bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of methods to determine intra‐individual reference ranges in nutrition support team (NST)‐related tests
Authors: Hirabayashi Yoji , Tsukada Yutaka , Sakurai Takuya , Ohno Hideki , Kizaki Takako 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe intra‐individual reference range is generally narrower than the commonly used reference range. Consequently, close monitoring of changes in the laboratory test results of individuals based on the inter‐individual reference range remains challenging.MethodsWe examined the determination of individual reference ranges using four indicators of nutritional conditions: transferrin (TRF), albumin (ALB), retinol‐binding protein (RBP), and transthyretin (TTR). The subjects comprised 20 healthy individuals and blood samples were collected and tested five times at 2‐week intervals. We used the measurement results for the four indicators and examined individual reference ranges using four methods, including calculation methods based on the reference change value and Bayesian inference.ResultsThe resulting intra‐individual reference ranges were narrower than the currently used inter‐individual reference range for all measurements using four methods. Furthermore, the intra‐individual coefficient of variation [CV (intra)] was smaller than the inter‐individual coefficient of variation [CV (inter)] for TRF, RBP, and TTR for all 20 subjects. The means CV (intra) for the four indicators were also lower than the corresponding CV (inter).ConclusionsThe intra‐individual reference range can be used to validate the standard deviation and coefficient of variation for currently used indicators. Moreover, Bayesian methods are speculated to be the most versatile.
Sources and priming of nitrous oxide production across a range of moisture contents in a soil with high organic matter
Authors: Roman‐Perez Carmen C. , Hernandez‐Ramirez Guillermo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAdding nitrogen fertilizers to agricultural soils contributes to increasing concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere. However, the impacts of N addition on soil organic matter (SOM) turnover, SOM availability, and the ensuing SOM‐derived N2O emissions remain elusive. Within this context, the net change in direction and rate of SOM‐derived N2O production triggered by added N is termed the N2O priming effect. This incubation study examined the sources and priming of N2O production as a function of urea addition and multiple moisture contents in a soil with high SOM (55 g organic C kg−1). We assessed four water‐filled pore space (WFPS) conditions: 28, 40, 52, and 64%. Relative to controls receiving no N, urea addition increased N2O production by 2.6 times (P < .001). Cumulative N2O production correlated well with nitrification rates (r = .75; P = .03). We used 15N‐labeled urea to trace the added urea into N2O. Of the N added via urea, the recovery as N2O–N shifted from 0.02 to 0.17% when WFPS increased from 28 to 64% (P < .05). We also partitioned the N2O production into urea vs. SOM sources. More N2O was sourced from SOM than urea, with 59 ± 2% N2O originating from SOM. The magnitude of SOM‐derived N2O under urea was larger than that of the control, revealing that positive N2O priming was triggered by urea addition. Upon subtracting the controls, the primed N2O was a consistent 19 ± 2% of the total N2O produced by urea‐amended soils. Nevertheless, the priming magnitude rose sharply with increasing moisture by more than one order of magnitude from 4 to 48 μg N2O–N kg−1 soil and in exponential mode (R2 = .98). Soil moisture, SOM, and nitrification interacted to drive the sources and priming of N2O.
