bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated vessel diameter quantification and vessel tracing for OCT angiography
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Qinqin , Rayner Samuel G. , Qin Wan , Cheng Yuxuan , Wang Fupeng , Zheng Ying , Wang Ruikang K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOptical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is capable of non‐invasively imaging the vascular networks within circulatory tissue beds in vivo. Following improvements in OCTA image quality, it is now possible to extract vascular parameters from imaging data to potentially facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. In this paper, we present a method for automated mapping of vessel diameter down to the individual capillary level, through gradient‐guided minimum radial distance (MRD). During validation using well‐characterized microfluidic flow phantoms, this method demonstrated superior consistency and a nearly threefold decrease in error when compared to currently accepted techniques. In addition, the MRD technique exhibited a high tolerance to rotation of the vasculature pattern. We also incorporated a modified A* path searching algorithm to trace vessel branches and calculate the diameter of each branch from the OCTA images. After validation in vitro, we applied these algorithms to the in vivo setting through analysis of mouse cortical vasculature. Our algorithm returned results that followed Murray's law, until reaching the capillary level, agreeing well with known physiological data. From our tracing process, vessel tortuosity and branching angle could also be measured. Our techniques provide a platform for the automated evaluation of the vasculature and may aid in diagnosis of vascular diseases, especially those resulting in regional early‐stage morphological changes.
Effects of photobiomodulation on bone defects grafted with bone substitutes: A systematic review of in vivo animal studies
Authors: Hanna Reem , Dalvi Snehal , Amaroli Andrea , De Angelis Nicola , Benedicenti Stefano 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA present, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effectiveness in enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects grafted with or without biomaterials is unclear. This systematic review (PROSPERO, ref. CRD 42019148959) aimed to critically appraise animal in vivo published data and present the efficacy of PBMT and its potential synergistic effects on grafted bone defects. MEDLINE, CCCT, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, EMBASE, EBSCO were searched, utilizing the following keywords: bone repair; low‐level laser therapy; LLLT; light emitting diode; LEDs; photobiomodulation therapy; in vivo animal studies, bone substitutes, to identify studies between 1994 and 2019. After applying the eligibility criteria, 38 papers included where the results reported according to “PRISMA.” The results revealed insufficient and incomplete PBM parameters, however, the outcomes with or without biomaterials have positive effects on bone healing. In conclusion, in vivo animal studies with a standardized protocol to elucidate the effects of PBMT on biomaterials are required initially prior to clinical studies.
Immunomodulatory property and its regulatory mechanism of double network hydrogel on dendritic cells
Authors: Zhu Fujun , Tong Yalin , Wu Yao , Dong Ning , Sheng Zhiyong , Yao Yongming 
Published: August 2020

AbstractModulation of the key immune cell subsets by biomaterial has emerged as a potential target to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Based on calcium alginate (Alg) and glycol chitosan (GC), an injectable double‐network (DN) hydrogel has been developed as a scaffold for cell delivery and cell cocultured system. Previous studies have documented the interaction between dendritic cells (DCs) and GC or Alg hydrogel, but the potential effect of DN hydrogel on activation of DCs still remains unclear. This research was conducted to explore the immunomodulatory influence and underlying mechanisms of GC/Alg DN hydrogel on DCs in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of DCs with DN hydrogel obviously induced the maturation of DCs in vitro. In vivo, DN hydrogel did not have obvious influence on the maturation of splenic DCs on postimplantation days 3, 10, and 30. Mechanistically, we found that DN hydrogel induced the maturation of DCs via phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin in vitro. It provides a novel understanding of the immunomodulatory property of DN hydrogel on DCs, which may serve as potential target for designing immune‐mediated regenerative strategies.
