bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a situational judgment test for global engineering competency
Authors: Jesiek Brent K. , Woo Sang Eun , Parrigon Scott , Porter Caitlin M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs globalization continues to impact the engineering profession, many programs aim to prepare current and future engineers to work across national and cultural boundaries. Yet there remains a lack of quality tools for assessing global competency among engineers and other technical professionals, including their behavioral tendencies in global work situations.PurposeWe introduce development of a situational judgment test (SJT) covering three dimensions of global engineering competency (GEC) in Chinese national/cultural context. The main aim of this article is to describe how the SJT was developed through a systematic multistep process. Secondarily, we explore relationships between SJT performance and other theoretically relevant variables.MethodsAfter generating a large initial pool of SJT scenarios and behavioral response items, we used ratings from subject matter experts (SMEs) to select six SJT scenarios and create scoring keys for 26 response items. To further explore the instrument's validity, we deployed the SJT items, other relevant measures, and a demographic survey to a sample of practicing engineers (n = 400).ResultsSME ratings provide strong evidence for the content relevance of the GEC–SJT tool. Survey results also suggest positive relationships between SJT performance and Chinese cultural knowledge, age, and years of work experience. However, more validity and reliability evidence is needed before recommending wider use of the instrument.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the SJT format as a promising behavior‐based approach to measuring global competency and other professional attributes in engineering. We also discuss directions for future research and training efforts related to assessing and developing global competency.
Visible light promoted formation of N─S bond by photocatalyst Eosin Y
Authors: Verma Ankit , Srivastava Arjita , Tiwari Saurabh K , Yadav Neetu , Ansari Mohd Danish , Yadav Vijay B , Sagir Hozeyfa , Siddiqui Ibadur R 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA novel efficient protocol for the synthesis of 5‐imino‐1,2,4‐thiadiazole motif in open air and visible light has been reported. The reaction involves Eosin Y as photocatalyst which is a cost‐effective organic dye. The designed protocol represents a novel, mild, metal free, green strategy for the construction of 1,2,4‐thiadiazole nucleus by intramolecular cyclization via N─S bond formation. The reaction has been carried out under visible light exposure in ethanol: water (4:1) mixture using 2‐aminopyridine and isocyanate as reactants.
Future of preventing and managing common chronic inflammatory diseases
Authors: Kornman Kenneth S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChronic inflammation has emerged as a key factor that contributes to some common chronic diseases and reduces lifespan. Studies have identified multiple types of chronic inflammation ranging from autoimmune disease, which attacks specific tissues, to autoinflammatory diseases, which cause low‐grade systemic inflammation and contribute to several common chronic diseases. This article highlights new perspectives on the role of chronic inflammation in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Such information is being leveraged to develop new treatment strategies for CVD and may inform how periodontal disease influences CVD.
Plant‐available N:P alters root litter N recycling in a Mediterranean tree–grass ecosystem
Authors: Nair Richard K. F. , Morris Kendalynn A. , Migliavacca Mirco , Moreno Gerado , Schrumpf Marion 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground: Nitrogen deposition can cause an ecosystem‐level shift in available N (nitrogen) to P (phosphorus) availability. However, most plant N nutrition is from edaphic sources rather than deposition and in seasonally dry grassland systems, root litter is the predominant nutrient source.Aims: We were interested how litter turnover and altered nutrient recycling from dead biomass can compensate for these shifts in ecosystem stoichiometry.Methods: We studied a Mediterranean savanna amended with N or NP treatments three years prior. We measured root and plant‐available soil N:P stoichiometry in two micro‐habitats: open pasture and beneath oak canopies. 15N‐labelled root litter incubated in topsoils without litterbags was used to trace uptake of litter N by herbaceous strata roots.Results: Since fertilization, NP added sites have become relatively P enriched, resulting in lower N:P ratios in living roots than either when N was added alone or control sites. Total litter‐derived 15N uptake by roots was proportional to root ingrowth response but higher in the NP than N treatment, indicating a higher N demand when N and P were added together. We observed more 15N uptake by plants under tree canopies, indicating a tighter nutrient recycling loop in these micro‐habitats in contrast to treatment level ‘fertility' trends.Conclusions: Root stoichiometry responded to manipulated soil nutrient availability and N uptake was altered as plants attempted to compensate for nutrient availability imbalances, indicating that these ecosystem perturbations have long term effects on nutrient cycling which can propagate to whole system function. This was also related to functional community‐level adaptions between micro‐habitats with under canopy communities more able to take advantage of the litter nutrient source.
