bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregation Behavior of Mixed Micellar System of Dodecyl Sulfate‐Based Surface‐Active Ionic Liquids and Anionic Surfactant in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Kaur Gagandeep 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMixed micellization behavior of dodecyl sulfate‐based ionic liquids, i.e., 1‐propyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dodecyl sulfate [C3mim][DS] and 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dodecyl sulfate [C6mim][DS] with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is investigated at (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K in aqueous medium. For this, the conductometric measurements are carried out to evaluate the critical micelle concentrations (cmc), ideal critical micelle concentration (cmc*), degree of counterion dissociation (g), thermodynamic parameters, micellar mole fraction of ionic liquids, and interaction parameter (β) of the mixed system based on the different proposed models given in the literature. Further surface tension measurements have been carried out to confirm the value of cmc obtained via a conductivity study for all the studied systems at 298.15 K. Other surface parameters, such as surface tension at cmc (γcmc), surface pressure (ᴨcmc), surface excess (Γmax), and minimum area per molecule (Amin), have also been evaluated for both the systems.
Purification, characterization, immobilization and kinetic studies of catalase from a novel sourceSechium edule
Authors: Takio Nene , Yadav Meera , Barman Mridusmita , Yadav Hardeo Singh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA catalase from a novel sourceSechium edule(squash) has been purified to homogeneity using ammonium sulfate fractional precipitation, dialysis, and anion exchange chromatography on Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose in sodium acetate buffer pH 6.0. The purity of the enzyme was analyzed by SDS‐PAGE. The molecular weight of the enzyme using the SDS‐PAGE method was found to be 55 kDa with specific activity 6.35 U/mg. The molecular weight of the enzyme was further confirmed by the INTACT mass spectrometric technique and found to be 52.5 kDa. The Reinheitzahl (Rz) value of the enzyme was 1.5. The MALDI‐TOF analysis of the purified enzyme showed that it contains 529 amino acid residues. TheKm,Vmax,optimum pH, and optimum temperature of the free enzyme using H2O2as the substrate were found to be 0.03 mM, 200 μmol/min, 7.6, and 24°C, respectively. The purified enzyme was immobilized on chitosan beads which was prepared by extracting the chitosan fromCornu aspersum(garden snail) having highest degree of deacetylation%. The kinetic characteristics,Km,Vmax,optimum pH, and optimum temperature of the immobilized catalase were found to be 0.065 mM, 250 μmol/min, 7.6, and 41°C, respectively. The immobilized catalase is more thermostable in comparison to free catalase.
Presenting Symptom as a Predictor of Clinical course in Juvenile Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Mudd Pamela , Wikner Emily , Rana Md Sohel , Zalzal George 
Published: December 2020

Objective/HypothesisDetermine if the presentation of voice versus airway symptoms at the time of diagnosis of juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) correlates with treatment and outcomes.Study DesignOriginal report, Retrospective review.MethodsTwenty year retrospective review of all patients with JORRP presenting at any time in treatment to a single tertiary children's hospital between 1997 and 2017.ResultsFifty‐four patients presented with a diagnosis of JORRP during the 20 year study period. Of these, 32 were female and 22 were male. African American children made up the majority of the patients (65%), with 19% identifying as Caucasian, 9% Hispanic, and 7% Asian. Fifteen of the children presented initially to the ENT clinic (87% with hoarseness), 12 to the emergency department (92% with airway concerns), 11 to the voice clinic, and the remaining 12 at outside hospitals or clinics and care were transferred. Voice symptoms, namely hoarseness, was the presenting symptom in 31 (57%), airway symptoms, namely respiratory distress or stridor was predominate in 17 (32%), and the presenting symptom was unknown in six cases (11%). Children presenting with airway symptoms were younger at presentation (median 2.1 years, range 0.38–8.77 years) than those presenting with voice symptoms (median 6.7 years, range 0.98–15.13 years), and after adjusting for age underwent a greater number of surgeries in the first year to control disease.ConclusionsPatients who present with airway symptoms present younger and have an increased number of surgeries in the first year compared to those presenting with voice complaints.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1670–1675, 2021
Endoscopic Endonasal Prelacrimal Approach: Radiological Considerations, Morbidity, and Outcomes
Authors: Arosio Alberto Daniele , Valentini Marco , Canevari Frank Rikki , Volpi Luca , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Terzakis Dimitris , Battaglia Paolo , Georgalas Christos , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo , Turri‐Zanoni Mario 
