bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of salt and heat treatment on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, secondary structure, and simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of duck egg white
Authors: Gao Xuejing , Guo Weibo , Wu Na , Yao Yao , Du Huaying , Xu Mingsheng , Zhao Yan , Tu Yonggang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe texture and structure of the duck egg white (DEW) gel under salt and heat treatment are crucial to its digestibility. Specifically, the structural changes of food protein gels have been recognized for their potential to regulate in vitro digestion. In this study, the effects of gel characteristics and simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of DEW under combined salt and heat treatment were investigated.RESULTSWith the increase in salting time and temperature, a porous opaque gel with large particles was formed, the moisture content of DEW showed a downward trend, and the same was true for hardness changes. The microstructure suggested that, with the penetration of NaCl, DEW proteins were denatured, and the protein molecules gradually unfolded and then aggregated after 7 days. The secondary structure revealed that, as the salting time and temperature increased, the proportion of intermolecular β‐sheets and α‐helices decreased. In terms of in vitro digestion, the highest digestibility was obtained at 14 days of salting combined with 100 °C heat treatment, and the digestibility was the lowest when marinated for 7 days at 121 °C. Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) indicated that the number of different types of peptides and specific peptides was positively correlated with the salting time and temperature of the DEW at the end of gastric digestion.CONCLUSIONSHeat treatment at 100 °C has a higher in vitro digestibility than at 121 °C. Gels with low hardness, large pores, and rough textures are easier to digest by pepsin and release more peptides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Grain chalkiness traits is affected by the synthesis and dynamic accumulation of the storage protein in rice
Authors: Xi Min , Wu Wenge , Xu Youzun , Zhou Yongjin , Chen Gang , Ji Yalan , Sun Xueyuan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUONDGrain chalkiness lowers the market value of rice. Alleviating grain chalkiness is the most challenging issue in many rice‐producing areas of the world. Nitrogen (N) metabolism has received increasing attention as a result of its relationship with grain chalkiness, although little information is available on the mechanism of N‐induced grain chalk.RESULTSA highly chalky rice variety OM052 was used to explore the protein synthesis and its accumulation in the grain exposed to N topdressing (N+) at the panicle initiation stage and a control (N–). The results showed that chalky kernels were stimulated by the N+ treatment and more prone to occur on the top and primary rachis. The grain protein content was increased because of the increased average and maximum rates of protein accumulation during grain filling, which was related to the enhanced activities of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, glutamic oxalo‐acetic transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase under the N+ treatment. The activities of these enzymes at 15 days after flowering (DAF) were notably positively correlated with grain chalky traits and protein content.CONCLUSIONN topdressing regulates the synthesis and accumulation of the protein by affecting the key enzymes, especially at 15 DAF, which is attributed to grain chalkiness in rice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Oral Masses by Ultrasound Combined With Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yan Can , Shentu Weihui , Gu Congmin , Cao Yaxian , Chen Yunyu , Li Xiaofei , Wang Hongying 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesTo analyze the imaging manifestations of common fetal oral masses by ultrasound combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to discuss their differential diagnoses.MethodsA retrospective study of 6 fetuses with oral masses was performed at a tertiary referral center. The imaging features of prenatal ultrasonography and MRI in the diagnosis of fetal oral masses were analyzed.ResultsHistopathological examination and/or postpartum ultrasound revealed lymphangioma malformation in 2 fetuses, and mucosal retention cyst, mature teratoma, immature teratoma, and cranial meningocele in 1 fetus, respectively. The teratoma had a characteristic sonographic appearance. In our study, the 4 cases of cystic masses did not have an abnormal vessel architecture. Supplemental MRI revealed a mass effect at the level of the hypopharynx, and in 2 cases with polyhydramnios, the mass obstructed the fetuses' upper airway. Thus, ex‐utero intrapartum therapy surgery was performed to secure the newborn's airway.ConclusionsOral fetal tumors represent rare congenital malformations. This study shows that a prenatal diagnosis of oral masses is feasible by ultrasound examination. MRI can further confirm the results of ultrasonography and clearly show the relationship between the mass and the hypopharynx. Ultrasonography combined with MRI could, to a large extent, facilitate early detection and appropriate treatment and improve outcome.
