bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing cellulose micro/nanofibre morphology using a high throughput fibre analysis device to predict nanopaper performance
Authors: Pennells Jordan , Heuberger Bérénice , Chaléat Céline , Martin Darren J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCharacterising cellulose nanofibre (CNF) morphology has been identified as a grand challenge for the nanocellulose research field. Direct techniques for CNF morphology characterisation exhibit various difficulties related to the material network structure and equipment cost, while indirect techniques that investigate fibre-light interaction, fibre-solvent interaction, fibre-fibre interaction, or specific fibre surface area involve relatively facile methods but may be more unreliable. Nanopaper mechanical testing is a prevalent metric for assessing fibre-fibre interaction, but is an off-line, time-consuming, and destructive methodology. In this study, an optical fibre morphology analyser (MorFi, Techpap) was employed as an on-line, high throughput, fast turnaround tool to assess micro/nanofibre pulp morphology and predict the properties of nanopaper material. Correlation analysis identified fibre content and fibre kink properties as most correlated with nanopaper strength and toughness, while fibre width and coarseness were most inversely correlated with nanopaper performance. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to visualise interdependent morphological and mechanical data. Subsequently, two data driven statistical models—multiple linear regression (MLR) and machine learning based support vector regression (SVR)—were established to predict nanopaper properties from fibre morphology data, with SVR generating a more accurate prediction across all nanopaper properties (NRMSE = 0.13–0.33) compared to the MLR model (NRMSE = 0.33–0.51). This study highlights that statistical methods are useful to disentangle and visualise interdependent morphological data from an on-line fibre analysis device, while regression models are also capable of predicting paper mechanical properties from CNF samples even though these devices do not operate at nanoscale resolution.
Graphical abstract
Characterization and Mössbauer spectroscopy of steel slag generated in the ladle furnance in SIDERPERU steel plant
Authors: Dominguez A. G. Bustamante , Valerio-Cuadros M. I. , Borja-Castro L. E. , Valencia-Bedregal R. A. , Santibañez J. Flores , Suarez S. M. Espinoza , Cabrera-Tinoco H. , Moreno N.O , Barnes C. H. W. , Valladares L. De Los Santos 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe steel industry produces large amounts of slag coming from different stages during the steelmaking process every year. Currently, there are numerous attempts to recycle it or to use it in some other industry sectors and to preserve the environment. The characteristics of the slag depends on the steelmaking process and it is crucial to have it before any attempt of recycling. In this work, slag sample produced in the ladle furnace from SIDERPERU steel plant were collected and analyzed by using energy dispersion X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), SQUID magnetometer and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The chemical analysis obtained by EDX and XRF indicate that the main elemental composition of the material is Fe, Ca, Si and Cr. XRD identifies that these elements are in the phases: FeO, Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, Ca2SiO4, and Ca2,32Mn0,68SiO7. Magnetometry measurements suggest the Verwey transition for magnetite and the Morin transition for hematite are screened by the presence of superparamagnetic phases. The Mössbauer spectrum shows two doublets related to Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with hyperfine parameters belonging to that of non-stoichiometric wustite. Also, the presence of hyperfine fields characteristic of the Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 phase identified at room temperature verifies the magnetometry analysis. The analysis of the sample used in this work reveals details connected with the steel fabrication processes and are helpful for posterior recycling attempts.
Differential taxation and security market lines–a clarification