Family genetic result communication in rare and undiagnosed disease communities: Understanding the practice
Authors: Studwell Courtney M. , Glanton Emily ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Sinsheimer Janet S. , Palmer Christina G. S. , LeBlanc Kimberly 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGenetic results have implications not only for the individual, but also for their family members. Research on family communication of genetic results has primarily focused on families affected by adult‐onset, dominant conditions as well as more common genetic conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cardiomyopathies, and genetic hearing loss. This study therefore aimed to characterize genetic result communication in families with rare and undiagnosed conditions and identify factors that influence communication. One hundred and forty‐two individuals who received a diagnosis from the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), a study focused on providing diagnoses to individuals with undiagnosed conditions, were eligible to complete a survey assessing genetic results communication. Survey items assessed if communication was discussed with healthcare providers, with whom participants communicated genetic testing, why they chose to communicate with these family members, and what information they communicated. All respondents (5 adult UDN participants, 38 parents/guardians of UDN participants, and 2 identifying as both) shared genetic results with at least one family member. Individuals who identified as both were considered exclusively adult participants for the purpose of these analyses. Adult participants and parents/guardians of participants reported high levels of understanding (96%), utility (96%), and comfort communicating genetic results (89%). Additionally, parents/guardians were more likely to disclose genetic results due to a general desire to share (60% of parents/guardians vs. 14% adult participants), while adult participants reported that they shared results to communicate risk to family members (86% of adult participants vs. 24% of parents/guardians). Many respondents did not recall discussing with a healthcare provider how (64%) or what (42%) to communicate about results. The results of this study provide insight into the practice of result communication by individuals with rare and previously undiagnosed conditions, which can ideally inform development of more effective counseling strategies and guidelines to aid family communication.
Comparison of VEGF‐A values between pregnant women with COVID‐19 and healthy pregnancies and its association with composite adverse outcomes
Authors: Yazihan Nuray , Tanacan Atakan , Erol Seyit A. , Anuk Ali T. , Sinaci Selcan , Biriken Derya , Keskin Huseyin L. , Moraloglu Ozlem T. , Sahin Dilek 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe aim is to compare VEGF‐A values between pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and healthy controls. Furthermore, the association of inflammation parameters, disease severity, and obstetric complications with VEGF‐A was investigated. This prospective case‐control study was conducted on pregnant women who were admitted to Ankara City Hospital between June 14, 2020 and August 28, 2020. Pregnant women with COVID‐19 (n = 95) were compared with a control group of healthy pregnant women (n = 92) with similar clinical and demographic characteristics. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, VEGF‐A values were compared between the groups. A correlation analysis was performed between VEGF‐A levels, inflammation parameters, and clinical characteristics of the cases for pregnant women with COVID‐19. VEGF‐A levels were also compared between patients with composite adverse outcome and patients without any complication in the COVID‐19 group. The two groups were similar except for obstetric complications (p > .05). The obstetric complication rate was higher in the COVID‐19 group (p =.02). The two groups were comparable in terms of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and VEGF‐A values. VEGF‐A values were slightly different between the trimesters. A negative moderate statistically significant correlation was found between the neutrophil and VEGF‐A values (r = −0.231, p =.02). VEGF‐A values were similar between patients with and without composite adverse outcomes (p > .05). VEGF‐A values were similar between pregnant women with COVID‐19 and healthy controls.
Corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients requiring oxygen support? Yes, but not for everyone: Effect of corticosteroids on mortality and intensive care unit admission in patients with COVID‐19 according to patients' oxygen requirements
Authors: Tortajada Cecilia , Colomer Enrique , Andreu‐Ballester Juan C. , Esparcia Ana , Oltra Carmina , Flores Juan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCorticosteroids reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but the response seems to vary according to the level of respiratory support needed. This retrospective cohort study included COVID‐19 patients with oxygen saturation (SatO2) in room air <92% admitted between March 3 and April 30, 2020. Following the interim protocol, patients could receive dexamethasone or methylprednisolone, and were classified according to oxygen requirements. The primary endpoint was admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or mortality. Kaplan–Meier and Cox hazards analyses were used. Of the 115 patients included, 38 received corticosteroids. Among requiring high‐flow, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) > 0.40, the hazard ratio (HR) for death or ICU admission, between the corticosteroids and non‐corticosteroids group, was 0.07 (95% CI 0.01–0.4), p = .002, and for patients requiring low‐flow oxygen, the HR was 0.70 (95% CI 0.13–3.8), p = .68. Significant differences were also observed when all patients were analyzed together. A significant reduction in mortality and ICU admission frequency was observed among patients requiring high‐flow oxygen or NIV, but not among those requiring low‐flow oxygen. Better targeting of COVID‐19 patients is needed for the beneficial use of corticosteroids.