Comprehensive 3D‐RISM analysis of the hydration of small molecule binding sites in ligand‐free protein structures
Authors: Yoshidome Takashi , Ikeguchi Mitsunori , Ohta Masateru 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHydration is a critical factor in the ligand binding process. Herein, to examine the hydration states of ligand binding sites, the three‐dimensional distribution function for the water oxygen site, gO(r), is computed for 3,706 ligand‐free protein structures based on the corresponding small molecule–protein complexes using the 3D‐RISM theory. For crystallographic waters (CWs) close to the ligand, gO(r) reveals that several CWs are stabilized by interaction networks formed between the ligand, CW, and protein. Based on the gO(r) for the crystallographic binding pose of the ligand, hydrogen bond interactions are dominant in the highly hydrated regions while weak interactions such as CH‐O are dominant in the moderately hydrated regions. The polar heteroatoms of the ligand occupy the highly hydrated and moderately hydrated regions in the crystallographic (correct) and wrongly docked (incorrect) poses, respectively. Thus, the gO(r) of polar heteroatoms may be used to distinguish the correct binding poses.
Long noncoding RNA HULC in acute ischemic stroke: Association with disease risk, severity, and recurrence‐free survival and relation with IL‐6, ICAM1, miR‐9, and miR‐195
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhang Xihui , Su Cong , Huang Shaoming 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HULC in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsLncRNA HULC in plasma samples from 215 first episode AIS patients and 215 age/gender‐matched non‐AIS controls was detected by reverse transcriptional‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Then, in AIS patients, interleukin‐6 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), as well as microRNA (miR) target of lncRNA HUCL (miR‐9 and miR‐195), were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and RT‐qPCR, respectively. Disease severity was assessed by National Institution of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score. AIS recurrence or death was recorded, and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was calculated.ResultsLncRNA HULC was increased in AIS patients compared to non‐AIS controls (P < .001), and receiver operating characteristic curve showed that it was correlated with increased AIS risk (area under curve: 0.876, 95% confidence interval: 0.843‐0.908). Meanwhile, lncRNA HULC was positively correlated with NIHSS score (P < .001, r = .456), interleukin‐6 (P < .001, r = .275) and ICAM1 (P < .001, r = .383), whereas negatively correlated with miR‐9 (P < .001, r = −.438) but not miR‐195 (P = .205, r = −.087) in AIS patients. Additionally, miR‐9 was negatively correlated with NIHSS score (P < .001, r = −.335), interleukin‐6 (P = .001, r = −.231), and ICAM1 (P < .001, r = −.280), while miR‐195 was only negatively associated with NIHSS score (P = .041, r = −.139) in AIS patients. Moreover, lncRNA HULC high expression predicted worse RFS (P = .013) in AIS patients.ConclusionLncRNA HULC is correlated with higher AIS risk, increased disease severity and worse prognosis in AIS patients. Meanwhile, it associates with higher IL‐6, elevated ICAM1, and lower miR‐9 AIS patients.
Satisfaction of optional pairing in clinical dental training
Authors: Hammad Mohammad Mahmoud , Mahasneh Sari Adel , Sawair Faleh A. , Hattar Susan Nweiser , AL‐Rabab'ah Mohammad Abdalla , Wahab Fouad Kadim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the perceived satisfaction of optional pairing in undergraduate clinical dental training of fourth‐ and fifth‐year dental students and newly graduated intern dentists in the subject of conservative dentistry and endodontics.MethodsData were collected through a paper‐based 2‐part questionnaire. The first part was made of 3 questions; gender, undergraduate dental year, and grade point average (GPA). The second part involved 9 questions about assistant student‐year level preference, satisfaction of optional pairing and main advantages and disadvantages of pairing. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi‐square test to investigate any statistically significant differences.ResultsA total of 92.4% were satisfied with optional clinical pairing. Satisfied respondents reported most prevalent advantages were speeding things up (88.5%) and helping in transferring instruments and materials (85.6%). Unsatisfied respondents reported the most prevalent disadvantages were like to work independently (56.8%) and the assistant was not always cooperative (32.4%). Students with low grade point averages (GPAs) felt incompetent to work in pairs compared with high GPA students (P = 0.001). Only 32.4% of participants thought that the assistant student should be given an evaluation mark. About 75% of respondents reported that clinical pairing improved their diagnostic skills and treatment planning.ConclusionsOptional pairing in clinical dental training had a high satisfaction percentage. Allowing students to choose their own assistants may reduce pairing disadvantages and enhance its advantages. Students may gain a mentoring benefit from being encouraged to optionally pair with similar or higher study‐year students
