bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of alkaline‐acid treatment on the physiochemical attributes of natural cellulosic fiber of Arundo donaxL
Authors: Gaikwad Abhishek , Debnath Kishore , Gupta M. K. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the present investigation, the cellulose fibers were extracted from Arundo donax through a three‐step treatment. The effects of the alkaline pre‐treatment, acid hydrolysis, and soxhlet‐based extraction on the qualitative and quantitative attributes of the resultant cellulose fibers were investigated. The results of the present study signify a positive correlation between chemical treatment and cellulose content. The overall yield conversion of cellulose was recorded as 156.67%, after Soxhlet‐based purification. It was also observed that the moisture content, percentage of water absorption, rate of water absorption, and ash mass fraction gradually declined after each treatment step. The correlation between the chemical treatment with quantitative and qualitative attributes revealed a gradual increment in cellulose content, crystallinity index, and purity of cellulose fiber extracted from A. donax. The FTIR spectra emphasized that the obtained cellulose was free from impurities after Soxhlet‐based extraction. Simultaneously the DTG curve of A. donax fiber revealed a low rate of derivatization in the fibers extracted after Soxhlet treatment. The SEM and EDX analysis illustrate that the cellulose fibers were devoid of impurities as well as contamination of heavy metal ions.
Decentralized formation of multi‐agent conformable fractional nonlinear robot systems
Authors: Ángeles‐Ramírez Oscar Alejandro , Fernández‐Anaya Guillermo , Hernández‐Martínez Eduardo Gamaliel , González‐Sierra Jaime , Ramírez‐Neria Mario 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA novel approach to address the asymptotic stability problem of the decentralized formation control of multi‐agent robot systems considering a cyclic pursuit formation graph is derived by using the classical Lyapunov's stability method and LaSalle's invariance principle. Theoretical development of a local potential function‐based control law and the formulation of the position and formation error dynamics, from the viewpoint of the multi‐variable conformable fractional‐order calculus, is given. In addition, a comparison between the integer‐order case and conformable fractional‐order case is provided. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the performance of the developed results.
Characterization of a C‐RED One camera for astrophotonical applications
Authors: Vješnica Stella , Hernandez Eloy , Madhav Kalaga , Roth Martin M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo better understand the impact of the avalanche gain applied in the detector technology and apply this technology in our in‐house astrophotonic projects, we have characterized a C‐RED One camera and produced a stable and reliable method for calculating the system gain at any desired avalanche gain setting. We observed that depending on how the system gain is obtained, multiplying the system gain times the avalanche gain may not accurately produce a conversion factor from electrons to ADUs. As the acquisition of a photon transfer curve (PTC) was possible at different avalanche gain levels, several PTCs at low avalanche gain levels were acquired. Consequently, a linear fit was produced from the acquired system gain as a function of the avalanche gain setting. Through the linear fit, the effective system gain was calculated at any desired avalanche level. The effective system gain makes possible to accurately calculate the initial system gain without the ambiguity introduced by the nonlinearity of the system. Besides, the impact of the avalanche gain on the dynamic range was also analyzed and showed a stable behavior through the measured avalanche range.
SIG/USE Research Symposium: Making Research Matter: Connecting Theory and Practice
Authors: Willson Rebekah , Greyson Devon , Burnett Gary , Given Lisa 
Published: September 2023

EDITOR'S SUMMARYSpecial Interest Group/Information Needs, Seeking and Use (SIG/USE) convened at the 2015 ASIS&T Annual Meeting to explore the links between theory and practice in information behavior. In his keynote address, Ross Todd urged the audience to go beyond models and aim for synthesis and meta‐analysis, focusing on the user. Lightning talks addressed a social cognitive theory analysis of a program for disadvantaged youth; adults with limited literacy and health information; mobile information workers; forming a community of practice; and information sharing practices among online communities. A key takeaway was that research should actively involve communities and their members rather than simply being about them. Safiya Noble's keynote highlighted hidden biases in automated search engine returns with encouragement to design algorithms enabling users to opt in or out of filtered returns. Attendees explored the topics raised further during a mixer chat and table talks. The symposium ended with presentations for the best paper, poster and research proposal and awards for student and international conference travel.
