bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal acquisition scheme for flow‐compensated intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging in the abdomen: An accurate and precise clinically feasible protocol
Authors: Gurney‐Champion Oliver J. , Rauh Susanne S. , Harrington Kevin , Oelfke Uwe , Laun Frederik B. , Wetscherek Andreas 
Published: October 2019

PurposeFlow‐compensated (FC) diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI) for intravoxel‐incoherent motion (IVIM) modeling allows for a more detailed description of tissue microvasculature than conventional IVIM. The long acquisition time of current FC‐IVIM protocols, however, has prohibited clinical application. Therefore, we developed an optimized abdominal FC‐IVIM acquisition with a clinically feasible scan time.MethodsPrecision and accuracy of the FC‐IVIM parameters were assessed by fitting the FC‐IVIM model to signal decay curves, simulated for different acquisition schemes. Diffusion‐weighted acquisitions were added subsequently to the protocol, where we chose the combination of b‐value, diffusion time and gradient profile (FC or bipolar) that resulted in the largest improvement to its accuracy and precision. The resulting two optimized FC‐IVIM protocols with 25 and 50 acquisitions (FC‐IVIMopt25 and FC‐IVIMopt50), together with a complementary acquisition consisting of 50 diffusion‐weighting (FC‐IVIMcomp), were acquired in repeated abdominal free‐breathing FC‐IVIM imaging of seven healthy volunteers. Intersession and intrasession within‐subject coefficient of variation of the FC‐IVIM parameters were compared for the liver, spleen, and kidneys.ResultsSimulations showed that the performance of FC‐IVIM improved in tissue with larger perfusion fraction and signal‐to‐noise ratio. The scan time of the FC‐IVIMopt25 and FC‐IVIMopt50 protocols were 8 and 16 min. The best in vivo performance was seen in FC‐IVIMopt50. The intersession within‐subject coefficients of variation of FC‐IVIMopt50 were 11.6%, 16.3%, 65.5%, and 36.0% for FC‐IVIM model parameters diffusivity, perfusion fraction, characteristic time and blood flow velocity, respectively.ConclusionsWe have optimized the FC‐IVIM protocol, allowing for clinically feasible scan times (8‐16 min).
Design of a shim coil array matched to the human brain anatomy
Authors: Jia Feng , Elshatlawy Hatem , Aghaeifar Ali , Chu Ying‐Hua , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Littin Sebastian , Kroboth Stefan , Yu Huijun , Amrein Philipp , Gao Xiang , Yang Wenchao , LeVan Pierre , Scheffler Klaus , Zaitsev Maxim 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to introduce a novel design method of a shim coil array specifically optimized for whole brain shimming and to compare the performance of the resulting coils to conventional spherical harmonic shimming.MethodsThe proposed design approach is based on the stream function method and singular value decomposition. Eighty‐four field maps from 12 volunteers measured in seven different head positions were used during the design process. The cross validation technique was applied to find an optimal number of coil elements in the array. Additional 42 field maps from 6 further volunteers were used for an independent validation. A bootstrapping technique was used to estimate the required population size to achieve a stable coil design.ResultsShimming using 12 and 24 coil elements outperforms fourth‐ and fifth‐order spherical harmonic shimming for all measured field maps, respectively. Coil elements show novel coil layouts compared to the conventional spherical harmonic coils and existing multi‐coils. Both leave‐one‐out and independent validation demonstrate the generalization ability of the designed arrays. The bootstrapping analysis predicts that field maps from approximately 140 subjects need to be acquired to arrive at a stable design.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method to design a shim coil array matched to the human brain anatomy, which naturally satisfies the laws of electrodynamics. The design method may also be applied to develop new shim coil arrays matched to other human organs.
Respiratory muscle weakness in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Henke Carolin , Spiesshoefer Jens , Kabitz Hans‐Joachim , Herkenrath Simon , Randerath Winfried , Brix Tobias , Görlich Dennis , Young Peter , Boentert Matthias 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate respiratory muscle function in adults with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).MethodsFourteen patients with FSHD (9 men, 53 ± 16 years of age) and 14 matched controls underwent spirometry, diaphragm ultrasound, and measurement of twitch gastric and transdiaphragmatic pressures (twPgas and twPdi; n = 10) after magnetic stimulation of the lower thoracic nerve roots and the phrenic nerves. The latter was combined with recording of diaphragm compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs; n = 14).ResultsThe following parameters were significantly lower in patients vs controls: forced vital capacity (FVC); maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure; peak cough flow; diaphragm excursion amplitude; and thickening ratio on ultrasound, twPdi (11 ± 5 vs 20 ± 6 cmH2O) and twPgas (7 ± 3 vs 25 ± 20 cmH2O). Diaphragm CMAP showed no group differences. FVC correlated inversely with the clinical severity scale score (r = −0.63, P = .02).DiscussionIn FSHD, respiratory muscle weakness involves both the diaphragm and the expiratory abdominal muscles.
