bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of liver volume and other markers of hepatic steatosis with all‐cause mortality in the general population
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Markus Marcello R. P. , Mousa Mohammed , Schipf Sabine , Dörr Marcus , Steveling Antje , Aghdassi Ali , Kühn Jens‐Peter , Kromrey Marie‐Luise , Nauck Matthias , Targher Giovanni , Völzke Henry , Ittermann Till 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsWe examined the associations between liver volume and other quantitative and qualitative markers of hepatic steatosis with all‐cause mortality in the general population.MethodsWe included 2769 German middle‐aged individuals with a median follow‐up of 8.9 years (23,898 person‐years). Quantitative markers used were serum liver enzymes and FIB‐4 score, while qualitative markers of hepatic steatosis included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of liver fat content and total liver volume. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for confounding factors, were undertaken to investigate the associations of liver volume and other markers of hepatic steatosis with all‐cause mortality.ResultsA larger MRI‐assessed liver volume was associated with a nearly three‐fold increased risk of all‐cause mortality (Hazard Ratio = 3.16; 95% confidence interval 1.88; 5.30), independent of age, sex, body mass index, food frequency score, alcohol consumption and education level. This association was consistent in all subgroups considered (men vs. women; presence or absence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome or diabetes). Higher serum liver enzyme levels and FIB‐4 score were also significantly associated with higher all‐cause mortality in the total population and in all subgroups. No independent associations were found between other quantitative and qualitative markers of hepatic steatosis and the risk of all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsWe showed for the first time that larger liver volume was associated with a three‐fold increase in long‐term risk of all‐cause mortality. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, alcohol consumption, obesity and other coexisting metabolic disorders.
Quantification of intrinsic optical signals in the outer human retina using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Messner Alina , Aranha dos Santos Valentin , Stegmann Hannes , Puchner Stefan , Schmidl Doreen , Leitgeb Rainer , Schmetterer Leopold , Werkmeister René M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntrinsic optical signals constitute a noninvasive biomarker promising the objective assessment of retinal photoreceptor function. We employed a commercial optical coherence tomography (OCT) system and an OCT signal model for evaluation of optical path length (OPL) changes in the temporal outer retina of five healthy subjects during light adaptation. Data were acquired at 30 time points, in ambient light and during long duration stimulation with white light, and analyzed, employing a signal model based on the sum of seven Gaussian curves corresponding to all relevant anatomical structures of the outer retina. During light stimulation, mean OPL between rod outer segment tips (ROST) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) decreased by 21.4 ± 3.5%. Further, OPL between the external‐limiting membrane (ELM) and the RPE decreased by 5.2 ± 0.9% versus baseline, while OPL between ELM and ROST showed an initial decrease by 2.1 ± 1.6% versus baseline and, thereafter, increased by 2.8 ± 2.1% versus baseline. Thus, the presented approach allowed for assess to dynamic changes in the outer retina in response to light. The change in the subretinal space occurring in the context of light adaptation could be measured using a standard OCT platform and a dedicated signal model.
Assessing the visual image quality provided by refractive corrections during keratoconus progression
Authors: Rozema Jos J , Hastings Gareth D , Jiménez‐García Marta , Koppen Carina , Applegate Raymond A 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeTo expand the SyntEyes keratoconus (KTC) model to assess the Visual Image Quality (VIQ) of sphero‐cylindrical spectacle and rigid contact lens corrections as keratoconus progresses.MethodsThe previously published SyntEyes KTC eye model to determine best sphero‐cylindrical spectacle and rigid contact lens correction in keratoconic eyes was expanded to include the natural progression of keratoconus, thus allowing the assessment of corrected VIQ with disease progression.ResultsAs keratoconus progresses, the pattern of visual Strehl ratio (VSX) in correction space for spectacles alters from a typical hourglass into a shell pattern. The former would guide the subjective refraction towards the optimal correction while the latter is relatively insensitive to large dioptric steps. In 15 out of the 20 SyntEyes, the shell pattern eventually produces two foci on different sides of the correction space separated by a clinically significant dioptric difference with a similar, albeit lower VIQ. Wearing the best possible spectacle corrections provided an average gain of up to 3.5 lines of logMAR visual acuity compared to the uncorrected cases, which increased to 5.5 lines for the best rigid contact lens correction. Continuing to wear a spectacle correction as the disease progresses often leads to a VIQ that is almost as bad as the uncorrected case. Continuing to wear a rigid contact lens correction as the disease progresses maintains a relatively high level of VIQ, albeit in the low range for typically well‐corrected normal eyes.ConclusionsThe results reflect the clinical experience that subjective refraction is difficult in highly‐aberrated keratoconic eyes, the benefit of spectacle correction is short lived and that rigid contact lenses provide better and more stable VIQ with disease progression. Other aspects, such as the presence and behaviour of the second focus in some cases, remain to be confirmed clinically.
