bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical testing for the diagnosis of Wilson's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Salman Hafiz Muhammad , Amin Mahwish , Syed Javaria , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Sarfraz Muzna , Farfán Bajaña Maria Jose , Felix Miguel , Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundWilson's disease (WD) is a rare inherited disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and other organs. WD is prevalent worldwide, with an occurrence of 1 per 30,000 live births. Currently, there is no gold standard diagnostic test for WD. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the diagnostic accuracy for WD of three biochemical tests, namely hepatic copper, 24‐hour urinary copper, and ceruloplasmin using the Leipzig criteria.MethodsAdhering to PRISMA guidelines, databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched. Studies that comprised of confirmed or suspected WD along with normal populations were included with adult and pediatric group. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were computed using RevMan 5.4.ResultsNine studies were included. The best practice evidence for 24‐hour urinary copper test ranged from a cutoff value of 0.64–1.6 μmol/24 h (N = 268; sensitivity = 75.6%, specificity = 98.3%). Hepatic copper test was optimally cutoff based on the ROC curve analysis at 1.2 μmol/g yielding a power of 96.4% sensitivity and 95.4% specificity (N = 1,150); however, the tried and tested 4 μmol/g cutoff, with 99.4% sensitivity and 96.1% specificity, is more widely accepted. The ceruloplasmin test cutoff value was found to be ranging from 0.14 to 0.2 g/L (N = 4,281; sensitivity = 77.1%–99%, specificity = 55.9%–82.8%).ConclusionThis paper provides a large‐scale analysis of current evidence pertaining to the biochemical diagnosis of WD employing the Leipzig criteria. The laboratory values are typically based on specific subgroups based on age, ethnicity, and clinical subgroups. The findings of this systematic review must be used with caution, given the over‐ or under‐estimation of the index tests.
Factors influencing the performance of rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen tests under field condition
Authors: Begum Mst. Noorjahan , Jubair Mohammad , Nahar Kamrun , Rahman Sezanur , Talha Muhammad , Sarker Md Safiullah , Uddin A K M Nasir , Khaled Saifuddin , Uddin Mohammed Shehab , Li Zhibiao , Ke Tianlin , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Rahman Mustafizur 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) is the reference detection technique for SARS‐CoV‐2, which is expensive, time consuming, and requires trained laboratory personnel. Thus, a cost‐effective, rapid antigen test is urgently needed. This study evaluated the performance of the rapid antigen tests (RATs) for SARS‐CoV‐2 compared with rRT‐PCR, considering different influencing factors.MethodsWe enrolled a total of 214 symptomatic individuals with known COVID‐19 status using rRT‐PCR. We collected and tested paired nasopharyngeal (NP) and nasal swab (NS) specimens (collected from same individual) using rRT‐PCR and RATs (InTec and SD Biosensor). We assessed the performance of RATs considering specimen types, viral load, the onset of symptoms, and presenting symptoms.ResultsWe included 214 paired specimens (112 NP and 100 NS SARS‐CoV‐2 rRT‐PCR positive) to the analysis. For NP specimens, the average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the RATs were 87.5%, 98.6%, and 92.8%, respectively, when compared with rRT‐PCR. While for NS, the overall kit performance was slightly lower than that of NP (sensitivity 79.0%, specificity 96.1%, and accuracy 88.3%). We observed a progressive decline in the performance of RATs with increased Ct values (decreased viral load). Moreover, the RAT sensitivity using NP specimens decreased over the time of the onset of symptoms.ConclusionThe RATs showed strong performance under field conditions and fulfilled the minimum performance limit for rapid antigen detection kits recommended by World Health Organization. The best performance of the RATs can be achieved within the first week of the onset of symptoms with high viral load.
