bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of rapid light curves to evaluate photosynthetic changes in turfgrasses exposed to low‐light conditions
Authors: Jespersen David , Xiao Bo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractShade is a widespread issue for turf areas that reduces turf quality, and the lack of light to drive photosynthetic processes is one major factor responsible for these declines. Maintaining a positive carbon balance is essential for plant survival under low‐light conditions, but large‐scale screening for photosynthetic performance can be a difficult task. Chlorophyll fluorescence rapid light curves (RLC) were used to understand difference in photosynthetic processes of hybrid bermudagrass ‘Tifway’ (Cynodon dactylon (L,) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) and Japanese lawngrass ‘El Toro’ (Zoysia japonica Steud.) to high‐light (800 µmol m–2 s–1) and low‐light (200 µmol m–2 s–1) treatments in controlled environment studies. Measurement of maximum potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm) did not change over the course of the study but were significantly greater in El Toro. Tifway grown under high‐light treatment had greater maximum photosynthesis, and dark respiration rates compared to El Toro. The RLCs demonstrated that compared to hybrid bermudagrass in the low‐light treatment, Japanese lawngrass was more efficient at harvesting light at lower irradiance levels, but also reached saturation of light harvesting at lower irradiance levels. Differences in rapid light curves among plants grown under high‐light or low‐light treatments may be due to differences in photoacclimation. While rapid light curves should not be seen as a replacement for traditional light response curves based on CO2 flux, they did provide valuable information about acclimation of photosynthetic systems and warrant further testing in real‐world conditions.
Urine analysis using FTIR spectroscopy: A study on healthy adults and children
Authors: Sarigul Neslihan , Kurultak İlhan , Uslu Gökceoğlu Arife , Korkmaz Filiz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUrine spectra from 108 healthy volunteers are studied by attenuated total refraction‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. The spectral features are correlated with observable urine components. The variation of spectra within a healthy population is quantified and a library of reference spectra is constructed. Using the band assignments, these spectra are compared with both age‐wise and gender‐wise. Children show the least intensity variations compared to both adult groups. Young adults show the highest variation, particularly in the 1650 to 1400 cm−1 and 1200 to 900 cm−1 regions. These results indicate the importance of the size of the control group in comparative studies utilizing FTIR. Age‐wise comparisons reveal that phosphate and sulfate excretion decreases with age, and that the variance of phosphate among individuals is higher with adults. As for gender‐wise comparisons, females show a slightly higher citrate content at 1390 cm−1 regardless of the age and they show a higher variance in the 1200 to 1000 cm−1 region when compared to men.
Use of Three‐Dimensional Arterial Spin Labeling to Evaluate Renal Perfusion in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lu Fang , Yang Jing , Yang Shuohui , Bernd Kuehn , Fu Caixia , Yang Chenyao , Xu Huihui , Liu Mengxiao , Zhan Songhua , Wang Chen , Guo Rongfang , Wu Yu 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundA noninvasive method for evaluating renal blood flow (RBF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have clinical value in disease staging, management, and prognostication.PurposeTo evaluate effectiveness of three‐dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) and pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) in assessment of cortex and outer medulla (cortex/OM) RBF in CKD patients and healthy volunteers (HVs).Study TypeProspective, in a single institution.SubjectsA total of 48 CKD patients (stage 1, 2, 3, and 4–5:N = 11, 12, 13, and 12, respectively) and 18HVsField Strength/Sequence3 T, pCASL, and PASL with a three‐dimensional hybrid gradient echo/spin echo sequence.AssessmentQuality of RBF images derived from pCASL and PASL were evaluated and RBF in cortex/OM measured. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded.Statistical TestsImage quality differences between pCASL and PASL were evaluated with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. For both methods, analysis of variance, followed by Fisher's LSD‐ttest, was used to determine whether RBF differed between CKD stages and HVs. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess strength of relationships between cortex/OM RBF and data from clinical and laboratory tests.ResultsImage quality differences were significantly higher in pCASL than PASL in both patients and HVs (bothP < 0.05). For pCASL, cortex/OM RBF of patients were significantly lower than those of HVs (P < 0.05). Cortex/OM RBF were higher in S1 and S2 patients than those in S3 and S4–5 (P < 0.05). For PASL, only RBF in cortex of S1 and S2 patients were significantly higher than those of S4–5 (P < 0.05). Good correlations between pCASL RBF and estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) were found in cortex/OM of patients (rho = 0.796 and 0.798, respectively, bothP < 0.05), higher than those between PASL RBF and eGFR (rho = 0.430 and 0.374, respectively, bothP < 0.05).Data ConclusionThree‐dimensional pCASL may potentially be a noninvasive technique to assess renal perfusion in CKD patients in different stages.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Higher Energy, Lipid, and Carbohydrate Provision to Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants Is Differentially Associated With Neurodevelopment at 18 Months, Despite Consistent Improvements in Weight Gain
Authors: Bishara Rosine , Asbury Michelle R. , Ng Dawn V. Y. , Bando Nicole , Ng Eugene , Unger Sharon , O'Connor Deborah L. ,   for the GTA‐DoMINO Feeding Group
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of suboptimal intakes on neurodevelopment of very low‐birth‐weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants, particularly those born small for gestational age, <26 weeks, <1000 g, or with morbidities is not well defined. We investigated how macronutrient/energy intakes are associated with growth and neurodevelopment among VLBW infants, adjusted for the aforementioned vulnerabilities. Our hypothesis was that higher nutrient intakes would be positively associated with weight gain and neurodevelopment.MethodsDaily macronutrient/energy intakes and weekly weights from birth until 36+0 weeks were collected prospectively from VLBW infants (n = 302) enrolled in a previous trial (ISRCTN35317141). Neurodevelopment was assessed by the Bayley‐III at 18 months’ corrected gestational age. Relationships between quartiles of macronutrient/energy intakes, growth, and neurodevelopment were assessed.ResultsInfants born <1000 g, <26 weeks, or with morbidities had lower nutrient intakes and slower growth than infants born ≥1000 g, ≥26 weeks, or with no morbidities, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher quartiles of energy, lipid, and carbohydrate intakes were positively associated with growth velocity (P = <0.0001–0.007); no association was observed for protein intake. Energy, protein‐to‐energy ratio and lipid intakes were associated with cognitive scores (P = 0.001–0.004); however, intakes within the second and third quartiles were generally associated with the highest cognitive scores. No nutrient intakes were associated with language or motor scores across the entire study period.ConclusionSmaller, more immature VLBW infants and those with morbidity have the greatest risk of poor nutrition and growth. Increasing macronutrient/energy intakes are generally associated with improved weight gain, but not necessarily improved neurodevelopment.
Individualization of the infusion rate of a soybean oil–based intravenous lipid emulsion for inpatients, based on baseline triglyceride concentrations: A population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Fukushima Keizo , Omura Kenji , Goshi Satoshi , Okada Akira , Tanaka Motomu , Tsujimoto Takae , Iriyama Keiji , Sugioka Nobuyuki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundA rapid infusion rate for intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can cause adverse effects; therefore, safe and efficient infusion rates are desired. This study aimed to develop a triglyceride (TG) kinetic model after soybean oil–based ILE (SO‐ILE) administration and individualize the infusion rate via a population pharmacokinetic approach.MethodsEighty‐three inpatients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. A TG kinetic model was applied to the observations based on population pharmacokinetics using a nonlinear mixed‐effect model. The patients’ characteristics and laboratory parameters were evaluated to identify predictors of TG kinetics, and the maximum acceptable infusion rate was defined as that for which the maximum TG concentration did not exceed 400 mg/dl in 90% of patients.ResultsNo adverse events associated with SO‐ILE administration were observed. The developed TG kinetic model explained the observed TG concentrations and identified the baseline TG concentration and body weight as predictors of TG kinetics. The estimated maximum acceptable infusion rates greatly varied among individuals, ranging from <0.01 to 0.3 g/kg/h.ConclusionThe present study suggested the necessity and demonstrated the feasibility of individualizing the infusion rates of SO‐ILE, using a population pharmacokinetic approach.