Quality assurance and authentication of herbal drug (Argyrolobium roseum and Viola stocksii) through comparative light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ahmed Sidra Nisar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Yaseen Ghulam , Zafar Muhammad , Rashid Sofia , Nazir Abdul , Sultana Shazia , Anjum Farida , Ozdemir Fethi Ahmet , Kilic Omer 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe quality assurance and authentication of crude herbal drugs play important role in the effective therapeutic effect of herbal drug and their products. There are many reported problems in quality assurance of herbal crude drugs concerning to their correct identification. The present study was designed with the aim to document the authentication and quality assurance of the herbal crude drugs (Argyrolobium roseum and Viola stocksii) thorough light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The detailed foliar anatomical studies showed polygonal epidermal cells having anticlinal walls in Argyrolobium roseum while rounded epidermal cells were observed in Viola stocksii. The anomocytic stomata type was observed in Argrolobium roseum while actinocytic was noticed in Viola stocksii. The pollen of studied species appeared as tricolporate showing reticulate exine sculpturing in Argrolobium roseum while fine perforations were recorded in Viola stocksii. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity showed high flavonoid and phenol content in Argyrolobium roseum as compared with Viola stocksii. It was observed that Argyrolobium roseum was discriminated from the Viola stocksii based on the leaf and pollen micromorphological traits by using LM and SEM techniques. It was concluded that LM and SEM techniques were found useful for the quality assurance of botanicals and their authentication.
Biochar impacts on nutrient dynamics in a subtropical grassland soil: 1. Nitrogen and phosphorus leaching
Authors: Lu Yanyan , Silveira Maria Lucia , O'Connor George A. , Vendramini Joao M. B. , Erickson John E. , Li Yuncong C. , Cavigelli Michel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDespite the numerous benefits of biosolids, concerns over nutrient losses restrict the extent to which biosolids can be beneficially reused. We evaluated the effectiveness of biochar in controlling the lability of nutrients in agricultural land. This study was designed to investigate the potential impacts of co‐applying biochar with biosolids or inorganic fertilizer on N and P leaching losses. A companion paper focuses on greenhouse gas responses. Nutrients were surface applied as biosolids (aerobically digested Class B) and inorganic fertilizer (ammonium nitrate and triple superphosphate) to an established perennial pasture at equivalent annual rates typical of field practices. Biochar was applied at an annual rate of 20 Mg ha−1. Leachate N and P were monitored using passive‐capillary drainage lysimeters. Results demonstrated significant temporal variability in leachate N and P, with larger pulses generally occurring during periods of high water table levels or after intensive rainfall. Inorganic fertilizer generally resulted in greater leachate N and P losses than biosolids. No differences in leachate N and P losses between biosolids and control were observed. Approximately 1% of applied N was lost via leaching from biosolids treatments vs. 16% for inorganic fertilizer. Regardless of the P source, negligible (0.1–0.2% of applied P), cumulative P leaching occurred during the 3‐yr study. Biochar had no effect on P leaching but reduced N leaching from treatments receiving inorganic fertilizer by 60%. Prudent nutrient management is possible even on biosolids‐amended Spodosols with high water tables.
Impact of stacked conservation practices on phosphorus and sediment export at the catchment scale
Authors: Law Ji Yeow , Brendel Conrad , Long Leigh Ann , Helmers Matthew , Kaleita Amy , Soupir Michelle 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBest management practices (BMPs) are effective in reducing nutrient and sediment export, but further understanding of the benefits of the stacked BMPs is needed. This catchment‐scale study was established to evaluate the impact of hydrology and BMPs on phosphorus (P) and sediment losses. Two adjacent catchments, one with a lower level of BMP adoption (Low‐BMP #11) and one with a higher level (High‐BMP #12), were compared for total P (TP) and total suspended solids (TSS) export. The BMPs include nutrient management plans, reduced tillage, grassed waterways, terraces, and perennial vegetation. The TP event‐flow‐weighted (EFW) concentration was significantly higher at Low‐BMP #11 (0.293 mg L−1) than at High‐BMP #12 (0.069 mg L−1). There was no significant difference in TP base‐flow‐weighted (BFW) concentrations between Low‐BMP #11 (0.035 mg L−1) and High‐BMP #12 (0.037 mg L−1). The TSS‐EFW (148.0 vs. 18.6 mg L−1) and TSS‐BFW (13.3 vs. 6.9 mg L−1) concentrations were also higher at Low‐BMP #11 than at High‐BMP #12. High‐BMP #12 had lower TP (0.36 vs. 0.59 kg ha−1 yr−1) and TSS (253 vs. 1,961 kg ha−1 yr−1) loading than Low‐BMP #11. The lower TP export at High‐BMP #12 was likely attributed to the effectiveness of stacked erosion control BMPs and nutrient management plans. Overall, lower P and sediment loading was observed when a greater areal extent of stacked practices was implemented at the catchment level. This finding provides vital information to encourage wider BMP adoption at the watershed scale.
