bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of ophthalmic artery Doppler velocimetry in relation to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Matias Denise S. , Santos Rebeca , Ferreira Tatiana , Matias Bruno S. , Correia Luis Cláudio L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeTo test the predictive value of ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler velocimetry in relation to the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).MethodsWe compared, by analysis of variance, the values of seven OA Doppler variables (peak systolic velocity, second systolic peak velocity [P2], mean velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistance index [RI], pulsatility index [PI], and peak ratio) of 31 women with preeclampsia and 33 women with gestational hypertension vs those of 227 women without HDP. The prognostic value of these variables in relation to the occurrence of HDP was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsAll OA Doppler variables except RI and PI showed significant (P < .5) differences between groups. After adjustment for confounders, only P2 was an independent predictor of HDP (P < .001), with an AUC of 0.76. The best cut‐off point for predicting HDP was P2 ≥ 21.4 cm/s, with sensitivity 69%, specificity 78%, positive likelihood ratio 3.1, negative likelihood ratio 0.4, positive predictive value 47%, and negative predictive value 90%. P2 improved the predictive ability of a model based on clinical variables, incrementing AUC from 0.77 to 0.84 in the final model containing clinical and Doppler variables.ConclusionThe elevation of OA P2 in the second trimester of pregnancy is an independent predictor of hypertensive disorders, and improves the discriminatory ability of clinical markers.
Remediation of hexachlorobenzene‐contaminated soils with alkyl glycoside‐enhanced desorption and zero‐valent iron–EDTA–air treatment
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Wang Di , Cao Menghua , Li Pengyu , Wang Linling , Chen Jing , Lu Xiaohua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this work, the use of a coupled process, alkyl glycoside (APG) enhanced soil desorption followed by the zero‐valent iron–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)–air (ZEA) Fenton‐like system, was investigated for the remediation of a simulated hexachlorobenzene (HCB)‐contaminated diatomite soil and a real HCB‐contaminated soil. Three surfactants with different concentrations were studied to obtain the suitable soil desorption agent. Compared with APG0810 and Triton x‐100, APG0814 showed a better solubilization effect due to its lower critical micelle concentration. With addition of 3000 mg L−1 APG0814, 35% of HCB was removed from contaminated diatomite soil, and a small amount of residual APG in diatomite soil was found to be beneficial for the soil dispersion. After treatment with the ZEA system, the removal efficiency of HCB in the diatomite soil desorption solution reached 76% in 2 h; we observed that a small amount of APG retained in the desorption solution accelerated the HCB removal. A real HCB‐contaminated soil was used to verify the remediation effects. This study demonstrates that our approach is a feasible alternative for remediating soil contaminated with hydrophobic organic compounds.
Morphology of the male reproductive system of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium carcinus (Decapoda, Caridea): Functional and comparative aspects
Authors: Ruiz Thalles F. R. , Vidal Mateus R. , Gardinal Mario V. Buzete , Ribeiro Karina , Vicentini Carlos A. , Franceschini Vicentini Irene B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTestes and vasa deferentia are parts of the male reproductive system of decapod crustaceans. Both organs show morphological differences among decapod species in terms of anatomical and histological patterns reflecting the diversity of this group. Describing these features may assist in systematics, phylogenetics, and studies of reproductive behavior, especially for species of commercial interest, such as Macrobrachium carcinus, a native American species that, unusually for this genus, has no precopulation courting behavior. This study aims to describe the reproductive morphology and spermatogenesis of the male freshwater prawn M. carcinus. The male reproductive system of this species consisted of lobed testes connected to the vasa deferentia. The testis of M. carcinus was divided into several lobules. Each lobule was formed by a cluster of germ cells surrounded by connective tissue and nurse cells. This microscopic anatomy and histology of the testicular histoarchitecture has been described for many species of Decapoda and may represent a derived design of the testes. Unlike that in other decapod species, spermatogenesis proceeds in short transitory phases that produce spermatozoa at high concentrations and frequencies, corroborating the uncommon male reproductive behavior of this species. In the spermatic pathway, the lobules develop and fuse before releasing spermatozoa from the testes; however, this process has not been observed in decapods, yet. The neutral compounds secreted by the vas deferens are important for sperm nutrition as females secrete a substance for spermatophore adhesion during reproduction. This study presents different features and dynamics of the spermatogenic process in the male reproductive system of M. carcinus that have not yet been presented in the literature for decapods.