Authors: Krause Marko , Lahmann Alexander 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe literature on differential taxation of asset specific payoffs presents different representations of security market lines (SMLs), with puzzling features such as parallel lines and lines with the same intercept but different slopes - a security market fan. We show that these results can be traced back to using different combinations of pre-tax and after-tax figures for betas and expected returns. Above all, for betas based on returns and a stochastic discount factor (SDF), there is a single SML in after-tax expected return and after-tax beta space. Using pre-tax values for betas and/or expected returns leads to different representations in the respective beta and expected return space. With betas that use the market return instead of the SDF, it is important to distinguish whether tax payments are redistributed back to the agents. If they are, a single SML can only be obtained through a beta using the pre-tax market return and the after-tax return of single assets. In addition to SML representations, we also discuss differential taxation with respect to mean-variance frontiers in expected return and standard deviation spaces.
Metal Accumulation and Functional Traits of Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F. W. Schmidt in Acid Beech Forests Differing with Pollution Level
Authors: Bierza Karolina 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Maianthemumbifolium (L.) F. W. Schmidt is a clonal plant with a wide geographical range throughout Europe and Asia. It is also abundant as an understory plant of acid beech forests in southern Poland. The response strategies of this species to heavy metals and their effects on some functional traits (height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific rhizome length (SRL) and rhizomes dry matter content (RDMC)) were tested. Selected heavy metal concentrations were measured in leaves, rhizomes and rooting soil of May lily in five beech forests of southern Poland, mainly including an industrialised region of Upper Silesia. The contamination level of these ecosystems was assessed with a single pollution index. The results show significant contamination with Pb even at control sites and moderate with Cd, Zn, Fe and Cu in Upper Silesian forests. May lily accumulated Pb, Zn and Fe mainly in rhizomes, but Ni, Cu and Cd were also translocated to aboveground organs in comparable quantities, which confirms the indicator value of this plant. May lily accumulated up to 21 and 30 mg g−1 Cd, 34 and 90 mg g−1 Pb and 250 and 553 mg g−1 Zn in leaves and rhizomes respectively. Moreover, the accumulation factors show that May lily accumulates Cd in above- and underground organs in higher amounts than found in soil. Although high concentrations of these toxic elements in tissues, no visible damages on plants were observed, also the measured functional traits show no apparent relationship with the pollution level.
Forecasting performance of Bayesian VEC-MSF models for financial data in the presence of long-run relationships
Authors: Pajor Anna , Wróblewska Justyna 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe paper is focused on comparing the forecasting performance of two relatively new types of Vector Error Correction - Multiplicative Stochastic Factor (VEC-MSF) specifications: VEC-MSF with constant conditional correlations, and VEC-MSF-SBEKK with time-varying conditional correlations. For the sake of comparison, random walks, vector autoregressions (VAR) with constant conditional covariance matrix, and VAR-SBEKK models are also considered. Based on daily quotations on three exchange rates: PLN/EUR, PLN/USD, and EUR/USD, where the cointegrating vector may be assumed to be knowna priori, we show that in econometric models it can be more important to allow for cointegration relationships than for time-varying conditional covariance matrix.
Safety and tolerability of high-dose daily vitamin D3 supplementation in the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes (D2d) study—a randomized trial in persons with prediabetes
Authors: Johnson Karen C. , Pittas Anastassios G. , Margolis Karen L. , Peters Anne L. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Vickery Ellen M. , Nelson Jason , Sheehan Patricia R. , Reboussin David , Malozowski Saul , Chatterjee Ranee ,   D2d research group,   Steering Committee, Pittas Anastassios G. , Brodsky Irwin , Ceglia Lisa , Chadha Chhavi , Chatterjee Ranee , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Desouza Cyrus , Dolor Rowena , Foreyt John , Ghazi Adline , Hsia Daniel S. , Johnson Karen C. , Kashyap Sangeeta R. , Kim Sun , LeBlanc Erin S. , Lewis Michael R. , Liao Emilia , Malozowski Saul , Neff Lisa M. , O’Neil Patrick , Park Jean , Peters Anne , Phillips Lawrence S. , Pratley Richard , Raskin Philip , Rasouli Neda , Robbins David , Rosen Clifford ,   Past Steering Committee members, Aroda Vanita R. , Sheehan Patricia , Staten Myrlene A. , Ware James H. ,   Advisor, Knowler William C. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background/Objectives
Routine use of vitamin D supplements has increased substantially in the United States. However, the safety and tolerability of long-term use of high-dose vitamin D are not known. We assessed the safety and tolerability of high-dose, daily vitamin D3 in the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes (D2d) study.