Pollen morphology of the genus Sophora (Fabaceae) and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Liao Min , Ullah Fazal , Deng Heng‐Ning , Zhang Jun‐Yi , Xu Bo , Gao Xin‐Fen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe genus Sophora (Fabaceae) is one of the taxonomically challenging genera with high economic and medical values. In this study, the pollen morphology of 43 samples of 27 species, 4 subspecies, and 4 varieties of the genus Sophora and 3 closely related genera was examined using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the pollen diversity of the genus and its taxonomic significance. Pollen grains of the studied species were tricolporate (rarely six‐aperture), and pollen shape varied from suboblate, spheroidal, subprolate to prolate. Echinate external ornamentation was reported for the first time in some species of the genus. Aperture membrane ornamentation and outline in a polar/equatorial view were described for the first time in the genus. Principal component analysis was used to understand the relationship and discrimination between the species and the genera, with six components accounting for 79.92% of the total variance. Taxonomic keys based on pollen morphology were also constructed to easily identify the taxa of the genus through palynological characteristics. Results showed that pollen morphology alone is not sufficient to elucidate or reconstruct taxonomic relationships within the genus Sophora, but palynological assessments can provide some useful information for identifying taxonomically problematic taxa.
Sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent for removal of soil organic matter before microplastics analyses
Authors: Bottone Anna , Boily Jean‐Francois , Shchukarev Andrey , Andersson Patrik L. , Klaminder Jonatan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe omnipresence of microplastics (MPs) across Earth's surface has raised concerns about their environmental impact and created an urgent need for methods to identify them in complex soil and sedimentary matrices. However, detecting MPs in the O horizons of soils is difficult because plastic polymers share many physical and chemical properties with natural soil organic matter (SOM). In this study, we assessed whether sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a reagent that can oxidize SOM and simultaneously preserve mineral constituents, can be used for MP analysis and characterization in soil environments. In addition, we scrutinized how factors such as MP size, polymer type, extraction methods, and soil matrix affect the recovery of microplastic particles. We used both hydrophobic and density‐dependent separation methods to assess the effects of our oxidation treatment on the recovery of MP. We observed that NaOCl effectively removed SOM without greatly altering the surface properties of resistant MP polymers (polypropylene, polylactic acid, low‐density polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate), which were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy after SOM removal. The NaOCl treatment caused some chlorination and formation of additional C–OH bonds on polymer surfaces, which likely contributed to the reduced efficiency of the hydrophobic‐based (oil) extraction. We conclude that NaOCl treatment can improve detection of MPs in SOM‐rich soil and that recovery of MPs from soils is influenced by MP size, polymer type, extraction method, and soil type, which makes it challenging to develop a universal analytical method.
Complex formation of lactic acid by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
Authors: Son Chae Eun , Choi Sung‐Seen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOligomers and polymers of lactic acid are generally synthesized through condensation reactions by dehydration at high emperature under catalysis. In the present work, ionization behaviors of lactic acid produced by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization were investigated. Influence of the sample concentration, the heating zone temperature, and the source fragmentor voltage on kinds and abundances of the product ions was examined. Complex formation of the product ions with neutral species was also investigated. Not only lactate, [M–H]− and its complexes but also ions of condended species, [nM–(n‐1)H2O–H]− with n = 2–5, and their complexes were observed. The condensation reactions occurred in an aerosol state generated in the heating zone for evaporation. By increasing the concentration of lactic acid, abundances of the product ions were increased and the increase of larger ones was noticeable. By increasing the heating zone temperature, abundances of the product ions were decreased and the decrease of larger ones was remarkable. By increasing the source fragmentor voltage, abundances of small product ions were increased and those of the complexes, [nM–(n‐2)H2O–H]− with n = 2–5, were significantly decreased. Complex formation of lactate with the neutral condensed species was more favorable than that of the condensed oligomer ions with a neutral lactic acid. The experimental results were explained by energies and structures of the product ions and neutral species obtained by theoretical calculations.
