bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Osteoarthritis of Ankle Joint: Comparison With Radiography, Cone‐Beam CT, and Symptoms
Authors: Nevalainen Mika T. , Pitkänen Milla‐Maaria , Saarakkala Simo 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) for evaluation of the ankle joint osteoarthritic (OA) changes. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CT) was used as the gold standard and US performance was compared with conventional radiography (CR). As a secondary aim, associations between the imaging findings and ankle symptoms were assessed.MethodsUS was performed to 51 patients with ankle OA. Every patient had prior ankle CR and underwent cone‐beam CT during the same day as US examination. On US, effusion/synovitis, osteophytes, talar cartilage damage, and tenosynovitis were evaluated. Comparison to respective imaging findings on CR and cone‐beam CT was then performed. Single radiologist blinded to other modalities assessed all the imaging studies. Symptoms questionnaire, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), was available for 48 patients.ResultsUS detected effusion/synovitis of the talocrural joint with 45% sensitivity and 90% specificity. For the detection of anterior talocrural osteophytes, US sensitivity was 78% and specificity 79%. For the medial talocrural osteophytes, they were 39 and 83%, and for the lateral talocrural osteophytes 54 and 100%, respectively. Considering cartilage damage of the talus, US yielded a low sensitivity of 18% and high specificity of 97%. Overall, the performance of US was only moderate and comparable to CR. The imaging findings showed only weak associations with ankle symptoms.ConclusionsThe ability of US to detect ankle OA is only moderate. Interestingly, performance of CR also remained moderate. The associations between imaging findings and WOMAC score seem to be weak in ankle OA.
Ligand coordination sphere effect of Schiff base cis‐dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes in selective catalytic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Liu Haiwen , Zhuo Zihan , Zhang Yan , Wei Hang , Zhang Wenxin , Li Tong , Mao Zuodong , Wang Weili 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSeveral cis‐dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with Schiff bases‐derived ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. The catalytic performances of these complexes were tested in the alcohol oxidation under solvent‐free condition using H2O2 as oxidant giving high results. The influence of the oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen atom within the coordination sphere around the molybdenum center was studied (S > N > O). From this study, we suggest that there exists a relationship between the electronegativity of the atom and the catalytic performance in alcohol oxidation.
Root biomechanical properties of Chrysopogon zizanioides and Chrysopogon nemoralis for soil reinforcement and slope stabilisation
Authors: Phan Trung Nghia , Likitlersuang Suched , Kamchoom Viroon , Leung Anthony Kwan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPlant root reinforcement in soil bioengineering has gained increasing interest as a means of sustainable and environmentally friendly soil reinforcement and stabilisation. While Chrysopogon zizanioides is widely distributed in tropical regions worldwide and has been advocated for use in slope stabilisation and soil erosion control, C. nemoralis is normally distributed in mountainous areas in Southeast Asian countries, and its potential to reinforce soil has rarely been explored in the soil bioengineering literature. With the importance of root properties in soil bioengineering, this study was carried out to provide a comprehensive dataset of root biomechanical properties, morphological traits, and root reinforcement of these two contrasting vetiver species. A series of experiments, including root observation with a rhizobox system, uniaxial tensile test, and direct shear test, was performed. Results showed that Young's modulus and diameter of C. nemoralis roots were almost 1.4‐ and 1.3‐times greater than those of C. zizanioides roots (p < 0.05). By contrast, no significant difference between the two vetiver species was observed in terms of tensile strength, 'side' root area ratio (RARS), and root orientation (p > 0.05). The diameter–strength (R2 = 0.55–0.56, p < 0.05) and diameter–modulus relationships (R2 = 0.51–0.6, p < 0.05) of both species were consistent with negative power‐law models. Conversely, their diameter–orientation relationship followed a linear model (R2 = 0.85–0.89; p > 0.05). The soil shear strength in terms of cohesion greatly increased in the presence of the roots of C. nemoralis (Δc = 4.9 kPa) and C. zizanioides (Δc = 4.4 kPa). Therefore, C. nemoralis could be an alternative to C. zizanioides in soil bioengineering applications.
