bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jet cooking dramatically improves the wet strength of soy adhesives
Authors: Hunt Christopher G. , Lorenz Linda F. , Houtman Carl J. , Valle Eder , Coolidge Thomas , Mock Chera , Frihart Charles R. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe impact of jet cooking on shear strength of soy‐and‐water adhesives was investigated to understand the higher shear strength of commercial soy protein isolates compared to soy flours. Soy flour‐based wood adhesives are appealing because of their bio‐based content, low formaldehyde emission, and low cost, but their commercial application is limited by low wet cohesive strength. Previous researchers proposed that the process of jet cooking (steam injection with high turbulence followed by rapid cooling) was responsible for the high (~3 MPa) wet shear strength of adhesives made with commercially produced soy protein isolate, using the ASTM D 7998 test. In this work, we show that jet cooking did dramatically increase the wet strength of laboratory‐produced, native‐state soy protein isolate from 0.6 to 3 MPa, a strength similar to many commercial isolates. Jet cooking was far less effective at developing wet strength of soy flours, but greatly increased the viscosity of virtually all our soy materials. We hypothesize that the benefits of jet cooking are primarily a result of nonequilibrium protein aggregation states because subsequent wet autoclaving of jet cooked soy proteins dramatically decreased wet strength. The dramatic differences in adhesive properties between commercial soy protein isolates and soy flours suggests that the common practice of using results obtained with commercial isolates to predict the performance of soy flour adhesives is inappropriate.
A void surface flame retardant strategy for polymericpolyHIPEs
Authors: Zhang Chen , Cai Ruiyun , Xu Chuanbang , Xia Hongwei , Zhu Yun , Zhang Shengmiao 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEffective flame retardant strategy for open‐cell foam (e.g., polyHIPE) remains of a great challenge. Herein, a void surface flame retardant strategy for polyHIPE was presented. An open‐cell polystyrene (PS) polyHIPE was fabricated through an emulsion‐templating technique. Polyphosphazene (PSZ), a highly efficient flame retardant polymer, was then in situ fabricated and covalently attached to the void surface of the foam to be a uniform flame retardant protective layer, while the open‐cell structure of the foam was perfectly preserved. Compared with the pristine PS polyHIPE, the PSZ modified one had significantly improved thermal stability (char residues yield at 800°C increased from 3.36 to 16.53 wt%) and mechanical properties (Young's modulus increased by 2.6 times); the values of average heat release rate and total heat release of combustion were reduced by 62.36% and 41.57%, respectively. While, the value of limiting oxygen index was increased from 17.39% to 19.75%, owing to the combined action of condensed phase flame retardant and gas phase flame retardant. These results indicate that the in situ surface modification strategy is effective for improving the flame retardancy of highly interconnected polymer foams.
Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves
Authors: Ferreira Milene Dias , Neta Lourdes Cardoso de Souza , Brandão Geovani Cardoso , dos Santos Walter Nei Lopes 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from green synthesis using medicinal plants are presented as an option for the development of new antimicrobial agents. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves, popularly known as “aroeira.” A 23 factorial design was used to assess the statistical significance of the studied factors, and Box–Behnken design was used to define the optimal conditions for the green synthesis of AgNPs. The studied factors were significant for the synthesis of nanoparticles, and the optimal conditions were pH 9.5, reaction time of 180 min, and 10 g of S. terebinthifolius Raddi leaves. The samples were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution method and through the minimum microbicidal concentration. AgNPs showed greater antimicrobial efficacy compared to the extract, both for bacteria and fungi: bacteriostatic activity against all tested bacteria and bactericidal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, besides fungistatic action against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Finally, the aqueous extract of “aroeira” leaves was effective in the synthesis of AgNPs, with greater antimicrobial potential than the extract.
Volume–outcome relationships in open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: administrative data 2006–2018
Authors: Tong T , Aber A , Chilcott J , Thokala P , Walters S J , Maheswaran R , Nawaz S , Thomas S , Michaels J 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to use recent evidence to investigate and update volume–outcome relationships after open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm in England.