Biochar impacts on nutrient dynamics in a subtropical grassland soil: 2. Greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Lu Yanyan , Silveira Maria Lucia , Cavigelli Michel , O'Connor George A. , Vendramini Joao M. B. , Erickson John E. , Li Yuncong C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLand application of biochar reportedly provides many benefits, including reduced risk of nutrient transport, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission mitigation, and increased soil C storage, but additional field validation is needed. We evaluated the effectiveness of biochar in controlling the lability of nutrients in agricultural land. This study was designed to evaluate the impacts of biochar co‐applied with various N and P sources on GHG fluxes from a subtropical grassland. Nutrients (inorganic fertilizer and aerobically digested Class B biosolids) were surface applied at a rate of 160 kg plant available N ha−1 yr−1 with or without biochar (applied at 20 Mg ha−1). Greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, and N2O) fluxes were assessed using static chambers and varied significantly, both temporally and with treatments. Greenhouse gas fluxes ranged from 1,247 to 23,160, −0.7 to 42, and −1.4 to 376 mg m−2 d−1 for CO2, N2O, and CH4, respectively. Results of the 3‐yr field study demonstrated strong seasonal variability associated with GHG emissions. Nutrient source had no effect on soil CO2 and CH4 emissions, but annual and cumulative (3‐yr) N2O emissions increased with biosolids (8 kg N2O ha−1 yr−1) compared with inorganic fertilizer (5 kg N2O ha−1 yr−1) application. Data suggested that environmental conditions played a more important role on GHG fluxes than nutrient additions. Biochar reduced CO2 emissions modestly (<9%) but had no effects on N2O and CH4 emissions.
Prognosis Prediction in Initially Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion‐Diffusion Weighted Imaging and Multiecho Dixon Imaging
Authors: Jo Aram , Jung Joon‐Yong , Lee So‐Yeon , Lee Seung Eun , Park Hyerim , Lee Sung‐Eun , Min Chang‐Ki 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundMultiparametric MRI provides complementary information for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma (MM).PurposeTo evaluate the association of prognostic factors of MM and parameters derived from intravoxel‐incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) and multiecho (ME) Dixon.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 78 MM patients.Field Strength/SequencesT1‐weighted turbo spin‐echo sequences (TSE), IVIM‐DWI, ME 3D gradient echo sequence with multistep adaptive fitting at 3T.AssessmentThe region of interest (ROI) on the vertebral body was independently measured on four parametric maps (Dslow, Dfast and perfusion fraction [f], and proton‐density fat‐fraction [Ff] maps) by two readers. All patients were categorized into three groups based on the International Staging System (ISS).Statistical TestsThree groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post‐hoc tests with Bonferroni correction. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the advancement of disease (early vs. advanced). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to find the deterministic parameters.ResultsDslow and Ff were significantly different among ISS‐1 (n = 38), ISS‐2 (n = 22), and ISS‐3 (n = 18) groups in both readers: 0.36, 0.41, and 0.58 × 10−3 mm2/s for Dslow (P < 0.05), and 46%, 30%, and 15% for Ff (P < 0.05) in reader 1; 0.34, 0.41, and 0.58 × 10−3 mm2/s for Dslow (P < 0.05), 43%, 27%, and 13.2% for Ff (P < 0.05) in reader 2, respectively. Dfast between ISS‐3 and the other groups was significantly different in one reader only: 2.03, 2.29, and 2.85 × 10−3 mm2/s (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in f among the groups in both readers. Logistic regression by stepwise selection indicated Ff as the single most significant factor for differentiating early and advanced stages of MM with an accuracy of 76% and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (P < 0.05). PCA revealed Ff, and Dslow as the deterministic parameters, with a cumulative proportion of 0.84.Data ConclusionD slow and Ff are associated with the prognostic factor of MM.Level of Evidence 3Technical Efficacy Stage 5.J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:491–501.
