bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal music exposure influences weight, ghrelin expression, and morphology of rat hypothalamic neuron cultures
Authors: Russo Cristina , Patanè Martina , Pellitteri Rosalia , Stanzani Stefania , Russo Antonella 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMusic plays an important role in brain physiology, in some areas related to emotions, food intake and body weight, such as the hypothalamus. There are different frequencies to which it can be tuned, today the most utilized is at 440 Hz, while in the past the 432 Hz frequency was more used to show particular effects on brain. It is known that Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, regulates food intake in the hypothalamus; in a previous paper, we reported that musical stimuli at 432 Hz modified the Ghrelin expression in the rat, increasing beneficial effects on metabolism. In this study, we used this frequency and we focused our attention on body weight, Ghrelin expression, and neuron morphology in hypothalamic cultures. To investigate the role of music, we utilized newborn pups from pregnant rats that were exposed to music stimuli at 432 Hz during the perinatal period and for the postnatal period, some for 3 days (P3) and others for 6 days (P6). Some pups were not exposed to music stimuli (controls). Our results showed that music increased the body weight of pups; in addition, enhanced Ghrelin expression in hypothalamic neurons and their axonal elongation were highlighted by immunocytochemical techniques. Moreover, we found that the positive music effect started in pups at P3 and increased at P6 compared with controls. These results suggest that the musical frequency at 432 Hz could stimulate the orexigenic Ghrelin effects influencing the increase in body weight and affecting the number of hypothalamic neurons expressing Ghrelin.
Decomposition of poultry litter organic matter co‐applied with industrial and agricultural products/by‐products
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Tewolde Haile , Miles Dana , Munyon Jay , Brooks John P. , Feng Gary , Zhang Fengbao , Yang Mingyi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIncreasing soil organic matter (SOM) is one purpose of applying manures to soils, but soil‐applied manures decompose and disappear in a short time, leaving very little trace as SOM. The objective of this study was to test and identify agricultural and industrial products and by‐products (PBPs) that reduce the speed of manure decomposition and, potentially, increase SOM. Raw poultry litter (PL) was amended with selected PBPs (15% fresh weight) and incubated for 1–3 mo. Unamended PL lost an average of 19% of its dry weight after 1 mo incubation and 24% of its dry weight after 3 mo. Monitoring the CO2 release during a 1‐mo incubation revealed that decomposition and weight loss of unamended PL is greatest in the first 2 d. Amending PL with Al2(SO4)3· 18H2O and CaO reduced cumulative CO2 release and final dry biomass loss during the incubation period of 1–3 mo. Amending PL with Al2(SO4)3· 18H2O reduced PL temperature by up to 14 °C and pH by ∼4.0, whereas CaO elevated its temperature by up to 24 °C and pH by ∼4.0. Both products suppressed total culturable bacteria and reduced dehydrogenase activity soon after mixing. Amending PL with flue gas desulfurization gypsum, CaCO3, cement kiln dust, or biochar either enhanced or had no effect on suppressing litter decomposition. Our results overall show that the decomposition of PL and possibly other manures may be slowed and that the soil‐residence life of manure C may be increased using PBPs that raise or lower manure pH and temperature.