Detection and elimination of viruses infecting sweet potatoes in Hungary
Authors: Kiemo Francis W. , Salamon Pál , Jewehan Ahmad , Tóth Zoltán , Szabó Zoltán 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSweet potato has been grown in Hungary for the last three decades, and its popularity is increasing among farmers and consumers. Its production is hampered by pests and diseases due to poor agricultural practices, such as the use of virus‐infected propagation materials. We tested the presence of 15 viruses by PCR and quantitative PCR in 110 sweet potato plants collected from seven regions in Hungary. Seven viruses in single or multiple infections associated with a wide range of foliar symptoms were detected: sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), sweet potato virus G (SPVG), sweet potato virus C (SPVC), sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato virus 2 (SPV2), sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), and sweet potato pakakuy virus (SPPV). This is the first report on the occurrence of the begomovirus SPLCV in sweet potatoes in Hungary. The infectivity and identity of these viruses were confirmed through bioassays (grafting to Ipomoea setosa) and sequencing of the PCR‐amplified sections of their genomes, respectively. Due to the necessity for virus‐free sweet potato propagation material in Hungary, virus elimination was carried out successfully in five out of six genotypes important for Hungarian farmers using heat treatment and meristem tip culture. All five viruses detected in the plants before heat treatment were removed except SPPV, which persists after heat treatment. Production and strict regulation of virus‐free sweet potato propagation materials are recommended to avoid exacerbating the virus situation and protect Hungarian farmers from further losses.
Is psychosocial rehabilitation useful in older people living in nursing homes? A pilot study on long‐term cognitive and behavioural outcomes
Authors: De Luca Rosaria , Maggio Maria Grazia , Leonardi Simona , Marra Angela , Casella Carmela , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related changes in cognitive and behavioural functions, although common, may vary considerably across individuals and cognitive domains. There is limited evidence focusing on the benefits of training based on cognitive/social learning principles in the elderly. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Assertive Social Skill Training (ASST) in improving cognitive and mood outcomes in a sample of older patients living in a Sicilian nursing home.MethodsForty‐seven older subjects were enrolled in this case–control study. Each participant was evaluated by a neuropsychologist, through the administration of a short psychometric battery using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), at three time points: before (T0), immediately following (T1), and 6 months after the end of the training (T2). Both groups received cognitive behavioural therapy and psychological support, but the experimental group received the ASST protocol (60 sessions, five times a week, for 12 weeks, each session lasting about 60 min), whilst the control group participated in group meetings with recreational activities.ResultsPost‐hoc analysis showed that only patients receiving ASST presented a statistically significant improvement in global cognitive functions (MMSE: P < 0.001), frontal abilities (FAB: P < 0.001), and mood (GDS: P < 0.001); these positive outcomes were maintained at T2.ConclusionsPromising treatments, like the ASST, aimed at potentiating cognitive, behavioural, and social skills, are needed to improve older people's quality of life, especially when they live in nursing homes.
A global review of the invasive aquatic weed Cabomba caroliniana [A. Gray] (Carolina fanwort): Current and future management challenges, and research gaps
Authors: Roberts Jason , Florentine Singarayer 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCabomba caroliniana [A. Gray] (Cabombaceae), also known as Carolina fanwort, is a native of South America which has now become a serious invasive threat to aquatic systems across the world. Its capacity to inundate a water column with active fragments and seeds makes the containment and management of C. caroliniana a challenging task and an ecological and economic necessity. Previous and current management efforts have been largely focussed on biological control, drawdown methods, herbicide application, manual removal, shading and the use of a concentrated urea solution. Although these methods have shown some success in reducing large infestations, they are generally considered to be unreliable when used alone since they are unable to contain or reduce the species in the long term with a single‐use treatment protocol. It is feared that, without effective, improved and integrated management strategies, C. caroliniana will continue to invade aquatic ecosystems beyond its already wide current distribution, thus causing increased global economic and environmental damage. This review will therefore explore the biology and distribution of C. caroliniana and examine the current and previous attempts for its global management. It will also evaluate the most successful current treatments and clarify where research efforts are urgently needed for the improved long‐term extirpation of this aquatic invader.
Statins and venous leg ulcer healing: Secondary analysis of data from a cohort of three randomised controlled trials
Authors: Jull Andrew , Lu Han , Jiang Yannan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAdjuvants to compression are sought for treating venous ulceration. There is animal, observational and trial evidence that suggests statins increase venous ulcer healing. The objective of this study was to conduct secondary analyses investigating the association of statin use with healing in three randomised trials that recruited people with venous ulceration. The difference in healing rates was modest but higher in the statins group. Crude analyses found no significant difference between the groups, but when adjusted for the trial effect and potential confounders (age, diabetes, first ever ulcer, ulcer area and ulcer duration), significantly more participants healed among those taking statins. The analyses were robust to method of analysis (fixed effects or random effects models). A definitive trial is required to evaluate the effect of statins versus placebo on venous ulcer healing, but until then patients needing to take statins seem unlikely to be disadvantaged by this treatment.