Quantitative and Non‐Quantitative Assessments of Enzymatic Electrosynthesis: A Case Study of Parameter Requirements
Authors: Sayoga Giovanni , Abt Michael , Teetz Niklas , Bueschler Victoria , Liese Andreas , Franzreb Matthias , Holtmann Dirk 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe integration of enzymatic and electrochemical reactions offers a unique opportunity to optimize production processes. Recently, an increasing number of laboratory‐scale enzymatic electrosyntheses have shown impressive performance indicators, leading to scientific interest in technical implementation. However, important process parameters are missing in most of the relevant literature. On one hand, this is due to the large variety of relevant performance indicators. On the other hand, enzyme technologists and electrochemists use different parameters to describe a process. In this article, we review the most important performance indicators in electroenzymatic processes and suggest that in order to allow quantitative comparison, these indicators should be reported in all respective publications. In addition to quantitative parameters, non‐quantitative assessments often need to be included in a final evaluation. Examples of such parameters are sustainability, contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals or interactions with the overall process. We demonstrate the evaluation of processes using hydrogen peroxide‐dependent peroxygenases. The strength of the proposed evaluation system lies in its ability to identify weaknesses in a process at an early stage of development. Finally, it can be concluded that all evaluated enzymatic electrosynthesis do not yet meet typical industrial requirements for an enzyme‐based process.
TCaS‐VN: A novel V2V communication scheme to improve traffic control and safety in vehicular cloud networks
Authors: Hedayati Majdabadi Reza , Taheri Hassan , Ahmad Motamedi S. 
Published: September 2023

SummaryRoad accidents and traffic congestion are the unavoidable consequences of the growing number of vehicles on the road. Conventional management systems are not effective in mitigating these issues. However, a range of technologies, including sensors, processors, vehicle‐based resources, and mobile cloud computing, can help solve traffic and safety problems. Vehicular cloud networks, a cutting‐edge technology for the development of intelligent transportation systems, face significant challenges, such as ensuring reliable service providers that maintain stable connections between vehicles. Roadside units (RSUs) play a crucial role in these networks, but they come with several drawbacks, including high costs, imbalanced load distribution, and unreliable connections. To address these issues, we propose the Traffic Control and Safety in Vehicular Networks (TCaS‐VN) algorithm, a cloud‐based sharing services framework for vehicles that eliminates the need for RSUs. This approach offers several advantages, including a twofold improvement in the lifetime of clusters, the elimination of noncluster head nodes, a 54% reduction in overhead, a 58% reduction in service search time, and a success rate of over 95% in service provisioning.
Calcium channel blocker use and outcomes in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Matsumoto Shingo , Kondo Toru , Yang Mingming , Campbell Ross T. , Docherty Kieran F. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Desai Akshay S. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Packer Milton , Pitt Bertram , Rouleau Jean L. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Zannad Faiez , Zile Michael R. , Solomon Scott D. , Jhund Pardeep S. , McMurray John J.V. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsPatients with heart failure (HF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are often treated with calcium channel blockers (CCBs), although the safety of CCBs in these patients is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the association between CCB use and clinical outcomes in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF; CCBs were examined overall, as well as by subtype (dihydropyridine and non‐dihydropyridine).Methods and resultsWe pooled individual patient data from four large HFpEF/HFmrEF trials. The association between CCB use and outcomes was assessed. Among the 16 954 patients included, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 56.8%, and 13 402 (79.0%) had HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%). Altogether, 5874 patients (34.6%) received a CCB (87.6% dihydropyridines). Overall, the risks of death and HF hospitalization were not higher in patients treated with a CCB, particularly dihydropyridines. The risk of pump failure death was significantly lower (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.96), while the risk of stroke was higher (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.50) in patients treated with a CCB compared to those not. These risks remained different in patients treated and not treated with a CCB after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Although the majority of patients were treated with dihydropyridine CCBs, the pattern of outcomes was broadly similar for both dihydropyridine and non‐dihydropyridine CCBs.ConclusionAlthough this is an observational analysis of non‐randomized treatment, there was no suggestion that CCBs were associated with worse HF outcomes. Indeed, CCB use was associated with a lower incidence of pump failure death.