Measurement of image quality for large‐screen displays based on audience viewing: Overview of standardization and preliminary study on laser projection displays and LED displays
Authors: Wang Jianping , Mou Xi , Wen Chunao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe large screens used in stadiums, shopping malls, and movie theaters typically have multiple viewers looking at them simultaneously. The quantification of these displays' image quality would require more considerations of measurements at different locations to satisfy the multiviewing condition. In this paper, we describe the practical implementation method involved in the current standardization activities. Additionally, a vantage point measurement method is studied. In the actual use case scenarios, the vantage point method is more appropriate. This method mimics the viewing behavior of audiences. The displays we measured were laser projection and LED. The method shows validity in both displays. Using the vantage point method, the experimental data show that the existing large displays may have very prominent differences in luminance and chromaticity at different viewing locations.
Direct Photolysis RAFT Polymerization of (Metha)acrylate with 2‐Cyano‐2‐propyldodecyl Trithiocarbonate as Mediator
Authors: Zhang Jianxiong , Duan Junjin , Chen Dong , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA direct photolysis reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of (meth)acrylates is developed with 2‐cyano‐2‐propyldodecyl trithiocarbonate (TTP), which plays the dual role as photoinitiator and chain transfer agent. The polymerizations can be efficiently activated by blue light while maintaining a linear increase in Mn versus conversion. With poly(methyl methacrylate)‐TTP (PMMA‐TTP, Mn = 6700 g mol–1, Ð = 1.29) as precursor, a higher molecular weight PMMA (Mn = 14 600 g mol–1, Ð = 1.67) by chain extension, and a series of block copolymers, including poly(methyl methacryalte)‐b‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(tert‐butyl methacrylate), and poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(benzyl meacrylate)(PMMA‐b‐PBnMA), are prepared. The Mn,NMR = 14 900 g mol–1 of PMMA‐b‐PBnMA measured by NMR is very close to Mn,GPC = 14 200 g mol–1 determined by gel permeation chromatography. Furthermore, the polymerization of acrylates exhibits higher controllability in regarding to dispersity (Ð < 1.20) compared to those of polymethacrylates (Ð = 1.10–1.80). With poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA‐TTP, Mn = 11 900 g mol–1, Ð = 1.09) as macro‐RAFT agent, a higher molecular weight PMA (Mn = 23 500 g mol–1, Ð = 1.28) by chain extension, and PMA‐b‐PBnA (Mn = 26 500 g mol–1, Ð = 1.19) are also prepared. A positive synergic effect is demonstrated by enhanced apparent polymerization rates at elevated temperature. For example, the apparent polymerization rates of MA increases from 0.0860 to 0.115 h–1 with temperature rising from 32 to 50 °C.
Strategic use of immersive media and narrative message in virtual marketing: Understanding the roles of telepresence and transportation
Authors: Chen Chen , Yao Mike Z. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study differentiates the roles of telepresence and transportation, the two widely cited processes underpinning an immersive media viewing experience, in the context of virtual marketing. In Study 1, college students viewed a real estate property tour in virtual reality (VR; high immersion) or as a 360° video (low immersion) in a research lab. The tour was accompanied by a voiceover presenting descriptive information about the apartment (descriptive evidence) or a narrative‐based introduction (narrative evidence). We found the enhanced telepresence under the VR viewing condition negatively impacted users' memory of the property; this effect was particularly pronounced with the narrative voiceover. Study 2 replicated key findings from Study 1 in an online experiment with a larger and more diverse sample. We also found that narrative‐induced transportation strengthened attitudinal outcomes, and enhanced telepresence boosted this effect. Our studies disentangle the impacts of VR‐induced telepresence on cognitive processing from the effects of narrative‐induced transportation on persuasive outcomes. The highly immersive media experience combined with deep transportation into the narrative can strengthen viewers' positive attitude towards the overall experience but hinder their ability to remember the details of the content. The findings point to a medium‐message matching strategy to achieve marketing goals.