Methods
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data from April 2006 to March 2018 were obtained. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. Other outcomes included duration of hospital stay, readmissions within 30 days, and critical care requirements. Case-mix adjustment included age, sex, HES year, deprivation index, weekend admission, mode of admission, type of procedure and co-morbidities.

Results
Annual volume of all repairs combined appeared to be an appropriate measure of volume. After case-mix adjustment, a significant relationship between volume and in-hospital mortality was seen for OSR (P &lt; 0·001) but not for EVAR (P = 0·169 for emergency and P = 0·363 for elective). The effect appeared to extend beyond 60 repairs per year to volumes above 100 repairs per year. There was no significant relationship between volume and duration of hospital stay or 30-day readmissions. In patients receiving emergency OSR, higher volume was associated with longer stay in critical care.

Conclusion
Higher annual all-procedure volumes were associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality for OSR, but such a relationship was not significant for EVAR. There was not enough evidence for a volume effect on other outcomes.
Comparison of peak wall stress and peak wall rupture index in ruptured and asymptomatic intact abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Singh T P , Moxon J V , Iyer V , Gasser T C , Jenkins J , Golledge J 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have suggested that finite element analysis (FEA) can estimate the rupture risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); however, the value of biomechanical estimates over measurement of AAA diameter alone remains unclear. This study aimed to compare peak wall stress (PWS) and peak wall rupture index (PWRI) in participants with ruptured and asymptomatic intact AAAs.

Methods
The reproducibility of semiautomated methods for estimating aortic PWS and PWRI from CT images was assessed. PWS and PWRI were estimated in people with ruptured AAAs and those with asymptomatic intact AAAs matched by orthogonal diameter on a 1 : 2 basis. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between PWS or PWRI and AAA diameter. Independent associations between PWS or PWRI and AAA rupture were identified by means of logistic regression analyses.

Results
Twenty individuals were included in the analysis of reproducibility. The main analysis included 50 patients with an intact AAA and 25 with a ruptured AAA. Median orthogonal diameter was similar in ruptured and intact AAAs (82·3 (i.q.r. 73·5–92·0) versus 81·0 (73·2–92·4) mm respectively; P = 0·906). Median PWS values were 286·8 (220·2–329·6) and 245·8 (215·2–302·3) kPa respectively (P = 0·192). There was no significant difference in PWRI between the two groups (P = 0·982). PWS and PWRI correlated positively with orthogonal diameter (both P &lt; 0·001). Participants with high PWS, but not PWRI, were more likely to have a ruptured AAA after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio 5·84, 95 per cent c.i. 1·22 to 27·95; P = 0·027). This association was not maintained in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion
High aortic PWS had an inconsistent association with greater odds of aneurysm rupture in patients with a large AAA.
Clean Cut (adaptive, multimodal surgical infection prevention programme) for low-resource settings: a prospective quality improvement study
Authors: Forrester J A , Starr N , Negussie T , Schaps D , Adem M , Alemu S , Amenu D , Gebeyehu N , Habteyohannes T , Jiru F , Tesfaye A , Wayessa E , Chen R , Trickey A , Bitew S , Bekele A , Weiser T G 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Clean Cut is an adaptive, multimodal programme to identify improvement opportunities and safety changes in surgery by enhancing outcomes surveillance, closing gaps in surgical infection prevention standards, and strengthening underlying processes of care. Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are common in low-income countries, so this study assessed a simple intervention to improve perioperative infection prevention practices in one.

Methods
Clean Cut was implemented in five hospitals in Ethiopia from August 2016 to October 2018. Compliance data were collected from the operating room focused on six key perioperative infection prevention standards. Process-mapping exercises were employed to understand barriers to compliance and identify locally driven improvement opportunities. Thirty-day outcomes were recorded on patients for whom intraoperative compliance information had been collected.