GeneLiFT: A novel test to facilitate rapid screening of genetic literacy in a diverse population undergoing genetic testing
Authors: Milo Rasouly Hila , Cuneo Nicole , Marasa Maddalena , DeMaria Natalia , Chatterjee Debanjana , Thompson Jacqueline J. , Fasel David A. , Wynn Julia , Chung Wendy K. , Appelbaum Paul , Weng Chunhua , Bakken Suzanne , Gharavi Ali G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWith the broader introduction of genomic medicine in research and clinical care, an increasing number of persons are offered genetic testing. Many factors, including genetic literacy, may impact the utilization of genetic results by patients and their families. We developed a rapid, self‐administered measure of genetic literacy, called Genetic Literacy Fast Test (GeneLiFT). We next evaluated the association of GeneLiFT scores with the comprehension of limitations of genomic medicine in participants undergoing genetic testing in the NIH‐sponsored eMERGE III study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York. All participants underwent genetic screening for variants in 74 actionable genes associated with adult‐onset disorders. A diverse cohort of 724 participants completed the survey (60% women, 45% less than 40 years old, and 53% self‐reported White non‐Hispanic ancestry). The GeneLiFT was validated using known group differences based on education, health literacy, and numeracy, and with questions assessing genetic knowledge. GeneLiFT identified multiple standard genetics terms, that is, jargon, not recognized by more than 50% of participants (including actionability and pathogenicity). Low genetic literacy, identified in 210 participants (29%), was significantly associated with poor understanding of the limitations of genetic testing (p‐values < 10–9). This association was independent of education, health literacy, and numeracy levels, highlighting the importance of directly measuring genetic literacy. Low genetic literacy was also associated with low satisfaction with the informed consent process. GeneLiFT is a practical tool for rapid assessment of genetic literacy in large studies or clinical care. GeneLiFT will allow future research to efficiently assess the role of genetic literacy on the clinical impact of genetic testing.
“Conformation pinning” by anion attachment enabling separation of isomeric steroid monomers by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Cole Richard B. , Bayat Parisa , Murray Jane S. , Albers Christian , Brombach Dorith 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe separation of small molecule isomers has become a proving ground for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). To date, successful IMS separation of steroid isomers has been accomplished largely by examination of alkali metal cationized dimers, with few examples of successful separations of monomeric steroid isomers in either positive or negative ion modes. Here, we report on the novel use of anion attachment to form negative ion monomeric adducts of steroid isomers that may be separated by IMS. Computational modeling shows that [prednisolone + Cl]− adopts a conformation wherein the attaching chloride is chelated between two hydroxyl hydrogens. The electrostatic interaction between Cl− and the two substituent electropositive hydroxyl hydrogens causes “conformation pinning” of prednisolone, thereby forcing the complex to adopt a constricted conformation. The tighter conformation of [prednisolone + Cl]− permits baseline IMS separation from its isomer [cortisone + Cl]− that exists only in elongated form. Although distinguishable as anionic adducts, these isomeric steroids were impossible to separate as either protonated (MH+, positive mode) or deprotonated ([M‐H]−, negative mode) analogs. Another pair of isomeric steroids 21‐deoxycortisol and corticosterone showed improved IMS separations as chloride adducts as compared to the analogous MH+ or [M‐H]− pairs. Lastly, success was shown in separating protonated dimeric forms of isomeric steroid pairs by IMS, and we distinguish these separations from those of alkali metal cationized dimers that have been previously reported.
Ammonium fertilization increases pearl millet yield by promoting early root growth, higher tillering, and water use during grain filling in a low P Sahelian soil
Authors: Beggi Francesca , Vadez Vincent , Buerkert Andreas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground: Adaptation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to low soil phosphorus (P) at early seedling stages and efficient P fertilizer application are crucial for its survival in the West African Sahel. While addition of to P in the microdose technique has been reported to stimulate early growth of pearl millet, there is little information regarding root length (RL) at different timings.Aims: Our study aimed at assessing the effects of added and to P on (1) pearl millet agronomic traits such as root and shoot growth and (2) the water use dynamics during the cropping cycle.Methods: Twenty‐four “RhizoTubes” filled with P‐deficient soil were used to grow pearl millet under three treatments: (T1) placed P addition alone at 0.4 g per seed hole, Pplaced, (T2) Pplaced + , and (T3) Pplaced + . At 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS) we took non‐destructive measurements of RL. Water use (transpiration) was measured from 3.5 to 9 WAS.Results: At early growth, roots in the topsoil of T2 were longer than T3 and T1 roots (at 4 WAS: 129.3 cm for T2, 87.5 cm for T3, and 93.3 cm for T1, p < 0.05). Total RL at 2 WAS correlated positively with seedling height and final grain yield. Fertilization with reduced the time to flowering and increased the number of tillers and grain yield, whereas addition of increased vegetative dry matter at harvest and water use efficiency.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that fertilization with plays a critical root stimulating role at early growth stages, seemingly by increasing lateral root initiation, which carries through to a larger water use during grain filling and higher grain yield.