Determining treatment choices after the cochlear implant evaluation process
Authors: Redmann Andrew J. , Tawfik Kareem , Hammer Theresa , Wenstrup Lisa , Stevens Shawn , Breen Joseph T. , Samy Ravi N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectives
Determine the proportion of patients starting the cochlear implant evaluation (CIE) process proceeding to cochlear implantation.
Determine which patient factors are associated with undergoing cochlear implantation
MethodsRetrospective case series of all patients scheduled for a CIE within a tertiary academic neurotology practice between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2016. Management pathways of patients undergoing CIE were examined.ResultsTwo hundred thirty‐seven adult patients were scheduled for CIE during the study period. Two hundred twenty‐six patients started the evaluation process, and 203 patients completed full evaluation. Of patients that completed CIE, 166/203 (82%) met criteria for implantation and 37/203 (18%) did not meet criteria. Fifty‐nine patients out of 166 patients (36%) meeting criteria did not receive implants and 107/166 (64%) underwent implantation, yielding an overall implantation rate of 47% (107/226) among patients scheduled for CIE. Common reasons for deferring CI among candidates included failure to show up for preoperative appointment (24%), choosing hearing aids as an alternative (22%), patient refusal (21%) and insurance issues (17%). Overall, CIE led to a new adjunctive hearing device (CI or hearing aid) in 113 (113/203, 56%) cases.ConclusionFifty‐six (113/203) percent of patients who underwent CIE at an academic medical center underwent CI surgery or received an adjunctive hearing device, but 36% (59/166) of candidates did not receive a CI. Patients who forewent CI despite meeting candidacy criteria did so due to cost/insurance issues, or due to preference for auditory amplification rather than CI.Level of evidence4.
Technical Note: Three‐dimensional QA of simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy treatments by a dose‐volume histogram methodology and its comparison with 3D gamma results
Authors: Acurio Erick Sebastian Rundo , Lizar Jéssica Caroline , Arruda Gustavo Viani , Pavoni Juliana Fernandes 
Published: March 2021

PurposeIntensity‐modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) presents several attractive advantages to be employed in clinical practice. Its secure application demands a rigorous quality assurance (QA) procedure, ideal for three‐dimensional (3D) dose distribution measurements. Thus, a gel dosimetry methodology to evaluate the dose delivery of SIB treatments is presented and compared to conventional gamma evaluation.MethodsMAGIC‐f gel dosimeter with magnetic resonance images for dose reading were used following its standard procedures. Four SIB QA plans created in gel dosimeter phantoms were used. The gel measured and treatment planning system (TPS) calculated doses were compared using 3D gamma analyses (3%/3mm/15% threshold). Two structures were artificially on the TPS dose distribution expected on the phantom by converting the 1.7 and 2.0 Gy isodose levels into structures to represent the treatment. The gel and TPS dose‐volume histogram (DVH) were compared based on five dose points: D95%, D90%, D50%, D10%, and D5%.ResultsApprovals of 93%, 96%, 98%, and 92% were achieved in the 3D gamma analyses for the plans QA 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the DVH analyses, QA plan 1 measured and expected curves showed a good agreement. QA plan 2 showed deviations in the highest doses for both structures with a maximum deviation (Δmáx) of 8.0%. QA plans 3 and 4 showed the highest dose variation between the gel and TPS in the smaller doses of the DVH (Δmáx of 7.2% and −8.9%, respectively). For QA plan 4, the curves of the 1.7 Gy structure presented a good agreement, but deviations in the smaller dose region of the DVH occurred for the 2 Gy structure (Δmáx of 7.7%).ConclusionsA methodology for 3D dose evaluation of complex SIB treatments was proposed. It provided an important overview of the dose distributions. Their results significantly complemented the usual gamma analysis results.
