bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of saliva with oral and nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection on various commercial and laboratory‐developed assays
Authors: Labbé Annie‐Claude , Benoit Patrick , Gobeille Paré Sarah , Coutlée François , Lévesque Simon , Bestman‐Smith Julie , Dumaresq Jeannot , Lavallée Christian , Houle Claudia , Martin Philippe , Mak Anton , Gervais Philippe , Langevin Stéphanie , Jacob‐Wagner Mariève , Gagnon Simon , St‐Hilaire Manon , Lussier Nathalie , Yechouron Ariane , Roy David , Roger Michel , Fafard Judith 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe accurate laboratory detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a crucial element in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction testing on combined oral and nasopharyngeal swab (ONPS) suffers from several limitations, including the need for qualified personnel, the discomfort caused by invasive nasopharyngeal sample collection, and the possibility of swab and transport media shortage. Testing on saliva would represent an advancement. The aim of this study was to compare the concordance between saliva samples and ONPS for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 on various commercial and laboratory‐developed tests (LDT). Individuals were recruited from eight institutions in Quebec, Canada, if they had SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detected on a recently collected ONPS, and accepted to provide another ONPS, paired with saliva. Assays available in the different laboratories (Abbott RealTime SARS‐CoV‐2, Cobas® SARS‐CoV‐2, Simplexa™ COVID‐19 Direct, Allplex™ 2019‐nCoV, RIDA®GENE SARS‐CoV‐2, and an LDT preceded by three different extraction methods) were used to determine the concordance between saliva and ONPS results. Overall, 320 tests were run from a total of 125 saliva and ONPS sample pairs. All assays yielded similar sensitivity when saliva was compared to ONPS, with the exception of one LDT (67% vs. 93%). The mean difference in cycle threshold (∆C
t) was generally (but not significantly) in favor of the ONPS for all nucleic acid amplification tests. The maximum mean ∆​​​​​C
t was 2.0, while individual ∆C
t varied importantly from −17.5 to 12.4. Saliva seems to be associated with sensitivity similar to ONPS for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 by various assays.
In vitro evaluation of physicochemical variables on the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans
Authors: Céspedes‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Aragón‐Novoa Diana M. , Gómez‐Álvarez Martha I. , Cortés‐Rojas Diego F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDuddingtonia flagrans is a biological alternative to the use of anthelmintic drugs in ruminants. This fungus must be ingested by the animal, pass through the cavities of the digestive tract and reach the feces where it develops traps that capture the nematodes. The severe conditions encountered in this process negatively affect the fungus, which is reflected in the low recovery rates compared to the amount administered. The aim of this study was to evaluate independently the in vitro effect of typical physical and chemical conditions of the gastrointestinal cavities of ruminants on the concentration, viability, and the in vitro nematode predatory ability of the chlamydospores of D. flagrans. The factors evaluated individually were pH (2, 6, and 8), temperature (28 ± 2°C and 39 ± 2°C), exposure to artificial saliva, and milling. The results showed that the concentration and viability of D. flagrans were not affected by the action of pH, temperature, milling, or exposure to artificial saliva. Regarding the in vitro nematode predatory ability, a reduction was observed after the milling process and the exposure for 24 h at different pH.