Donor‐Acceptor Tin(IV) Complexes with α‐Diimine and Catecholate Ligands
Authors: Klimashevskaya Anastasya V. , Arsenyeva Kseniya V. , Maleeva Arina V. , Druzhkov Nikolay O. , Arsenyev Maxim V. , Cherkasov Anton V. , Yakushev Ilya A. , Aysin Rinat R. , Piskunov Alexandr V. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA series of new octahedral bis‐3,6‐di‐tert‐butylcatecholates based on tin(IV) containing metal‐coordinated N‐donor ligands (substituted iminopyridines and diazabutadienes) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The compounds, both solid and in solution, are intensely colored. They absorb in the visible region of the spectrum. Charge transfer between the catecholate donor and the diimine acceptor is responsible for the absorption. This observation is in good agreement with the DFT calculations and with the electrochemical studies carried out by CV.
Junior parkrun pilot in Australia: A real world evaluation
Authors: Mathieu Erin , Grunseit Anne C. , Foley Bridget C. , Reece Lindsey J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIssue AddressedRegular physical activity is important for children's health. Parkrun supports communities to deliver free, weekly, 5 km events in 22 countries around the world and is the largest physical activity model delivered at scale in the world. Junior parkrun aims to encourage children aged 4–14 years to be active outdoors through providing safe, cost‐free and non‐competitive weekly timed walk, run or jog over a 2‐km distance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the junior parkrun pilot in Australia.MethodsA process evaluation was conducted using routinely collected data of junior parkrun participants, as well as a self‐completed questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1827 children had registered and participated in at least one junior parkrun over the course of the pilot period. Participants had, on average, attended 10% of the junior parkrun events including and subsequent to their first participation by the end of the study period. Majority of parents (61%) said that junior parkrun had increased their child's physical activity either a little or a lot, and most agreed or strongly agreed that junior parkrun was fun (90%), enjoyable (91%), energising (85%) and challenging (70%).ConclusionThe junior parkrun pilot appears to show promise in Australia for enabling children to engage in physical activity, in their local communities in a fun and inclusive way.So WhatParkrun junior can co‐exist with other organised sports programs; however, it can also specifically target those not participating in any sports, given the high levels of enjoyment in a non‐competitive, non‐team environment.
Optical coherence elastography and its applications for the biomechanical characterization of tissues
Authors: Wang Chongyang , Zhu Jiang , Ma Jiawei , Meng Xiaochen , Ma Zongqing , Fan Fan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe biomechanical characterization of the tissues provides significant evidence for determining the pathological status and assessing the disease treatment. Incorporating elastography with optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence elastography (OCE) can map the spatial elasticity distribution of biological tissue with high resolution. After the excitation with the external or inherent force, the tissue response of the deformation or vibration is detected by OCT imaging. The elastogram is assessed by stress–strain analysis, vibration amplitude measurements, and quantification of elastic wave velocities. OCE has been used for elasticity measurements in ophthalmology, endoscopy, and oncology, improving the precision of diagnosis and treatment of disease. In this article, we review the OCE methods for biomechanical characterization and summarize current OCE applications in biomedicine. The limitations and future development of OCE are also discussed during its translation to the clinic.