Multiparametric MR imaging reveals early cartilage degeneration at 2 and 8 weeks after ACL transection in a rabbit model
Authors: Kajabi Abdul Wahed , Casula Victor , Ojanen Simo , Finnilä Mikko A. , Herzog Walter , Saarakkala Simo , Korhonen Rami K. , Nissi Mikko J. , Nieminen Miika T. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this study, the rabbit model with anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was used to investigate early degenerative changes in cartilage using multiparametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). ACLT was surgically induced in the knees of skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits (n = 14). ACL transected and contralateral knee compartments—medial femur, lateral femur, medial tibia, and lateral tibia—were harvested 2 (n = 8) and 8 weeks (n = 6) postsurgery. Twelve age‐matched nonoperated rabbits served as control. qMRI was conducted at 9.4 T and included relaxation times T1, T2, continuous‐wave T1ρ (CWT1ρ), adiabatic T1ρ (AdT1ρ), adiabatic T2ρ (AdT2ρ), and relaxation along a fictitious field (TRAFF). For reference, quantitative histology and biomechanical measurements were carried out. Posttraumatic changes were primarily noted in the superficial half of the cartilage. Prolonged T1, T2, CWT1ρ, and AdT1ρ were observed in the lateral femur 2 and 8 weeks post‐ACLT, compared with the corresponding control and contralateral groups (P < .05). Collagen orientation was significantly altered in the lateral femur at 2 weeks post‐ACLT compared with the corresponding control group. In the medial femur, all the studied relaxation time parameters, except TRAFF, were increased 8 weeks post‐ACLT, as compared with the corresponding contralateral and control groups (P < .05). Similarly, significant proteoglycan loss was observed in the medial femur at 8 weeks following surgery (P < .05). Multiparametric MRI demonstrated early degenerative changes primarily in the superficial cartilage with T1, T2, CWT1ρ, and AdT1ρ sensitive to cartilage changes at 2 weeks after surgery.
Synthesis and spectroscopic study of dual self‐encoded polymer microbeads with Raman scattering and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Azhar Umar , Ahmed Qazi , Alwahabi Zeyad , Dai Sheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe unique Raman spectra of various polymers render polymeric microbeads to be attractive in Raman‐based multiplex analysis and simultaneous biomolecular recognition as self‐encoded supports. The combination of polymer Raman signals with highly sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) codes will be able to significantly enhance the combinatory library in bioanalysis. However, there is lack of study on the preparation and spectroscopic analysis of self‐encoded microbeads with both Raman and SERS signatures. This study establishes a robust synthesis and spectral analysis protocol of the microbeads with bi‐codes, namely Raman and SERS. As modal examples, surface carboxylic acid functionalized monodisperse microbeads of polystyrene and poly(4‐tert‐butylstyrene) were conjugated with the amine group of 4‐aminothiophenol, followed by the adsorption of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on microbead surfaces. The thiol group of 4‐aminothiophenol forms self‐assembled monolayers with AuNPs. The resulting microbeads are Raman and SERS dual self‐encoded as evident from their Raman spectroscopic and imaging analysis. The synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of the Raman and SERS dual‐encoded systems suggest the potential expansion of multiplex library in suspension bioassays.
Servitization in the automotive industry: How car manufacturers become mobility service providers
Authors: Genzlinger Felix , Zejnilovic Leid , Bustinza Oscar F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe automotive industry, as other manufacturing industries, has evolved from competing on discrete transactions to relational agreements with customers. While previous literature calls for further analysis of the observed heterogeneity found across servitized manufacturing industries, this article contextualizes the analysis in the automotive industry. Servitization follows a sequence of stages, from offering basic and intermediate services, to new business models based on the provision of advanced services to customers. As the advanced services are related to core competencies of the car manufacturers, complex collaborative arrangements are the primary market strategy choice. This article demonstrates the challenges and opportunities related to such choices, over a set of internal and external categories and along the servitization journey.
Contingency effects of firm structure and environmental uncertainty on strategic planning process and firm performance: Evidence from UAE enterprises
Authors: Chaib Lababidi Houyem , Lababidi Reem , Colak Mustafa , Dayan Mumin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPrevious research has reported inconsistent findings concerning the relationship between strategic planning and organizational performance and pointed out that a reason for this ambiguity is the fact that most research has traditionally focused on the direct effects of strategic planning on performance, taking insufficient consideration of the influence of several contextual variables on this relationship. Following this observation, this study adopts the perspective of contingency theory and develops six hypotheses predicting that strategic planning is positively related to organizational performance only when the two contextual variables of organizational structure and environmental uncertainty are aligned individually and jointly with the strategic planning process. Data were collected on senior executives and managers involved in formulating strategies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enterprises and analyzed by using multiple regression analysis involving moderated moderation. Results supported all the six hypotheses, confirming the central assumption of the present study that, at least in the UAE setting, a holistic or multivariate fit approach to contingency theory can shed light on the planning–performance relationship. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study findings are finally discussed.