Optimization of electromyographic endotracheal tube electrode position by UEScope for monitored thyroidectomy
Authors: Huang Jui‐Mei , Hsu Chun‐Dan , Wu Sheng‐Hua , Kuo Yi‐Wei , Huang Tzu‐Yen , Wu Che‐Wei , Lu I‐Cheng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveProper position of an electromyographic (EMG) endotracheal tube within the larynx plays a key role in functional electrophysiologic intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a portable video‐assisted intubation device (UEScope) to verify the optimal placement of an EMG tube.MethodsA retrospective study enrolled 40 consecutive patients who underwent monitored thyroidectomies. After positioning the patient for surgery, an anesthesiologist performed tracheal intubation with UEScope and checked the position of the tube at the proper depth without rotation to the vocal cords. The main outcome measured was the proper EMG tube position, free from further adjustment. The secondary outcomes assessed were the percentage of available initial vagal stimulation (V1) signals.ResultsAll tracheal intubations were successful at first attempt. Proper EMG tube placement without position adjustment was found in 97.5% of the patients. Tube withdrawal was required in a male patient. All patients obtained detectable V1 signals; the lowest and median V1 amplitude was 485 and 767 μV as a reference value, respectively.ConclusionThe UEScope is a valuable and reliable tool for placing an EMG tube and confirming its position during monitored thyroidectomy. In addition, further tube adjustment might be waived in most cases when the anesthesiologist placed the EMG tube after patient positioning for surgery. Routine use of video‐assisted intubation devices is highly recommended.Level of Evidence4.
Compulsion and reactance: Why do some green consumers fail to follow through with planned environmental behaviors?
Authors: Hinsch Christian , Tang Yihui (Elina) , Lund Donald J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSome green consumers fail to follow through with planned environmental behaviors (EB), despite claiming intent to do so. The current research draws on reactance theory to shed light on this paradox at the intersection of environmentalism, sustainability, and green marketing. Historically, individuals have been conceptualized dichotomously as either pro or antienvironmental. Mann questions this simplistic perspective and introduces the “Wizard” and “Prophet” as environmentalist archetypes. Wizards and Prophets both engage in EB, but Wizards perceive science and technology as potential solutions, whereas Prophets believe consumption reduction is the only answer. Building upon self‐discrepancy theory and using both qualitative and quantitative data, we find support for Mann's thesis that both environmentalist archetypes exist, and both have inclinations toward EB. Furthermore, these archetypes differ in how they respond to marketing messages or other external stimuli. Whereas Prophets are stimulated and increase EB when compelled to, Wizards react negatively resulting in decreased environmental behavior. Psychological reactance moderates the mediated effect of compulsion by magnifying the effect of this path. We propose that higher levels of reactance increase the positive impact of compulsion on Prophets while amplifying the negative effect of compulsion for Wizards. Exposing Wizards to marketing communications compelling environmentalism suppresses their EB.
Light‐Emitting Conjugated Organic Polymer as an Efficient Fluorescent Probe for Cu2+ Ions Detection and Cell Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Li Ziping , Sun Qikun , Li Zhongping , Zhi Yongfeng , Nie Riming , Xia Hong , Yu Yue , Liu Xiaoming 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConjugated organic polymers (COPs) have been excellent candidates because the conjugated structure occupied π structure that is useful to develop light‐emitting materials. However, most COPs emitt weak luminescence owing to the H‐aggregation effect. Light‐emitting conjugated organic polymers (LCOP‐1) possess rich butyl groups anchored in the skeleton to enhance light‐emitting activity via reducing the H‐aggregation effect. Owing to abundant hydroxyl and nitrogen atoms, LCOP‐1 exhibits high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response to Cu2+ ions within 1 min in comparison with the cations of Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cr3+, Hg2+, Fe3+, Fe2+, Pb2+, Co2+, etc. The detection limit can be down to nanomolar. Moreover, the sensor exhibits detection toward Cu2+ ions via a naked eye colorful change from pale‐yellow to yellowish‐brown. Furthermore, the light‐emitting probe also successfully achieves the detection of Cu2+ ions in cells without cytotoxicity, indicating its great potentials in biological function.