Modified Two‐Phase Titration Methods to Quantify Surfactant Concentrations in Chemical‐Enhanced Oil Recovery Applications
Authors: Miller Chammi , Bageri Badr S. , Zeng Tongzhou , Patil Shirish , Mohanty Kishore K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn enhanced oil recovery applications, surfactants are injected into reservoirs along with polymers and salts. The effluents eluted from lab experiments and field tests are analyzed by HPLC methods using an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) detector. When the surfactant concentrations are less than 100 ppm, HPLC methods are inaccurate. A novel two‐phase titration method is developed where surfactant concentrations can be quantified using a calibration curve constructed with UV/vis absorption. This method can analyze surfactant concentrations 5–80 ppm where dilution eliminates any high‐salinity interferences with the absorption measurements. The method is based on formation of a dye‐surfactant complex and the light absorption of the complex has a linear correlation with the surfactant concentration. Anionic surfactant concentrations lower than 100 ppm can be accurately quantified using this method with methylene blue. The method was also developed for low concentrations (<50 ppm) of cationic surfactants using methyl orange and indigo carmine. The indigo carmine method can be used without the use of an organic phase. All methods are applicable at salinities up to 3 wt%. Both the methylene blue method and the methyl orange method can be used to detect zwitterionic surfactants. These methods can be used in the presence of polymers without any prior treatments.
Black tea benefits short‐chain fatty acid producers but inhibits genus Lactobacillus in the gut of healthy Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Gao Ying , Xu Yongquan , Yin Junfeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe gut microbiota plays important roles in physiological and pathological processes of the host. The effect of black tea on the gut microbiota of healthy individuals remains unclear.RESULTSHealthy Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were given black tea for 4 weeks, and cecum content, serum, intestinal, and hepatic samples were collected. The results showed that black tea increased α‐diversity and modulated β‐diversity of the gut microbiota. Additionally, black tea enriched several short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers but suppressed genus Lactobacillus. Further tests revealed that the enrichment of SCFA producers was associated with a decrease in the oxidative stress of cecum content caused by black tea, and related to increased luminal butyric acid levels and enhanced intestinal barrier function. The suppression of genus Lactobacillus was related to the increase in luminal total bile acids caused by black tea. In vitro tests showed that bile acids rather than black tea directly inhibited Lactobacillus strains. The reduction in genus Lactobacillus did not affect the effects of black tea on intestinal barrier function and lipid levels.CONCLUSIONOur results imply that the effects of black tea on gut microbiota in healthy individuals are complex and provide a new perspective on the associations among black tea, gut microbiota, and health. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Uncovering the biofumigant capacity of allyl isothiocyanate from several Brassicaceae crops against Fusarium pathogens in maize
Authors: Vandicke Jonas , De Visschere Katrien , Deconinck Sofie , Leenknecht Diederik , Vermeir Pieter , Audenaert Kris , Haesaert Geert 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDDriven by environmental concerns, chemical fumigants are no longer allowed in many countries. Therefore, other strategies for reducing fungal inoculum in soils and on crop debris are being explored. In the present study, several Brassicaceae crops were screened for their potential to control Fusarium gramineaum and Fusarium poae mycelial growth in an in vitro inverted Petri dish experiment. Volatile production was measured using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry headspace analysis. A selection of cultivars from each crop species was further investigated using a pot experiment with maize.RESULTSEthiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) and brown mustard (Brassica juncea) released volatile allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and a higher concentration of AITC was correlated with a better fungal growth reduction in the in vitro screening. Brown mustard cultivar Etamine completely inhibited growth of both Fusarium spp. Pure AITC in a solution with methanol resulted in a sigmoid dose–response curve for both Fusarium spp. tested. Fusarium poae appeared to be more tolerant to AITC than F. graminearum. A pot experiment revealed that the incorporation of brown mustard plant material could alleviate the clear negative effect of F. graminearum infection on maize growth.