Thalamic Dorsomedial Nucleus Free Water Correlates with Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Guttuso Thomas , Sirica Daniel , Tosun Duygu , Zivadinov Robert , Pasternak Ofer , Weintraub Daniel , Baglio Francesca , Bergsland Niels 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundBrain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been shown to reflect cognitive changes in early Parkinson's disease (PD) but the diffusion‐based measure free water (FW) has not been previously assessed.ObjectivesTo assess if FW in the thalamic nuclei primarily involved with cognition (ie, the dorsomedial [DMN] and anterior [AN] nuclei), the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM), and the hippocampus correlates with and is associated with longitudinal cognitive decline and distinguishes cognitive status at baseline in early PD. Also, to explore how FW compares with conventional DTI, FW‐corrected DTI, and volumetric assessments for these outcomes.MethodsImaging data and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database were analyzed using partial correlations and ANCOVA. Primary outcome multiple comparisons were corrected for false discovery rate (q value).ResultsThalamic DMN FW changes over 1 year correlated with MoCA changes over both 1 and 3 years (partial correlations −0.222, q = 0.040, n = 130; and − 0.229, q = 0.040, n = 123, respectively; mean PD duration at baseline = 6.85 months). NbM FW changes over 1 year only correlated with MoCA changes over 3 years (−0.222, q = 0.040). Baseline hippocampal FW was associated with cognitive impairment at 3 years (q = 0.040) and baseline nbM FW distinguished PD‐normal cognition (MoCA ≥26) from PD‐cognitive impairment (MoCA ≤25), (q = 0.008). The exploratory comparisons showed FW to be the most robust assessment modality for all outcomes.ConclusionsThalamic DMN FW is a promising cognition progression biomarker in early PD that may assist in identifying cognition protective therapies in clinical trials. FW is a robust assessment modality for these outcomes. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Periodic‐phase‐diagram similarity method for weak signal detection
Authors: Tian Ruilan , Zhang Yangkun , Yang Shaopu , Yuan Kai , Xue Qiang , Ren Quanrong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe periodic‐phase‐diagram similarity method is proposed to identify the frequency of weak harmonic signals. The key technology is to find a set of optimal coefficients for Duffing system, which leads to the periodic motion under the influence of weak signal and strong noise. Introducing the phase diagram similarity, the influences of strong noise on the similarity of periodic phase diagram are discussed. The principle of highest similarity of periodic phase diagram with the same frequency is detected by discussing the persistence of similarity of periodic motion phase diagram under the strong noise and the periodic‐phase‐diagram similarity method is constructed. The weak signals of early fault and strong noise are input into Duffing system to obtain the identified system. The stochastic subharmonic Melnikov method is extended to obtain the conditions of the optimal coefficients for the identified system. Based on the results, the constructed frequency conversion harmonic weak signals are considered to form a datum periodic system. With the change of frequency in the datum periodic system, the phase diagram similarity of the two constructed systems can be calculated. Based on the periodic‐phase‐diagram similarity method, the frequency of weak harmonic signals can be identified by the principle of highest similarity of periodic phase diagram with the same frequency. The results of numerical simulation and the early fault diagnosis results of actual bearings verify the feasibility of the periodic‐phase‐diagram similarity method. The accuracy of the detection effect is 97%, and the minimum signal‐to‐noise ratio is −80.71 dB.
Monitor gastrointestinal tolerance in children who have switched to an “enteral formula with food‐derived ingredients”: A national, multicenter retrospective chart review (RICIMIX study)
Authors: O'Connor Graeme , Watson Marie , Van Der Linde Martha , Bonner Rita Shergill , Hopkins Julia , Saduera Sharan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnteral tube feeding intolerances, such as diarrhea, are commonly reported in children. In the pediatric population, interest is growing in the use of blended diets for the management of enteral feeding intolerances. Fiber within a blended diet stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn produce short‐chain fatty acids, which are utilized as energy substrates for enterocytes. Enteral formula manufacturers have responded to this trend towards “real‐food” blended diets and developed an enteral formula with food‐derived ingredients. The aim of this study was to collect data relating to feed tolerance in children who had switched to an “enteral formula with food‐derived ingredients.”MethodsA national multicenter retrospective study.ResultsDietitians collected data from 43 medically unwell children between March 2021 and July 2021. Significant improvements were reported in children who had switched to an “enteral formula with food‐derived ingredients” in retching 17 of 18 children (95%), flatulence 6 of 8 children (85%), loose stools 10 of 11 children (90%), and constipation 10 of 11 children (90%). These improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms were reflected in weight change during the one month period measurements were collected (baseline, 19.5 kg [SD, 9]; 1 month, 20.1 kg [SD, 9]; P = 0.002).ConclusionWe have observed beneficial outcomes in medically complex children who have switched to an “enteral formula with food‐derived ingredients.” Our data should motivate healthcare professionals to implement more research to better evaluate the clinical impact and mechanisms of action of blended diets and enteral formulas with food‐derived ingredients.