Very‐Low Energy Monopolar Reduces Post‐Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage Versus Standard Energy Techniques
Authors: Shotts Steven D. , Welsh Donald V. , Nakamura Aisaku , Stromberg Arnold J. 
Published: April 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo compare rates of post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) between a very‐low energy transfer monopolar technique (VLET) and standard energy techniques.Study DesignRetrospective controlled cohort study.MethodsAll tonsillectomies performed by practice physicians during the period January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2019 were identified. Three groups were created based on surgeon technique utilization: the study group (VLET) and two control groups (exclusive standard energy monopolar [Standard]; exclusive “hot” technique without exclusive monopolar use [Mixed “Hot”]). Each group's PTH occurrences requiring surgical intervention (PTHRSI) were identified and rates compared.ResultsDuring the study period 11,348 tonsillectomies were performed (4,427 Standard, 1,374 VLET, 5,547 Mixed “Hot”), and 167 (1.47%) PTHRSI events identified (14 primary (<24 hours), 153 secondary (>24 hours), 12 repeat (>1PTHRSI/patient). Compared to the Standard group secondary and total PTHRSI rates (1.47%, 1.60%), the Mixed “Hot” group experienced similar rates (1.57%, P = .54; 1.68%, P = .64), but the VLET group experienced significantly lower rates (0.15%, P = .0026, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.114 [0.028–0.469]; 0.22%, P = .0016, adjusted OR 0.155 [0.048–0.494]). Age was a significant risk factor for both secondary and total PTHRSI (P = .0025, P = .0024, adjusted OR 1.02/year [1.01–1.03]). No significant difference in rate of primary PTHRSI was seen collectively or in any age group. The <12VLET Group experienced 0 episodes of secondary PTHRSI and a total PTHRSI rate of 0.09% in 1060 tonsillectomies.ConclusionsStandard energy techniques had an adjusted odds ratio over 8‐fold higher for secondary PTHRSI and over 6‐fold higher for total PTHRSI compared to the minimized energy transfer VLET technique.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:2505–2511, 2021
Flat‐Top Pumped Multi‐Millijoule Mid‐Infrared Parametric Chirped‐Pulse Amplifier at 10 kHz Repetition Rate
Authors: Zou Xiao , Li Wenkai , Qu Shizhen , Liu Kun , Li Hao , Wang Qi Jie , Zhang Ying , Liang Houkun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe advancement of mid‐infrared (MIR) parametric amplification technique serves as the main driving force of multiple strong‐field experiments in the frontier of science such as the generation of coherent soft X‐ray and isolated attosecond pulses. However, the low parametric down‐conversion efficiency especially in the MIR wavelength is a major bottleneck that hinders the further exploration of the MIR‐laser‐driven strong‐field physics. Here, a simple and robust method that doubles the efficiency of a MIR optical parametric chirped‐pulse amplifier (OPCPA) is reported, as a demonstration of the concept, through engineering a flat‐top pump profile via high‐efficiency diffractive optical elements. With the proposed flat‐top pump scheme, a MIR OPCPA system at 3 μm and 10 kHz repetition rate with both the record pulse energy of 2.7 mJ and the highest average power at 27 W among the MIR OPCPAs with kHz repetition rate is demonstrated. This work provides a promising approach for achieving high energy high power MIR few‐cycle lasers that can be readily used in emerging strong field experiments. In addition, it is believed that the developed technique in this work can become a general method of parametric efficiency enhancement, which is applicable to other nonlinear conversions and wavelength ranges.