Subjects/Methods
In total, 2423 overweight/obese persons with prediabetes were randomized in a double-blind manner to either 4000 IU of vitamin D3 (the tolerable upper intake level for adults by the National Academy of Medicine) taken daily or matching placebo. All participants were included in this analysis. Incident adverse events (AE) were ascertained 4 times a year at in-person visits (twice a year) and interim remote encounters (twice a year) and were defined as untoward or unfavorable medical occurrences. Serious adverse events (SAE) included death, life-threatening events, and hospitalizations.

Results
A total of 8304 AEs occurred during 3 years of follow-up and were less frequent in the vitamin D group compared to placebo (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.94; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.90, 0.98). The overall frequency of protocol-specified AEs of interest, which included nephrolithiasis, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or low estimated glomerular filtration rate, was low and did not differ by group. There were no significant between-group differences in total SAEs (IRR = 0.96 (0.81, 1.14)).

Conclusion
Vitamin D3 supplementation at 4000 IU per day was safe and well tolerated among overweight/obese participants at high risk for diabetes who were appropriately monitored for safety. In this population, this dose of vitamin D3 did not increase risk of AEs or SAEs, including those previously associated with vitamin D such as hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or nephrolithiasis.

Clinical Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01942694, prospectively registered September 16, 2013
Giving Preparative Thin-Layer Chromatography Some Tender ­Loving Care
Authors: Hayward John J. , Trant John F. , Mader Lavleen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPreparative thin-layer chromatography (prepTLC) is a commonly used method of purification suitable for small-scale reactions. However, descriptions of the preferred methodology to load, run, and recover samples from prepTLC are non-standard and varied, making it part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ of laboratory techniques. In this article we report on the simple, cost-effective methods we use to load and collect samples from a plate, which enhance the convenience, speed, and precision of this technique.
Synthesis of a Maleimide-Diaminoterephthalate Fluorescence Dye as a ‘Turn-On’ Probe for the Detection of Thiols
Authors: Christoffers Jens , Schröder Nils 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA fluorescence ‘turn-on’ probe for the detection of thiols was prepared in three steps. A diaminoterephthalate chromophore (λabs = 472 nm) was equipped with a maleimide moiety as reactive group. Upon conjugate addition of the thiol, the fluorescence intensity is increased by a factor of about twenty (λem = 567 nm, quantum yield Φ = 1% → 14%). The probe is used to establish a quantitative assay for glutathione.
Evaluation of Burn Wound Infection in a Referral Center in Colombia
Authors: Jaimes Sandra L. , Ramírez Carlos E. , Viviescas Andres F. , Abril Andres F. , Flórez David F. , Sosa Cristian D. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction Burn wound infection (BWI) is the second most important cause of death in burn patients. There is currently limited data about the incidence and clinical presentation of BWI using quantitative techniques as quantitative biopsy culture (QBC) to prevent progress to burn wound sepsis (BWS).
Methods This is a prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with BWI, confirmed by QBC, from February 2018 to July 2019 at University Hospital of Santander (HUS). The primary outcome was to determine clinical, microbiological, and histopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with BWI along with a positive QBC and their relationship with early diagnosis and progression to BWS.
Results 525 patients were admitted to HUS Burn Center. Of those, 44/525 (8.23%) presented a clinical diagnosis of BWI (median age, 20.5 years [1–67 years]; 25/44 [56.8%] male). QBC was positive in 26/44 (59%), Staphylococcus aureus 14/44 (31.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7/44 (15.9%) were the mainly etiological agents isolated. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics was mostly to beta-lactams in 14/44 (31.8%), corresponding to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Clinical signs more related to infection were erythema in 33/44 (61.3%). As many as 10/44 (22.7%) progressed to sepsis and 2/44 (6%) died.
Conclusion BWI increases hospitalization time and number of surgeries, increasing the risk of sepsis and death. The QBC allows an accurate diagnosis with lesser false-positive cases that impact antibiotic resistance and mortality. Protocols targeting this problem are needed to decrease the impact of this.
Evaluation of Postoperative Bleeding after Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Furukawa Shogo , Nishikawa Shuji , Higashino Masaaki , Terada Tetsuya , Kawata Ryo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPostoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery is a life-threatening complication. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for postoperative bleeding. The medical records of 323 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 2012 and 2019 at our hospital were reviewed. Bleeding occurred in 11 of the 323 patients (3.4%). Our analysis revealed no associations of the age, sex, tumor characteristics, or operative factors with the risk of postoperative bleeding. Most patients had symptoms/signs of bleeding, such as cervical swelling, pain/tenderness, and respiratory disturbance. In 5 of the 11 patients who developed postoperative bleeding, the aforementioned symptoms/signs were detected by the attending nurse. Careful observation for up to 24 hours is recommended for early detection of the signs/symptoms of bleeding in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, not only by the surgeon but also by the rest of the care team, including other doctors and nurses attending on the patient.
Safety and Performance of POLYTECH Mesmo Breast Implants: A 5-Year Post-market Surveillance Study on 919 Patients
Authors: Montemurro Paolo , Siri Giacomo , Clerico Luana 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
In 2007, POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics (POLYTECH, Dieburg, Germany) established an ongoing patient survey to improve the post-market surveillance of silicone gel-filled breast implants based on patient-reported outcomes in the context of the pioneering “Implants of Excellence” (IoE) program.

Objectives
To disclose an update on safety and performance outcomes at 5 years for Mesmo breast implants.

Methods
Between January 2014 and October 2019, 919 patients (for a total of 1816 implants) who underwent breast augmentation and reconstruction with Mesmo implants were asked to participate in the IoE program. Data were collected by mean of 1320 questionnaires received. A survival analysis assessed the onset of different complications.

Results
Eight patients (0.9%) experienced capsular contracture Baker grade III or IV with a cumulative rate at 5 years of 1.2% (95% CI = 0.6-2.4). The proportion of revisional surgery was 0.5% with a 5-year rate of 0.6% (95% CI = 0.2-1.5). Additional adverse events such as hematoma, seroma, malposition, open wounds, and other complications were carefully monitored. Questionnaires showed that 93.9% (95% CI = 92.2-95.4) of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their aesthetic results with Mesmo implants.

Conclusions
Post-market clinical follow-up revealed that the overall complications rate reported was low. Data demonstrated an excellent safety property on a large cohort of patients. This result allows the rating of Mesmo breast implants as highly competitive and a very safe choice for both surgeons and patients.

