bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Surface‐Based Analysis of Cartilage MRI Data in Knee Osteoarthritis: Validation and Initial Clinical Application
Authors: MacKay James W. , Kaggie Joshua D. , Treece Graham M. , McDonnell Stephen M. , Khan Wasim , Roberts Alexandra R. , Janiczek Robert L. , Graves Martin J. , Turmezei Tom D. , McCaskie Andrew W. , Gilbert Fiona J. 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundTraditional quantitative analysis of cartilage with MRI averages measurements (eg, thickness) across regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) which may reduce responsiveness.PurposeTo validate and describe clinical application of a semiautomated surface‐based method for analyzing cartilage relaxation times (“composition”) and morphology on MRI, 3D cartilage surface mapping (3D‐CaSM).Study TypeValidation study in cadaveric knees and prospective observational (cohort) study in human participants.PopulationFour cadaveric knees and 14 participants aged 40–60 with mild–moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) and 6 age‐matched healthy volunteers, imaged at baseline, 1, and 6 months.Field Strength/Sequence3D spoiled gradient echo, T1rho/T2 magnetization‐prepared 3D fast spin echo for mapping of T1rho/T2 relaxation times and delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) using variable flip angle T1 relaxation time mapping at 3T.Assessment3D‐CaSM was validated against high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) in cadaveric knees, with comparison to expert manual segmentation. The clinical study assessed test–retest repeatability and sensitivity to change over 6 months for cartilage thickness and relaxation times.Statistical TestsBland–Altman analysis was performed for the validation study and evaluation of test–retest repeatability. Six‐month changes were assessed via calculation of the percentage of each cartilage surface affected by areas of significant change (%SC), defined using thresholds based on area and smallest detectable difference (SDD).ResultsBias and precision (0.06 ± 0.25 mm) of 3D‐CaSM against reference HRpQCT data were comparable to expert manual segmentation (−0.13 ± 0.26 mm). 3D‐CaSM demonstrated significant (>SDD) 6‐month changes in cartilage thickness and relaxation times in both OA participants and healthy controls. The parameter demonstrating the greatest 6‐month change was T2 relaxation time (OA median %SC [IQR] = 8.8% [5.5 to 12.6]).Data ConclusionThis study demonstrates the construct validity and potential clinical utility of 3D‐CaSM, which may offer advantages to conventional ROI‐based methods.Level of Evidence2.Technical Efficacy Stage2. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1139–1151.
Educating surgical oncology providers on perioperative opioid use: A departmental survey 1 year after the intervention
Authors: Kim Bradford J. , Lillemoe Heather A. , Newhook Timothy E. , Dewhurst Whitney L. , Arvide Elsa M. , Katz Matthew H. G. , Aloia Thomas A. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Lee Jeffrey E. , Tzeng Ching‐Wei D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesA department‐wide opioid reduction education program resulted in a 1‐month change in perceptions of opioid needs and prescribing recommendations for surgical oncology patients. This study's aim was to re‐evaluate if early trends were retained 1 year later.MethodsSurgical Oncology attendings, fellows, and advanced practice providers at a Comprehensive Cancer Center were surveyed 1‐year after an August 2018 opioid reduction education program, to compare departmental and individual opioid prescribing habits.ResultsThe September 2019 response rate was 54/93 (58%), with 41 completing both the post‐education and 1‐year follow‐up surveys. The departmental and matched cohort continued to recommend a lower quantity of discharge opioids for all five index operations (by >50%) and expected less postoperative days to zero opioid needs, when compared to pre‐education perceptions. Providers continued to agree that discharge opioid prescriptions should be based on a patient's last 24 hours of inpatient opioid use. There was universal agreement that each respondent's opioid administration had decreased in the past year.ConclusionsThe initial 1‐month improvements in perioperative opioid prescribing perceptions were retained 1 year later by Surgical Oncology providers who recommended fewer discharge opioids, faster weaning to zero opioids, and standardized patient‐specific discharge opioid volume calculations.