Flexible pressure sensors with microstructures
Authors: Tang Ruitao , Lu Fangyuan , Liu Lanlan , Yan Yu , Du Qifeng , Zhang Bocheng , Zhou Tao , Fu Haoran 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicrostructured flexible pressure sensors featured with good mechanical properties, boosting a variety of sophisticated application scenarios, including electronic skin (e‐skin), soft robotics, wearable electronics, etc. This review is very focusing on the recent research progress of microstructured flexible pressure sensors. For better understanding the corresponding devices, different mechanisms, materials, preparation methods are briefly introduced at the beginning. And with highlighting the significance of microstructure for device performance, the microstructures of different configurations (e.g., pyramid, pillar, hemisphere) are introduced and discussed in detail through analyzing the influence of configuration characteristics and material properties. Finally, according to the existing problems in the application, the research directions of flexible pressure sensor are prospected. Currently, catering to the explosive and ineluctable growth of this intelligent world, considerable microstructured flexible pressure sensors have emerged but their development is still at very first stage. In this review, some guidelines and tunable methods are suggested for the microstructured flexible pressure sensors of wide practical use in the future.
Ultrasonics induced variations in molecular structure and tensile properties of silk fibers in a chemical free environment
Authors: Wang Wuchao , Long Haofan , Chen Lei , Liu Yuqing , Li Qing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUltrasonics can be used as an alternative energy supply for a green silk wet processing and for enhancement of some chemical/physical properties of bio‐polymers. In this work, ultrasonically treated silk fabric were compared with that of untreated and were investigated for the changes in fiber conformation structure and subsequent tensile property. Experiments were conducted under different time duration in a chemical free environment. Fiber surface energy distribution and transformation of silk secondary structure were analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FITR). Results showed that subject to treatment time, a surface oxidation effect and a light transformation of random coil to β‐sheet can be induced from ultrasonic irradiation. Tensile testing showed that under certain treatment time, ultrasonics can lead to silk fibers with a slightly increased strength and reduced extensibility, as a result of the transition of fiber secondary structure.
Determinants and impact of the time to perform clean intermittent self‐catheterization on patient adherence and quality of life: A prospective observational study
Authors: Leroux Camille , Turmel Nicolas , Chesnel Camille , Grasland Matthieu , Le Breton Frédérique , Amarenco Gérard , Hentzen Claire 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo measure the time required to perform clean intermittent self‐catheterization (CISC) in daily life and to assess its impact on adherence and quality of life.MethodsPatients performing CISC for more than 1 month were invited to participate. At home, patients were asked to complete a 1‐day diary to assess the specific duration of the CISC (time from when the equipment and environment are brought together to perform CISC) and the next day to complete a second diary for the total duration of the CISC (starting when the patient intent to self‐catheterize to the return to the initial activity, including the displacement, and gathering the required device). Adherence, difficulties with CISC, and quality of life were measured with validated questionnaires: Intermittent Catheterization Satisfaction Questionnaire, Intermittent Catheterization Difficulty Questionnaire, Intermittent Catheterization Adherence Scale, and SF Qualiveen Questionnaire.ResultsThirty‐six patients agreed to participate but only 25 patients completed the entire protocol. The participants performed CISC for an average of 7 years. The median specific duration of CISC was 2 min and 23 s (ranging from 47'' to 11'50''). The median total duration of CISC was 3 min and 40 s (1'35''; 18'47''). No significant correlation was found between the duration of CISC and patient characteristics, adherence, difficulty to self‐catheterize, or quality of life.ConclusionThe time to perform CISC was brief, and less than 2–3 min on average. The impact on adherence and quality of life should be assessed in a larger cohort.
Electrotherapy for urethral modulation: Are extracellular matrix molecules and growth factors potential targets?