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrated the correlation between the fungistatic effect of biofumigation crops on Fusarium spp. and their production of volatile AITC in vitro, without the addition of exogenous enzymes, and confirmed the biofumigation potential of brown mustard in a pot experiment with maize. These results may help farmers when selecting a green manure crop suitable for biofumigation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective pretreatment technologies for fresh foods aimed for use in central kitchen processing
Authors: Luan Chunning , Zhang Min , Fan Kai , Devahastin Sakamon 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe central kitchen concept is a new trend in the food industry, where centralized preparation and processing of fresh foods and the distribution of finished or semi‐finished products to catering chains or related units take place. Fresh foods processed by a central kitchen mainly include fruit and vegetables, meat, aquatic products, and edible fungi; these foods have high water activities and thermal sensitivities and must be processed with care. Appropriate pretreatments are generally required for these food materials; typical pretreatment processes include cleaning, enzyme inactivation, and disinfection, as well as packaging and coating. To improve the working efficiency of a central kitchen, novel efficient pretreatment technologies are needed. This article systematically reviews various high‐efficiency pretreatment technologies for fresh foods. These include ultrasonic cleaning technologies, physical‐field enzyme inactivation technologies, non‐thermal disinfection technologies, and modified‐atmosphere packagings and coatings. Mechanisms, applications, influencing factors, and advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, which can be used in a central kitchen, are outlined and discussed. Possible solutions to problems related to central‐kitchen food processing are addressed, including low cleaning efficiency and automation feasibility, high nutrition loss, high energy consumption, and short shelf life of products. These should lead us to the next step of fresh food processing for a highly demanding modern society. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Land degradation and climate change: Global impact on wheat yields
Authors: Raimondo Maria , Nazzaro Concetta , Marotta Giuseppe , Caracciolo Francesco 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study aims at estimating the wheat yield response to future challenges (land degradation and climate change) through a statistical emulator. Data from Global Agro‐ecological Zones on the overall wheat yields of 254 provinces for nine main wheat‐producing countries and corresponding climate and land suitability information were collected to estimate the statistical relationship between regressors and wheat yields. Once the statistical emulator was calibrated, three scenarios were developed to predict, separately and jointly, the impact of climate change and land degradation on wheat yields and productions in 2050 using the global climate model ECHAM4 information under the B2 scenario with the CO2 fertilization effect. Results showed that under temperature and precipitation projections wheat yield would increase on average by 8% (first scenario); however, the impact of future land suitability (second scenario) on wheat yields would be negative, lowering the average yield (−5%), and overall wheat production (−14%). Combining both effects in the third scenario, future wheat yields would increase by 4.6%, while overall production will decrease by 5.5% since the harvest area will be reduced by 9.7%. Thus, land degradation more than climate change is likely to pose significant challenges for overall wheat production in the future.
