bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field‐flow fractionation for nanoparticle characterization
Authors: Lespes Gaëtane , De Carsalade Du Pont Valentin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis review presents field‐flow fractionation: The elements of theory enable the link between the retention and the characteristics of the nanometer‐sized analytes to be highlighted. In particular, the nature of force and its way of being applied are discussed. Four types of forces which determine four types of techniques were considered: hydrodynamic, sedimentation, thermal, and electrical; this is to show the importance of the choice of technique in relation to the characterization objectives. Then the separation performance is presented and compared with other separation techniques: field‐flow fractionation has the greatest intrinsic separation capability. The characterization strategies are presented and discussed; on the one hand with respect to the characteristics needed for the description of nanoparticles; on the other hand in connection with the choice of the nature of the force, and also of the detectors used, online or offline. The discussion is based on a selection of published study examples. Finally, current needs and challenges are addressed, and as response, trends and possible characterization solutions.
Sequential Post‐Polymerization Modification of Aldehyde Polymers to Ketone and Oxime Polymers
Authors: Lee Hyo Won , Lee Nam Joo , Kim Jeung Gon 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA new sequential post‐polymerization modification route has been developed for the synthesis of multifunctional polymers from a simple aldehyde polymer. In the first modification step, a template polymer derived from the radical polymerization of 4‐vinyl benzaldehyde undergoes Rh‐catalyzed hydroacylation with alkenes to furnish a group of ketone polymers. In the second modification step, Schiff base formation with alkoxy ammonium salts introduces a second group—an oxime functionality. Both the steps are highly efficient, introducing evenly distributed dual functionalities at the same position.
Blood Neurofilament Light Chain in Genetic Ataxia: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Peng Linliu , Wang Shang , Chen Zhao , Peng Yun , Wang Chunrong , Long Zhe , Peng Huirong , Shi Yuting , Hou Xuan , Lei Lijing , Wan Linlin , Liu Mingjie , Zou Guangdong , Shen Lu , Xia Kun , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Klockgether Thomas , Jiang Hong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundNo comprehensive meta‐analysis has ever been performed to assess the value of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker in genetic ataxia.ObjectiveWe conducted a meta‐analysis to summarize NfL concentration and evaluate its utility as a biomarker in genetic ataxia.MethodsStudies were included if they reported NfL concentration of genetic ataxia. We used log (mean ± SD) NfL to describe mean raw value of NfL. The effect size of NfL between genetic ataxia and healthy controls (HC) was expressed by mean difference. Correlation between NfL and disease severity was calculated.ResultsWe identified 11 studies of 624 HC and 1006 patients, here referred to as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, and 7), Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), and ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T). The concentration of blood NfL (bNfL) elevated with proximity to expected onset, and progressively increased from asymptomatic to preclinical to clinical stage in SCA3. Compared with HC, bNfL levels were significantly higher in SCA1, 2, 3, and 7, FRDA, as well as A‐T, and the difference increased with the advancing disease in SCA3. bNfL levels correlated with disease severity in SCA3. There was a significant correlation between bNfL and longitudinal progression in SCA3. Additionally, bNfL increased with age in HC, yet this is probably masked by higher disease‐related effects on bNfL in genetic ataxia.ConclusionsbNfL can be used as a potential biomarker to predict disease onset, severity, and progression of genetic ataxia. Reference‐value setting of bNfL should be divided according to age. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The use of variable delay multipulse chemical exchange saturation transfer for separately assessing different CEST pools in the human brain at 7T
Authors: Schmitz‐Abecassis Bárbara , Vinogradov Elena , Wijnen Jannie P. , van Harten Thijs , Wiegers Evita C. , Hoogduin Hans , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Ercan Ece 
Published: September 2021

PurposeCurrent challenges of in vivo CEST imaging include overlapping signals from different pools. The overlap arises from closely resonating pools and/or the broad magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) from macromolecules. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of variable delay multipulse (VDMP) CEST to separately assess solute pools with different chemical exchange rates in the human brain in vivo, while mitigating the MTC.MethodsVDMP saturation buildup curves were simulated for amines, amides, and relayed nuclear Overhauser effect. VDMP data were acquired from glutamate and bovine serum albumin phantoms, and from six healthy volunteers at 7T. For the in vivo data, MTC removal was performed via a three‐pool Lorentzian fitting. Different B1 amplitudes and mixing times were used to evaluate CEST pools with different exchange rates.ResultsThe results show the importance of removing MTC when applying VDMP in vivo and the influence of B1 for distinguishing different pools. Finally, the optimal B1 and mixing times to effectively saturate slow‐ and fast‐exchanging components are also reported. Slow‐exchanging amides and rNOE components could be distinguished when using B1 = 1 μT and tmix = 10 ms and 40 ms, respectively. Fast‐exchanging components reached the highest saturation when using a B1 = 2.8 μT and tmix = 0 ms.ConclusionVDMP is a powerful CEST‐editing tool, exploiting chemical exchange‐rate differences. After MTC removal, it allows separate assessment of slow‐ and fast‐exchanging solute pools in in vivo human brain.