A phantom study on dose efficiency for orthopedic applications: Comparing slot‐scanning radiography using ultra‐small‐angle tomosynthesis to conventional radiography
Authors: Luckner Christoph , Weber Thomas , Herbst Magdalena , Ritschl Ludwig , Kappler Steffen , Maier Andreas 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis paper studies the abilities of a twin‐robotic x‐ray slot‐scanning system for orthopedic imaging to reduce dose by scatter rejection compared to conventional digital radiography.MethodsWe investigate the dose saving capabilities, especially in terms of the signal‐ and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio, as well as the scatter‐to‐primary ratio of the proposed slot‐scanning method in comparison to the state‐of‐the‐art method for length‐extended imaging. As a baseline, we use x‐ray parameters of two clinically established acquisition protocols that provide the same detector entrance dose but are profoundly different in patient dose. To obtain an estimate of the photon‐related noise directly from an x‐ray image, we implement a Poisson‐Gaussian noise model. This model is used to compare the dose efficiency of two settings and combined with the well‐known to determine the transmission parameters. We present a method with an associated measurement protocol, utilizing the robotic capabilities of the used system to automatically obtain quasi‐scatter‐free ground‐truth data with exact geometric correspondence to full‐field and slot acquisitions. In total, we investigate two body regions (thoracic spine and lumbar spine) in anterior‐posterior view with two patient sizes (BMI = 22 and 30) in two acquisition modes (conventional and slot scan with a flat‐panel detector) with and without anti‐scatter grid using an anthropomorphic upper‐body phantom.ResultsWe have shown that it is feasible to combine the proposed approach with the for the determination of scatter rejection parameters. The use of an anti‐scatter grid is indicated for full‐field acquisitions allowing for dose savings up to 46% compared to their gridless counterparts. When changing the acquisition mode to the investigated slot scan, the use of an anti‐scatter grid has no major impact on the image quality in terms of dose efficiency, in particular for patients with a BMI of 22. However, an increased contrast improvement factor was found. For normal‐sized patients, up to 53% of dose can be saved additionally in comparison to full‐field acquisitions with grid. Moreover, we could demonstrate that a slot size of 5 cm and air gap of 10 cm is sufficient to achieve scatter‐to‐primary ratios, which are equal or better compared to those of the full‐field acquisitions with a grid.ConclusionsWe have shown, that the slot‐scanning approach is always superior to the conventional full‐field acquisition in terms of signal‐to‐noise and scatter‐to‐primary ratios. Compared to the state‐of‐the‐art acquisition protocols with a grid, dose savings up to 53% are possible due to the scatter rejection without compromising the SNR. Hence, the use of the slot‐scanning method is indicated, especially when it comes to regularly carried‐out follow‐up acquisitions, for example, in the case of scoliosis monitoring.
Systematic method for a deep learning‐based prediction model for gamma evaluation in patient‐specific quality assurance of volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Tomori Seiji , Kadoya Noriyuki , Kajikawa Tomohiro , Kimura Yuto , Narazaki Kakutarou , Ochi Takahiro , Jingu Keiichi 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel strategy for establishing a deep learning‐based gamma passing rate (GPR) prediction model for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using dummy target plan data, one measurement process, and a multicriteria prediction method.MethodsA total of 147 VMAT plans were used for the training set (two sets of 48 dummy target plans) and test set (51 clinical target plans). The dummy plans were measured using a diode array detector. We developed an original convolutional neural network that accepts coronal and sagittal dose distributions to predict the GPRs of 36 pairs of gamma criteria from 0.5%/0.5 mm to 3%/3 mm. Sixfold cross‐validation and model averaging were performed, and the mean training result and mean test result were derived from six trained models that were produced during cross‐validation.ResultsStrong or moderate correlations were observed between the measured and predicted GPRs in all criteria. The mean absolute errors and root mean squared errors of the test set (clinical target plan) were 0.63 and 1.11 in 3%/3 mm, 1.16 and 1.73 in 3%/2 mm, 1.96 and 2.66 in 2%/2 mm, 5.00 and 6.35 in 1%/1 mm, and 5.42 and 6.78 in 0.5%/1 mm, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.80 in the training set and 0.68 in the test set at the 0.5%/1 mm criterion.ConclusionOur results suggest that the training of the deep learning‐based quality assurance model can be performed using a dummy target plan.