Extending the vitamin D pathway to vitamin D3and CYP27A1 in periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Zhang Churen , Liu Kaining , Hou Jianxia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn periodontal connective tissue cells, the vitamin D pathway has been elucidated, and vitamin D3in the main storage form, 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3(25[OH]D3), and the functional form, 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3(1,25[OH]2D3), have been found to induce the expression of human cationic antimicrobial protein (hCAP‐18)/LL‐37. Moreover, synergistic effects between Toll‐like receptor agonists and 25(OH)D3have been reported. This research aimed at extending the vitamin D pathway to vitamin D3and CYP27A1 in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) to further explore its function in periodontal inflammatory reaction.MethodsVitamin D3was used to stimulate hPDLCs in the presence or absence ofPorphyromonas gingivalislipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS). Conversely, CYP27A1 RNA interference was performed to further validate the findings. The mRNA expression of hCAP‐18 was determined with real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were also detected. The cell supernatant levels of LL‐37 were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsVitamin D3significantly enhanced the generation of hCAP‐18/LL‐37. A combination ofPg‐LPS and vitamin D3significantly promoted hCAP‐18/LL‐37 expression. When the expression of CYP27A1 was knocked down with RNA interference, the induction of hCAP‐18/LL‐37 expression was significantly inhibited. Therefore, the mRNA levels of MCP‐1 and IL‐8 in hPDLCs were significantly decreased through the vitamin D pathway.ConclusionThe vitamin D pathway from vitamin D3to hCAP‐18/LL‐37 exists in hPDLCs, and CYP27A1 might be involved in periodontal immune defense.
Macrofossil evidence of alder (Alnus sp.) in Britain early in the Late Glacial Interstadial: implications for the northern cryptic refugia debate
Authors: Young D. S. , Green C. P. , Batchelor C. R. , Austin P. , Elias S. A. , Athersuch J. , Lincoln P. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTWood macrofossil remains of alder and willow/poplar have been recovered from a sediment sequence in the valley of the Turker Beck in the Vale of Mowbray, North Yorkshire. These remains have yielded radiocarbon dates early in the Devensian Late Glacial (14.7–14k cal a bp), equivalent to the early part of the Greenland Interstadial (GI‐1e) of the GRIP ice‐core record. These are the earliest dates recorded for the presence of alder in the Late Glacial in the British Isles. Associated biological remains have provided a palaeoenvironmental record for this early part of the Greenland Interstadial, generally indicative of open environments dominated by herbaceous taxa on both the wetland and dryland surfaces. However, stands of alder, birch and willow woodland were also present, and indicate the possibility that such tree species survived in cryptic refugia in Britain as elsewhere in northern Europe during the Last Glacial Maximum. The absence of alder pollen at Turker Beck, in a sequence in which its macrofossil remains are relatively abundant, lends support to the view that pollen can be a poor indicator of the presence of tree species in Late Glacial sequences in northern and western Europe.
In pursuit of happiness: Impact of the happiness level of a destination country on Chinese tourists' outbound travel choices
Authors: Huang Ziyao , Huang Sam , Yang Yang , Tang Ziyan , Yang Yutao , Zhou Yijun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study examines the impact of the national happiness level of a country on Chinese tourists' travel choices using panel data of 113 countries from 2012 to 2017, controlling for other factors that contribute to Chinese outbound tourism. The results show that the happiness level of a destination country is positively and significantly associated with Chinese tourist arrivals in that country. Examination of the moderation effect reveals cultural distance plays an important role in the impact a destination's happiness level has on Chinese outbound tourism. The influence of a destination's happiness level decreases when the cultural distance increases.