Published: December 2020

Objective/HypothesisThis study describes a multicentric experience with the use of prelacrimal approach (PLA), focusing on preoperative radiological parameters potentially associated with surgical outcomes and postoperative morbidity.Study DesignRetrospective case‐series.MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing PLA in three European referral centers was performed. The post‐operative morbidity was analyzed in relation to two radiological parameters: width of prelacrimal recess (WPR) and internal angle of pyriform notch (APN).ResultsThe study included 28 patients affected by Schneiderian papilloma (20 cases), inflammatory disease (6 cases), schwannoma (1 case), and osteoma (1 case). The most reported sequela was paresthesia of ipsilateral anterior superior alveolar process (25% of the cases). An association between post‐operative morbidity and APN was observed (P = .047).ConclusionsPreoperative radiological evaluation of WPR is crucial in understanding the feasibility of the approach, while APN measurement may predict postoperative morbidity, which is paramount in the patients' counseling.Level of Evidence4 case‐seriesLaryngoscope, 131:1715–1721, 2021
Naked Mole‐Rat, a Rodent with an Apolipoprotein A‐I Dimer
Authors: Puppione Don L. , Tran Denise P. , Zenaidee Muhammad A. , Charugundla Sarada , Whitelegge Julian P. , Buffenstein Rochelle 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA variety of rodents have been used as experimental animals in metabolic studies of plasma lipids and lipoproteins. These studies have included understanding the functional role of apolipoprotein A‐I, the major protein on the surface of HDL. Reviewing the genomic database for entries for rodent apoA‐I genes, it was discovered that the naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber) gene encoded a protein with a cysteine at residue 28. Previously, two cases have been reported in which human heterozygotes had apoA‐I with cysteine at residues 173 (apoA‐I Milano) or at 151 (apoA‐I Paris). Interestingly, both groups, in spite of having low levels of HDL and moderately elevated plasma triacylglycerols, had no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the presence of the cysteine enabled the apoA‐I to form both homodimers and heterodimers. Prior to this report, no other mammalian apoA‐I has been found with a cysteine in its sequence. In addition, the encoded naked mole‐rat protein had different amino acids at sites that were conserved in all other mammals. These differences resulted in naked mole‐rat apoA‐I having an unexpected neutral pI value, whereas other mammalian apoA‐I have negative pI values. To verify these sequence differences and to determine if the N‐terminal location of C28 precluded dimer formation, we conducted mass spectrometry analyses of apoA‐I and other proteins associated with HDL. Consistent with the genomic data, our analyses confirmed the presence of C28 and the formation of a homodimer. Analysis of plasma lipids surprisingly revealed a profile similar to the human heterozygotes.
Coastal phytoplankton responses to atmospheric deposition during summer
Authors: Zhou Weiwen , Li Qian P. , Wu Zhengchao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe northern South China Sea is subject to an increasing influence of aerosol loading, particularly over the past decades owing to the fast economic growth of mainland China. To study the response of the coastal phytoplankton community to atmospheric deposition, we performed onboard microcosm experiments at various coastal regions of the northern South China Sea, including a river plume zone and the two major upwelling zones. We found that the addition of aerosol and rainwater significantly increased the micro‐phytoplankton size‐fraction by 2.3–5.4‐folds regardless of the type of preexisting nutrient limitation in the phytoplankton community. There were three types of distinct responses to the manipulation additions observed: positive, negligible, or even negative effects. A significant inhibition effect (27–74% decrease) in the Qiongdong upwelling zone could be attributed to elevated metal toxicity on the phytoplankton community seeding from the subsurface after it had been brought up to the surface due to an outcrop of the thermocline. While Prochlorococcus growth was uniformly inhibited by the additions, both positive and negative effects were observed for the remainder of the picoplankton community. P‐limited Synechococcus was stimulated by aerosol and rainwater additions (1.2–2.8‐folds increase), whereas N‐limited Synechococcus was inhibited (decreased by 9–28%). Our results suggest that coastal phytoplankton responses to atmospheric depositions are regulated by both the fertilizing effects of aerosol nutrients and the toxic effects of aerosol metals. Our findings highlight the critical role of atmospheric depositions on spatial change of phytoplankton biomass and community structure in the coastal ocean, which could greatly affect ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemical cycles of the shelf sea.