Regional analysis of drought severity‐duration‐frequency and severity‐area‐frequency curves in the Godavari River Basin, India
Authors: Satish Kumar Kuruva , AnandRaj Pallakury , Sreelatha Koppala , Sridhar Venkataramana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIndia is one of the most drought‐ravaged countries in the world and faces at least one drought in one region or another in every 3 years. There is no single reliable approach in characterizing future droughts. To understand future drought risk, potential changes of drought properties and characteristics are analysed in this study. Using Fuzzy c‐means clustering approach, homogeneous drought regions are identified in the Godavari river basin and therefore, optimum number of clusters were assigned as four. The 12‐month standardized precipitation index (SPI) using precipitation data from India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Global Climate Model (GCM)—MIROC‐ESM‐CHEM is calculated for the homogeneous regions of the Godavari basin. The best fit copula for observed and simulated severity and duration are: Region 1—Clayton, Regions 2 and 3—Gumbel, Region 4—Frank copula. Severity‐duration‐frequency (SDF) and severity‐area‐frequency (SAF) curves were developed and analysed using the best fit copulas. The research findings conclude that moderate and severe droughts are frequently increasing for future periods (2006–2099) compared to the historic period (1962–2005). Droughts with high severity and high mean interarrival time are observed as expected in the future. For the Godavari basin, the SDF curves were concave upwards indicating an increase in severity with an increase in duration. The rate of increase of severity is small for shorter durations compared to that of longer‐duration drought. Thus, more prolonged drought events in the 21st century are likely to occur. The SAF curves with steeper slopes and high variability in topographical and hydrological characteristics have been observed over the Godavari basin. From these curves, for a specified percentage of area and return period, the drought severity can be calculated and the information can be used for crop management and agricultural water demands. Overall, the findings of this research offer a view of likely scenarios of drought in the Godavari basin.
Axillary response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients with advanced nodal disease
Authors: Goel Neha , Yadegarynia Sina , Rodgers Steve , Kelly Kristin , Collier Amber , Franceschi Dido , Moller Mecker , Avisar Eli , Kesmodel Susan B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeUtilization of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients with positive nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has increased. We examine axillary response rates after NAC in patients with clinical N2‐3 disease to determine whether SLNB should be considered.MethodsBreast cancer patients with clinical N2‐3 (AJCC 7th Edition) disease who received NAC followed by surgery were selected from our institutional tumor registry (2009–2018). Axillary response rates were assessed.ResultsNinety‐nine patients with 100 breast cancers were identified: 59 N2 (59.0%) and 41 (41.0%) N3 disease; 82 (82.0%) treated with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and 18 (18.0%) SLNB. The majority (99.0%) received multiagent NAC. In patients undergoing ALND, cCR was observed in 20/82 patients (24.4%), pathologic complete response (pCR) in 15 patients (18.3%), and axillary pCR in 17 patients (20.7%). In patients with a cCR, pCR was identified in 60.0% and was most common in HER2+ patients (34.6%).ConclusionIn this analysis of patients with clinical N2‐3 disease receiving NAC, 79.3% of patients had residual nodal disease at surgery. However, 60.0% of patients with a cCR also had a pCR. This provides the foundation to consider evaluating SLNB and less extensive axillary surgery in this select group.
Layer‐Dependent Electronic and Optical Properties of 2D Black Phosphorus: Fundamentals and Engineering
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Huang Shenyang , Wang Fanjie , Yan Hugen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn 2D materials, the quantum confinement and van der Waals‐type interlayer interactions largely govern the fundamental electronic and optical properties, and the dielectric screening plays a dominant role in the excitonic properties. This suggests strongly layer‐dependent properties and a central topic is to characterize and control the interlayer interactions in 2D materials and heterostructures. Black phosphorus is an emerging 2D semiconductor with unusually strong interlayer interactions and widely tunable direct bandgaps from the monolayer to the bulk, offering an ideal platform to probe the layer‐dependent properties and the crossover from 2D to 3D (i.e., the scaling effects). In this review, a comprehensive and thorough summary of the fundamental physical properties of black phosphorus is presented, with a special focus on the layer‐dependence character, including the electronic band structures, optical absorption and photoluminescence, and excitonic properties, as well as the band structure engineering by means of electrical gating, strain, and electrochemical intercalation. Finally, an outlook is given for the future research.
Relationship between Rockwell hardness and pearlite lamellar spacing of hardened layer under different cooling rates for U75 V 60 kg m−1 heavy rail
Authors: Kang H. , Wang Z.H. , Li Y.Y. , Li C.N. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, the heat treatment processes for U75 V heavy rail were studied systematically. Further, a simple and convenient method for measuring pearlite average lamellar spacing in steel by electron probe analysis is introduced, which can make the results closer to the real pearlite average lamellar spacing. This method was used to measure the pearlite average lamellar spacing at different positions of rail head under different heat treatments. Furthermore, the relationship between pearlite average lamellar spacing and Rockwell hardness of U75 V rail steel was determined. This study will provide important theoretical guidance for the formulation of rail heat treatment processes and the measurement of pearlite average lamellar spacing in steel.