Influence of editing pulse flip angle on J‐difference MR spectroscopy
Authors: Tapper Sofie , Hui Steve C. N. , Saleh Muhammad G. , Zöllner Helge J. , Oeltzschner Georg , Near Jamie , Soher Brian J. , Edden Richard A. E. 
Published: September 2021

PurposeTo investigate the editing‐pulse flip angle (FA) dependence of editing efficiency and ultimately to maximize the edited signal of commonly edited MR spectroscopy (MRS) signals, such as gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lactate.MethodsDensity‐matrix simulations were performed for a range of spin systems to find the editing‐pulse FA for maximal editing efficiency. Simulations were confirmed by phantom experiments and in vivo measurements in 10 healthy participants using a 3T Philips scanner. Four MEGA‐PRESS in vivo measurements targeting GABA+ and lactate were performed, comparing the conventional editing‐pulse FA (FA = 180°) to the optimal one suggested by simulations (FA = 210°).ResultsSimulations and phantom experiments show that edited GABA and lactate signals are maximal at FA = 210°. Compared to conventional editing (FA = 180°), in vivo signals from GABA+ and lactate signals increase on average by 8.5% and 9.3%, respectively.ConclusionIncreasing the FA of editing‐pulses in the MEGA‐PRESS experiment from 180° to 210° increases the edited signals from GABA+ and lactate by about 9% in vivo.
Deep learning‐based optimal tracking control of flow front position in an injection molding machine
Authors: Xu Jiahong , Ren Zhigang , Xie Shengli , Wang Yalin , Wang Jingpei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe product quality of injection‐molded plastic is closely related to the injection flow velocity of molten plastics. In this article, an optimal tracking control problem for the injection flow front position arising in the filling process in the injection molding machine (IMM) is considered, and an intelligent real‐time optimal control method based on deep neural networks (DNNs) is developed for the online tracking of the flow front position to improve the efficient production process of the plastics. To this end, a highly nonlinear dynamic model describing the filling process is first proposed and then an optimal control problem is formulated. A high‐fidelity numerical optimization approach known as the Gauss pseudospectral method is used to numerically obtain the optimal state‐control solutions, which can then be saved as a huge training data set for the DNNs. The DNNs architecture is then developed and offline trained using the obtained data set to determine the best state–control relationship. As a consequence, the well‐trained DNN may be utilized to produce the matching optimum feedback action on‐board. Numerical studies are also carried out to verify the performance of our proposed approach.