Facile Synthesis of CO2‐Responsive Nano‐Objects: Batch versus Semi‐Batch RAFT Copolymerization
Authors: Guo Xiaofeng , Shi Wencheng , Yin Hang , Pan Jiasheng , Wang Zhao , Feng Anchao , Thang San H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrecise polymer architecture and self‐assembled morphological control are attractive due to their promising applications, such as drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering and “smart” optical systems. Herein, starting from the same hydrophilic units poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), using CO2‐sensitive monomer N, N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and hydrophobic monomer benzyl methacrylate (BzMA), a series of well‐defined statistical, block, and gradient copolymers is designed and synthesized with similar degree of polymerization but different monomer sequences by batch and semi‐batch RAFT polymerization process and their CO2‐responsive behaviors of these nano‐objects is systematically studied. The gradient copolymers are generated by using semi‐batch methods with programmed monomer feed rate controlled by syringe pumps, achieving precise control over desired gradient copolymer composition distribution. In aqueous solution, the copolymers could self‐assemble into various aggregates before CO2 stimulus. Upon bubbling CO2, the gradient copolymers preferred to form nanosheet‐like structures, while the block and statistical copolymers with similar molar mass could only form larger vesicles with thinner membrane thickness or disassemble. The semi‐batch strategy to precisely control over the desired composition distribution of the gradient segment presents an emerging trend for the fabrication and application of stimuli‐responsive polymers.
MR to ultrasound image registration with segmentation‐based learning for HDR prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Chen Yizheng , Xing Lei , Yu Lequan , Liu Wu , Pooya Fahimian Benjamin , Niedermayr Thomas , Bagshaw Hilary P. , Buyyounouski Mark , Han Bin 
Published: April 2021

PurposePropagation of contours from high‐quality magnetic resonance (MR) images to treatment planning ultrasound (US) images with severe needle artifacts is a challenging task, which can greatly aid the organ contouring in high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy. In this study, a deep learning approach was developed to automatize this registration procedure for HDR brachytherapy practice.MethodsBecause of the lack of training labels and difficulty of accurate registration from inferior image quality, a new segmentation‐based registration framework was proposed for this multi‐modality image registration problem. The framework consisted of two segmentation networks and a deformable registration network, based on the weakly ‐supervised registration strategy. Specifically, two 3D V‐Nets were trained for the prostate segmentation on the MR and US images separately, to generate the weak supervision labels for the registration network training. Besides the image pair, the corresponding prostate probability maps from the segmentation were further fed to the registration network to predict the deformation matrix, and an augmentation method was designed to randomly scale the input and label probability maps during the registration network training. The overlap between the deformed and fixed prostate contours was analyzed to evaluate the registration accuracy. Three datasets were collected from our institution for the MR and US image segmentation networks, and the registration network learning, which contained 121, 104, and 63 patient cases, respectively.ResultsThe mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) results of the two prostate segmentation networks are 0.86 ± 0.05 and 0.90 ± 0.03, for MR images and the US images after the needle insertion, respectively. The mean DSC, center‐of‐mass (COM) distance, Hausdorff distance (HD), and averaged symmetric surface distance (ASSD) results for the registration of manual prostate contours were 0.87 ± 0.05, 1.70 ± 0.89 mm, 7.21 ± 2.07 mm, 1.61 ± 0.64 mm, respectively. By providing the prostate probability map from the segmentation to the registration network, as well as applying the random map augmentation method, the evaluation results of the four metrics were all improved, such as an increase in DSC from 0.83 ± 0.08 to 0.86 ± 0.06 and from 0.86 ± 0.06 to 0.87 ± 0.05, respectively.ConclusionsA novel segmentation‐based registration framework was proposed to automatically register prostate MR images to the treatment planning US images with metal artifacts, which not only largely saved the labor work on the data preparation, but also improved the registration accuracy. The evaluation results showed the potential of this approach in HDR prostate brachytherapy practice.