Deep neural network for water/fat separation: Supervised training, unsupervised training, and no training
Authors: Jafari Ramin , Spincemaille Pascal , Zhang Jinwei , Nguyen Thanh D. , Luo Xianfu , Cho Junghun , Margolis Daniel , Prince Martin R. , Wang Yi 
Published: October 2020

PurposeTo use a deep neural network (DNN) for solving the optimization problem of water/fat separation and to compare supervised and unsupervised training.MethodsThe current ‐IDEAL algorithm for solving water/fat separation is dependent on initialization. Recently, DNN has been proposed to solve water/fat separation without the need for suitable initialization. However, this approach requires supervised training of DNN using the reference water/fat separation images. Here we propose 2 novel DNN water/fat separation methods: 1) unsupervised training of DNN (UTD) using the physical forward problem as the cost function during training, and 2) no training of DNN using physical cost and backpropagation to directly reconstruct a single dataset. The supervised training of DNN, unsupervised training of DNN, and no training of DNN methods were compared with the reference ‐IDEAL.ResultsAll DNN methods generated consistent water/fat separation results that agreed well with ‐IDEAL under proper initialization.ConclusionThe water/fat separation problem can be solved using unsupervised deep neural networks.
Multi‐band MR fingerprinting (MRF) ASL imaging using artificial‐neural‐network trained with high‐fidelity experimental data
Authors: Fan Hongli , Su Pan , Huang Judy , Liu Peiying , Lu Hanzhang 
Published: October 2020

PurposeWe aim to leverage the power of deep‐learning with high‐fidelity training data to improve the reliability and processing speed of hemodynamic mapping with MR fingerprinting (MRF) arterial spin labeling (ASL).MethodsA total of 15 healthy subjects were studied on a 3T MRI. Each subject underwent 10 runs of a multi‐band multi‐slice MRF‐ASL sequence for a total scan time of approximately 40 min. MRF‐ASL images were averaged across runs to yield a set of high‐fidelity data. Training of a fully connected artificial neural network (ANN) was then performed using these data. The results from ANN were compared to those of dictionary matching (DM), ANN trained with single‐run experimental data and with simulation data. Initial clinical performance of the technique was also demonstrated in a Moyamoya patient.ResultsThe use of ANN reduced the processing time of MRF‐ASL data to 3.6 s, compared to DM of 3 h 12 min. Parametric values obtained with ANN and DM were strongly correlated (R2 between 0.84 and 0.96). Results obtained from high‐fidelity ANN were substantially more reliable compared to those from DM or single‐run ANN. Voxel‐wise coefficient of variation (CoV) of high‐fidelity ANN, DM, and single‐run ANN was 0.15 ± 0.08, 0.41 ± 0.20, 0.30 ± 0.16, respectively, for cerebral blood flow and 0.11 ± 0.06, 0.20 ± 0.19, 0.15 ± 0.10, respectively, for bolus arrival time. In vivo data trained ANN also outperformed ANN trained with simulation data. The superior performance afforded by ANN allowed more conspicuous depiction of hemodynamic abnormalities in Moyamoya patient.ConclusionDeep‐learning‐based parametric reconstruction improves the reliability of MRF‐ASL hemodynamic maps and reduces processing time.
Combining inhomogeneous magnetization transfer and multipoint Dixon acquisition: Potential utility and evaluation
Authors: Ercan Ece , Varma Gopal , Dimitrov Ivan E. , Xi Yin , Pinho Marco C. , Yu Fang F. , Zhang Shu , Wang Xinzeng , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Lenkinski Robert E. , Alsop David C. , Vinogradov Elena 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe recently introduced inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) method has predominantly been applied for imaging the central nervous system. Future applications of ihMT, such as in peripheral nerves and muscles, will involve imaging in the vicinity of adipose tissues. This work aims to systematically investigate the partial volume effect of fat on the ihMT signal and to propose an efficient fat‐separation method that does not interfere with ihMT measurements.MethodsFirst, the influence of fat on ihMT signal was studied using simulations. Next, the ihMT sequence was combined with a multi‐echo Dixon acquisition for fat separation. The sequence was tested in 9 healthy volunteers using a 3T human scanner. The ihMT ratio (ihMTR) values were calculated in regions of interest in the brain and the spinal cord using standard acquisition (no fat saturation), water‐only, in‐phase, and out‐of‐phase reconstructions. The values obtained were compared with a standard fat suppression method, spectral presaturation with inversion recovery.ResultsSimulations showed variations in the ihMTR values in the presence of fat, depending on the TEs used. The IhMTR values in the brain and spinal cord derived from the water‐only ihMT multi‐echo Dixon images were in good agreement with values from the unsuppressed sequence. The ihMT–spectral presaturation with inversion recovery combination resulted in 24%‐35% lower ihMTR values compared with the standard non‐fat‐suppressed acquisition.ConclusionThe presence of fat within a voxel affects the ihMTR calculations. The IhMT multi‐echo Dixon method does not compromise the observable ihMT effect and can potentially be used to remove fat influence in ihMT.