Results
Compliance data were collected from 2213 operations (374 at baseline and 1839 following process improvements) in 2202 patients. Follow-up was completed in 2159 patients (98·0 per cent). At baseline, perioperative teams complied with a mean of only 2·9 of the six critical perioperative infection prevention standards; following process improvement changes, compliance rose to a mean of 4·5 (P &lt; 0·001). The relative risk of surgical infections after Clean Cut implementation was 0·65 (95 per cent c.i. 0·43 to 0·99; P = 0·043). Improved compliance with standards reduced the risk of postoperative infection by 46 per cent (relative risk 0·54, 95 per cent c.i. 0·30 to 0·97, for adherence score 3–6 versus 0–2; P = 0·038).

Conclusion
The Clean Cut programme improved infection prevention standards to reduce SSI without infrastructure expenses or resource investments.
Global attitudes in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic: ACIE Appy Study
Authors: Ielpo B , Podda M , Pellino G , Pata F , Caruso R , Gravante G , Di Saverio S ,   ACIE Appy Study Collaborative
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Surgical strategies are being adapted to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations on the management of acute appendicitis have been based on expert opinion, but very little evidence is available. This study addressed that dearth with a snapshot of worldwide approaches to appendicitis.

Methods
The Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe designed an online survey to assess the current attitude of surgeons globally regarding the management of patients with acute appendicitis during the pandemic. Questions were divided into baseline information, hospital organization and screening, personal protective equipment, management and surgical approach, and patient presentation before versus during the pandemic.

Results
Of 744 answers, 709 (from 66 countries) were complete and were included in the analysis. Most hospitals were treating both patients with and those without COVID. There was variation in screening indications and modality used, with chest X-ray plus molecular testing (PCR) being the commonest (19·8 per cent). Conservative management of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis was used by 6·6 and 2·4 per cent respectively before, but 23·7 and 5·3 per cent, during the pandemic (both P &lt; 0·001). One-third changed their approach from laparoscopic to open surgery owing to the popular (but evidence-lacking) advice from expert groups during the initial phase of the pandemic. No agreement on how to filter surgical smoke plume during laparoscopy was identified. There was an overall reduction in the number of patients admitted with appendicitis and one-third felt that patients who did present had more severe appendicitis than they usually observe.

Conclusion
Conservative management of mild appendicitis has been possible during the pandemic. The fact that some surgeons switched to open appendicectomy may reflect the poor guidelines that emanated in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2.
Central lymph node dissection and permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer: population-based study
Authors: Salem F A , Bergenfelz A , Nordenström E , Almquist M 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Papillary thyroid cancer is treated with total/near-total thyroidectomy (TT) with or without central lymph node dissection (CLND), depending on risk factors and tumour size. Balancing the risk of disease recurrence and surgical morbidity remains a challenge. A population-based nationwide study was undertaken to evaluate the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism associated with CLND.

Method
Data on patients with stage pT1–3 papillary thyroid cancer, who underwent TT with or without CLND between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2014 were retrieved from the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery. Drug use was ascertained by cross-linking with the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was defined as treatment with active D vitamin or oral calcium drugs for more than 6 months after surgery. Data were analysed separately for all patients and those who underwent TT + CLND. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done, yielding odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results
A total of 722 patients were included in the study. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was more common in the TT + CLND group than the TT group: 30 of 265 patients (6·6 per cent) versus six of 457 (2·3 per cent) (P = 0·011). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, CLND was a risk factor for permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR 3·74, 95 per cent c.i. 1·46 to 9·59, based on use of combined therapy 6 months after surgery). In patients who had TT + CLND, node negativity was associated with a risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR 3·08, 1·31 to 7·25).

Conclusion
CLND is an independent risk factor for permanent hypoparathyroidism. Node negativity is associated with a higher risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism.
Predicting outcomes in older patients undergoing vascular surgery using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score
Authors: Aitken S J , Lujic S , Randall D A , Noguchi N , Naganathan V , Blyth F M 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Frailty may explain why some older patients having vascular surgery are at high risk of adverse outcomes. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) has been designed specifically for use with administrative data and has three categories of frailty risk (low, intermediate and high). The aim of this study was to evaluate the HFRS in predicting mortality, and hospital use in older patients undergoing vascular surgery.