Prediction of Gas Turbine Trip: A Novel Methodology Based on Random Forest Models
Authors: Losi Enzo , Venturini Mauro , Manservigi Lucrezia , Ceschini Giuseppe Fabio , Bechini Giovanni , Cota Giuseppe , Riguzzi Fabrizio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A gas turbine trip is an unplanned shutdown, of which the most relevant consequences are business interruption and a reduction of equipment remaining useful life. Thus, understanding the underlying causes of gas turbine trip would allow predicting its occurrence in order to maximize gas turbine profitability and improve its availability. In the ever competitive Oil & Gas sector, data mining and machine learning are increasingly being employed to support a deeper insight and improved operation of gas turbines. Among the various machine learning tools, random forests are an ensemble learning method consisting of an aggregation of decision tree classifiers. This paper presents a novel methodology aimed at exploiting information embedded in the data and develops random forest models, aimed at predicting gas turbine trip based on information gathered during a timeframe of historical data acquired from multiple sensors. The novel approach exploits time series segmentation to increase the amount of training data, thus reducing overfitting. First, data are transformed according to a feature engineering methodology developed in a separate work by the same authors. Then, Random Forest models are trained and tested on unseen observations to demonstrate the benefits of the novel approach. The superiority of the novel approach is proved by considering two real-word case studies, involving field data taken during three years of operation of two fleets of gas turbines located in different regions. The novel methodology allows values of precision, recall and accuracy in the range 75–85%, thus demonstrating the industrial feasibility of the predictive methodology.
A Modular Three-Dimensional Bioprinter for Printing Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Warburton Linnea , Lou Leo , Rubinsky Boris 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a fabrication method with many biomedical applications, particularly within tissue engineering. The use of freezing during 3D bioprinting, aka “3D cryoprinting,” can be utilized to create micopores within tissue-engineered scaffolds to enhance cell proliferation. When used with alginate bio-inks, this type of 3D cryoprinting requires three steps: 3D printing, crosslinking, and freezing. This study investigated the influence of crosslinking order and cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of sodium alginate scaffolds. We designed and built a novel modular 3D printer in order to study the effects of these steps separately and to address many of the manufacturing issues associated with 3D cryoprinting. With the modular 3D printer, 3D printing, crosslinking, and freezing were conducted on separate modules yet remain part of a continuous manufacturing process. Crosslinking before the freezing step produced highly interconnected and directional pores, which are ideal for promoting cell growth. By controlling the cooling rate, it was possible to produce pores with diameters from a range of 5 μm to 40 μm. Tensile and firmness testing found that the use of freezing does not decrease the tensile strength of the printed objects, though there was a significant loss in firmness for strands with larger pores.
A Comparative Modeling Study of Thermal Mitigation Strategies in Irreversible Electroporation Treatments
Authors: Aycock Kenneth N. , Campelo Sabrina N. , Davalos Rafael V. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE), also referred to as nonthermal pulsed field ablation (PFA), is an attractive focal ablation modality for solid tumors and cardiac tissue due to its ability to destroy aberrant cells with limited disruption of the underlying tissue architecture. Despite its nonthermal cell death mechanism, application of electrical energy results in Joule heating that, if ignored, can cause undesired thermal injury. Engineered thermal mitigation (TM) technologies including phase change materials (PCMs) and active cooling (AC) have been reported and tested as a potential means to limit thermal damage. However, several variables affect TM performance including the pulsing paradigm, electrode geometry, PCM composition, and chosen active cooling parameters, meaning direct comparisons between approaches are lacking. In this study, we developed a computational model of conventional bipolar and monopolar probes with solid, PCM-filled, or actively cooled cores to simulate clinical IRE treatments in pancreatic tissue. This approach reveals that probes with integrated PCM cores can be tuned to drastically limit thermal damage compared to existing solid probes. Furthermore, actively cooled probes provide additional control over thermal effects within the probe vicinity and can altogether abrogate thermal damage. In practice, such differences in performance must be weighed against the increased time, expense, and effort required for modified probes compared to existing solid probes.
