bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semiquantitative Scale for Assessing Brain MRI Abnormalities in Wilson Disease: A Validation Study
Authors: Dusek Petr , Smolinski Lukasz , Redzia‐Ogrodnik Barbara , Golebiowski Marek , Skowronska Marta , Poujois Aurelia , Laurencin Chloe , Jastrzebska‐Kurkowska Iwona , Litwin Tomasz , Członkowska Anna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundMRI is a sensitive method for the assessment of brain abnormalities in Wilson disease, that is, T2 hyperintensities, T2 hypointensities, and atrophy, but a validated scoring system for the classification of radiological severity is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a brain MRI visual rating scale for Wilson disease.MethodsThe proposed Wilson disease brain MRI severity scale consists of acute toxicity and chronic damage subscores from predefined structures. The former, calculated by summing scores of T2 hyperintensities (excluding cavitation), is likely to be partially reversible with treatment. The latter, representing the sum of scores of T2 hypointensities and brain atrophy, reflects pathology that is not readily reversible. Validation was performed on MRI scans acquired using 1.5T system from 39 Wilson disease patients examined at baseline and after 24 months on anticopper treatment. Intraclass correlation coefficients of 5 ratings from 3 raters were calculated. Temporal evolution of the MRI severity score and its association with clinical severity, assessed using the Unified Wilson Disease Rating Scale part III, was calculated.ResultsIntrarater and interrater agreement were good (r > 0.93; P < 0.001; and r > 0.74; P < 0.001, respectively). In neurologic Wilson disease patients, the total MRI severity score improved over 2 years (P = 0.032), mainly because of reduced acute toxicity (P = 0.0015), whereas the chronic damage score deteriorated (P = 0.035). Unified Wilson Disease Rating Scale part III score was positively associated with chronic damage and total score at baseline (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively) and in month 24 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe Wilson disease brain MRI severity scale is a simple, reliable, and valid instrument that allows semiquantitative assessment of radiological Wilson disease severity. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Influence of labeling parameters and respiratory motion on velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling for renal perfusion imaging
Authors: Bones Isabell K. , Franklin Suzanne L. , Harteveld Anita A. , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Hendrikse Jeroen , Moonen Chrit , van Stralen Marijn , Bos Clemens 
Published: March 2020

PurposeArterial transit time uncertainties and challenges during planning are potential issues for renal perfusion measurement using spatially selective arterial spin labeling techniques. To mitigate these potential issues, a spatially non‐selective technique, such as velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL), could be an alternative. This article explores the influence of VSASL sequence parameters and respiratory induced motion on VS‐label generation.MethodsVSASL data were acquired in human subjects (n = 15), with both single and dual labeling, during paced‐breathing, while essential sequence parameters were systematically varied; (1) cutoff velocity, (2) labeling gradient orientation and (3) post‐labeling delay (PLD). Pseudo‐continuous ASL was acquired as a spatially selective reference. In an additional free‐breathing single VSASL experiment (n = 9) we investigated respiratory motion influence on VS‐labeling. Absolute renal blood flow (RBF), perfusion weighted signal (PWS), and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) were determined.Results(1) With decreasing cutoff velocity, tSNR and PWS increased. However, undesired tissue labeling occurred at low cutoff velocities (≤ 5.4 cm/s). (2) Labeling gradient orientation had little effect on tSNR and PWS. (3) For single VSASL high signal appeared in the kidney pedicle at PLD < 800 ms, and tSNR and PWS decreased with increasing PLD. For dual VSASL, maximum tSNR occurred at PLD = 1200 ms. Average cortical RBF measured with dual VSASL (264 ± 34 mL/min/100 g) at a cutoff velocity of 5.4 cm/s, and feet‐head labeling was slightly lower than with pseudo‐continuous ASL (283 ± 55 mL/min/100 g).ConclusionWith well‐chosen sequence parameters, tissue labeling induced by respiratory motion can be minimized, allowing to obtain good quality RBF maps using planning‐free labeling with dual VSASL.
