bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of PMT‐based TF64 and SiPM‐based Vereos PET/CT systems for 90Y imaging and dosimetry optimization: A quantitative study
Authors: Trotta Nicola , Collette Benoît , Mathey Céline , Vierasu Irina , Bucalau Ana‐Maria , Verset Gontran , Moreno‐Reyes Rodrigo , Goldman Serge 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundSelective internal radiotherapy based on transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium‐90 (90Y) microspheres is an established treatment for primary or metastatic liver disease.PurposeThe objective of this work is to optimize the dosimetry of patients treated with 90Y TARE, using positron emission tomography (PET) images.MethodsThe NEMA 2012 PET phantom was filled with nearly 3.9 GBq of 90Y activity and acquired at days 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 on a classic time‐of‐flight PET/computed tomography (CT) scanner (Philips TF64) and on a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)‐based PET/CT scanner (Philips Vereos). Acquisitions were carried on following the guidelines proposed in a previously published multicentric trial and images were reconstructed by varying and combining the available parameters. Comparisons were performed to identify the best set(s) of parameters leading to the most accurate 90Y‐PET image(s), in terms of activity distribution. Then, for both scanners, the best images were analyzed with Simplicit90Y, a personalized dosimetry software using multicompartmental Medical Internal Radiation Dose model. The comparison between measured and true doses allowed to identify the image granting the most consistent dose estimations and, therefore, to designate the set of parameters to be applied on patients’ data for the reconstruction of optimized clinical images. Posttreatment dosimetry of four patients was then realized with Simplicit90Y using optimized imaging datasets.ResultsBased on activity distribution comparisons and dose estimations over phantom and patients data, the SiPM‐based PET/CT system appeared more suitable than the photomultiplier tube‐based TF64 for 90Y‐PET imaging. With the SiPM‐based PET/CT system, reconstructed images with a 2‐mm voxel size combined with the application of the point spread function correction led to the most accurate results for quantitative 90Y measures.ConclusionsFor the SiPM‐based PET/CT scanner, an optimized set of reconstruction parameters has been identified and applied on patients’ data in order to generate the most accurate image to be used for an improved personalized 90Y‐PET dosimetry, ensuring a reliable evaluation of the delivered doses.
Stabilization of Aqueous MMA Emulsions Using Mixtures of Surfactants and Implications on MMA Miniemulsion Polymerizations
Authors: Hamond Regua Mangia Lys , Conceição Ferraz Helen , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMiniemulsion polymerization is a robust and simple method for manufacture of polymer nanoparticles. However, it is strongly dependent on the precursor monomer‐in‐water emulsion stability. Thus, the present study investigates the influence of concentration and combination of nonionic surfactants (resulting in different hydrophile–lipophile balances, HLB) on the stabilization of emulsions of methyl methacrylate in water. Backscattering profiles obtained with Turbiscan show that a combination of Tween80 and Span80 can grant the desired initial system stabilization, although the optimum HLB values depend on the amount of surfactant mixture. Miniemulsion polymerizations are then successfully performed with nonionic surfactant mixtures, providing high monomer conversion in less than 1 h and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles with average diameters ranging from 300 to 500 nm. Finally, it is observed that the addition of small amounts of an anionic surfactant to the surfactant mixture (10 wt.%) can be very beneficial for the process, allowing the control of reaction rates, the production of smaller nanoparticles with average diameters from 100 to 300 nm, and the enhanced stabilization of the final solid dispersion, while simultaneously keeping the concentration of ionic surfactants small.
Beyond mean value analysis – a voxel‐based analysis of the quantitative MR biomarker water T2 in the presence of fatty infiltration in skeletal muscle tissue of patients with neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Schlaeger Sarah , Weidlich Dominik , Zoffl Agnes , Becherucci Edoardo Aitala , Kottmaier Elisabeth , Montagnese Federica , Deschauer Marcus , Schoser Benedikt , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Kirschke Jan S. 