ACE2‐Variants Indicate Potential SARS‐CoV‐2‐Susceptibility in Animals: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Pach Szymon , Nguyen Trung Ngoc , Trimpert Jakob , Kunec Dusan , Osterrieder Nikolaus , Wolber Gerhard 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) continues to be a global threat, causing millions of deaths worldwide. SARS‐CoV‐2 is an enveloped virus with spike (S) glycoproteins conferring binding to the host cell‘s angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is critical for cellular entry. The host range of the virus extends well beyond humans and non‐human primates. Natural and experimental infections have confirmed the high susceptibility of cats, ferrets, and Syrian hamsters, whereas dogs, mice, rats, pigs, and chickens are refractory to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. To investigate the underlying reason for the variable susceptibility observed in different species, we have developed molecular descriptors to efficiently analyse dynamic simulation models of complexes between SARS‐CoV‐2 S and ACE2. Our extensive analyses represent the first systematic structure‐based approach that allows predictions of species susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
N‐3 PUFA‐Deficiency in Early Life Exhibits Aggravated MPTP‐Induced Neurotoxicity in Old Age while Supplementation with DHA/EPA‐Enriched Phospholipids Exerts a Neuroprotective Effect
Authors: Wu Fang , Wang Dan‐Dan , Shi Hao‐Hao , Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Xue Chang‐Hu , Wang Yu‐Ming , Zhang Tian‐Tian 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionMalnutrition in early life affects the growth and development of fetus and children, which has a long‐term impact on adult health. Previous studies reveal a relationship between dietary omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA) content, brain development, and the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders and inflammation. However, it is unclear about the effect of n‐3 PUFA‐deficiency in early life on the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) in old age, as well as the neuroprotective effect of DHA‐ and EPA‐enriched phospholipids (DHA/EPA‐PLs) supplemented in old age in long‐term n‐3 PUFA‐deficient mice.Methods and ResultsThe PD mice induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐ tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in n‐3 PUFA‐adequate (N) and ‐deficient (DEF) group are supplemented with a DHA/EPA‐PLs diet for 2 weeks (N+DPL, DEF+DPL). DHA/EPA‐PLs supplementation significantly protects against MPTP‐induced impairments. The DEF+DPL group shows poorer motor performance, the loss of dopaminergic neurons, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodevelopment delay than the N+DPL group, and still did not recover to the Control level.ConclusionsDietary n‐3 PUFA‐deficiency in early life exhibits more aggravated MPTP‐induced neurotoxicity in old age, than DHA/EPA‐PLs supplementation recovers brain DHA levels and exerts neuroprotective effects in old age in long‐term n‐3 PUFA‐deficient mice, which might provide a potential dietary guidance.
Magnetic resonance conditionality of abandoned leads from active implantable medical devices at 1.5 T
Authors: Wang Yu , Guo Ran , Hu Wei , Zheng Jianfeng , Wang Qingyan , Jiang Jay , Kurpad Krishna K. N. , Kaula Norbert , Long Stuart , Chen Ji , Kainz Wolfgang 
Published: August 2021

PurposeDuring MR scans, abandoned leads from active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) can experience excessive heating at the lead tip, depending on the type of termination applied to the proximal contacts (proximal end treatment). The influence of different proximal end treatments (ie, [1] freely exposed in the tissue, [2] terminated with metal in contact with the tissue, or [3] capped with plastic, and thereby fully insulated, on the RF‐induced lead‐tip heating) are studied. A technique to ensure that MR Conditional AIMD leads remain MR Conditional even when abandoned is recommended.MethodsAbandoned leads from three MR Conditional AIMDs ([1] a sacral neuromodulation system, [2] a cardiac rhythm management pacemaker system, and [3] a deep brain stimulator system) were investigated in this study. The computational lead models (ie, the transfer functions) for different proximal end treatments were measured and used to assess the in vivo lead‐tip heating for four virtual human models (FATS, Duke, Ella, and Billie) and compared with the lead‐tip heating of the complete MR Conditional AIMD system.ResultThe average and maximum lead‐tip heating for abandoned leads proximally capped with metal is always lower than that from the complete AIMD system. Abandoned leads proximally insulated could lead to an average in vivo temperature rise up to 3.5 times higher than that from the complete AIMD system.ConclusionFor the three investigated AIMDs under 1.5T MR scanning, our results indicate that RF‐induced lead‐tip heating of abandoned leads strongly depends on the proximal lead termination. A metallic cap applied to the proximal termination of the tested leads could significantly reduce the RF‐induced lead‐tip heating.