Early improvements of individual symptoms as a predictor of treatment response to asenapine in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ogyu Kamiyu , Noda Yoshihiro , Yoshida Kazunari , Kurose Shin , Masuda Fumi , Mimura Yu , Nishida Hana , Plitman Eric , Tarumi Ryosuke , Tsugawa Sakiko , Wada Masataka , Miyazaki Takahiro , Uchida Hiroyuki , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Mimura Masaru , Nakajima Shinichiro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimIt is well accepted that early improvement with antipsychotics predicts subsequent response in patients with schizophrenia. However, no study has examined the contribution of individual symptoms rather than overall symptom severity as the predictors. Thus, we aimed to detect individual symptoms whose improvements could predict subsequent response in patients with schizophrenia during treatment with asenapine and examine whether a prediction model with individual symptoms would be superior to a model using overall symptom severity.MethodsThis study analyzed a dataset including 532 patients with schizophrenia enrolled in a 6‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial of asenapine. Response to asenapine was defined as a ≥30% decrease in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score from baseline to week 6. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations among response and PANSS total/individual item score improvements at week 1 or week 2.ResultsResponse was associated with early improvement in the following PANSS items: disturbance of volition, active social avoidance, poor impulse control at week 1; and active social avoidance, poor attention, lack of judgment and insight at week 2. Prediction accuracy was almost compatible between the model with individual symptoms and the model with PANSS total score both at weeks 1 and 2 (Nagelkerke R2: .51, .42 and .55, .54, respectively).ConclusionEarly improvement in negative symptoms, poor attention and impulse control, and lack of insight, in particular predicted subsequent treatment response in patients with schizophrenia during treatment with asenapine as accurately as prediction based on overall symptom severity.
Combining problem‐based learning and team‐based learning in a sustainable soil management course
Authors: Krzic Maja , Brown Sandra , Bomke Arthur A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProfessional natural resource managers require a solid understanding of sustainable soil practices. Postsecondary institutions are increasingly integrating innovative approaches such as hybrid problem‐based learning (PBL) and team‐based learning (TBL) to train future professional land managers to tackle complex problems. This article describes the application of a hybrid PBL–TBL approach in a combined undergraduate and graduate level course, Sustainable Soil Management, offered at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. The course utilizes 15 modified PBL cases, where “modified PBL” refers to a hybrid PBL–TBL approach. The course aims to provide experiential learning opportunities for students to connect with practicing professionals and community partners in addressing real‐world issues. Course instructors identified several challenges related to the modified PBL approach including multiple outcomes based on data interpretation, imbalanced team composition, and complex cases that demand advanced education and/or experience. However, course instructors and students were favorable of the enhanced teaching and learning opportunities offered by the hybrid PBL–TBL format. Student engagement was facilitated by the practical relevance of the cases, the opportunity to incorporate fieldwork, and interactions with external (guest) case contributors; and a balance between knowledge‐based and competency‐based learning outcomes was achieved. This hybrid PBL–TBL approach could serve as a framework for other postsecondary courses focused on sustainable management of natural resources.
Competition mechanism during oxidation of pyrolysis gases in nonequilibrium boundary layer on thermal protection performance of charring composites
Authors: Li Weijie , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhongwei , Huang Haiming , Liang Jun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe influence of gas‐phase reactions in chemical nonequilibrium boundary layer on the thermal protection performance of charring materials has been analyzed in this work. These reactions are exothermic and compose of oxidation between the multicomponent pyrolysis gases and the oxidative gas components in the chemical nonequilibrium hypersonic boundary layer. During the reactions, the consumption amount of oxidizing components competes with the amount of exothermicity of gas‐phase oxidation reactions. We built the physical and mathematical models for the coupling of thermal and ablative responses of material, hypersonic flow response, and chemical response in chemical nonequilibrium boundary layer. Moreover, a new surface energy balance equation is built for bridging the multifield coupling mathematical models. In addition, the exothermic heat produced from the oxidation reactions of multicomponent pyrolysis gases is taken into consideration. The numerical example for the fluid‐chemical‐thermal‐ablative coupled behavior for a charring ablator and its environment for an Apollo‐like reentry vehicle in chemical nonequilibrium is simulated by using our two‐way coupling computer codes. Numerical results indicate that the oxidation of multicomponent pyrolysis gases in chemical nonequilibrium boundary layer weakens the mass ablation of surface char. Although the pyrolysis gas in the nonequilibrium boundary layer oxidizes and releases heat, the weakening effect of oxygen consumption on the surface is much more significant, especially when the cold heat flux is smaller.