A simulation study of steric effects on the anodic dissolution at high current densities
Authors: Köhn Christoph , van Laethem Dries , Deconinck Johan , Hubin Annick 
Published: December 2020

AbstractElectrochemical machining (ECM) and electropolishing are examples of anodic dissolution used in a wide variety of applications. Proper simulations of ECM require the establishment of a so‐called gel layer of liquid metal salt, responsible for the depletion of water close to the surface such that the oxygen evolution is reduced. However, this effect is neglected in many simulation efforts, although it is significant to improve the accuracy of the machining process. Some authors consider this effect by an engineered “water‐repelling” function that depends on the local metal ion concentration. As an alternative, we discuss the theoretical description and the implementation of modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations taking into account expressions in which each ion has its own maximum concentration and corresponding steric limit. We investigate a basic system of water, sodium chloride, and iron ions. Simulations pending on the local metal ion concentration for current densities show that the modified model works; steric effects become important for large current densities and the formation of a resistive gel layer is responsible for the reduction of water at the electrode. We observe that the electrostatic potential resulting from space charge effects is not affected by implementing the different species sizes. Further research is needed to explore the applicability of industrial simulation tools.
STN‐DBS Increases Proactive but Not Retroactive Interference During Verbal Learning in PD
Authors: Georgiev Dejan , Roškar Sanja , Čuš Anja , Wilkinson Leonora , Jahanshahi Marjan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundProactive interference (PI) refers to the interference of previously learned materials with new learning and reflects the failure of inhibitory processes in memory. Retroactive interference (RI) refers to the unfavorable effect of new learning on the later recall of previously learned information. Although subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) does not affect global cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD), it has negative effects on specific aspects of cognition, including verbal fluency and executive inhibitory control of action.To this end, we set to test the acute effect of STN‐DBS on PI and RI during verbal learning.MethodsTwenty PD patients with STN‐DBS were tested on the California Verbal Learning Test‐II using an ON/OFF stimulation design.ResultsThe results showed that stimulation increased PI ON stimulation (P = 0.012) but had no effect on RI (P = 0.816).ConclusionsOur results extend the role of STN to the inhibitory control that is required during memory encoding or recall for prevention of PI. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sickle cell disease in Grenada: Quality of life and barriers to care
Authors: Grygiel Alyssa , Ikolo Felicia , Stephen Raphielle , Bleasdille Dawnell , Robbins‐Furman Patricia , Nelson Beverly , Sobering Andrew K. , Elsea Sarah H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundGrenada is a small, resource‐limited Caribbean country with a high incidence of sickle cell disease (SCD). Since little is known about the challenges facing individuals living with SCD in the West Indies, we sought to assess barriers to healthcare and the impact of SCD on quality of life in Grenada.MethodsBoth adults aged 18+ (n = 19) and caregivers of children aged 2–17 (n = 26) completed validated survey measures regarding barriers to care and quality of life, along with a genetics knowledge questionnaire. Caregivers also completed a caregiver burden scale. Survey scores were calculated, and responses were analyzed for an association between demographic variables.ResultsThe Barriers to Care Questionnaire, in which lower scores indicate more barriers, revealed that both adults (mean = 69.9) and children (mean = 75.5) with SCD experienced reduced access to care. The Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System indicated increased depression and loneliness in adults, with the lowest scores in the Emotional subscale. However, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory answered by caregivers of children with SCD showed the lowest scores in the Physical Functioning subscale. Further analysis using the Caregiver Burden Scale‐Zarit Burden Interview revealed that 53.8% of caregivers of children with SCD indicated “little to no burden,” which may reflect a difference in cultural expectations of a caregiver between high‐income countries and Grenada. Finally, ~80% of respondents knew that SCD was a genetic condition; however, 61%–84% could not correctly indicate recurrence risks, demonstrating a need for additional education.ConclusionThese data provide new insights regarding the experience of living with SCD in Grenada and support the need for further investigations into specific barriers to healthcare delivery, which could also improve education and well‐being for those affected by SCD in Grenada and in the broader Caribbean community.