Published: July 2022

The main pathologies in the muscles of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are fatty infiltration and edema. Recently, quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for determination of the MR biomarkers proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and water T2 (T2w) has been advanced. Biophysical effects or pathology can have different effects on MR biomarkers. Thus, for heterogeneously affected muscles, the routinely performed mean or median value analyses of MR biomarkers are questionable. Our work presents a voxel‐based histogram analysis of PDFF and T2w images to point out potential quantification errors. In 12 patients with NMD, chemical‐shift encoding‐based water‐fat imaging for PDFF and T2 mapping with spectral adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR) for T2w determination was performed. Segmentation of nine thigh muscles was performed bilaterally (n = 216). PDFF and T2 maps were coregistered. A voxel‐based comparison of PDFF and T2w showed a decreased T2w with increasing PDFF. Mean T2w and mean T2wwithout fatty voxels (PDFF < 10%) show good agreement, whereas standard deviation (σ) T2w and σ T2wwithout fatty voxels show increasing difference with increasing values of σ. Thereby two subgroups can be observed, referring to muscles in which the exclusion of fatty voxels has a negligible influence versus muscles in which a strong dependency of the T2w value distribution on the exclusion of fatty voxels is present. Because of the two opposite effects that influence T2w in a voxel, namely, (i) a pathophysiologically increased water mobility leading to T2w elevation, and (ii) a dependency of T2w on the PDFF leading to decreased T2w, the T2w distribution within a muscle might be heterogenous and the routine mean or median analysis can lead to a misinterpretation of the muscle health. It was concluded that muscle T2w mean values can wrongly suggest healthy muscle tissue. A deeper analysis of the underlying value distribution is necessary. Therefore, a quantitative analysis of T2w histograms is a potential alternative.
Exploring facilitators and barriers for successful transition among new Saudi graduate nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Alsalamah Yasir , Fawaz Mirna 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimThis study aims at exploring Saudi newly graduated nurses' perspectives on the facilitators and barriers for successful transition from being a student to being a nurse.DesignA phenomenological qualitative methodology was employed.MethodsFocus group discussions were carried out among 35 Saudi nurses at one major university hospital in Saudi Arabia.ResultsUnder the theme of barriers to transition three main subthemes emerged, namely “Fear of making medical errors,” “Intense Workload and Expectations,” “Bullying and lack of support,” while under the facilitators of transition the subthemes which emerged were “Supportive preceptor,” “Training workshops,” “Need for transition programs.” This research found that formal and informal techniques for strengthening institutional variables and improving individual factors are critical for new graduate nurses' effective transition into professional responsibilities.
Downregulation of HDAC9 by the ketone metabolite β‐hydroxybutyrate suppresses vascular calcification
Authors: Lan Zirong , Chen An , Li Li , Ye Yuanzhi , Liang Qingchun , Dong Qianqian , Wang Siyi , Fu Mingwei , Li Yining , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhu Zhenyu , Ou Jing‐Song , Qiu Xiaozhong , Lu Lihe , Yan Jianyun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractVascular calcification is an actively regulated process resembling bone formation and contributes to the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, an effective therapy for vascular calcification is still lacking. The ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) has been demonstrated to have health‐promoting effects including anti‐inflammation and cardiovascular protective effects. However, whether BHB protects against vascular calcification in CKD remains unclear. In this study, Alizarin Red staining and calcium content assay showed that BHB reduced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and arterial rings. Of note, compared with CKD patients without thoracic calcification, serum BHB levels were lower in CKD patients with thoracic calcification. Supplementation with 1,3‐butanediol (1,3‐B), the precursor of BHB, attenuated aortic calcification in CKD rats and VitD3‐overloaded mice. Furthermore, RNA‐seq analysis revealed that BHB downregulated HDAC9, which was further confirmed by RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis. Both pharmacological inhibition and knockdown of HDAC9 attenuated calcification of human VSMCs, while overexpression of HDAC9 exacerbated calcification of VSMCs and aortic rings, indicating that HDAC9 promotes vascular calcification under CKD conditions. Of note, BHB treatment antagonized HDAC9‐induced vascular calcification. In addition, HDAC9 overexpression activated the NF‐κB signaling pathway and inhibition of NF‐κB attenuated HDAC9‐induced VSMC calcification, suggesting that HDAC9 promotes vascular calcification via activation of NF‐κB. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that BHB supplementation inhibits vascular calcification in CKD via modulation of the HDAC9‐dependent NF‐κB signaling pathway. Moreover, we unveil a crucial mechanistic role of HDAC9 in vascular calcification under CKD conditions; thus, nutritional intervention or pharmacological approaches to enhance BHB levels could act as promising therapeutic strategies to target HDAC9 for the treatment of vascular calcification in CKD. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Preparation and characterization of silica based nanoclusters as reinforcement for dental applications
Authors: Hategekimana Faustin , Kiraz Nadir 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAs composite resins become the most extensively utilized material in the field of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, several strategies to overcome dental composites' challenges such as long‐term mechanical failure and secondary caries are continuously being developed. Among them, the design of suitable fillers to optimize their clinical performance has been given priority in addressing those shortcomings. In this study, silica‐based nanoclusters were synthesized and used as fillers to prepare UV curable dental composites was assessed. Nanoclusters were prepared by prepolymerization followed by pulverization and sieving of commercial silica nanoparticles with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomer. The composites were then made by filling 55:25:20 weight ratio of urethane dimethacrylate, bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, respectively with varying concentration of nanoclusters. The clusters and composites were characterized by SEM, TGA, and FTIR analyzes. The results have shown a significant improvement of physical and mechanical properties in composites containing nanoclusters. Increasing nanocluster concentration caused a reduction in composite polymerization shrinkage, water absorption and solubility as well as limited rise of flexural strength. At 50% filler load, nanoclusters doped composites exhibited higher flexural strength than nanoparticles doped composites. Furthermore, the blending of nanoclusters with nanoparticles as fillers produced the composites having the lowest polymerization shrinkage (2.2%) and the highest flexural strength (113.91 MPa). Overall, the synthesized nanoclusters have shown greater performance in comparison with the current available silica nanoparticles.