National pharmacovigilance programs in Arab countries: A quantitative assessment study
Authors: Alshammari Thamir M. , Alenzi Khalidah A. , Ata Sondus I. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposesThe aim of the pharmacovigilance (PV) process is to bring together all the much‐needed information about various aspects of product safety or, in particular, the safety and vigilance of drugs as pharmaceutical products. This study aimed to investigate and provide an overview on the current situation and activities of the national PV centers in Arab countries.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted between March and May in 2018. The current survey was adopted and modified from a study that used the questionnaire designed by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring. The national PV centers of 22 Arab countries were invited to participate in this study. Descriptive analyses were conducted utilizing the analysis services provided by SurveyMonkey.ResultsIn total of, 15 countries responded to our invitation (response rate: 68%). Most Arab countries started their PV program in the last decade, with Palestine implementing its program in 2017. Among the respondents, nine (60%) were members of the WHO International Drug Monitoring Program and were all users of the software provided by the WHO Uppsala Monitoring Center (VigiFlow or VigiBase), except Sudan. In 2017, a total of 27 502 reports were received by the centers in the studied countries, ranging from three reports received in Lebanon to a total of 7362 reports received by the national program of Algeria.ConclusionsAn improvement was noticed among the national PV programs in the Arab countries. However, a considerable difference still exists among the countries in terms of the implementation and practice of PV.
Congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma with a novel variant inABCA12in a Chinese patient
Authors: Yang Zhou , Qi Zhan , Xu Zhe , Li Wei , Ma Lin 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionCongenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE ) is characterized by fine, whitish scales on a background of erythematous skin over the whole body; it is reportedly caused by mutations inABCA12,ALOX12B,ALOXE3,CERS3,CYP4F22,NIPAL4,PNPLA1, andTGM1genes.Case presentationA 15‐month‐old girl presented with CIE associated with compound heterozygousABCA12mutations, a known missense mutation c.4139A>G (p.Asn1380Ser) from her father, and a novel missense mutation c.4300A>G (p.Thr1434Ala) from her mother.ConclusionThis is the first report to indicate that compound heterozygous missense mutations in the first ATP‐binding cassette ofABCA12could contribute to the onset of CIE.
Anal swab findings in an infant with COVID‐19
Authors: Fan Qihong , Pan Yan , Wu Qingcui , Liu Shan , Song Xu , Xie Zhongguo , Liu Yang , Zhao Liang , Wang Zhonghong , Zhang Yifei , Wu Zuchuang , Guan Lei , Lv Xiaolong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe transmission pathways of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) remain not completely clear. In this case study the test for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in pharyngeal swab and anal swab were compared.Case presentationA 3‐month‐old girl was admitted to our hospital with COVID‐19. Her parents had both been diagnosed with COVID‐19. The results of pharyngeal swab and anal swab of the little girl were recorded and compared during the course of the disease. The oropharyngeal specimen showed negative result for SARS‐CoV‐2 on the 14th day after onset of the illness. However, the anal swab was still positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 on the 28th day after the onset of the illness.ConclusionThe possibility of fecal‐oral transmission of COVID‐19 should be assessed. Personal hygiene during home quarantine merits considerable attention.