Cytokines and pregnancy: Potential regulation by histone deacetylases
Authors: Munro Sheryl K. , Balakrishnan Biju , Lissaman Abbey C. , Gujral Palak , Ponnampalam Anna P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCytokines are important regulators of pregnancy and parturition. Aberrant expression of proinflammatory cytokines during pregnancy contributes towards preterm labor, pre‐eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. The regulation of cytokine expression in human cells is highly complex, involving interactions between environment, transcription factors, and feedback mechanisms. Recent developments in epigenetic research have made tremendous advancements in exploring histone modifications as a key epigenetic regulator of cytokine expression and the effect of their signaling molecules on various organ systems in the human body. Histone acetylation and subsequent deacetylation by histone deacetylases (HDACs) are major epigenetic regulators of protein expression in the human body. The expression of various proinflammatory cytokines, their role in normal and abnormal pregnancy, and their epigenetic regulation via HDACs will be discussed in this review.
Growth, Fry Production, and Cost Analysis for Sabaki Tilapia Production Systems
Authors: Young Benjamin C. , Alfaggeh Riyadh Hussain , AlMoutiri Ibrahim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study estimated the survival, growth, fry production, and farming cost of Sabaki Tilapia Oreochromis spilurus broodstock in the following five outdoor production system types: arena, raceway, cage, concrete pond, and earth pond. The experiments were performed in triplicates in the year 2020 with 300 broodstocks per production system. Survival rate, growth performance, fry production, and farming cost were monitored. Our results indicated that Sabaki Tilapia fry production was feasible under high-salinity conditions in the production system types studied; however, the systems showed significant differences in terms of survival rate, growth performance, and fry production. The arena and raceway systems were the most effective and exhibited the highest fry production.
An analytical approach for optimization of computer network design considering the integration of the communication and power infrastructures
Authors: Guimarães Almir , Maciel Paulo , Matias Rivalino , Silva Bruno , Nogueira Bruno 
Published: April 2021

SummaryNowadays, computer networks are critical to the success of small and large businesses. They connect people, support applications and services, and provide access to the resources that keep the businesses running. Our work proposes analytical models and a methodology for supporting the optimization of the network infrastructure design, considering both technical and business oriented metrics, such as availability, reliability, and total cost. The integration of communication and power infrastructures is supported by this methodology. The dependability (availability/reliability) models were created using the Reliability Block Diagram and Stochastic Petri Net modeling mechanisms following a hierarchical approach. A case study considering the design of a real‐world network infrastructure is presented to illustrate the proposed methodology. The results showed a significant reduction in the design complexity as well as an improvement in the relationship between technical and business aspects.
Post Hoc Health-Related Quality of Life Analysis According to Response Among Patients with Prostate Cancer in the PROSELICA and FIRSTANA Studies
Authors: Thiery-Vuillemin Antoine , Fizazi Karim , Sartor Oliver , Oudard Stéphane , Bury Denise , Ozatilgan Ayse , Poole Elizabeth M. , Eisenberger Mario , Bono Johann 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
The phase III PROSELICA (NCT01308580) and FIRSTANA (NCT01308567) trials investigated taxane chemotherapy among men with postdocetaxel metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) or chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC, respectively. We present a post hoc analysis of patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients with or without a clinical (pain, tumor, or prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) response.

Materials and Methods
PROSELICA and FIRSTANA HRQL and pain data were collected and analyzed using protocol-defined Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) and McGill-Melzack (Present Pain Intensity scale) questionnaires. Outcomes included definitive FACT-P Total Score (TS) improvements and longitudinal assessment of FACT-P TS.

Results
In PROSELICA and FIRSTANA, the proportion of patients receiving taxane chemotherapy with a definitive FACT-P TS improvement was significantly higher among patients with versus without a pain or PSA response (pain: PROSELICA: 67% vs. 33.5%; p &lt; .001; FIRSTANA: 75.2% vs. 45.8%; p &lt; .001; PSA: PROSELICA: 50.3% vs. 34.2%; p &lt; .001; FIRSTANA: 49.8% vs. 38.9%; p = .001). In PROSELICA, the proportion of patients receiving taxane chemotherapy with a definitive FACT-P TS improvement was significantly higher among patients with versus without a tumor response; the proportion was numerically higher in FIRSTANA (PROSELICA: 54.4% vs. 36.7%; p = .001; FIRSTANA: 50.6% vs. 45.3%). FACT-P TS was significantly improved or maintained for the majority of treatment cycles analyzed.