Fatigue, fracture toughness and DMA of biosilica toughened epoxy with stacked okra fiber and Al 2024‐T3 fiber metal laminate composite
Authors: Ramesh G. , Uvaraja V. C. , Gnanasundara Jayaraja B. , Patil Pravin P. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this present study, a natural fiber‐based fiber metal laminate (FML) was fabricated for various engineering applications. The primary aim of this present investigation was to study the effect of adding natural fiber along with metal and the effect of the surface‐treatment process on the reinforcements on load‐bearing and thermo‐mechanical properties. Okra fiber woven mat, aluminum 2024‐T3 foil and rice husk‐derived biosilica were used as reinforcements. For surface treatment, the metal foil was sandblasted whereas the okra fiber and biosilica were silane‐treated. The FML was fabricated using the vacuum bag method utilizing as‐received and silane‐treated reinforcements as two separate models. According to the results, the addition of Al foil and okra fiber improved the storage modulus and loss factor of about 4.2 GPa and 0.39 for surface‐treated reinforcements. Similarly, maximum fracture toughness and energy release of 39.42 MPa √m and 0.76 MJ/m2 for surface‐treated EOA2 composite designation. Moreover, the addition of okra fiber and Al foil increased the fatigue life counts up to 54,266, 48,116, and 26,263 for surface‐treated EOA2 composite at 30%, 60%, and 90% of ultimate tensile stress (UTS). Such thermo‐mechanical and load‐bearing properties improved FMLs could be used in automotive, aircraft, drone and other industrial applications requiring high structural rigidity and load absorbing capability.
Lightweight biodegradable hybrid composite sandwich panel under three‐point bending loads—Experimental and numerical
Authors: Beigpour Reza , Khalili Seyed Mohammad Reza , Shokrollahi Hassan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this research, the flexural behavior of lightweight biodegradable sandwich panel consisting of the outer green composite facesheets with polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and natural kenaf and cotton fibers, with five various stacking types of standard cardboard egg boxes cores under three‐point bending loads as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic sandwich structures is investigated. The stiffness of this structure in bending is also studied using finite element simulations. The thickest specimen absorbed the most energy during flexural testing, however, the specimens containing two egg boxes inside each other were found to have a higher strength and stiffness. Using finite element method simulations to investigate the influence of composite facesheet thickness on flexural loads, it was found that the amount of the load carried by each sandwich specimen with doubled thickness was increased at least by about 50%. By changing the core's material from cardboard egg box to bamboo/PLA or kenaf‐cotton/PLA egg boxes, stiffness and strength and also the energy absorption were significantly increased. Therefore, it is possible to fabricate composite sandwich structures which are light and biodegradable for green environment and has the potential to replace many plastic products and structures that are used in food packaging and medium loads structures applications.
SiO2 and ZnO hybrid nanofillers modified natural rubber latex: Excellent mechanical and antibacterial properties
Authors: Mou Wenjie , Li Jinglin , Fu Xiaomei , Huang Chaojie , Chen Lishui , Liu Ye 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe modification of polymer with nanoparticles has been proved to have good results, but the key of this method is that nanoparticles can maintain uniform dispersion in the polymer. Herein, silica (SiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid nanofillers were prepared by self‐made dispersion equipment to modify natural rubber latex (NRL). The results show that the uniformly dispersed nano‐SiO2 fillers increase the number of entanglements in the molecular chain of NRL, thereby improving the tensile properties. The tensile strength and elongation at break of LZ1S4.2 were increased to 32.61 MPa and 957%, respectively. The increase of the number of entanglements also makes the structure of NRL more compact, and improves the barrier performance and aging resistance. The uniformly dispersed nano‐ZnO fillers endow the NRL with excellent antibacterial properties, and the antibacterial rate (For Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) is greater than 99.9%. In addition, NRL condoms and gloves incorporating hybrid nanofillers have been proved to have good biocompatibility, and this NRL nanocomposite is expected to be applied to other NRL products.