Versatile Preparation of Silica Nanocapsules for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Mottola Milagro , Han Shen , Thiramanas Raweewan , Graf Robert , Lieberwirth Ingo , Mailänder Volker , Crespy Daniel , Landfester Katharina 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCore–shell nanocapsules are receiving increasing interest for drug delivery applications. Silica nanocapsules have been the focus of intensive studies due to their biocompatibility, versatile silica chemistry, and tunable porosity. However, a versatile one‐step preparation of silica nanocapsules with well‐defined core–shell structure, tunable size, flexible interior loading, and tailored shell composition, permeability, and surface functionalization for site‐specific drug release and therapeutic tracking remains a challenge. Herein, an interfacially confined sol–gel process in miniemulsion for the one‐step versatile preparation of functional silica nanocapsules is developed. Uniform nanocapsules with diameters from 60 to 400 nm are obtained and a large variety of hydrophobic liquids are encapsulated in the core. When solvents with low boiling point are loaded, subsequent solvent evaporation converts the initially hydrophobic cavity into an aqueous environment. Stimuli‐responsive permeability of nanocapsules is programmed by introducing disulfide or tetrasulfide bonds in the shell. Selective and sustained release of dexamethasone in response to glutathione tripeptide for over 10 d is achieved. Fluorescence labeling of the silica shell and magnetic loading in the internal cavity enable therapeutic tracking of nanocapsules by fluorescence and electron microscopies. Thus, silica nanocapsules represent a promising theranostic nanoplatform for targeted drug delivery applications.
Magnetic field effect on the stability regions of a linear quadrupole
Authors: Sarfarazi Sonia , Sohani Moslem 
Published: March 2020

RationaleLinear quadrupole traps are employed in a wide range of applications. Here a linear quadrupole superimposed by a static transverse magnetic field in the x or y direction is considered. The magnetic field effect on the stability regions and performance of a linear quadrupole is surveyed.MethodsThe equations of motion of particles in the trap with a static transverse magnetic field are calculated analytically. Subsequently, an applied magnetic field changes equations and stability parameters. The stability diagrams of a linear quadrupole trap with and without a static transverse magnetic field are compared.ResultsA static transverse magnetic field applied to a linear quadrupole trap reshapes stability regions causing their area and position to change.ConclusionsStability region reshapes caused by a static transverse magnetic field applied to a linear quadrupole trap are calculated analytically.
A study of matrix and admixture elements in fluorine‐rich ionic conductors by pulsed glow discharge mass spectrometry
Authors: Chuchina Victoria , Gubal Anna , Lyalkin Yegor , Glumov Oleg , Trefilov Ivan , Sorokina Angelina , Savinov Sergey , Solovyev Nikolay , Ganeev Alexander 
Published: March 2020

RationaleDopants in ionic conductors play a crucial role in achieving the required electrochemical properties. A slight variation in their concentration considerably affects the conductivity of crystals and their applicability as ionic conductors and laser materials. To ensure the growth of high‐quality fluoride crystals, adequate approaches for the quantification of matrix and admixture/dopant components are required.MethodsA panel of SrF2‐ and GdF3‐doped LaF3 single crystals was investigated. The electrical conductivity of the crystals was measured using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 100 Hz–1 MHz to control for crystal quality. Pulsed glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) was used to simultaneously quantify fluorine, strontium, lanthanum, and gadolinium in the crystals. X‐ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X–ray spectroscopy, and arc optical emission spectrometry were used for validation.ResultsQuasiperiodic intensity drifts under sputtering of the ionic conductors were observed and attributed to F− redistribution on the sample surface, affecting surface conductivity and sputtering rate. Several sample preparation protocols were tested to address that effect. Full coating of the sample with a layer of silver several micrometers thick provided stable and effective sputtering. The parameters for the GDMS determination of F, Sr, La, and Gd were optimized. The elements' distribution was studied in different parts of the crystals.ConclusionsAn analytical approach to the direct multi‐element analysis of fluoride‐containing ionic conductors using pulsed GDMS with La1−x−ySrxGdyF3−x as an example was designed and tested. Instability effects of ionic conductivity were explained and coped with, providing effective and stable sputtering.