Influence of contour scans on surface roughness and pore formation using Scalmalloy® manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (PBF‐LB)
Authors: Reiber T. , Rüdesheim J. , Weigold M. , Abele E. , Musekamp J. , Oechsner M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe scandium modified aluminium alloy Scalmalloy® is specifically developed for the use in laser‐based powder bed fusion (PBF‐LB). It is supposed to show potential in the production of lightweight structures due to its high specific strength compared to other aluminium alloys. A limiting factor is the high surface roughness of additively manufactured parts, which has a negative influence on its mechanical properties, especially under cyclic loads. In order to reduce the surface roughness, methods of design of experiments (DoE) are applied to develop contour parameters. Additionally, the formation of pores in keyhole‐mode welding and strategies to reduce the porosity in the contour area are investigated. The surface roughness of vertical walls can be reduced down to Ra < 7 μm using contour scans with a line energy EL >0.9 J mm−1 but keyhole pores start to form applying EL >0.6– 0.75 J mm−1. Two contour parameter sets in different EL‐ranges are developed that can be used to reduce the surface roughness compared to parameter sets without contour scans, without increasing the porosity in the contour area. Their impact on the mechanical properties has to be further investigated.
Metabolic Fate and Cardiometabolic Effects of Phenolic Compounds from Red‐Fleshed Apple in Hypercholesterolemic Rats: A Comparative Study with Common White‐Fleshed Apple. The AppleCOR Study
Authors: Yuste Silvia , Ludwig Iziar A. , Romero María‐Paz , Piñol‐Felis Carme , Catalán Úrsula , Pedret Anna , Valls Rosa M. , Fernández‐Castillejo Sara , Motilva María‐José , Macià Alba , Rubió Laura 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present study aims to investigate the metabolic fate and the cardiometabolic effects of phenolic compounds provided by a red‐fleshed apple variety biofortified in anthocyanins (ACN). Wistar rats are fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) to induce hypercholesterolemia and supplemented with red‐fleshed apple (HFD+R), white‐fleshed apple (HFD+W), or an ACN‐rich infusion from aronia fruit (HFD+A) providing matched content and profile of ACN. Plasma biochemical parameters, histological analysis, and phenol biological metabolites are determined. Plasma, urine, and feces show a significant increase of ACN metabolites after HFD+R and HFD+A, while flavan‐3‐ols are significantly increased after HFD+W and dihydrochalcones derivatives increased after both apples supplementation. A cardioprotective effect is observed after both apples and aronia infusion supplementation in the reduction of aortic thickness. The kidney function is improved after all supplementations and a decrease in insulin plasma concentration after both apples supplementation (HFD+R and HFD+W) is also observed. The findings support that ACN without apple matrix can induce cardioprotective effects. ACN or flavan‐3‐ols, together with dihydrochalcones, compose a phenolic phytocomplex in red‐ and white‐fleshed apples, respectively, which can act synergistically in the attenuation of cardiovascular outcomes in hypercholesterolemic rats.
MYH9 disorder: Identification and a novel mutation in patients with macrothrombocytopenia
Authors: Natesirinilkul Rungrote , Sosothikul Darintr , Komwilaisak Patcharee , Pongtanakul Bunchoo , Narkbunnum Nattee , Yudhasompop Najwa , Mekjarusgool Pimsiri , Niparuck Pimjai , Boonyawat Kochawan , Kunishima Shinji , Sirachainan Nongnuch ,   Thai Macrothrombocytopenia Study Group
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe diagnosis of MYH9 disorder is guided by recognizing granulocyte Döhle body‐like inclusion bodies and large/giant platelets in the peripheral blood smear. Immunofluorescence study of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA is a sensitive screening method for diagnosis of MYH9 disorder. The diagnosis can then be confirmed by genetic analysis. A total of 67 patients with macrothrombocytopenia were included, of which 11 patients (16%), aged 4 months to 22 years, were ultimately diagnosed with MYH9 disorder. One novel mutation in exon 30 at c.4338T>C (p.F1446A) was detected. This mutation was associated with nonhematologic manifestations presenting in late adolescence with cataracts, hearing loss, and hematuria.