Bidirectional beamforming with +1st harmonic in time‐modulated linear arrays using two switching sequences
Authors: Ma Yue , Miao Chen , Li Yue‐Hua , Wu Wen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this study, a novel scheme is proposed for bidirectional beamforming using time‐modulated linear arrays (TMLAs). A beamforming method with a time shift was adopted to obtain the bidirectional pattern with the +1st harmonic using two switching sequences. Furthermore, the genetic algorithm was modified to obtain an additional beam using the fundamental component. In the proposed approach, the direction and sidelobe of the beam can be controlled by designing switching sequences, resulting in low complexity and a flexible structure in case of bidirectional beamforming. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed methods, and the levels of the sidelobe and null were reduced to −20 and −53.7 dB, respectively.
Technical Note: kV‐independent coronary calcium scoring: A phantom evaluation of score accuracy and potential radiation dose reduction
Authors: Tao Shengzhen , Sheedy Emily , Bruesewitz Michael , Weber Nikkole , Williams Kyle , Halaweish Ahmed , Schmidt Bernhard , Williamson Eric , McCollough Cynthia , Leng Shuai 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo determine the accuracy of CT number and calcium score of a kV‐independent technique based on an artificial 120 kV reconstruction, and its potential to reduce radiation dose.MethodsAnthropomorphic chest phantoms were scanned on a third‐generation dual‐source CT system equipped with the artificial 120 kV reconstruction. First, a phantom module containing a 20‐mm diameter hydroxyapatite (HA) insert was scanned inside the chest phantoms at different tube potentials (70–140 kV) to evaluate calcium CT number accuracy. Next, three small HA inserts (diameter/length = 5 mm) were inserted into a pork steak and scanned inside the phantoms to evaluate calcium score accuracy at different kVs. Finally, the same setup was scanned using automatic exposure control (AEC) at 120 kV, and then with automatic kV selection (auto‐kV). Phantoms were also scanned at 120 kV using a size‐dependent mA chart. CT numbers of soft tissue and calcium were measured from different kV images. Calcium score of each small HA insert was measured using commercial software.ResultsThe CT number difference from 120 kV was small with tube potentials from 90 to 140 kV for both soft tissue and calcium (maximal difference of 4/5 HU, respectively). Consistent calcium scores were obtained from images of different kVs compared to 120 kV, with a relative difference <8%. Auto‐kV provided a 25–34% dose reduction compared to AEC alone.ConclusionA kV‐independent calcium scoring technique can produce artificial 120 kV images with consistent soft tissue and calcium CT numbers compared to standard 120 kV examinations. When coupled with auto‐kV, this technique can reduce radiation by 25–34% compared to that with AEC alone, while providing consistent calcium scores as that of standard 120 kV examinations.
Technical Note: A simple method for measuring the slice sensitivity profile of iteratively reconstructed CT images using a non‐slanted edge plane
Authors: Narita Akihiro , Ohkubo Masaki , Fukaya Takahiro , Noto Yoshiyuki 
Published: December 2020

PurposeA method for measuring the slice sensitivity profile (SSP) of computed tomography (CT) images reconstructed with iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms was reported by the AAPM Task Group 233 (TG233). In this method, the phantom plane edge is slightly slanted with respect to the scan plane to obtain a composite oversampled edge‐spread function (ESF). However, it is expected that a fine‐sampled ESF can be obtained directly from images reconstructed with a small slice increment without slanting the edge plane. This study aimed to investigate the validity of using a non‐slanted edge plane.MethodsIn the proposed non‐slanted edge method, the phantom was positioned so that the plane edge was perpendicular to the longitudinal z‐axis, and images were reconstructed with a 1‐mm slice thickness and 0.1‐mm increment. The mean CT value was obtained in each slice and plotted as a function of slice position along the z‐axis, thereby generating the ESF. The SSP was calculated from the ESF by differentiation. In the TG 233‐recommended slanted edge method, the SSP was obtained by following the procedure described in the TG233 report. To validate the methodology, we first used filtered back projection (FBP) images to compare SSPs obtained using the non‐slanted edge method, slanted edge method, and a standard method using a high‐contrast thin object (coin). Next, for two types of IR algorithms, we compared the SSPs obtained using the non‐slanted and slanted edge methods.ResultsFor the FBP images, the SSP measured using the non‐slanted edge method agreed well with SSPs measured using the coin and slanted edge methods. For the IR images, the SSPs measured using the non‐slanted and slanted edge methods showed good agreement.ConclusionsThe non‐slanted edge method was demonstrated to be valid. The simplicity and practicality of the method allows routine and accurate determination of the SSP.