Ginkgolide B promotes spontaneous recovery and enhances endogenous netrin‐1 after neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain damage
Authors: Chen Aiming , Hua Jun , Yuan Jun , Feng Yajuan , Chen Fengzhan , Zhou Yongqin , Han Ting , Jiang Weiwei , Chen Huiping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesPerinatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that can lead to long‐term cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments in newborns. Although brain hypothermia therapy is currently the standard treatment for HIE, it does not provide complete neuroprotection. As a result, there is a need to explore additional therapies to enhance treatment outcomes. This study aims to investigate the potential role of Ginkgolide B (GB) in promoting neuroplasticity and facilitating spontaneous recovery after HIE.MethodsIn this study, we employed a neonatal rat model of HIE to investigate the effects of GB on spontaneous recovery. GB treatment was initiated 24 h after hypoxia and administered continuously for a duration of 14 days. We evaluated several outcome measures after the treatment period, including spontaneous behavioral recovery and brain repair. Additionally, we quantified the levels of netrin‐1 in both plasma and the peri‐ischemic zone after the occurrence of HIE.ResultsWe found that GB treatment significantly facilitated spontaneous behavioral recovery in the HIE pups. Furthermore, cognitive function was restored, and brain tissue repair had a noticeable acceleration. We observed increased cell proliferation in the subventricular, stratum, and subgranular zones. Of particular interest, we observed elevated levels of netrin‐1 in both plasma and the ischemic penumbra following GB treatment.ConclusionOur findings suggest that GB promotes neuroplasticity and enhances spontaneous recovery in newborns affected by HIE. The observed upregulation of netrin‐1 may be crucial in mediating these effects. These results highlight the promising potential of GB as a post‐HIE therapy, particularly in enhancing spontaneous recovery and improving long‐term outcomes.
Efficacy of Botulinum A Injection to the Laryngeal Adductor Compartment for Treatment of Cough
Authors: Campbell Brett A. , Flormann Victoria B. , Davis Roger B. , Mallur Pavan S. 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesStudies examining electromyography (EMG)‐guided laryngeal onobotulinumtoxinA (BTxA) injection for chronic cough reveal promising efficacy, however, are limited by small cohorts and absent quantifiable outcomes. It further remains unclear if pulmonary disease limits efficacy, or if vagal motor neuropathy prognosticates response. We hypothesize BTxA injection results in qualitative improvement in cough, decrease in Cough Severity Index (CSI), no change in Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10), and complication rates comparable to historical data. We also examine the correlation of pulmonary comorbidities and vocal fold hypomobility with treatment efficacy.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsCharts for patients receiving percutaneous adductor compartment BTxA injection for cough were reviewed for the binary outcome of patient‐reported presence or absence of improvement. Generalized estimating equations regression models were used to analyze the change in CSI (ΔCSI) and the correlation of ΔCSI with qualitative outcomes. Multivariable analyses were used to examine correlation of vocal fold hypomobility and pulmonary disease with qualitative outcomes and ΔCSI.ResultsForty‐seven patients underwent 197 BTxA injections from June 2012 to June 2022. A statistical proportion of 0.698 (0.599–0.813, p < 0.0001) or 69.8% of injections resulted in subjective improvement. Mean ΔCSI was −2.12 (0.22–4.02, p < 0.05), indicating overall improvement. With and without subjective improvement, estimated ΔCSI was −4.43 and +2.68, respectively (p < 0.0001). VHI‐10 did not change (0.69, p = 0.483). Neither pulmonary disease nor vocal fold hypomobility correlated with subjective improvement or ΔCSI. Dysphagia occurred following 15 (7.6%) injections with no aspiration pneumonia or hospitalization.ConclusionsBTxA injection to the laryngeal adductors may effectively treat cough with limited risk for serious complications.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:1749–1756, 2024
Toward a Green Chemistry Approach for the Functionalization of Melamine Foams with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Quilez‐Molina Ana Isabel , Barroso‐Solares Suset , Rodríguez‐Pérez Miguel Ángel , Pinto Javier 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe growing popularity of silver nanoparticles in the field of nanotechnology has created the necessity of developing new sustainable synthesis methods. This study presents a new green in situ functionalization method of melamine foams with silver nanoparticles. The synthesis pathway and the influence of the processing parameters are optimized to phase out 100% of polluting and dangerous solvents while maximizing silver transfer. A deep study of the morphological and chemical changes of the synthesized silver nanoparticles successfully demonstrated that water can be used as the only solvent for obtaining active melamine foams with potential application in multiple fields. Results showed that rising reaction temperatures from environmental to mild conditions (40 °C and 60 °C) is crucial for obtaining high functionalization yields with this green method. Following the optimum fabrication conditions using only water, highly functionalized melamine foams showed a great amount of ultrafine silver nanoparticles distributed over the porous structure.