Hard Light for Material Inspection, Crystallography, and Much More
Authors: McCarthy Emma 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article discusses four applications for ultraviolet light, material inspection and characterization, plasma characterization, solar physics, and crystallography, and how each of these subcategories can be utilized to determine different properties within each application. This article also touches on the specific technology required for each of these applications, and subsequently each wavelength subcategory within that.
Improved cancer coping from a web‐based intervention for prostate cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tagai Erin K. , Miller Suzanne M. , Hudson Shawna V. , Diefenbach Michael A. , Handorf Elizabeth , Bator Alicja , Marziliano Allison , Kutikov Alexander , Hall Simon J. , Vira Manish , Schwartz Michael , Kim Issac Yi , Kim Sung 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesProstate cancer (PCa) survivors report poor physical functioning alongside negative psychological outcomes as they cope with treatment side effects and practical concerns after treatment completion. This study evaluated PROGRESS, a web‐based intervention designed to improve adaptive coping among PCa survivors.MethodsLocalized PCa patients (N = 431) within one year of treatment completion were randomized to receive educational booklets or PROGRESS + educational booklets. Surveys completed at baseline, 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐months assessed patient characteristics; functional quality of life and coping (primary outcomes); and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., self‐efficacy, marital communication; secondary outcomes). Intent‐to‐treat and as‐treated analyses were completed to assess change in outcomes from baseline to 6 months using linear mixed effects regression models.ResultsIn the intent‐to‐treat analyses, participants randomized to the intervention group had improved diversion coping (i.e., healthy redirection of worrying thoughts about their cancer), but more difficulties in marital communication (ps < 0.05). However, PROGRESS usage was low among those randomized to the intervention group (38.7%). The as‐treated analyses found PROGRESS users reported fewer practical concerns but had worse positive coping compared to PROGRESS non‐users (ps < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings suggest PROGRESS may improve certain aspects of adaptive coping among PCa survivors that use the website, but does not adequately address the remaining coping and psychosocial domains. Additional research is needed to better understand the gaps in intervention delivery contributing to low engagement and poor improvement across all domains of functional quality of life and adaptive coping.
Ten rules for ordering chest CTs
Authors: Brody Alan S. , Guillerman R. Paul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThese “rules” are suggestions for clinicians who order chest computed tomography (CTs). The first three address CT scanning technique and the ordering details that we find cause the most confusion. The next three are on patient preparation, and specifically the use of sedation and anesthesia. Radiation risk is next, and we end with three, more philosophical, rules on how we can best work together as clinicians and imagers. This is not a complete or systematic review. You won't find detailed references (or any references for that matter), descriptions of the latest techniques, or lists of sample protocols. We hope that the reader will consult his or her imaging colleagues when more specific guidance is needed. The goal of this article is to provide simple answers to frequently asked questions and to address some of the concerns that arise when deciding how to perform a chest CT scan in a child. These are the opinions of the authors, two pediatric radiologists with special interest in chest imaging and 50 years combined experience in working with clinical colleagues to provide the best imaging care for their patients. We hope that sharing these thoughts will help to decrease confusion and increase understanding to the benefit of the children we serve.