NMR spectral fingerprint patterns as diagnostics for the unambiguous configurational analysis of the classic organo‐gelator 1,3:2,4‐dibenzylidene‐d‐sorbitol (DBS) and its derivatives
Authors: Sánchez‐Pedregal Víctor M. , Kertesz Miklos , Weiss Richard G. , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Cid María Magdalena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOn the basis of experimental data and density functional theory (DFT) chemical shift and scalar coupling predictions, simple spectral nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fingerprint patterns have been established for the determination of the configuration in 1,3:2,4‐dibenzylidene‐d‐sorbitol (DBS), a classic low molecular weight gelator, and its derivatives. The results rigorously prove the orientation of the phenyl rings in DBS that had been previously assumed in the literature on the basis of thermodynamic arguments.
Dynamic oxygen‐17 MRI with adaptive temporal resolution using golden‐means‐based 3D radial sampling
Authors: Gu Yuning , Gao Huiyun , Kim Kihwan , Liu Yuchi , Ramos‐Estebanez Ciro , Luo Yu , Wang Yunmei , Yu Xin 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study was to develop a high‐resolution 3D oxygen‐17 (17O) MRI method to delineate the kinetics of 17O‐enriched water (H217O) across the entire mouse brain after a bolus injection via the tail vein.MethodsThe dynamic 17O signal was acquired with a golden‐means‐based 3D radial sampling scheme. To achieve adequate temporal resolution with preserved spatial resolution, a k‐space–weighted view sharing strategy was used in image reconstruction with an adaptive window size tailored to the kinetics of the 17O signal. Simulation studies were performed to determine the adequate image reconstruction parameters. The established method was applied to delineating the kinetics of intravenously injected H217O in vivo in the post‐stroke mouse brain.ResultsThe proposed dynamic 17O‐MRI method achieved an isotropic resolution of 1.21 mm (0.77 mm nominal) in mouse brain at 9.4T, with the temporal resolution increased gradually from 3 s at the initial phase of rapid signal increase to 15 s at the steady‐state. The high spatial resolution enabled the delineation of the heterogeneous H217O uptake and washout kinetics in stroke‐affected mouse brain.ConclusionThe current study demonstrated a 3D 17O‐MRI method for dynamic monitoring of 17O signal changes with high spatial and temporal resolution. The method can be utilized to quantify physiological parameters such as cerebral blood flow and blood–brain barrier permeability by tracking injected H217O. It can also be used to measure oxygen consumption rate in 17O‐oxygen inhalation studies.