Design and Initial Validation of a Multiple Degree-of-Freedom Joint for an Ankle-Foot Orthosis
Authors: Elery Toby , Reznick Emma , Shearin Staci , McCain Karen , Gregg Robert D. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the novel design of a multi-degree-of-freedom joint (M-DOF) for an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) that aims to improve upon the commercially available double action joint (DAJ). The M-DOF is designed to maintain the functionality of the DAJ, while increasing dorsiflexion stiffness and introducing inversion/eversion. This increase in range of motion is designed to produce greater engagement from lower limb muscles during gait. The M-DOF was experimentally validated with one able-bodied and one stroke subject. Across walking speeds, the M-DOF AFO minimally affected the able-bodied subject's joint kinematics. The stroke subject's ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion and knee flexion were not heavily altered when wearing the M-DOF AFO, compared to the DAJ AFO. The new DOF allowed by the M-DOF AFO increased the inversion/eversion of the ankle by ∼3 deg, without introducing any new compensations compared to their gait with the DAJ AFO.
Direct Pore-Scale Simulations of Fully Periodic Unit Cells of Different Regular Lattices
Authors: Kaur Inderjot , Singh Prashant 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Open-cell metal foams are known for their superior heat dissipation capabilities. The morphological, pressure drop, and heat transfer characteristics of stochastic metal foams manufactured through traditional “foaming” processes are well established in the literature. However, employment of stochastic metal foams in next-generation heat exchangers is challenged by the irregularity in the pore- and fiber-geometries, limited control on the pore-volume, and an inherent necessity of a bonding agent between foam and the heat source. On the other hand, additive manufacturing (AM) is capable of printing complex user-defined unit cell topologies with customized fiber shapes directly on the substrates subjected to heat load. Moreover, the user-defined regular lattices are capable of exhibiting better thermal and mechanical properties than stochastic metal foams. In this paper, we present a numerical investigation on fully periodic unit-cells of three different topologies, that is, tetrakaidecahedron (TKD), rhombic-dodecahedron (DDC), and Octet with air as the working fluid. Pressure gradient, interfacial heat transfer coefficient, friction factor, and Nusselt number are reported for each topology. Rhombic-dodecahedron yielded the highest averaged interfacial heat transfer coefficient whereas Octet incurred the highest flow losses. Pore diameter, defined as the maximum diameter of a sphere passing through the polygonal openings of the structures, when used as the characteristic length scale for the presentation of Nusselt number and Reynolds number, resulted in a single trendline for all the three topologies.
Fitness Changes in Adolescent Girls Following In-School Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise: Interaction With Birthweight
Authors: Cohen Daniel Dylan , Carreño Javier , Camacho Paul Anthony , Otero Johanna , Martinez Daniel , Lopez-Lopez Jose , Sandercock Gavin R. , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio 
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of a supervised in-school combined resistance and aerobic training program in adolescent girls and investigate whether responses differ according to birthweight. Methods: Participants (girls aged 13–17 y) were randomized either to an intervention replacing physical education (PE) classes with 2 × 60-minute training sessions per week (n = 58) or to a control group that continued to attend 2 × 60 minutes per week of curriculum PE (n = 41). We measured muscular fitness (handgrip, standing long jump, and sit-ups), cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run), skinfolds, and lean body mass preintervention and postintervention and determined effect size (Hedge’s g) differences between changes in these measures. We also compared changes within lower (<3000 g) and normal birthweight intervention and PE control subgroups. Results: The intervention group showed greater improvements in all the fitness measures and lean body mass (g = 0.22–0.48) and lower skinfold increases (g = 0.41) than PE controls. Within the intervention group, improvements in all fitness measures were larger in lower birthweight (g = 0.53–0.94) than in normal birthweight girls (g = 0.02–0.39). Conclusion: Replacing curriculum PE with supervised training improved muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition outcomes in adolescent females. Our findings suggest an enhanced adaptive response to training in participants with lower birthweight which warrants further investigation.
Electron Microscopy Studies of Manuscripts from Russian National Library
Authors: Tereschenko E. Yu. , Vasiliev A. L. , Lyakhovitsky E. A. , Balachenkova A. P. , Tsypkin D. O. , Yatsishina E. B. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Inks of historical documents from the collection of the Russian National Library and model samples on paper and polymer were studied by transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The results of substantially nondestructive analysis of inks make transmission electron micro-scopy an efficient tool for studying large arrays of manuscripts.
Methods of Coherent X-Ray Diffraction Imaging
Authors: Prosekov P. A. , Nosik V. L. , Blagov A. E. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Methods of coherent X-ray diffraction imaging of the spatial structure of noncrystalline objects and nanocrystals (nanostructures) are considered. Particular attention is paid to the methods of scanning-based coherent diffraction imaging (ptychography), visualization based on coherent surface scattering with application of correlation spectroscopy approaches, and specific features of visualization using X-ray free-electron laser radiation. The corresponding data in the literature are analyzed to demonstrate the state of the art of the methods of coherent diffraction imaging and fields of their application.