Conclusion
In PROSELICA and FIRSTANA, HRQL improvements were significantly higher among patients with a pain, tumor, or PSA response versus those without, with the exception of patients with a tumor response in FIRSTANA.

Implications for Practice
Using data from the FIRSTANA and PROSELICA phase III clinical trials, this study demonstrated that patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving docetaxel or cabazitaxel who exhibited a response (pain, tumor, prostate-specific antigen), often experienced significantly greater improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQL) compared with patients without a response. For patients with a pain response, significant HRQL improvements occurred early and were maintained. This study provides further insight into the impact of taxane chemotherapy on the HRQL of patients with mCRPC and allows for a better understanding of the relationship between treatment, response, and HRQL, supporting therapeutic decision making.
Developments in defining exposure classes for durability design and specification
Authors: Beushausen Hans , Ndawula Joanitta , Helland Steinar , Papworth Frank , Linger Lionel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDurability design and service life modeling of concrete structures rely on environmental exposure classes based on the prevailing deterioration mechanisms. International standard environmental exposure classes, for example, those found in the fib Model Code 2010 and ISO 22965‐1:2007 are predominantly based on European environmental conditions. Although these exposure classes are more suited to the prescriptive design for durability, they may also be adapted to performance‐based design. For more complex design philosophies such as limit state design using partial factors, the generalizations of the standard exposure classes cannot be suitably employed and therefore a more rigorous characterization of the exposure environment is required. The standard exposure classes in the fib Model Code 2010 as well as various national codes from different regions of the world are critically reviewed, and their limitations highlighted. Based on the review, updates to the standard exposure classes for inclusion in the fib Model Code 2020 are proposed. This paper summarizes the work of TG8.8 WP3 (Commission 8: Durability, Task Group 8.8: Common approaches, Working Party 3: Exposure Zones) and represents the view of the Working Party members.
Teachers’ Choices: Are they the Right Books for Science Instruction?
Authors: Broemmel Amy D. , Rearden Kristin T. , Buckner Carrie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the 21st century, amidst the widespread adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, many elementary teachers find it challenging to consistently incorporate science instruction. Although the research literature indicates that using science‐based content in the literacy block has the potential to improve student achievement in both areas, the process of identifying high‐quality picture books can be challenging. Thus, the authors analyzed the annual Teachers’ Choices lists from 2000‐2019, identifying 134 science‐based books to determine their potential for integration with literacy instruction. Findings suggest the majority are engaging and provide accurate science content pertaining primarily to life science. Narrative and non‐narrative information texts dominate the selections, and science‐based biographies appear for the first time. Overall, the analysis indicates that the Teachers’ Choices books can be used as a resource for identifying high‐quality, science‐based picture books useful for introducing challenging science content in elementary classrooms.
Lessons Learned from a Review of Diverse Literature in The Reading Teacher (2015–2020)
Authors: Kelly‐Howard Kaira S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEducators in the 21stcentury must not only use texts to facilitate the acquisition of literacy but also support students in developing attitudes of acceptance and criticality for overgeneralizations of diverse characters and cultures represented in literature. Utilizing culturally sustaining pedagogies to enhance the literacy learning of elementary age students provides teachers with an opportunity to understand students’ perspectives and orientation toward the injustices represented in multicultural texts and to facilitate discussions of advocacy for tolerance and equity in today’s society. This manuscript explores literature published in The Reading Teacher (2015–2020) regarding the integration of diverse texts in elementary classrooms (grades K‐6). Implications from the reviewed articles are used to provide practical applications for enhancing culturally sustaining pedagogies in the elementary classroom.