Behavioral manipulation—key to the successful global spread of the new coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2?
Authors: Bouayed Jaouad , Bohn Torsten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHuman‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) interaction can have an array of various outcomes—it could be mortal, morbid or merely carrying minor health consequences. The very rapid global spread has raised the issue whether there are further multi‐dimensional consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on human behavior, the key of its transmission. During the coronavirus crisis, odd, abnormal, and irresponsible behavior has been reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) individuals, particularly in super‐spreaders, that is, persons with a high viral load, thus constituting also super‐emitters. Indeed, cases of infected persons ignoring self‐confinement orders, intentionally disregarding physical distancing and multiplying social interactions, or even deliberately sneezing, spitting or coughing were reported. While it is known that some other viruses, such as rabies and even influenza do change human behavior, this remains unclear for SARS‐CoV‐2. In this perspective, we highlight the possibility that COVID‐19 is facilitated by altered human social behavior that benefits SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, through showcasing similar virus‐induced changed behavior by other pathogens and relating this to reports from the gray literature.
Rainfall and streamflow extreme events in the São Francisco hydrographic region
Authors: Oliveira Danilo Henrique Morais Castro , Lima Kellen Carla , Spyrides Maria Helena Constantino 
Published: August 2020

AbstractExtreme rainfall and streamflow events are becoming increasingly more relevant to discussions concerning potential climate changes on planet earth. In most cases, impacts related to the occurrence of such phenomena can be amplified due to the lack of planning and structure. In this context, the main objective of the study is to estimate the period and level of return of intense rainfall events in homogeneous subregions of the São Francisco hydrographic region, as well as to define which of these subregions are most vulnerable to the recurrence of these episodes. We used rainfall data from 105 rain gauges and streamflow data from 103 stream gauges comprising the years from 1988 to 2017. Through cluster analysis, four homogeneous rainfall subregions were defined and validated by the silhouette index, capable of identifying misallocated stations in the clustering process. A generalized Pareto distribution from the extreme value theory was used to calculate the period and level of return of intense rainfall events in each subregion. We then related the retrieved estimates with information about the drainage network, streamflow, land use and occupation, and socioeconomic and demographic factors in the watershed region. Results indicated the existence of subregions vulnerable to hydrological and geological processes intensified due to human activity and the recurrence of hydrometeorological phenomena. The scenarios found for the recurrence of intense rainfall events indicated the severity to which some subregions may be subjected, moreover, they reinforce the need for the development of public policies for the prevention and minimization of impacts.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Sodium P Zeolite as a Nonphosphate Detergent Builder
Authors: Koohsaryan Esmat , Anbia Mansoor , Sepehrian Mohammad , Maghsoodlu Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study reports the preparation of hierarchical NaP zeolite with the aim of obtaining a non‐phosphate detergent builder as an alternative for environmental remediation from eutrophication phenomenon. Hierarchically structured NaP zeolite was easily synthesized hydrothermally and under different syntheses conditions. Samples were characterized using several standard techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. Three powder detergents were prepared by mixing main components such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium sulfate, sodium silicate, and sodium carbonate as well as different amounts of as‐synthesized zeolite and sodium tripolyphosphate in the detergent formulation as potential detergency builders. Some different detergency tests as pH value, water insolubility, foam height, moisture content, alcohol insolubility, and surface tension measurement were carried out for all synthetic detergent samples and two commercial ones. The results demonstrated that the high cleaning performance of the powders was obtained as using eco‐friendly zeolite builders in comparison with phosphate‐based commercial and synthetic detergent samples.