Authors: Feitosa Suellen M. , Bortolini Maria A. T. , Salerno Gisela R. F. , Bilhar Andreisa P. M. , Ihara Silvia S. M. , Simões Manuel J. , Castro Rodrigo A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the expression of genes and proteins involved in the urethral components: vessels, nerves, and extracellular matrix, in female rats after trauma by vaginal distension (VD) and after electrical stimulation therapy (electrotherapy).MethodsWe analyzed the urethras of three groups of 18 female rats 30 days posttrauma by VD: control (no interventions); trauma (animals that had VD); and electrotherapy group (those that had VD and were treated with electrical stimulation). We compared the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), collagen types I and III (COL1a1 and COL3a1), and lysyl‐oxidase like 1 (LOXL1) among the groups. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used for molecule quantification. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test and analysis of variance for statistical analyses with p < 0.05 for significance.ResultsThe COL1a1 gene expression was higher in the electrotherapy group than the trauma group (p = 0.036). COL3a1, VEGF, NGF, LOXL1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression did not differ among the groups (p ≥ 0.05). COL1a1, COL3a1, VEGF, NGF, LOXL1 protein levels did not significantly differ among the groups (p ≥ 0.05) in Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry assays.ConclusionsElectrotherapy caused a long‐term increase in the COL1a1 mRNA level but did not change COL1a1 protein expression or VEGF, NGF, COL3a1, and LOXL1 genes and proteins in the urethras of rats after trauma by VD.
Preference heterogeneity and its equilibrium path
Authors: Peng Ling , Kloeden Peter E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article develops a general framework for preference heterogeneity. This framework includes a discount function, a nonstandard Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation (HJB) and a behavioral equation. When controlling parameters, our discount function and its HJB can reduce to those in Marín‐Solano and Patxot (2012) and among many others. In various fields, our framework can find equilibrium path in the coexistence of present bias, preference heterogeneity, and time‐inconsistency. As an example, the present paper quantifies the impact of preference heterogeneity on household financial decision‐making. It has been proven that our nonstandard HJB yields sophisticated solution (i.e., equilibrium path ), while our behavioral equation brings about naive solution and precommitted solution.
A retrospective study of the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight iron dextran for children with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Boucher Alexander A. , Bedel Ashley , Jones Sommer , Lenahan Stephanie F. , Geer Rebecca , McGann Patrick T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects millions of children worldwide. Oral iron replacement is effective but often poorly tolerated. Intravenous iron has been demonstrated to have utility in all ages, but pediatric use remains limited. Low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) has a dosing range capable of replacing iron deficits in a single infusion and has been evaluated in small pediatric cohorts, but additional safety and efficacy data are limited. Here, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of LMWID in association with an electronic medical record (EMR)‐based effort to optimize dosing.ProcedureA retrospective IRB‐approved investigation of LMWID utilization at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2020 was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and frequency/severity of infusion‐related adverse event (AE) in children and adolescents receiving LMWID. Patient demographics and LMWID dosing characteristics were collected, and primary outcome measures included laboratory response and the incidence/severity of any infusion‐related events. The utilization of an EMR‐based nomogram for LMWID dosing was also evaluated.ResultsA total of 254 infusions for 191 patients were included (ages 0.7–20.9 years), most with IDA. LMWID replaced at least 75% of the estimated iron deficit in a single infusion for 76% of patients. The mean hemoglobin and ferritin increases were 2.1 g/dl and >100 ng/ml, respectively. Infusion‐related AEs were rare, occurring in only 12/254 (4.7%) of infusions and 67% during the test dose; each rapidly resolved without long‐term sequelae. No AEs occurred in those <10 years of age. Premedication use markedly decreased with nomogram use without a change in AE rate.ConclusionsIn a large institutional cohort, LMWID was well tolerated in children and adolescents, with most patients having their total iron deficits relieved in a single infusion. These data support expanded use of LMWID in the management of pediatric iron deficiency.