Robust adaptive control of nonlinearly parametrized multivariable systems with unmatched disturbances
Authors: Yang Shaohua , Tao Gang , Jiang Bin 
Published: March 2020

SummaryA new robust adaptive control scheme is developed for nonlinearly parametrized multivariable systems in the presence of parameter uncertainties and unmatched disturbances. The developed control scheme employs a new integrated framework of a functional bounding technique for handling nonlinearly parametrized system dynamics, an adaptive parameter estimation algorithm for dealing with parameter uncertainties, a nonlinear feedback controller structure for stabilization of interconnected system states, and a robust adaptive control design for accommodating unmatched disturbances. It is proved that such a new robust adaptive control scheme is capable of ensuring the global boundedness and mean convergence of all closed‐loop system signals. A complete simulation study on an air vehicle system with nonlinear parametrization in the presence of an unmatched wind disturbance is conducted, and its results verify the effectiveness of the proposed robust adaptive control scheme.
TEMPO‐Mediated Aqueous Phase Electrooxidation of Pyridyl Methanol at Palladium‐Decorated PANI on Carbon Fiber Paper Electrode
Authors: Mathew Agnus T. , Akshaya K. B. , Vinod T. P. , Varghese Anitha , George Louis 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPalladium nanoparticles decorated on polyaniline coated carbon fiber paper electrode (Pd‐PANI/CFP) was employed for TEMPO ((2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl) mediated electrocatalytic oxidation of pyridyl methanol to pyridyl carboxaldehyde using cyclic voltammetry in aqueous acidic media using a surfactant. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were studied using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Optical profilometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pd‐PANI/CFP electrode has exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards TEMPO mediated oxidation of pyridyl methanol owing to higher electrochemically active surface area of the modified electrode. CV studies suggested higher electrochemical activity for Pd‐PANI/CFP electrode when compared to PANI/CFP and bare CFP electrodes towards TEMPO mediated oxidation of pyridyl methanol.
Preparation of Crown‐Ether‐Functionalized Polysulfone Membrane by In Situ Surface Grafting for Selective Adsorption and Separation of Li+
Authors: Li Jixue , Yi Hong , Wang Mingxia , Yan Feng , Zhu Quanji , Wang Shouhe , Li Jianxin , He Benqiao , Cui Zhenyu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn order to develop an effective and environment‐friendly method for selective adsorption of Li+, a recyclable polysulfone surface graft 4‘‐aminobenzo‐12‐crown‐4‐ether (PSf‐sg‐AB12 C4) membrane was prepared via non‐solvent induced phase separation method and in situ surface grafting through nucleophilic substitution. The surface chemical compositions and the morphologies of the PSf‐sg‐AB12 C4 were systematically verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dynamic adsorption process of PSf‐sg‐AB12 C4 for Li+ was well described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model, and the maximum equilibrium adsorption capability was 51.99 mg⋅g‐1. Moreover, the PSf‐sg‐AB12 C4 membrane displayed good selectivity for Li+, meanwhile the selective separation factors (α) of Li+ to K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were 38.43, 33.13, 27.11 and 3.42, respectively. These selective adsorption results were verified by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Additionally, the regenerated adsorption amount of the PSf‐sg‐AB12 C4 toward Li+ after 10 cycles of adsorption/desorption was 90.37% of initial adsorption cycle.
Calcination‐Dependent Surface Defect Variation and Antibacterial Activity of Magnesium Oxide Nanoplates
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Zhao Jiao , Hong Xiaoyu , Yang Yan , Tang Xiaojia , Zhu Yimin , Li Tie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNanostructured magnesium oxide (MgO) is a new kind of environment‐friendly antimicrobial agents with high efficiency, non‐toxicity and relatively low cost. Herein, MgO nanoplates were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal‐calcination method. Antibacterial test showed that the MgO nanoplates calcinated at 450 °C performed the best antibacterial activity, with the antibacterial ratio higher than 99.9 % against Escherichia coli. Based on the results of structural characterization and superoxide radical (.O2−) detection, the excellent antibacterial activity of MgO was attributed to the high content of oxygen vacancies, which could result in more .O2− production. In addition, the MgO nanoplates exhibited good antibacterial performance at low concentration, and also performed long‐term antibacterial activity. Our method provides a strategy for regulation of surface defects and improvement of antibacterial activity on the pure MgO nanoplates.