Improved reproducibility of diffusion MRI of the human brain with a four‐way blip‐up and down phase‐encoding acquisition approach
Authors: Irfanoglu M. Okan , Sadeghi Neda , Sarlls Joelle , Pierpaoli Carlo 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo assess the effects of blip‐up and ‐down echo planar imaging (EPI) acquisition designs, with different choices of phase‐encoding directions (PEDs) on the reproducibility of diffusion MRI (dMRI)‐derived metrics in the human brain.MethodsDiffusion MRI data in seven subjects were acquired five times, each with five different protocols. The base design included 64 diffusion directions acquired with anterior‐posterior (AP) PED, the first and second protocols added reverse phase‐encoded posterior‐anterior (PA) PED images. The third one included 32 directions all with PED acquisitions with opposite polarity (AP and PA). The fourth protocol, also with 32 unique directions used four PEDs (AP, PA, right‐left (RL), and left‐right (LR)). The scan time was virtually identical for all protocols. The variability of diffusion MRI metrics for each subject and each protocol was computed across the different sessions.ResultsThe highest reproducibility for all dMRI metrics was obtained with protocol four (AP/PA‐RL/LR, ie, four‐way PED). Protocols that used only for distortion correction, which are the most widely used designs, had the lowest reproducibility.ConclusionsAn acquisition design with four PEDs, including all DWIs in addition to images should be used to achieve high reproducibility in diffusion MRI studies.
Results on approximate controllability of nondensely defined fractional neutral stochastic differential systems
Authors: Dineshkumar C. , Udhayakumar R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn our article, we are primarily concentrating on approximate controllability results for nondensely defined fractional neutral stochastic differential systems. By applying the results and ideas belongs to fractional calculus, multivalued maps and fixed point approach, the main results are established. Initially, we establish the approximate controllability of the considered fractional system, then continue to examine the system with infinite delay. In the end, we present an example to demonstrate the theory.
Protonation of γ‐Butyrolactone and γ‐Butyrolactam
Authors: Beck Stefanie , Feller Michael , Spies Laura , Dietrich Kai J. , Jessen Christoph , Stierstorfer Karin , Kornath Andreas J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAbstract: γ‐Butyrolactone and γ‐butyrolactam were reacted in the superacidic systems XF/MF5 (X=H, D; M=As, Sb). Salts of the monoprotonated species of γ‐butyrolactone were obtained in terms of [(CH2)3OCOH]+[AsF6]−, [(CH2)3OCOH]+[SbF6]− and [(CH2)3OCOD]+[AsF6]− and the analogous lactam salts in terms of [(CH2)3NHCOH]+[AsF6]−, [(CH2)3NHCOH]+[SbF6]− and [(CH2)3NDCOD]+[AsF6]−. The salts were characterized by low temperature Raman and infrared spectroscopy and for both protonated hexafluoridoarsenates, [(CH2)3OCOH]+[AsF6]− and [(CH2)3NHCOH]+[AsF6]−, single‐crystal X‐ray structure analyses were conducted. In addition to the experimental results, quantum chemical calculations were performed on the B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory. As in both crystal structures C⋅⋅⋅F contacts were observed, the nature of these contacts is discussed with Mapped Electrostatic Potential as a rate of strength.