Protective Effects of Antioxidant Polyphenols against Hyperglycemia‐Mediated Alterations in Cerebral Endothelial Cells and a Mouse Stroke Model
Authors: Arcambal Angélique , Taïlé Janice , Couret David , Planesse Cynthia , Veeren Bryan , Diotel Nicolas , Gauvin‐Bialecki Anne , Meilhac Olivier , Gonthier Marie‐Paule 
Published: May 2020

ScopeHyperglycemia alters cerebral endothelial cell and blood‐brain barrier functions, aggravating cerebrovascular complications such as stroke during diabetes. Redox and inflammatory changes play a causal role. This study evaluates polyphenol protective effects in cerebral endothelial cells and a mouse stroke model during hyperglycemia.Methods and resultsMurine bEnd.3 cerebral endothelial cells and a mouse stroke model are exposed to a characterized, polyphenol‐rich extract of Antirhea borbonica or its predominant constituent caffeic acid, during hyperglycemia. Polyphenol effects on redox, inflammatory and vasoactive markers, infarct volume, and hemorrhagic transformation are determined. In vitro, polyphenols improve reactive oxygen species levels, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity, and both NAPDH oxidase 4 and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression deregulated by high glucose. Polyphenols reduce Nrf2 nuclear translocation and counteract nuclear factor‐ĸappa B activation, interleukin‐6 secretion, and the altered production of vasoactive markers mediated by high glucose. In vivo, polyphenols reduce cerebral infarct volume and hemorrhagic transformation aggravated by hyperglycemia. Polyphenols attenuate redox changes, increase vascular endothelial‐Cadherin production, and decrease neuro‐inflammation in the infarcted hemisphere.ConclusionPolyphenols protect against hyperglycemia‐mediated alterations in cerebral endothelial cells and a mouse stroke model. It is relevant to assess polyphenol benefits to improve cerebrovascular damages during diabetes.
B1 inhomogeneity correction of RARE MRI with transceive surface radiofrequency probes
Authors: Delgado Paula Ramos , Kuehne Andre , Periquito João S. , Millward Jason M. , Pohlmann Andreas , Waiczies Sonia , Niendorf Thoralf 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe use of surface radiofrequency (RF) coils is common practice to boost sensitivity in (pre)clinical MRI. The number of transceive surface RF coils is rapidly growing due to the surge in cryogenically cooled RF technology and ultrahigh‐field MRI. Consequently, there is an increasing need for effective correction of the excitation field (
) inhomogeneity inherent in these coils. Retrospective B1 correction permits quantitative MRI, but this usually requires a pulse sequence‐specific analytical signal intensity (SI) equation. Such an equation is not available for fast spin‐echo (Rapid Acquisition with Relaxation Enhancement, RARE) MRI. Here we present, test, and validate retrospective B1 correction methods for RARE.MethodsWe implemented the commonly used sensitivity correction and developed an empirical model‐based method and a hybrid combination of both. Tests and validations were performed with a cryogenically cooled RF probe and a single‐loop RF coil. Accuracy of SI quantification and T1 contrast were evaluated after correction.ResultsThe three described correction methods achieved dramatic improvements in B1 homogeneity and significantly improved SI quantification and T1 contrast, with mean SI errors reduced from >40% to >10% following correction in all cases. Upon correction, images of phantoms and mouse heads demonstrated homogeneity comparable to that of images acquired with a volume resonator. This was quantified by SI profile, SI ratio (error < 10%), and percentage of integral uniformity (PIU > 80% in vivo and ex vivo compared to PIU > 87% with the reference RF coil).ConclusionThis work demonstrates the efficacy of three B1 correction methods tailored for transceive surface RF probes and RARE MRI. The corrected images are suitable for quantification and show comparable results between the three methods, opening the way for T1 measurements and X‐nuclei quantification using surface transceiver RF coils. This approach is applicable to other MR techniques for which no analytical SI exists.