Topology Optimization of a Cableway Pylon with Assessment of Uncertain Loading
Authors: Hofer Philipp , Sturm Fabian , Wehrle Erich 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTopology optimization is an effective numerical tool to design high‐performance, efficient and economical lightweight structures. The objectives of this work are threefold: development of an open‐source large‐scale three‐dimensional topology optimization framework, assessment of uncertain loading on optimal topology and validation on large‐scale engineering example. We introduce the cableway pylon design problem [1] developing the load case and boundary conditions supported by data based on an existing structure and provided by an industry partner. The resulting lattice‐truss‐like topology agrees with the loading conditions and model characteristics. The effects of uncertain loading on the optimal compliance is investigated per [2].
Release of drought‐tolerant pinto SB‐DT2 and small red SB‐DT3 common bean germplasm from a shuttle breeding program between Nebraska and Puerto Rico
Authors: Urrea Carlos A. , Smith James R. , Porch Timothy G. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDrought stress is an increasingly prevalent constraint to common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) production in the United States and internationally. SB‐DT2 (Reg. no. GP‐310, PI 698187) is a pinto bean germplasm and SB‐DT3 (Reg. no. GP‐311, PI 698188) is a small red bean germplasm developed through shuttle breeding between Nebraska and Puerto Rico with broad temperate and tropical adaptation. These germplasm lines were developed through combining drought tolerance from the common bean Mesoamerican and Durango races and within the Mesoamerican race. SB‐DT2 had the highest geometric mean (GM) compared with the drought checks SB‐DT1, TARS‐MST1, and ‘Matterhorn’ from 2012 to 2018, meaning that it performed well under both stress and non‐stress environments. SB‐DT3 had the third highest GM, which was greater than the small red check ‘Merlot’. In addition to drought stress tolerance, SB‐DT2 and SB‐DT3 showed resistance to endemic strains of the rust pathogen at Fort Collins, CO (caused byUromyces appendiculatus). SB‐DT2 carries the single dominant hypersensitiveIgene that provides strain nonspecific resistance to theBean common mosaic virus. Under drought stress, SB‐DT2 and SB‐DT3 flowered at 44 and 46 d, respectively; matured 86 and 88 d after planting, respectively; and are adapted to both temperate and tropical production environments. These germplasm lines were developed cooperatively by the University of Nebraska and the USDA‐ARS.
A novel violet fluorescent protein contains a unique oxidized tyrosine as the simplest chromophore ever reported in fluorescent proteins
Authors: Roldán‐Salgado Abigail , Muslinkina Liya , Pletnev Sergei , Pletneva Nadya , Pletnev Vladimir , Gaytán Paul 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe describe an engineered violet fluorescent protein from the lancelet Branchiostoma floridae (bfVFP). This is the first example of a GFP‐like fluorescent protein with a stable fluorescent chromophore lacking an imidazolinone ring; instead, it consists of oxidized tyrosine 68 flanked by glycine 67 and alanine 69. bfVFP contains the simplest chromophore reported in fluorescent proteins and was generated from the yellow protein lanFP10A2 by two synergetic mutations, S148H and C166I. The chromophore structure was confirmed crystallographically and by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The photophysical characteristics of bfVFP (323/430 nm, quantum yield 0.33, and Ec 14,300 M−1 cm−1) make it potentially useful for multicolor experiments to expand the excitation range of available FP biomarkers and Förster resonance energy transfer with blue and cyan fluorescent protein acceptors.