Orthopaedic surgeons' perceptions of the changing burden of revision joint replacement surgery in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Ackerman Ilana N. , Ayton Darshini 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies examining trends in revision joint replacement surgery have been quantitative in their design. A qualitative research approach could provide detailed insights into the changing burden of revision surgery from an important stakeholder perspective. This study aimed to investigate orthopaedic surgeons' perceptions around the burden of revision hip and knee replacement surgery in Australia.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study design was used. Highly experienced Australian orthopaedic surgeons specialising in primary and/or revision hip and knee replacement surgery were purposely sampled. Interviews covered the perceived burden of revision joint replacement, factors contributing to revision burden and anticipated future burden. Deductive and inductive coding techniques were used to identify themes.ResultsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 orthopaedic surgeons, who had substantial consultant experience (range 15–30 years) and largely high‐volume practices. Five key themes were identified: (1) Revision burden has decreased over time; (2) Changes in clinical indications; (3) Perceived lack of policies focused on minimising revision surgery; (4) Role of the national registry and (5) Future trends and opportunities.ConclusionThe main indications for revision joint replacement surgery were perceived to have changed over time, moving away from implant failure‐related causes towards infection and periprosthetic fracture. Most participants considered that formal policies designed to reduce revision rates did not exist but acknowledged the positive role of the national registry, particularly within an international context. The improving evidence base and provision of registry feedback on surgeon and implant performance was expected to reduce the proportion of revision procedures.
Retrospective analysis of safety and outcomes of rituximab for myasthenia gravis in patients ≥65 years old
Authors: Doughty Christopher T. , Suh Joome , David William S. , Amato Anthony A. , Guidon Amanda C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsOptimal management of myasthenia gravis (MG) in individuals ≥65 y old is unknown and patient factors may limit therapeutic choices. Safety and efficacy of rituximab in older patients with MG has not been well‐studied.MethodsThis retrospective study examined 40 patients (14 patients ≥65 y old) treated with rituximab for MG. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients reaching “Improved” or better on Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Post‐Intervention Status (PIS) at 12 mo, compared between younger and older patients.ResultsNinety‐two percent of patients ≥65 y old achieved MGFA PIS Improved or better at 12 mo compared to 69% of those <65 y old (P = .11). Median prednisone dose for the cohort decreased in the year following rituximab initiation (20 mg [interquartile range, 10–35] to 10 mg [0–13], P = .01). Non‐refractory MG was predictive of favorable outcome, whereas age was not. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were similar between older and younger patients (21.4% vs. 30.8%, P = .715). No patients ≥65 y old required discontinuation of rituximab due to SAE. One death occurred in a patient <65 y old due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome.DiscussionAt 12 mo following initiation of rituximab for MG, patients ≥65 y old experienced similarly high rates of improvement in their myasthenic symptoms as younger patients, without an increased risk of experiencing SAEs. Rituximab should be considered in the treatment paradigm in older patients and in non‐refractory MG patients of any age.