A telephonic single breath count test for screening of exacerbations of myasthenia gravis: A pilot study
Authors: Kukulka Klaudia , Gummi Rohit Reddy , Govindarajan Raghav 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may experience worsening symptoms outside of a clinical setting. A method of diagnosing and triaging such individuals would be valuable. This study gauged the viability of a nurse‐administered single breath count test (SBCT) over the telephone for assessing MG exacerbations.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single‐center review of a pilot study of 45 telephone calls from patients with MG who had worsening baseline symptoms. SBCTs were administered over the telephone to patients by trained nurses. Patients with a breath count of 25 or less were sent to the emergency department.ResultsUsing a cutoff count of 25, the nurse‐administered telephonic SBCT had a positive predictive value of 71%, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 60% in diagnosing an MG exacerbation.ConclusionsSBCT administered by trained nurses by means of telephone may be a useful screening tool for assessing decreased respiratory function in patients with MG.
Teaching water movement in soil through experiential activities
Authors: Howe Julie A. , Barrientos‐Velazquez Ana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWater movement in soil is often difficult for students to understand, particularly when soil texture changes within the profile. Students in introductory soil science courses may be able to define concepts of water movement, but not be able to apply the information in real scenarios due to reliance on intuition rather than fundamental concepts. To apply concepts, students need to experience them for themselves. Experiential learning can teach concepts of water movement through the soil in order to link fundamental concepts with real‐life experiences to improve understanding. A lesson was developed for an introductory soil science course for undergraduates utilizing small plastic soil columns that allow students to test scenarios of water movement through soil to prove concepts taught in class. The described lesson plan can be expanded or revised to adapt to a wide range of students, and activity materials are relatively inexpensive and reusable. Student feedback was positive. Assessment through exam questions showed an increase in correct responses for all types of soil water questions with experiential activities, except soil water forces and potentials. Substitution of demonstrations utilizing non‐graded self‐evaluation with experiential learning activities requiring submission of answers improved engagement during lab, which is translated into improved exam scores. Experiential learning activities appear to have improved understanding of soil and water concepts.
Overweight and Obesity Impair Academic Performance in Adolescence: A National Cohort Study of 10,279 Adolescents in China
Authors: Ma Lu , Gao Liwang , Chiu Dorothy T. , Ding Yixin , Wang Youfa , Wang Weidong 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the associations of overweight and obesity (ov/ob) and changes in weight status with academic performance among Chinese adolescents.MethodsSelf‐reported weight and height were collected from adolescents (n = 10,279) each year from seventh grade (baseline, 2013‐2014) to ninth grade (2015‐2016). Academic performance included standardized scores on math, Chinese, and English examinations and responses to a school‐life experience scale.ResultsAll adolescents with ov/ob had lower academic performance than their counterparts without overweight (β = −0.46 to −0.08; P < 0.05), except for school‐life experience for boys. All adolescents with obesity had lower academic performance than their counterparts without obesity (β = −0.46 to −0.17; P < 0.01), except for English test scores for boys. Changes in weight status between grades 7 and 9 impacted academic performance at grade 9. Adolescents with ov/ob throughout grades 7 to 9 and those who developed ov/ob from normal weight had lower test scores (β = −0.80 to −0.25; P < 0.05) than those who maintained normal weight. Those who developed ov/ob after having normal weight had poorer school‐life experiences (β = −0.55 to −0.25; P < 0.05).ConclusionsOv/ob and maintaining and developing ov/ob had adverse academic impacts on adolescents. Relevant stakeholders should consider detrimental impacts of obesity on academic outcomes.
Repeatable molecularly recyclable semi‐aromatic polyesters derived from lignin
Authors: van Schijndel Jack , Molendijk Dennis , van Beurden Koen , Vermeulen Romy , Noël Timothy , Meuldijk Jan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe design of molecularly recyclable polymers contributes to a possible solution to the end‐of‐use issue of polymeric materials and gives a closed‐loop approach toward a circular materials economy. The biobased semi‐aromatic polyesters (e.g., poly(phloretic acid), poly(dihydroferulic acid), and poly(dihydro‐sinapinic acid)), described in this paper, can be derived entirely from biomass (mainly lignin). The described polyesters exhibit thermal properties similar to those of certain commodity polymeric materials. These polyesters with ligno‐phytochemicals as monomer have so far demonstrated complete and almost infinite molecular recyclability with a loss of total mass less than 5% per cycle. Moreover, molecular weight and thermal properties (Tg, Tm, and Tcryst) of the tenth generation polymeric material are identical to those of the first generation.
PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA copolymers via RAFT polymerization and their pH and thermoresponsive schizophrenic self‐assembly in aqueous media
Authors: Selianitis Dimitrios , Pispas Stergios 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe report on a new doubly responsive polymeric system of amphiphilic diblock copolymers, namely poly(di‐[ethylene glycol] methyl ether methacrylate)‐b‐poly(2‐[diisopropylamino] ethyl methacrylate), PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA, obtained by the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique. Molecular characterization by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), nuclearmagnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) confirms the successful synthesis of these novel block copolymers. The PDEGMA‐b‐PDIPAEMA block copolymers formed aggregates in aqueous media in response to solution pH and temperature changes, as evidenced by dynamic and static light scattering techniques, as well as fluorescence spectroscopy. Aggregates with PDEGMA core and PDIPAEMA corona domains are formed at elevated temperatures and low pH, whereas aggregates with PDIPAEMA cores and PDEGMA coronas are formed at neutral and high pH. Overall structural characteristics and solution behavior of the copolymers are affected by the copolymer composition. The obtained results provide valuable new information on the behavior and design guidelines for the construction of stimuli responsive, “schizophrenic” polymeric nanostructures with potential application in the biomedical field.
Cumulative hydropathic topology of a voltage‐gated sodium channel at atomic resolution
Authors: Xenakis Markos N. , Kapetis Dimos , Yang Yang , Heijman Jordi , Waxman Stephen G. , Lauria Giuseppe , Faber Catharina G. , Smeets Hubert J. , Westra Ronald L. , Lindsey Patrick J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVoltage‐gated sodium channels (NavChs) are biological pores that control the flow of sodium ions through the cell membrane. In humans, mutations in genes encoding NavChs can disrupt physiological cellular activity thus leading to a wide spectrum of diseases. Here, we present a topological connection between the functional architecture of a NavAb bacterial channel and accumulation of atomic hydropathicity around its pore. This connection is established via a scaling analysis methodology that elucidates how intrachannel hydropathic density variations translate into hydropathic dipole field configurations along the pore. Our findings suggest the existence of a nonrandom cumulative hydropathic topology that is organized parallel to the membrane surface so that pore's stability, as well as, gating behavior are guaranteed. Given the biophysical significance of the hydropathic effect, our study seeks to provide a computational framework for studying cumulative hydropathic topological properties of NavChs and pore‐forming proteins in general.
Multicopper oxidases: modular structure, sequence space, and evolutionary relationships
Authors: Gräff Maike , Buchholz Patrick C. F. , Le Roes‐Hill Marilize , Pleiss Jürgen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMulticopper oxidases (MCOs) use copper ions as cofactors to oxidize a variety of substrates while reducing oxygen to water. MCOs have been identified in various taxa, with notable occurrences in fungi. The role of these fungal MCOs in lignin degradation sparked an interest due to their potential for application in biofuel production and various other industries. MCOs consist of different protein domains, which led to their classification into two‐, three‐, and six‐domain MCOs. The previously established Laccase and Multicopper Oxidase Engineering Database (https://lcced.biocatnet.de) was updated and now includes 51 058 sequences and 229 structures of MCOs. Sequences and structures of all MCOs were systematically compared. All MCOs consist of cupredoxin‐like domains. Two‐domain MCOs are formed by the N‐ and C‐terminal domain (domain N and C), while three‐domain MCOs have an additional domain (M) in between, homologous to domain C. The six‐domain MCOs consist of alternating domains N and C, each three times. Two standard numbering schemes were developed for the copper‐binding domains N and C, which facilitated the identification of conserved positions and a comparison to previously reported results from mutagenesis studies. Two sequence motifs for the copper binding sites were identified per domain. Their modularity, depending on the placement of the T1‐copper binding site, was demonstrated. Protein sequence networks showed relationships between two‐ and three‐domain MCOs, allowing for family‐specific annotation and inference of evolutionary relationships.