Registration of presurgical MRI and histopathology images from radical prostatectomy via RAPSODI
Authors: Rusu Mirabela , Shao Wei , Kunder Christian A. , Wang Jeffrey B. , Soerensen Simon J. C. , Teslovich Nikola C. , Sood Rewa R. , Chen Leo C. , Fan Richard E. , Ghanouni Pejman , Brooks James D. , Sonn Geoffrey A. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has great potential to improve prostate cancer diagnosis; however, subtle differences between cancer and confounding conditions render prostate MRI interpretation challenging. The tissue collected from patients who undergo radical prostatectomy provides a unique opportunity to correlate histopathology images of the prostate with preoperative MRI to accurately map the extent of cancer from histopathology images onto MRI. We seek to develop an open‐source, easy‐to‐use platform to align presurgical MRI and histopathology images of resected prostates in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy to create accurate cancer labels on MRI.MethodsHere, we introduce RAdiology Pathology Spatial Open‐Source multi‐Dimensional Integration (RAPSODI), the first open‐source framework for the registration of radiology and pathology images. RAPSODI relies on three steps. First, it creates a three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the histopathology specimen as a digital representation of the tissue before gross sectioning. Second, RAPSODI registers corresponding histopathology and MRI slices. Third, the optimized transforms are applied to the cancer regions outlined on the histopathology images to project those labels onto the preoperative MRI.ResultsWe tested RAPSODI in a phantom study where we simulated various conditions, for example, tissue shrinkage during fixation. Our experiments showed that RAPSODI can reliably correct multiple artifacts. We also evaluated RAPSODI in 157 patients from three institutions that underwent radical prostatectomy and have very different pathology processing and scanning. RAPSODI was evaluated in 907 corresponding histpathology‐MRI slices and achieved a Dice coefficient of 0.97 ± 0.01 for the prostate, a Hausdorff distance of 1.99 ± 0.70 mm for the prostate boundary, a urethra deviation of 3.09 ± 1.45 mm, and a landmark deviation of 2.80 ± 0.59 mm between registered histopathology images and MRI.ConclusionOur robust framework successfully mapped the extent of cancer from histopathology slices onto MRI providing labels from training machine learning methods to detect cancer on MRI.
Fraction‐variant beam orientation optimization for intensity‐modulated proton therapy
Authors: Gu Wenbo , O'Connor Daniel , Ruan Dan , Zou Wei , Dong Lei , Sheng Ke 
Published: June 2020

PurposeTo achieve a superior balance between dosimetry and the delivery efficiency of intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) using as few beams as possible in a single fraction, we optimally vary beams in different fractions.MethodsIn the optimization, 400~800 feasible noncoplanar beams were included in the candidate pool. For each beam, the doses of all scanning spots covering the target volume and a margin were calculated. The fraction‐variant beam orientation optimization (FVBOO) problem was formulated to include three terms: two quadratic dose fidelity terms to penalize the deviation of planning target volume fractional dose and organs at risk (OAR) cumulative doses from prescription, respectively; an L2,1/2‐norm group sparsity term to control the number of active beams per fraction to between 1 and 4. The Fast Iterative Shrinkage‐Thresholding Algorithm (FISTA) was applied to solve this problem. FVBOO was tested on a patient with base‐of‐skull (BOS) tumor of 5 fractions (5f) and 30 fractions (30f) with an average number of active beams per fraction varying between 4 and 1. In addition, one bilateral head‐and‐neck (H&N) patient, and one esophageal cancer (ESG) patient of 30f were tested with about three active beams per fraction. The results were compared with IMPT plans that use fixed beams in each fraction. The fixed beams were selected using the group sparsity term with a fraction‐invariant BOO (FIBOO) constraint.ResultsVarying beams were chosen in either the 5f or 30f FVBOO plans. While similar number of beams per fraction was selected as the FIBOO plan, the FVBOO plans were able to spare the OARs better, with an average reduction of [Dmean, Dmax] from the FIBOO plans by [0.85, 2.08] Relative Biological Effective Gy (GyRBE) in the 5f plan and [1.87, 4.06] GyRBE in the 30f plans. While reducing the number of beams per fraction in the BOS patient, a three‐beam/fraction 5f FVBOO plan performs comparably as the four‐beam FIBOO plan and a two‐beam/fraction 30f FVBOO plan still provides superior dosimetry.ConclusionFraction‐variant beam orientation optimization allows the utilization of a larger beam solution space for superior dose distribution in IMPT while maintaining a practical number of beams in each fraction.