Improved readability and functions needed for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure: An app store review
Authors: Dunn Lopez Karen , Chae Sena , Michele Girgis , Fraczkowski Dan , Habibi Pantea , Chattopadhyay Debaleena , Donevant Sara B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo maintain their quality of life and avoid hospitalization and early mortality, patients with heart failure must recognize and respond to symptoms of exacerbation. A promising method for engaging patients in their self‐care is through mobile health applications (mHealth apps). However, for mHealth to have its greatest chance for improving patient outcomes, the app content must be readable, provide useful functions and be based in evidence. The study aimed to determine: (1) readability, (2) types of functions, and (3) linkage to authoritative sources of evidence for self‐care focused mHealth apps targeting heart failure patients that are available in the Apple and Google Play Stores. We systematically searched for mHealth apps targeting patients with heart failure in the Apple and Google Play Stores and applied selection criteria. Readability of randomly selected informational paragraphs were determined using Flesch–Kincaid grade level test tool in Microsoft Word. Ten mHealth apps met our criteria. Only one had a reading grade level at or below the recommended 6th grade reading level (average 9.35). The most common functions were tracking, clinical data feedback, and non‐data‐based reminders and alerts. Only three had statements that clearly linked the mHealth app content to trustworthy, evidence‐based sources. Only two had interoperability with the electronic health record and only one had a communication feature with clinicians. Future mHealth designs that are tailored to patients’ literacy level and have advanced functions may hold greater potential for improving patient outcomes.
Influence of carbon nanotube type and novel modification on dispersion, melt‐rheology and electrical conductivity of polypropylene/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Banerjee Joyita , Kummara Sreenivas , Panwar Ajay S. , Mukhopadhyay Kingsuk , Saxena Arvind K. , Bhattacharyya Arup R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMelt‐mixing was employed to prepare multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based polypropylene (PP) composites, wherein MWCNTs vary in “agglomerate” size and also in terms of “agglomerate” structure. Morphological analysis revealed MWCNTs‐D type exhibits bigger “agglomerate” size with compact “agglomerate” structure with respect to MWCNTs‐N type, that show smaller “agglomerate” size with porous “agglomerate” structure in the corresponding PP/MWCNTs composites. Melt‐rheological analysis showed a rheological percolation threshold of 2 to 3 wt% in PP/MWCNTs‐N composites, whereas PP/MWCNTs‐D composites exhibited a rheological percolation of 3 to 4 wt% of MWCNTs. AC electrical conductivity measurements exhibited an electrical percolation threshold of 0.5 to 1 wt% of MWCNTs‐N, whereas MWCNTs‐D type depicts an electrical percolation threshold of 2 to 3 wt% of MWCNTs in the respective composites. Further, an unique dispersant; Li salt of 6‐aminohexanoic acid (Li‐AHA) was utilized to “deagglomerate” MWCNTs. Moreover, PP‐g‐MA was also utilized in combination with Li‐AHA encapsulated MWCNTs in the corresponding composites. An extensive morphological, rheological, and electrical conductivity measurements suggested the influence of Li‐AHA encapsulated MWCNTs and PP‐g‐MA on the transformation of MWCNTs “agglomerate” into “individualized” and smaller MWCNTs “agglomerate” in PP/MWCNTs composites.