Constrained but not contained: How marginalized entrepreneurs overcome institutional bias and mobilize resources
Authors: Simarasl Nastaran , Jiang David , Pandey Sheela , Navis Chad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractResearch SummaryIn this study, we advance novel understandings of strategies that marginalized entrepreneurs use to overcome institutional bias and mobilize crucial resources. Using grounded theory, we analyzed qualitative interview data from 97 women entrepreneurs across Iran, India, and the United States to understand the source and nature of the institutional constraints they faced, the strategies they used to overcome these constraints, and the agency and legitimacy that ensued as a result. We found that marginalized entrepreneurs engaged in three focal strategies: family transmutation, ally activation, and enabler cooptation. We propose that these strategies enhance marginalized entrepreneurs' likelihood of securing needed resources, but with different consequences for their agency and legitimacy. We offer several contributions to entrepreneurial resource mobilization and institutional literatures.Managerial SummaryThis study explores how marginalized entrepreneurs gain agency, legitimacy, and other resources in the face of institutional biases. Our findings from interviews with 97 women entrepreneurs in Iran, India, and the United States show that when marginalized entrepreneurs face biases from their families, they can use a family transmutation strategy to gain family support and enhance their agency and legitimacy. Furthermore, marginalized entrepreneurs who encounter constraints from non‐family members can use an ally activation strategy to alleviate these constraints and enhance their agency and legitimacy. Finally, we found that in the face of self‐constraints that marginalized entrepreneurs impose on themselves, the use of an enabler cooptation strategy may have an adverse effect on their agency and legitimacy, even though it may facilitate their temporary resource access.
Time to unicorn status: An exploratory examination of new ventures with extreme valuations
Authors: Kotha Suresh , Shin Seowon Joseph , Fisher Greg 
Published: July 2022

AbstractResearch SummaryUnicorns—private new venture firms with over a billion dollars in valuation—have garnered increased attention from the media, analysts, and the public. We first provide a descriptive assessment of unicorn ventures by examining heterogeneity within this unique population using a novel dataset. Then drawing on prior research on growth and valuation, we focus on the temporal dynamics of ventures within the unicorn population to assess variations in the speed at which they reach a billion dollars in valuation. We highlight some significant relationships by investigating associations between founder, investment, venture, and industry characteristics and the temporal dynamics of speed to reach unicorn status. We conclude by outlining a research agenda on the temporal dynamics of growth and scaling.Managerial SummaryUnicorn ventures represent a small but high‐profile category of entrepreneurial ventures that have captured media attention and garnered broad interest while attracting significant private capital. As a global phenomenon, they have certainly left a significant mark on the business landscape as they exploit unique market and technological opportunities to exemplify new industries and market categories. Leveraging hand‐collected data from many sources, we provide a comprehensive descriptive assessment of this population by focusing on the founder, venture, investment, and industry characteristics. We also show how U.S.‐ and China‐based unicorn ventures differ on numerous factors. Given a great deal of interest in the speed to unicorn status within the practitioner community, we highlight some novel internal (founder and venture characteristics) and external (industry and investment) factors associated with the time it takes to attain unicorn status.
Rich Indium‐Vacancies In2S3 with Atomic p–n Homojunction for Boosting Photocatalytic Multifunctional Properties
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Chen Cailing , He Yiqiang , Zhang Zhe , Li Mingbian , Li Chunguang , Chen Xiao‐Bo , Han Yu , Shi Zhan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDesign and development of highly efficient photocatalytic materials are key to employ photocatalytic technology as a sound solution to energy and environment related challenges. This work aims to significantly boost photocatalytic activity through rich indium vacancies (VIn) In2S3 with atomic p–n homojunction through a one‐pot preparation strategy. Positron annihilation spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance reveal existence of VIn in the prepared photocatalysts. Mott–Schottky plots and surface photovoltage spectra prove rich VIn In2S3 can form atomic p–n homojunction. It is validated that p–n homojunction can effectively separate carriers combined with photoelectrochemical tests. VIn decreases carrier transport activation energy (CTAE) from 0.64 eV of VIn‐poor In2S3 to 0.44 eV of VIn‐rich In2S3. The special structure endows defective In2S3 with multifunctional photocatalysis properties, i.e., hydrogen production (872.7 µmol g−1 h−1), degradation of methyl orange (20 min, 97%), and reduction in heavy metal ions Cr(VI) (30 min, 98%) under simulated sunlight, which outperforms a variety of existing In2S3 composite catalysts. Therefore, such a compositional strategy and mechanistic study are expected to offer new insights for designing highly efficient photocatalysts through defect engineering.