Application of a “Continuous‐Acquisition‐Method” to potassium isotope measurements by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Gu Hai‐Ou , Sun He , Huang Chao , Wang Fangyue , Ge Can 
Published: April 2021

RationaleThe very small mass difference between 41K and 40ArH+ makes the flat, hydride interference‐free peak shoulders very narrow (0.002–0.003 m/z unit), bringing a number of analytical challenges when measuring K isotopic compositions by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS). In traditional Sequence Run mode, the parameters are loaded every line of the sequence which can introduce tiny drifts of tune parameters and mass peaks. This may occasionally lead to the failure of K isotope measurements when mass drifts exceed 0.002 m/z unit. It is thus essential to keep the tune parameters, especially the magnet current, very stable to achieve high‐precision K isotopic compositions.MethodWe developed a “Continuous‐Acquisition‐Method” (CAM) MC‐ICP‐MS Run mode to improve the stability when determining K isotopes. Two sets of experiments were designed: (a) Stability test: measuring a single pure K solution (viz. NIST‐999c) for ~3 h and comparing the stability of the two run modes; and (b) GSB‐K test: measuring our inhouse pure K standard solution (GSB‐K) in both run modes and comparing the accuracy and precision.ResultsThe traditional Sequence Run mode only kept the MC‐ICP‐MS system stable for the first ~1.5 h during the ~3‐h test, with an offset of the mass peaks of ~0.003 m/z unit. The CAM Run mode yielded higher stability during the whole test (~3 h), with a peak shift <0.0004 m/z unit. Measurement of the GSB‐K standard solution in Sequence Run and CAM Run modes gives identical δ41K values when the magnet was kept stable, with the CAM Run mode offering a better precision and keeping the instrument stable for longer time.ConclusionsThe MC‐ICP‐MS CAM Run mode shows higher stability and better precision. It is, therefore, good for high‐precision K isotope measurements.
A predefined‐time first‐order exact differentiator based on time‐varying gains
Authors: Aldana‐López Rodrigo , Gómez‐Gutiérrez David , Trujillo Miguel A. , Navarro‐Gutiérrez Manuel , Ruiz‐León Javier , Becerra Hector M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecently, a first‐order differentiator based on time‐varying gains was introduced in the literature, in its nonrecursive form, for signals having a second‐order derivative bounded by a known time‐varying function, where such time‐varying bound has a logarithmic derivative bounded by a known constant. It has been shown that such differentiator is globally finite‐time convergent. In this article, we redesign such an algorithm, using time base generators (a class of time‐varying gains), to obtain a differentiator algorithm for the same class of signals, but with guaranteed convergence before a desired time, that is, with fixed‐time convergence with an a priori user‐defined upper bound for the settling time. Thus, our approach can be applied for scenarios under time‐constraints. We present numerical examples exposing the contribution with respect to related state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Climate shocks and poverty persistence: Investigating consequences and coping strategies in Niger, Tanzania, and Uganda
Authors: Diwakar Vidya , Lacroix Antoine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study investigates key correlates of poverty persistence and the consequences and coping strategies of climate‐induced shocks and stressors in Niger, Tanzania, and Uganda. It relies on household panel data merged with data on subnational disasters across the three countries and employs multiple measures to capture disaster prevalence of droughts, floods, and epidemics, recorded variably at the household and subnational levels. Multivariate regression analysis uncovers that environment shocks prolong poverty through direct biophysical impacts but also indirectly through various negative consequences and distress coping mechanisms in which vulnerable households engage. These include reduced food consumption and food insecurity and reduced asset values. While subnationally there are positive undercurrents, through relief aid and other forms of support that could help protect or replace assets, at the micro‐level, the results suggest that many households may survive through migration and local remittances to complement household welfare. Ensuring a supportive financial environment for poor households in these contexts, alongside risk‐informed policy and programming, would help alleviate key stressors that keep households persistently under the poverty line in contexts of climate‐induced shocks and stressors.
Modelling gendered innovation for the security of energy services in poor urban environments
Authors: Batinge Benjamin , Musango Josephine Kaviti , Ceschin Fabrizio , Ambole Amollo , Smit Suzanne , Petrulaityte Aine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe security of energy services remains a challenge in poor urban Africa. Many households lack adequate energy technological devices to match modern energy carriers to fulfil their energy service needs. Females are most affected because of the culturally embedded gender roles at the household level. Despite the disproportionate gender roles in energy services, gender dimensions remain covert in the energy products innovation process. The study explored how gendered innovation augments energy innovation and addresses the problem relating to the security or fulfilment of energy services of households in poor urban environments. The study used system dynamics modelling to define the dynamic feedback loops, encompassing the security of energy services, households in poor urban environments, and gendered innovation. The results show that a gender‐sensitive, user‐centric innovation can help fulfil household energy services. The template model will be customised and applied in two poor urban environments in South Africa.