Hydraulic fracture propagation barriers induced by weak interfaces in anisotropic rocks
Authors: Celleri Humberto M. , Sánchez Martín 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the Oil&Gas industry, hydraulic fracturing is a technique that makes unconventional reservoirs economically viable. Despite the high impact of the stimulation processes on the productivity of the wells, hydraulic fractures are modeled assuming vertical and planar propagation in most cases.In Argentina, Vaca Muerta formation is the most important unconventional reservoir. It is predominately in a strike‐slip stress regime with areas in thrust regime, and has also strong elastic anisotropy with widely spread sub‐horizontal mechanical discontinuities such as calcitic veins or ash beds, that could act as preferential propagation paths. The effect of these heterogeneities on the fracture propagation, typically underestimated, is a key issue to model the hydraulic fracture geometry, to estimate the stimulated volume, and to optimize production under these complex mechanical conditions.In this work, we use a coupled fluid ‐ rock mechanics model that accounts for elastic anisotropy and weak discontinuities to study the fracture height growth. Fracture initiation and propagation are modeled using a Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite elements formulation with a softening Cohesive Zone Model (CZM). We analyze Vaca Muerta formation representative mechanical properties and provide some fundamentals on typical field problems like vertical containment induced by lamination and layering or horizontal fracture propagation with their consequent loss of productivity.We find, for typical Vaca Muerta formation conditions, that not only the weak bedding strength controls the height propagation of the hydraulic fracture but also the degree of anisotropy plays an important role under harsh stress regimes and high heterogeneity of the formation.
Tunable cross‐linked copolymer networks for improvement of physical performance
Authors: Kim Eun Seon , Park Tai Young , Choi Kyoung Hwan , Choi Woo Jin , Suh Dong Hack 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe ability to tune the physical properties of polymeric materials through the different compositions in copolymer networks is suitable for the strategy of materials accompanied by combined high mechanical strength and stretchability simultaneously. Here, we developed a practical and straightforward strategy of a copolymer network structure via controlling the compositions of the acrylic‐based urethane copolymers of diurethane acrylate (DUA) and diurethane cyclic acrylate (DUCA) with hydrogen‐bonds through photo‐polymerization. The copolymer networks led to the development of a physically cross‐linked structure between the amide groups of DUA and/or DUCA and the hydroxyl groups of pentaerythritol ethoxylate (PEEL) by hydrogen‐bonds. Based on the rheological analysis, the composition of the copolymer networks had a significant effect on the control of physical properties and development of cross‐linked structure and thus led to the tunable comprehensive properties including high elastic modulus, high chain mobility and high recovery performance with a higher proportion of DUCA in the copolymer networks. Consequently, the tunable copolymer networks based on the developed physically cross‐linked structure can improve the elastic properties, recovery performance, and healing ability simultaneously, providing significant progress in the fields of coating and adhesive.
Buffering effects on the solution behavior and hydrolytic degradation of poly(β‐amino ester)s
Authors: Kuenen Mara K. , Mullin James A. , Letteri Rachel A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWith a vast, synthetically accessible compositional space and highly tunable hydrolysis rates, poly(β‐amino ester)s (PBAEs) are an attractive degradable polymer platform. Leveraging PBAEs in a wide range of applications hinges on the ability to program degradation, which, thus far, has been frustrated by multiple confounding phenomena contributing to the degradation of these charged polyesters. Basic conditions accelerate hydrolysis, yet reduce solubility, limiting water access to amines and esters. Further, the high buffering capacity of PBAEs can render buffers ineffective at controlling solution pH. To unify understanding of PBAE degradation and solution properties, this study examines PBAE hydrolysis as a function of pH and buffer concentration as well as polymer hydrophobicity. At low buffer concentrations, the PBAE amines and the acid produced during hydrolysis control solution pH. Meanwhile, at high buffer concentrations that afford relatively constant pH, hydrolysis rate increases with pH, despite the reduced PBAE solubility. Increasing the hydrophobic content of PBAEs eventually hinders the capacity of the polymer to accept protons from solution, limiting the pH increase and slowing hydrolysis. These studies showcase the role of buffering on the pH‐dependent degradation and solution properties of PBAEs, providing guidance for programming degradation in applications ranging from drug delivery to thermosets.