Development and optimization of a method for determining betaine and trigonelline in the fruits of Lycium species by using solid‐phase extraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Xia Mengqin , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao , Wang Rui , Shi Yanhong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBetaine is an essential nutrient for humans and a source of methyl donors for methionine and S‐adenosylmethionine formation, and it is used as a biomarker for pharmacological activities and to evaluate the quality of Lycium species and common foods. However, because of its special structural features, poor ultraviolet‐chromophore, and high polarity, the existing methods for betaine extraction and quantification cannot provide higher extraction efficiency, better sensitivity, or resolution degree. A simple, fast, and efficient high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector coupled with solid‐phase extraction was adopted for simultaneous separation and quantification of betaine in four types of Lycium species. The results revealed that after degreasing with dichloromethane, extraction with 80% ethanol (pH adjusted to 1.0 with hydrochloric acid), and elution with aluminum oxide (OH− form), the improvement in the average yield rate of betaine was thrice of that of the existing methods. In addition, trigonelline was identified as the interfering substance of betaine for the first time in Lycium species, and betaine and trigonelline were simultaneously separated and quantified. Furthermore, their chemical characteristics and content distribution in different Lycium species were carried out.
Preparation of hydrophilic molecularly imprinted solid‐phase microextraction fiber for the selective removal and extraction of trace tetracyclines residues in animal derived foods
Authors: Lu Yue , Lü Lei , He Jinxing , Zhao Tao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe present work reported a novel hydrophilic and selective solid‐phase microextraction fiber by improved multiple co‐polymerization method immobilization of tetracycline molecularly imprinted polymer on a stainless steel wire and directly coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography for sensitive determination of trace tetracyclines residues in animal derived foods. The developed molecularly imprinted polymer coated solid‐phase microextraction fibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and adsorption experiments, the fiber with cross‐linked and porous structure was observed and high thermal and chemical stability. The maximum adsorption capacity of this fiber with good selectivity reached 2.35 µg/mg in aqueous matrices, and showed good repeatability (relative standard deviation ≤ 6.6%, n = 5) and satisfying reproducibility between fiber to fiber (relative standard deviation ≤ 7.8%, n = 5). Under the optimized solid‐phase microextraction conditions, satisfactory linearity (5–1000 µg/L) and detection limits (0.38–0.72 µg/kg, S/N = 3) for all the tetracyclines were obtained. The practicality of this method was proved by adding tetracycline, oxytetracycline at three levels to milk, chicken, and fish samples with good recoveries of 77.3–104.4%.
Business process transformation in financial market: A hybrid BPM‐ELECTRE TRI for redesigning a securities company in the Iranian stock market
Authors: Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Hafeez Khalid , Razavi Hajiagha Seyyed Hossein 
Published: March 2020

PurposeBusiness Process Management is a systematic way to design, implement and manage business critical processes at different organizational levels to ensure business sustainability. In this paper, we conduct a business process re‐engineering exercise for KBK Securities Co., a small size security company operating in Iranian stock and mercantile market. The company suffered from in‐efficiencies and poor and delayed decision‐making due to poor visibility and complexity with business critical processes.DesignWe employed a semi‐quantitative approach using ELECTRE TRI decision‐making method to identify the business critical processes. Through document analysis, we identified 103 financial and stock market processes to streamlining purposes. We use Multi‐Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) and ELECTRE TRI methods for first, arriving to a consensus for the imprecise information elicited from a group of departmental managers, and second making a decision‐making to determine the 32 business critical processes out of 103, and third clustering these processes for business process re‐engineering. We make significant contribution in theory by employing a multi criterion decision‐making (MCDM) in the financial sector in the context of a developing economy like Iran.OriginalityWe provide a structured framework along with an off the shelf software tool for practitioners to implement this approach to rationalize the number of processes and subsequently to improve the business critical processes to enhance financial performance in the stock market.FindingsOur findings suggest that company can cut down approximately 68% waste by reducing its business critical processes and spend their available time and resources in growing the business.
Isolation of an antimicrobial‐resistant, biofilm‐forming, Klebsiella grimontii isolate from a reusable water bottle
Authors: Hubbard Alasdair T. M. , Newire Enas , Botelho João , Reiné Jesús , Wright Elli , Murphy Emma A , Hutton William , Roberts Adam P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA reusable water bottle was swabbed as part of the citizen science project “Swab and Send,” and a Klebsiella grimontii isolate was recovered on chromogenic agar and designated SS141. Whole‐genome sequencing of SS141 showed it has the potential to be a human pathogen as it contains the biosynthetic gene cluster for the potent cytotoxin, kleboxymycin, and genes for other virulence factors. The genome also contains the antibiotic‐resistant genes, blaOXY‐6‐4, and a variant of fosA, which is likely to explain the observed resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and fosfomycin. We have also shown that SS141 forms biofilms on both polystyrene and polypropylene surfaces, providing a reasonable explanation for its ability to colonize a reusable water bottle. With the increasing use of reusable water bottles as an alternative to disposables and a strong forecast for growth in this industry over the next decade, this study highlights the need for cleanliness comparable to other reusable culinary items.