Program for Reducing Obesity (PRO): An institutional review of an insurance‐based weight loss program utilizing shared medical appointments
Authors: Wei Jeffrey , Lei Lei , Shieh Albert , Gupta Deepashree , Ahern Susan , Shen Na 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBased on CDC estimates in the United States, the prevalence of obesity was 42.4% in 2017–2018, and the annual cost of obesity was $147 billion in 2008. Yet studies estimate that only 20–40% of adults with obesity received counseling from their primary care providers. Recent studies using shared medical appointments (SMA), where patients are seen by a multidisciplinary team, have shown promising results in obesity management. We developed an insurance‐based weight loss program incorporating SMA, called the Program for Reducing Obesity (PRO), and report our findings here.MethodsEnrollment began in January 2019 at the UCLA Health Thousand Oaks clinic. Patients age ≥18 years with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 were eligible by referral to PRO, a program consisting of individual visits and SMAs with an obesity medicine board certified endocrinologist and registered dietitian. Primary outcomes were change in weight after 3, 6, and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included proportion that achieved ≥5% weight loss, change in percent body fat, HbA1c, HDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure.Results102 patients (mean age 59.7 years, 72% women, mean weight 103.6 kg, mean BMI 36.6 kg/m2) have been analyzed, with 91 patients completing at least 12 months of the program. Patients achieved significant weight loss: 3.0%, 5.0%, and 7.8% of their baseline weight after 3, 6, and 12 months respectively. 52% of patients lost ≥5% of their baseline weight after 12 months. Patients had significant reductions in body fat: 2.1%, 7.4%, and 6.7% of their baseline (all p ≤ 0.01) after 3, 6, and 12 months respectively. Improvements were also seen in HbA1c (p ≤ 0.01), triglycerides (p ≤ 0.04), and systolic blood pressure (p ≤ 0.07) after 12 months although not all results achieved statistical significance.ConclusionOur institutional review of PRO, an insurance‐based obesity program utilizing SMA, demonstrates a successful approach to promoting weight loss in a community‐based setting.
Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in ineffective erythropoiesis suppression as a pretransplantation treatment for pediatric patients with beta‐thalassemia major
Authors: Ovsyannikova Galina , Balashov Dmitry , Demina Irina , Shelikhova Larisa , Pshonkin Alexey , Maschan Michael , Novichkova Galina , Maschan Alexey , Smetanina Nataliya 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIneffective erythropoiesis (IE) is the most prominent feature of transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia (TDT), which leads to extramedullary hemopoiesis. The rejection rate in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is high in heavily transfused patients with TDT accompanied by prominent IE. Therefore, a pretransplantation treatment bridging to HSCT is often used to reduce allosensitization and IE. Ruxolitinib is a JAK‐1/JAK‐2 inhibitor and has showed its efficacy in suppressing IE and the immune system. A previously published study on RUX in adult patients with TDT has revealed that this treatment significantly reduces spleen size and is well tolerated.ProcedureTen patients (5‐14 years old) with TDT and an enlarged spleen were enrolled. The dose of ruxolitinib was adjusted for age: for patients <11 years: 40‐100 mg/m2 total daily dose and for patients >11 years: 20‐30 mg/m2 total daily dose. HSCT was performed in 8 of 10 patients.ResultsAfter the first 3 months of ruxolitinib therapy, spleen volume decreased in 9 of 10 cases by 9.1%‐67.5% (M = 35.4%) compared with the initial size (P = 0.003). The adverse events of ruxolitinib (infectious complications, moderate thrombocytopenia, and headache) were successfully managed by reducing the dose. The outcomes of HSCT were favorable in seven of eight cases.ConclusionRuxolitinib is promising as a short‐term pre‐HSCT treatment for pediatric patients with TDT and pronounced IE.
Childhood cancer hospital resource utilization and costs in Egypt, 2013‐2017; patterns, trends, and associated factors for 8886 patients from Children's Cancer Hospital, Egypt
Authors: Soliman Ranin , Elhaddad Alaa , Oke Jason , Eweida Wael , Tarek Nourhan , Hamza Mahmoud , Yang Yaling , Abouelnaga Sherif , Heneghan Carl 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionThere is a lack ofevidence about resource use and costs of childhood cancer care in Egypt. Knowledge about resource use/costs can help in better resource planning to improve care and outcomes efficiently. In this study, we estimated patterns and trends of hospital resource use and costs for children with cancer (n = 8886, aged 0‐18 years) treated at Children's Cancer Hospital, Egypt (CCHE), between 2013 and 2017, by ICCC‐3 groups, at one and three years post‐diagnosis.MethodsWe estimated costs from the healthcare provider perspective, expressed in USD 2019. We also studied resource use/cost trends, and factors associated with inpatient days and costs.ResultsFor all cancers combined, median costs were $14,774 (IQR: $6,559‐$23,738) at one year and $19,799 (IQR: $8,921‐$34,204) at three years post‐diagnosis. Median inpatient days were 38 days (IQR: 17‐60) at one year, and 43 days (IQR: 20‐74) at three years post‐diagnosis. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and neuroblastoma imposed the greatest financial burden on CCHE, representing 53.1% of total costs. AML patients had the highest costs/resource use of all childhood cancers. Cost trends decreased by 2.9% (P < 0.001) for all cancers combined, due to economic instability in Egypt between 2013 and 2017. The use of IV supportive drugs increased by 24.3% (P < 0.001) over time for children with solid tumors.ConclusionThese findings will inform hospital resource planning and budgeting to promote value in care delivery, with implications for pediatric oncology practice and policy in Egypt/CCHE. Estimated costs provide the foundation for cost‐effectiveness analysis.