Evaluation of persons with suspected lumbosacral and cervical radiculopathy: Electrodiagnostic assessment and implications for treatment and outcomes (Part II)
Authors: Dillingham Timothy R. , Annaswamy Thiru M. , Plastaras Christopher T. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe electrodiagnostic (EDX) examination with needle electromyography (EMG) is the most important means of testing for radiculopathy. This test has modest sensitivity but high specificity and complements imaging of the spine. In this second of a two‐part review, the implications of electrodiagnostic findings for diagnosis and clinical management of persons with radiculopathy are reviewed. An EMG confirmed lumbosacral radiculopathy is associated with better clinical outcomes for persons undergoing aggressive conservative management. A positive EMG test portends a better clinical response to epidural corticosteroid injections. If a person undergoes spine surgery, a positive pre‐operative EMG for radiculopathy is also associated with better outcomes.
Motor unit number estimation of facial muscles using the M Scan‐Fit method
Authors: Habeych Miguel E. , Trinh Terry , Issar Tushar , Kwai Natalie C.G. , Krishnan Arun V. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionM Scan‐Fit, an automated method for motor unit number estimation (MUNE), was assessed in muscles innervated by the facial nerve.MethodsHealthy volunteers were recruited. M Scans were recorded twice from nasalis and depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscles, and then fitted to a probabilistic model.ResultsTwenty‐one subjects were evaluated; 38% were females and 62% were males, with a mean age of 34.71 years. The average number of MUs was 38.57 on both testing occasions (t ≤ 0.0001; P = 1.0) for the nasalis. For the DAO, results were 20.62 MUs for the first and 23.48 for the second (t = −2.12; P = .04). Pearson's interrater correlation coefficients were 0.96 (P < .0001) for nasalis and 0.87 (P ≤ .01) for DAO. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.88 (P ≤ .01) for nasalis and 0.39 (P = .37) for DAO.DiscussionM Scan‐Fit MUNE is an automated, accurate, reliable method of estimating MU number and size from facial muscles.
The CINRG Becker Natural History Study: Baseline characteristics
Authors: Clemens Paula R. , Niizawa Gabriela , Feng Jia , Florence Julaine , DʼAlessandro Andrea Smith , Morgenroth Lauren P. , Gorni Ksenija , Guglieri Michela , Connolly Anne , Wicklund Matthew , Bertorini Tulio , Mah Jean K. , Thangarajh Mathula , Smith Edward , Kuntz Nancy , McDonald Craig M. , Henricson Erik K. , Upadhyayula Saila , Byrne Barry , Manousakis Georgios , Harper Amy , Bravver Elena , Iannaccone Susan , Spurney Christopher , Cnaan Avital , Gordish‐Dressman Heather ,   The CINRG BNHS Investigators
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe performed an observational, natural history study of males with in‐frame dystrophin gene deletions causing Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). A prospective natural history study collected longitudinal medical, strength, and timed function assessments. Eighty‐three participants with genetically confirmed BMD were enrolled (age range 5.6–75.4 years). Lower extremity function and the percentage of participants who retained ambulation declined across the age span. The largest single group of participants had in‐frame deletions that corresponded to an out‐of‐frame deletion treated with an exon 45 skip to restore the reading frame. This group of 54 participants showed similarities in baseline motor functional assessments when compared to the group of all others in the study. A prospective natural history cohort with in‐frame dystrophin gene deletions offers the potential to contribute to clinical trial readiness for BMD and to analyze therapeutic benefit of exon skipping for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
An exact bidirectional pulse algorithm for the constrained shortest path
Authors: Cabrera Nicolás , Medaglia Andrés L. , Lozano Leonardo , Duque Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA constrained shortest path is a minimum‐cost sequence of arcs on a directed network that satisfies knapsack‐type constraints on the resource consumption over the arcs. We propose an exact method based on a recursive depth‐first search procedure known as the pulse algorithm (PA). One of the key contributions of the proposal lies in a bidirectional search strategy leveraged on parallelism. In addition, we developed a pulse‐based heuristic that quickly finds near‐optimal solutions and shows great potential for column generation (CG) schemes. We present computational experiments over large real‐road networks with up to 6 million nodes and 15 million arcs. We illustrate the use of the bidirectional PA in a CG scheme to solve a multi‐activity shift scheduling problem, where the pricing problem is modeled as a constrained‐shortest path with multiple resource constraints.