Level of Evidence: 3
Immune microenvironment characteristics and their implications for immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in HER2-overexpressing gastric cancer
Authors: Cen Shuyi , Xu Haimiao , Liu Zhen , Zhao Rongjie , Pan Hongming , Han Weidong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
HER2-positive gastric cancer is a distinct tumor subtype, accounting for ~10% of gastric cancer cases. It is characterized by HER2 overexpression and responds well to HER2-targeting therapies. Recently, the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors to HER2-targeting therapies produced satisfactory outcomes in these patients. In the present study, we used gene expression profiles and patient surgical sections to analyze the tumor immune microenvironment characteristics of gastric tumors with high HER2 expression. Several differentially enriched pathways were identified between the HER2 high-expression group and the low-expression group, such as pathways related to cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, calcium signaling, and cell adhesion molecules. Tumors with high HER2 expression comprised fewer stromal cells and fewer immune cells, and had higher tumor purity. They also presented with lower expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIGIT, and LAG-3. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive blueprint of the immune microenvironment of HER2-positive gastric tumors. This analysis highlights the importance of considering the tumor microenvironment when assessing response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The absence of B cells disrupts splenic and myocardial Treg homeostasis in coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis
Authors: Lu Jing , Cen Zhihong , Tang Quan , Dong Jingwei , Qin Lin , Wu Weifeng 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Although B cells are essential for humoral immunity and show noteworthy immunomodulatory activity through antibody-independent functions, the role of B cells in regulating Treg cell responses remains controversial. Tregs (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) are considered to play an immunoprotective role in viral myocarditis (VMC) by controlling autoimmune effector T cells. Here, we proved that B-cell knockout can not only lead to significant reductions in Tregs in the spleen, blood, and heart of VMC mice but also decrease the activation and immune function of splenic Tregs, which was reversed by adoptive transfer of B cells; the transcription levels of TGF-β and Foxp3 in the myocardium were also significantly reduced. B-cell depletion by anti-CD20 impaired the anti-inflammatory function of splenic Tregs and the homeostasis of myocardial Tregs population. Moreover, B cells can convert CD4+CD25− T cells into Foxp3+ and Foxp3−, two functionally suppressive Treg subgroups. Although the reduction in myocardial inflammation in BKO mice indicates that B cells may play a proinflammatory role, the beneficial side of B cells cannot be ignored, that is, to control autoimmunity by maintaining Treg numbers. The results observed in the animal model of VMC highlight the potential harm of rituximab in the nonselective depletion of B cells in clinical applications.
P632 Estimating indirect and out-of-pocket disease-associated costs in paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a nation-wide cross-sectional analysis
Authors: El-Matary W , Witt J , Bersnstein C , Jacobson K , Mack D , Otley A , Walters T , Huynh H , deBruyn J , Griffiths A , Benchimol E 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Identifying disease-related costs is a crucial step to plan for proper allocation of resources and future healthcare services for persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data on paediatric inflammatory bowel disease-associated costs are limited. We aimed to estimate indirect and out of pocket (OOP) paediatric IBD-associated costs in Canada.

Methods
In a nation-wide cross-sectional analysis, caregivers of children and young adults (&lt;17 years) with IBD were invited to complete a questionnaire on lost work hours and OOP costs related to IBD in the 4 weeks prior to the survey. Participants were re-invited to periodically answer the same questionnaire every 3–9 months for 2 years. Lost productivity was calculated using the Human Capital method. Costs were reported in 2018 inflation-adjusted Canadian dollars. Predictors of high cost users (top 25%) were examined using negative binomial regression.

Results
Consecutive 243 (82 incident cases) of 262 (92.7%) approached participants completed the first survey with a total of 450 surveys longitudinally completed over 2 years. The annual median indirect costs per patient were $5,951 (IQR $1,812- $12,278), with $5,776 (IQR $1,465-$11,733) for Crohn Disease (CD) and $6,084 (IQR $2,470-$13,371) for Ulcerative Colitis (UC) (p=0.77). The annual median per patient OOP costs were $2,925 (IQR $978- $8,125) with $3,021 (IQR $978- $8,125) for CD and $2,600 (IQR $975- $8,125) for UC (p=0.55). Older age (10-17y) at diagnosis (p=0.04) and parents in part-time employment (p=0.01) were predictors of higher indirect costs, while female sex (p&lt;0.001), parents with a lower education level (p&lt;0.001) and lower annual family income (p&lt;0.01) were associated with higher OOP costs.

Conclusion
Indirect and OOP IBD-associated costs are substantial and more likely to affect families with unstable employment and lower annual income. Examining different strategies and interventions to reduce these costs such as virtual platforms, telephone and outreach clinics especially in poor communities and families with low annual income is warranted.