Methods
Routinely collected hospital data linked to death records were analysed for all patients aged 75 years or older who had undergone either endovascular or open vascular surgery between 2010 and 2012 in New South Wales, Australia. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes adjusted for patient and procedural factors, with and without frailty.

Results
Some 9752 patients were identified, of whom 1719 (17·6 per cent) had a high-risk HFRS. Patients in the high-risk frailty category had an adjusted odds ratio for death by 30 days after surgery of 4·15 (95 per cent c.i. 2·99 to 5·76) compared with those in the low-risk frailty category, and a similarly increased odds of death by 2 years (odds ratio 4·27, 3·69 to 4·95). Adding the HFRS to a model adjusted for age, sex, co-morbidity score, socioeconomic status, previous hospitalization and vascular procedure type improved the prediction of 2-year mortality and prolonged hospital stay, but there was minimal improvement for 30-day mortality and readmission.

Conclusion
Adjusting for the HFRS in addition to other patient and procedural risk factors provided greater discrimination of outcomes in this cohort of older patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Multistimuli‐Responsive Chromism of Vinylene‐Linked Bisflavin Based on the Aggregation and Redox Properties
Authors: Kawamorita Soichiro , Li Zimeng , Okamoto Koyo , Naota Takeshi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMultistimuli‐responsive chromism was observed for vinylene‐linked bisflavin 1 a with an extended π‐conjugated platform. The yellow emission of a dilute solution of 1 a in CHCl3 (0.2 mM) observed at 298 K under UV excitation was changed to orange or red emission upon (1) an increase of concentration, (2) a decrease of temperature, and (3) variation of the solvent. This is in contrast to the almost non stimuli‐responsive chromism of the N‐methylated bisflavin analogue 1 b and monoflavin 2 a. Mechanistic investigation by 1H NMR analysis under various conditions revealed that the extended π‐conjugation platform and imide moiety of 1 a generate controllability in the formation of lower‐ and higher‐ordered aggregates, which induce variation of the emission color upon change. Bisflavin 1 a also exhibited redox‐induced chromism, where the orange emission of 1 a was quenched by the addition of hydrazine under anaerobic conditions, and changed back to the original emission upon subsequent bubbling of O2 gas.
Di‐Iron(II) [2+2] Helicates of Bis‐(Dipyrazolylpyridine) Ligands: The Influence of the Ligand Linker Group on Spin State Properties
Authors: Kulmaczewski Rafal , Armstrong Isaac T. , Catchpole Pip , Ratcliffe Emily S. J. , Vasili Hari Babu , Warriner Stuart L. , Cespedes Oscar , Halcrow Malcolm A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFour bis[2‐{pyrazol‐1‐yl}‐6‐{pyrazol‐3‐yl}pyridine] ligands have been synthesized, with butane‐1,4‐diyl (L1), pyrid‐2,6‐diyl (L2), benzene‐1,2‐dimethylenyl (L3) and propane‐1,3‐diyl (L4) linkers between the tridentate metal‐binding domains.L1andL2form [Fe2(μ−L)2]X4(X−=BF4−or ClO4−) helicate complexes when treated with the appropriate iron(II) precursor. Solvate crystals of [Fe2(μ−L1)2][BF4]4exhibit three different helicate conformations, which differ in the torsions of their butanediyl linker groups. The solvates exhibit gradual thermal spin‐crossover, with examples of stepwise switching and partial spin‐crossover to a low‐temperature mixed‐spin form. Salts of [Fe2(μ−L2)2]4+are high‐spin, which reflects their highly twisted iron coordination geometry. The composition and dynamics of assembly structures formed by iron(II) withL1−L3vary with the ligand linker group, by mass spectrometry and1H NMR spectroscopy. Gas‐phase DFT calculations imply the butanediyl linker conformation in [Fe2(μ−L1)2]4+influences its spin state properties, but show anomalies attributed to intramolecular electrostatic repulsion between the iron atoms.
Structure Determination of the Crystalline LiPON Model Structure Li5+xP2O6−xN1+x with x≈0.9