Effects of “soil‐like” particle size on gas transport and water retention properties in aged municipal solid waste from a Sri Lankan open dumpsite
Authors: Shanujah M. , Deepagoda T. K. K. Chamindu , Karunarathna A. K. , Nasvi M. C. M. , Shreedharan V. , Babu G. L. S. , Smits Kathleen M. , Oldenburg Curtis M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOpen dumps constitute a major source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), predominantly methane and carbon dioxide, in developing countries. In an aged dump, typical waste composition is dominated by the “soil‐like” fraction of which physical, hydraulic and gas transport characteristics markedly affect GHG emissions. This study characterized soil‐gas diffusivity (Dp/D0), soil‐water characteristics (SWC), and particle size distribution in “soil‐like” fractions of aged solid waste retrieved at 2.5–5 m depth from an old open dumpsite situated at Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. The “soil‐like” fraction was proportioned into three groups based on particle size (0–4.75, 4.75–9.5, and 9.5–25 mm) to investigate the particle size effect on Dp/D0 and SWC. The simulated methane concentration profiles in different size groups were also examined using the transport simulator TOUGH2‐EOS7CA based on the multiphase flow of multicomponent gas mixture (methane, water vapour and air) under dry and half‐saturation conditions across a predefined temperature gradient. The results highlighted distinct two‐region characteristics (i.e., inter‐aggregate and intra‐aggregate pore regions) in all three size fractions which could be adequately parameterized with existing and modified bimodal functions. We proposed a useful practical tool for estimating Dp/D0 for known mean particle size and volumetric water content in the absence of direct measurements. The results further revealed that Dp/D0 is particle‐size dependent; however, Dp/D0 remained invariant across all size fractions at the volumetric water content of ∼0.22–0.25 cm3 cm−3. Numerical results further showed a pronounced effect of particle size and soil moisture on gas transport properties.
Multiple Ethanolic‐Precipitation: An Approach to the Separation of Dextrin Fractions with Narrow Molecular Weight Distributions from Acid‐Hydrolyzed Waxy Corn Starch
Authors: Zhuang Xuechen , Zhang Shufen , Li Heping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDextrin is widely used in the food, biomedical, and cosmetic industries. In this work, a new ethanolic fractionation method, the multiple ethanolic‐precipitation (MEP), is established to fractionate the acid‐hydrolyzed waxy corn starch (AHWCS) that consists of a high concentration of low‐molecular‐weight dextrin. Through these multiple precipitation processes, the effect of the dextrin concentration on fractionation is weakened, which makes the fractionation only dependant on the molecular weight of dextrin. Five dextrin fractions (P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5) with narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained. The weight‐average molar mass (Mw) and the molecular weight dispersity () of five fractions are 7.3 × 104 g mol−1 (2.0), 2.3 × 104 g mol−1 (2.1), 1.6 × 104 g mol−1 (2.2), 8.9 × 103 g mol−1 (2.1), and 4.5 × 103 g mol−1 (3.3), respectively. Additionally, the increase of molecular weight tends to decrease the moisture‐absorption but increase the viscosity and thermal stability, which can provide a basis for the application of different molecular weight dextrin fractions in different fields. These results suggest that the MEP method is a low cost and efficient approach for directly separating dextrin fractions with narrow molecular weight distributions from the AHWCS.
Sanitizing agents for virus inactivation and disinfection
Authors: Lin Qianyu , Lim Jason Y. C. , Xue Kun , Yew Pek Yin Michelle , Owh Cally , Chee Pei Lin , Loh Xian Jun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractViral epidemics develop from the emergence of new variants of infectious viruses. The lack of effective antiviral treatments for the new viral infections coupled with rapid community spread of the infection often result in major human and financial loss. Viral transmissions can occur via close human‐to‐human contact or via contacting a contaminated surface. Thus, careful disinfection or sanitization is essential to curtail viral spread. A myriad of disinfectants/sanitizing agents/biocidal agents are available that can inactivate viruses, but their effectiveness is dependent upon many factors such as concentration of agent, reaction time, temperature, and organic load. In this work, we review common commercially available disinfectants agents available on the market and evaluate their effectiveness under various application conditions. In addition, this work also seeks to debunk common myths about viral inactivation and highlight new exciting advances in the development of potential sanitizing agents.