Recent advances on the structure–properties relationship of multiblock copolymers
Authors: Baeza Guilhem P. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMultiblock copolymers represent a fascinating class of materials that sits at the very heart of industrial applications and fundamental polymer science. They are most often made of a linear succession of incompatible “soft” and “hard” segments that microphase separate at room temperature while they can be easily re‐homogenized upon heating. This thermoreversible character provides them with decisive advantages with respect to other rubber‐based materials such as vulcanized elastomers, making them indispensable for the development of a more sustainable polymer industry. Beyond practical opportunities, tailoring the multiblock copolymers morphology has a pivotal role to play in the fundamental understanding of the structure–properties relationship of polymer‐based systems. It notably serves to comprehend complex materials such as semicrystalline homopolymers and nanocomposites. Aside from the thorough work developed on well‐defined diblock copolymers for half a century, this article review aims to guide the reader into the more intricate world of multiblock copolymers by providing him/her quantitative tools to connect chemical nature, microstructure and mechanical properties.
Inhibition of biofilm formation on polystyrene substrates by atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization of siloxane‐based coatings
Authors: Múgica‐Vidal Rodolfo , Sainz‐García Elisa , Muro‐Fraguas Ignacio , Sainz‐García Ana , González‐Marcos Ana , López María , Rojo‐Bezares Beatriz , Toledano Paula , Sáenz Yolanda , Alba‐Elías Fernando 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBiofilms pose important economic and health risks in biomedical applications and in food industries. In this study, coatings that reduce the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on polystyrene cell culture plates are deposited by plasma polymerization of (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system at three different power levels. Surface characterizations and quantification of biofilm formation during 1 week after deposition suggest that the higher concentration of oxygenated carbon groups on the coated samples than on uncoated ones can induce higher levels of oxidative stress in the bacteria in contact with the coatings. This causes an initial overproduction of extracellular polymeric substances that can avoid further bacterial attachment and biofilm formation at later cycles of biofilm development.
High‐performance rollable polymer/metal/polymer thin‐film heater and heat mirror
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Cho Eunmi , Kim Mac , Lee Sang‐Jin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, we propose high‐performance polymer/metal/polymer (HP–PMP) films with simultaneous heat reflection/transparent heater functions. The thickness‐optimized HP–PMP films showed a maximum transmittance of 77.12% (86.65% without the base film) at a wavelength of 460 nm, sheet resistance of 5.982 Ω/□, and figure of merit of 12.44 × 10−3 Ω−1 (39.89 × 10−3 Ω−1 without the base film). In the surface heating test, the temperature reached approximately 150°C at an applied voltage of 11 V. In the heat mirror experiment using an infrared lamp, the HP–PMP film showed 85.1% heat shielding, compared to the base film. After the mechanical rolling reliability test, the HP–PMP film did not show any change in resistance after 10 ,000 cycles under a rolling condition of 240°.
Genomic structure and diversity of oak populations in British parklands
Authors: Nocchi Gabriele , Brown Nathan , Coker Timothy L. R. , Plumb William J. , Stocks Jonathan J. , Denman Sandra , Buggs Richard J. A. 