CT images with expert manual contours of thoracic cancer for benchmarking auto‐segmentation accuracy
Authors: Yang Jinzhong , Veeraraghavan Harini , van Elmpt Wouter , Dekker Andre , Gooding Mark , Sharp Greg 
Published: March 2020

PurposeAutomatic segmentation offers many benefits for radiotherapy treatment planning; however, the lack of publicly available benchmark datasets limits the clinical use of automatic segmentation. In this work, we present a well‐curated computed tomography (CT) dataset of high‐quality manually drawn contours from patients with thoracic cancer that can be used to evaluate the accuracy of thoracic normal tissue auto‐segmentation systems.Acquisition and validation methodsComputed tomography scans of 60 patients undergoing treatment simulation for thoracic radiotherapy were acquired from three institutions: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the MAASTRO clinic. Each institution provided CT scans from 20 patients, including mean intensity projection four‐dimensional CT (4D CT), exhale phase (4D CT), or free‐breathing CT scans depending on their clinical practice. All CT scans covered the entire thoracic region with a 50‐cm field of view and slice spacing of 1, 2.5, or 3 mm. Manual contours of left/right lungs, esophagus, heart, and spinal cord were retrieved from the clinical treatment plans. These contours were checked for quality and edited if necessary to ensure adherence to RTOG 1106 contouring guidelines.Data format and usage notesThe CT images and RTSTRUCT files are available in DICOM format. The regions of interest were named according to the nomenclature recommended by American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 263 as Lung_L, Lung_R, Esophagus, Heart, and SpinalCord. This dataset is available on The Cancer Imaging Archive (funded by the National Cancer Institute) under Lung CT Segmentation Challenge 2017 (http://doi.org/10.7937/K9/TCIA.2017.3r3fvz08).Potential applicationsThis dataset provides CT scans with well‐delineated manually drawn contours from patients with thoracic cancer that can be used to evaluate auto‐segmentation systems. Additional anatomies could be supplied in the future to enhance the existing library of contours.
Evaluation of admittance control as an alternative to passive arm supports to increase upper extremity function for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Corrigan Madeline C. , Foulds Richard A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe degree of upper extremity active range of motion provided by an admittance control robot compared with a commercially available passive arm support for individuals with DMD who have limited arm function was investigated in this study. The reachable workspace evaluation was used to assess active range of motion provided by both devices. A visual analog scale was also used to secure participant‐reported outcome measures. The admittance control robot significantly increased reachable surface area scores compared with the passive arm support for the dominant arm (Wilcoxon T = 5, P = .022, r2 = 0.263) and for the nondominant arm (paired‐samples t test, t(9) = 4.66, P = .001, r2 = 0.71). The admittance control robot also significantly decreased participant‐reported exertion compared with the passive arm support. Results of this study substantiated the benefits of admittance control for individuals with DMD compared with a commercially available passive arm support.
EF hand‐like motif mutations of Nav1.4 C‐terminus cause myotonic syndrome by impairing fast inactivation
Authors: Horie Riho , Kubota Tomoya , Koh Jinsoo , Tanaka Rieko , Nakamura Yuichiro , Sasaki Ryogen , Ito Hidefumi , Takahashi Masanori P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionMutations of the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene (SCN4A), which encodes Nav1.4, cause nondystrophic myotonia that occasionally is associated with severe apnea and laryngospasm. There are case reports of nondystrophic myotonia due to mutations in the C‐terminal tail (CTerm) of Nav1.4, but the functional analysis is scarce.MethodsWe present two families with nondystrophic myotonia harboring a novel heterozygous mutation (E1702del) and a known heterozygous mutation (E1702K).ResultsThe proband with E1702K exhibited repeated rhabdomyolysis, and the daughter showed laryngospasm and cyanosis. Functional analysis of the two mutations as well as another known heterozygous mutation (T1700_E1703del), all located on EF hand‐like motif in CTerm, was conducted with whole‐cell recording of heterologously expressed channel. All mutations displayed impaired fast inactivation.DiscussionThe CTerm of Nav1.4 is vital for regulating fast inactivation. The study highlights the importance of accumulating pathological mutations of Nav1.4 and their functional analysis data.