Toward a Routine Assessment of Visceral Adipose Tissue Volume from Computed Tomographic Data
Authors: Schaudinn Alexander , Hudak Andrea , Linder Nicolas , Reinhardt Martin , Stocker Gertraud , Lordick Florian , Denecke Timm , Busse Harald 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveThe study’s aim was to determine to what extent total visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (VVAT‐T) measured from segmented VAT areas (AVAT) on all axial computed tomography (CT) sections (thickness of 5 mm) between the diaphragm and pelvic floor can be predicted by the AVAT of commonly selected landmark sections in patients with overweight or obesity.MethodsA total of 113 patients (31 females, 82 males) with images of full abdominopelvic coverage and proper image quality were included (BMI = 25.0‐64.1 kg/m2, 29.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2). Linear regression between AVAT and VVAT‐T (reference) was used to determine approximate equations for VAT volume for all parameters (single sex, different anatomical landmarks or lumbar intervertebral disc spaces, one or five axial sections). Agreement was evaluated by the multivariate coefficient of determination and by the SD of the percentage difference (sd%) between the estimated VAT volume on one or five sections and VVAT‐T.ResultsThe VVAT‐T was 0.9 to 8.4 (3.8 ± 2.2) L for females and 2.7 to 11.7 (5.6 ± 2.1) L for males. Best agreement was found at L2‐3 (sd% = 14.3%‐15.5%) for females and at L1‐2 or L2‐3 (11.7%‐12.4%) for males. Agreement at the umbilicus or the femoral heads was poor (20.2%‐57.9%). Segmentation of one or five sections was substantially faster (11/70 seconds) than whole‐abdomen processing (15 minutes).ConclusionsVVAT‐T can be rapidly estimated by VAT segmentation of axial CT sections at sex‐specific lumbar intervertebral disc spaces.
Effect of selecting cone‐beam computed tomography for diagnosis of root fractures
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Ogura Ichiro , Sugawara Yoshihiro , Oohashi Makoto , Mizuhashi Ryo , Saegusa Hisato 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground/AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the diagnosability of root fractures by cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) compared to intraoral radiography and panoramic radiography for finding the first choice of radiography to diagnose root fracture.MethodsWe reviewed the CBCT images of 60 patients with root fracture and 60 patients without root fracture. Diagnosability of root fractures by intraoral radiography, panoramic radiography, and CBCT was examined. The influence of metal materials to the diagnosability was also investigated. Sensitivity and specificity of CBCT were calculated. In the group that root fracture was diagnosable; the detection ability of root fractures by inspection was examined. Diagnosability according to vertical root fracture direction was also investigated. Statistical analyses were performed using χ2 test or cross‐tabulation.ResultsDiagnosability was statistically significantly different by radiography (P < .001), and most of root fracture was diagnosable by CBCT but it was impossible to diagnose by intraoral radiography and panoramic radiography (P < .05). Root fracture tended to be impossible to diagnose by CBCT because of the presence of metal materials around root fracture teeth (P < .05). The number of the root fractures that was diagnosable by intraoral radiography or panoramic radiography was more than root fracture detectable by inspection (P < .01) and bucco‐lingual vertical fracture (P < .05).ConclusionsThese results made it clear that the first choice of radiography to diagnose the root fracture was CBCT especially in the case of suspected of mesio‐distal vertical root fracture.
A scoping review of the characteristics and benefits of online prostate cancer communities
Authors: Pyle Denise , Perry Amanda , Lamont‐Mills Andrea , Tehan Gerry , Chambers Suzanne K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveOnline prostate cancer communities (OPCaCs) have emerged as a new source of support, not bounded by geographic barriers, for men living with prostate cancer. This scoping review mapped the existing literature to explore the characteristics and benefits of OPCaCs, identify knowledge gaps, and direct future research.MethodsA six‐step methodological framework for scoping reviews was followed. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, and full texts, against predefined criteria: empirical research, post 1990, in English‐language peer‐reviewed journals; participants included prostate cancer survivors; and research explored online peer support. Data were extracted from the studies and quality assessed.ResultsThe search yielded 905 studies, with 21 selected for synthesis. Despite significant increases in online forum membership, in the last decade, nearly half of the research was conducted over a decade ago. Three studies were rated high quality, the rest moderate. All but one of the studies were observational and cross‐sectional. Men reported that sharing information helped them deal with their diagnosis and treatment side effects. They also gained a sense of camaraderie with men who shared similar experiences. Due to divergent methodologies and reporting standards, assessment regarding OPCaC efficacy is not possible.ConclusionOPCaCs may be a cost‐effective and accessible resource for delivering peer support to men living with prostate cancer. While self‐reported evidence as to the benefits of OPCaCs exists, more longitudinal comparative studies, utilising consistent measurement approaches, are needed to support the claims.