Published: September 2021

Societal Impact StatementThe largest populations of veteran oak trees in Europe are found in British parklands: managed wood pastures up to 1000 years old. Here, we present genomic evidence that parkland oak populations harbour considerable diversity and grew from local seed sources. We found some evidence for natural regeneration of offspring and for hybridization between pedunculate and sessile oak. We detected signatures of past gene flow between these two species and few regions of high differentiation within their genomes. Future expansion of this dataset may allow us to test for a genomic basis of acute oak decline, a syndrome of particular concern in parkland environments.Summary

The two predominant oak species in Europe, Quercus robur (English or pedunculate oak) and Quercus petraea (sessile oak), have a long history of human intervention. In Britain, a common management regime is parklands, often surrounding country houses. Little is known about how seeds were sourced for parkland oak populations nor the genetic diversity that they contain.
We sequenced the whole genomes of 386 trees from four British parkland sites to characterize the nuclear and chloroplast genetic structure and diversity of oak parkland populations. We assembled the chloroplast genomes and matched these to restriction enzyme fragment chloroplast haplotypes found in previous studies of ancient woodlands.
We found over two million high‐quality nuclear single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), allowing us to identify 360 Q. robur, 10 Q. petraea and 16 hybrid individuals with confidence. We identified 81 coding regions exhibiting strong differentiation between the two species. We found evidence for selective sweeps in Q. robur near some regions containing genes with putative involvement in stress tolerance.
We detected a few very close relatives within some sites, suggesting natural regeneration or local seed planting. There was little differentiation among the Q. robur populations at the four sites. Chloroplast genomes found in each parkland tended to be similar to those of local ancient woodlands, suggesting that they were derived from local seed sources.
The improved clinical course of persistent tachypnea of infancy with inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids
Authors: Marczak Honorata , Peradzyńska Joanna , Seidl Elias , Griese Matthias , Urbankowski Tomasz , Lange Joanna , Bogusławski Stanisław , Krenke Katarzyna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPersistent tachypnea of infancy (PTI) is the most common interstitial lung disease in young children. As no standardized therapeutic guidelines exist, different pharmaceuticals are used to treat PTI; inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and bronchodilators being mostly used. This observation assessed the effectiveness of bronchodilators and ICS in children with PTI enrolled in the children's interstitial lung diseases (chILD)‐EU Register.MethodsSymptomatic children with PTI were observed according to a predetermined stepwise protocol including bronchodilators as the first choice treatment (6 weeks). In patients with incomplete response, additionally, ICS was given (12 weeks). Signs, symptoms, and pulmonary function were evaluated at three time points: at baseline, 6 (±1) weeks after initiation of bronchodilators, and 12 (±1) weeks after bronchodilators/ICS.ResultsThirty‐one children (median age: 44 months, interquartile range [IQR]: 15–67) were included. The therapy was associated with a significant reduction of tachypnea (53.3% of patients, p = 0.02), exercise intolerance (52.2% of patients, p < 0.001), chest retractions (43.8% of patients, p = 0.04), and crackles (29.2% of patients, p = 0.02). Also, a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (median z score: −2.21 vs. −0.47, p = 0.03), residual volume (RV) (median z score 5.28 vs. 1.07, p = 0.007), RV% total lung capacity (TLC) (median z score: 6.05 vs. 1.48, p = 0.01), sRaw (median z score: 6.6 vs. 4.64, p = 0.01), R5 (median z score: 1.27 vs. 0.31, p = 0.009), and R5–R20 (median: 0.58 vs. 0.26 kPa/(l/s), p = 0.002) was demonstrated.ConclusionsInhaled bronchodilators and ICS may exert a positive effect on the severity of symptoms and pulmonary function test (PFT) in symptomatic children with PTI. However, a randomized control trial should be conducted to confirm their effectiveness.
A commentary on adolescent electronic cigarette use and nicotine addiction
Authors: Singh Alvin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAdolescent electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use has continued due to the ongoing struggle with nicotine addiction affecting teenagers. By briefly discussing the timeline of the emergence of e‐cigarettes and nicotine addiction in adolescents, this author hopes to shed some light on mitigation strategies to curtail this ongoing epidemic of youth e‐cigarette use and nicotine addiction through public health education and advocacy.