FMLs stacked composites significantly affect the mechanical properties.
The basalt fiber, increases the capability of load‐bearing of FMLs.
The damping of FMLs increases with the increase in flax fiber layers.
Flax‐basalt fibers stacked FMLs produce tunable impact and vibration energy.
Service intensity of community mental health outreach among people with untreated mental health problems in Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iwanaga Mai , Yamaguchi Sosei , Sato Sayaka , Nakanishi Kiyoaki , Nishiuchi Erisa , Shimodaira Michiyo , So Yugan , Usui Kaori , Fujii Chiyo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify the association between treatment status (untreated or treated) at the start of community mental health outreach services and service intensity.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Tokorozawa City mental health outreach service users' data. Treatment status at the start of service (exposure variable) and the service intensity (outcome variables) were taken from clinical records. Poisson regression and linear regression analyses were conducted. The frequency of medical or social service use 12 months after service initiation was also calculated. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (No. A2020‐081).ResultsOf 89 people, 37 (42%) were untreated. Family members in the untreated group were more likely to be targets or recipients of services than in the treated group (b = 0.707, p < 0.001, Bonferroni‐adjusted p < 0.001). Compared to the treated group, the untreated group received fewer services themselves (b = −0.290, p = 0.005), and also fewer services by telephone (b = −0.252, p = 0.012); by contrast, they received more services at the health center (b = 0.478, p = 0.031) and for family support (b = 0.720, p = 0.024), but these significant differences disappeared after Bonferroni adjustment. At least 11% of people in the untreated group were hospitalized and 35% were outpatients 12 months after service initiation.ConclusionFamily involvement may be a key service component for untreated people. The service intensity with and without treatment may vary by service location.
Experimental validation of two constitutive models for numerical simulation on the extrusion of rubber blends
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Xuesong , Yang Minghao , Li Yongchao , Yang Qi , Gong Jiawei , Gao Xueqin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNumerical simulation plays a crucial role in polymer processing. This paper analyzes the extrusion of two rubber blends using the Bird–Carreau viscous model and the Phan‐Thien–Tanner (PTT) viscoelastic model. The study found that wall slip phenomena occurred in both rubber blends when the apparent shear stress exceeded the critical value. Under these conditions, the physical parameters of the two constitutive models, along with the wall slip parameters that describe the degree of rubber sliding, were obtained. This information provided a theoretical basis for the numerical simulation of the extrusion process. The PTT model was found to be superior to the Bird–Carreau rheological model in predicting the rheological behavior of die swell, velocity field, and pressure field distribution in the extrusion process of the two rubber blends.Highlights
Based on the numerical simulation analysis of the capillary extrusion process, we designed a more feasible method for fitting the physical parameters of the constitutive equation and parameters of the Navier slip model and established the foundation for the subsequent numerical simulation of extrusion processing.
Phan‐Thien–Tanner model is proved to be the best candidate for predicting the extrusion of rubber blends with high Mooney viscosity, including die swell, velocity, and pressure distribution.
Demonstrates that wall slip is an important factor in rubber extrusion.
Combining simulation results with experimental data improves the accuracy and predictability of the simulation.