Authors: Schneider Stefanie , Balzat Lucas G. , Lotsch Bettina V. , Schnick Wolfgang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNon‐crystalline lithium oxonitridophosphate (LiPON) is used as solid electrolyte in all‐solid‐state batteries. Crystalline lithium oxonitridophosphates are important model structures to retrieve analytical information that can be used to understand amorphous phases better. The new crystalline lithium oxonitridophosphate Li5+xP2O6−xN1+x was synthesized as an off‐white powder by ampoule synthesis at 750–800 °C under Ar atmosphere. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a=15.13087(11) Å, b=9.70682(9) Å, c=8.88681(7) Å, and β=106.8653(8)°. Two P(O,N)4 tetrahedra connected by an N atom form the structural motif [P2O6−xN1+x](5+x)−. The structure was elucidated from X‐ray diffraction data and the model corroborated by NMR and infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. Measurements of ionic conductivity show a total ionic conductivity of 6.8×10−7 S cm−1 at 75 °C with an activation energy of 0.52±0.01 eV.
Dichromic Allophycocyanin Trimer Covering a Broad Spectral Range (550–660 nm)
Authors: Guo Rui , Wang Si , Niu Nan‐Nan , Xu Ya‐Li , Zhu Jun‐Xun , Scheer Hugo , Noy Dror , Zhao Kai‐Hong 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPhycobilisomes, the light‐harvesting complexes of cyanobacteria and red algae, are a resource for photosynthetic, photonic and fluorescence labeling elements. They cover an exceptionally broad spectral range, but the complex superstructure and assembly have been an obstacle. By replacing in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 the biliverdin reductases, we studied the role of chromophores in the assembly of the phycobilisome core. Introduction of the green‐absorbing phycoerythrobilin instead of the red‐absorbing phycocyanobilin inhibited aggregation. A novel, trimeric allophycocyanin (Dic‐APC) was obtained. In the small (110 kDa) unit, the two chromophores, phycoerythrobilin and phytochromobilin, cover a wide spectral range (550 to 660 nm). Due to efficient energy transfer, it provides an efficient artificial light‐harvesting element. Dic‐APC was generated in vitro by using the contained core‐linker, LC, for template‐assisted purification and assembly. Labeling the linker provides a method for targeting Dic‐APC.
Boron‐Mediated Regioselective Aromatic C−H Functionalization via an Aryl BF2Complex
Authors: Shinde Ganesh H. , Sundén Henrik 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAn efficient regioselective functionalization of 2‐aryl‐heteroarenes and aryl aldehydes via an azaaryl BF2complex has been developed. Mechanistically the reaction comprises fluoride to bromide ligand exchange on an aryl boron species and consecutive C−B bond cleavage to deliver a broad range of functionalized products. The reaction is high yielding, has a broad substrate scope where several different heteroarenes can be functionalized with chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxyl, amine and BF2in a highly regioselective fashion. The method can be applied for late‐stage functionalization or for rapid skeleton remodeling with for instance cross‐couplings.
An LSTM‐based mixed‐integer model predictive control for irrigation scheduling
Authors: Agyeman Bernard T. , Sahoo Soumya R. , Liu Jinfeng , Shah Sirish L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe development of well‐devised irrigation scheduling methods is desirable from the perspectives of plant quality and water conservation. Accordingly, in this article, a mixed‐integer model predictive control system is proposed to address the daily irrigation scheduling problem. In this framework, a long short‐term memory (LSTM) model of the soil–crop–atmosphere system is employed to evaluate the objective of ensuring optimal water uptake in crops while minimizing total water consumption and irrigation costs. To enhance the computational efficiency of the proposed method, a heuristic method involving the logistic sigmoid function is used to approximate the binary variable that arises in the mixed‐integer formulation. Through computer simulations, the proposed scheduler is applied to homogeneous and spatially variable fields. The results of these simulation experiments reveal that the proposed method can prescribe optimal/near‐optimal irrigation schedules that are typical of irrigation practice within practical computational budgets.