Curing kinetics and mechanical properties of magnetocured epoxy adhesive doped with magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yuxiang , Wu Chengwei , Zhang Wei , Zeng Xue , Han Xiao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe curing kinetics as well as the corresponding tensile properties of magnetocured epoxy adhesive doped with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is investigated in this article, where the curing reaction process is depicted using an isoconversional model. It is found that the tensile modulus and strength strongly depend on the curing degree (CD) and mass fraction of MNPs when curing degree varies from 0.7 to 1.0. When curing degree is 0.7, the tensile modulus of the adhesive with 15%wt and 30%wt MNPs increases by 46% and 592% compared to that with 10%wt MNPs, respectively, but the increase is not obvious when curing degree is higher than 0.9. This difference is more significant in the tested tensile strength, where the samples with 15%wt and 30%wt MNPs are 7.08 and 20.83 times higher than the one with 10%wt MNPs under 0.7 curing degree. However, the corresponding tensile strength with 1.0 curing degree is reduced by 4% and 35%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy observation reveals different fracture mechanisms caused by curing degree variation. Failure occurs in the adhesive region for curing degree below 0.9, while failure initiates and propagates at the interface between adhesive and MNPs for curing degree above 0.9. It can be concluded that the intrinsic property of the adhesive determines the tensile properties when the curing degree is lower than 0.9, while the weak interfacial interaction between adhesive and MNPs introduces reverse effect when the curing degree is higher than 0.9. This competitive relationship should be considered in the design of magnetocuring process.Highlights
Enhancement in adhesive modulus from MNPs addition degrades as CD approaches 1.
Intrinsic property of adhesive determines the tensile strength with CD < 0.9.
Weak interface dominates the failure mechanism in adhesive with CD > 0.9.
Stepped‐care to improve mental health outcomes among underserved patients with lung and head and neck cancer
Authors: Borrayo Evelinn A. , Juarez‐Colunga Elizabeth , Kilbourn Kristin , Waxmonsky Jeanette , Jacobson Marty , Okuyama Sonia , Swaney Robert , Wamboldt Frederick S. , Karam Sana , Lopez Alvarez Samantha , Jin Xin , Nguyen Jennifer 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe comparative effectiveness study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03016403) assessed the effects of a stepped‐care intervention versus usual care on mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, coping self‐efficacy, emotional distress (anxiety and depression combined), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and perceived stress among underserved patients (i.e., low‐income, uninsured, underinsured) with lung cancer (LC) and head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC).MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, we investigated if 147 patients who received the stepped‐care intervention had better mental health outcomes compared to 139 patients who received usual care. Using an intent‐to‐treat approach, we analyzed outcomes with linear mixed models.ResultsFor the primary outcomes estimated mean differences (denoted by “Δ”), depression (Δ = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.52, 2.98, p = 0.01) and coping self‐efficacy (Δ = −15.24, 95% CI = −26.12, −4.36, p = 0.01) were better for patients who received the intervention compared to patients who received usual care, but anxiety outcomes were not different. For secondary outcomes, emotional distress (Δ = 1.97, 95% CI: 0.68, 3.54, p =< 0.01) and HRQoL (Δ = −4.16 95% CI: −7.45, −0.87, p = 0.01) were better for patients who received the intervention compared to usual care patients, while perceived stress was not different across groups.ConclusionsThe stepped‐care intervention influenced depression and coping self‐efficacy, important outcomes for patients with acute illnesses like LC and HNC. Although differences in emotional distress met the minimally important differences (MID) previously reported, depression and HRQoL were not above the MID threshold. Our study is among a few to report differences in mental health outcomes for underserved LC and HNC patients after receiving a psychological intervention.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT03016403.