Multiphasic presentation of neuralgic amyotrophy associated with hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Arányi Zsuzsanna , Szpisjak László , Szőke Kristóf 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to further characterize the clinical phenotype of hepatitis E virus (HEV)‐associated neuralgic amyotrophy (NA).MethodsThree patients with HEV‐associated NA underwent clinical, electrodiagnostic, and ultrasound assessment.ResultsIn all patients, symptoms developed in several phases within a time span of 4‐6 weeks, with three or more nerves involved. Symptoms were bilateral in two. In two patients, nerves of the trunk and the lower limb were affected as well. In one patient, three bouts occurred, each heralded by an increase in pain. In the other two, pain subsided quickly and nerve damage developed in two phases. Segmental enlargement with or without hourglass‐like constrictions of the nerves was demonstrated by ultrasound in all.ConclusionsThe multiphasic presentation, together with the extensive multi‐nerve involvement, may reflect a severe and protracted inflammation of the nerves in HEV‐associated NA.
Twenty Years of Disk Diffusion Testing Indicate No Meaningful Loss of Antibiotic Susceptibility for Multiple Pathogens Isolated from Hatcheries Operated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T , Jakaitis Michelle , McCormick Joshua L 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Antibiotic use in animal production, including aquaculture, has become a controversial subject in recent years. It is unclear whether antibiotic use by fish hatcheries or farms is functionally related to the development of resistance in important human pathogens. Nevertheless, antimicrobial resistance is relevant to aquaculture because it may reduce the effectiveness of the limited treatment options available for fish health management. We used linear regression models to explore possible temporal trends in antibiotic susceptibility of several bacterial fish pathogens over a 20-year period at 12 Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG)-operated hatcheries. Observed antibiotic susceptibility was variable among hatcheries and among pathogens. Predicted susceptibility was generally unchanged or increased on average over the study period, suggesting no significant loss in susceptibility to the antibiotics tested. Collectively, our results indicate that fish health management, including occasional antibiotic treatment, has not substantively influenced antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens at IDFG-operated hatcheries.
Prevalence of glue‐sniffing among street children
Authors: Sah Sanjay Kumar , Neupane Nira , Pradhan (Thaiba) Anupama , Shah Sabita , Sharma Asha 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThe aim was to determine the prevalence of glue‐sniffing among street children.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional study design was adopted.BackgroundChildren are the source of hope and could be the major ailments for the development of society, nation and the world but there are large numbers of children on the street sniff glue and struggling with multiple disease and uncertain future.MethodsA study was conducted in 52 street children to determine the prevalence of glue‐sniffers and its impact on street children in Butwal, municipality of Nepal. This study was conducted in 52 street children, 5‐ point Likert scale and interview schedule was performed with the help of structured and semi‐structured questionnaire to collect data. Finally, the collected data are analysed by using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage and mean.ResultsThe study findings revealed that a large number of children, that is 40.38% was between the age group of 9–12 years and 92.31% were male. The current prevalence of glue‐sniffing among street children is 88.46%. Similarly, 58.7% of respondents had started glue‐sniffing 1 year ago. Out of 46 respondents who sniffed glue, 89.13% were unaware of its effect. Nearly, half of the respondents 45.65% had encountered health issues such as headache, chest pain and stomach ache.ConclusionsThey have deprived children and denied not only of their rights as children but also of their normal childhood. Without guidance, education and security, they are heading towards an uncertain future. They can have enough potentiality and talent if they are brought into a better environment and might have real hope for the bright future.
Effects of micro‐nano titania contents and maleic anhydride compatibilization on the mechanical performance of polylactide
Authors: Can Ulas , Kaynak Cevdet 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe first aim of this study was to compare influences of various contents of the micro‐ (200 nm) and nano (50 nm)‐sized titania (TiO2) particles especially on the mechanical performance of the polylactide (PLA) biopolymer. Micro‐ and nano‐composites were prepared by twin‐screw extruder melt mixing, while the specimens were shaped by compression molding. Scanning electron microscope analyses and mechanical tests revealed that due to the most efficient uniform distribution in the matrix, the best improvements in the strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness values could be obtained either by using 5 wt% micro‐TiO2 or by only 2 wt% nano‐TiO2 particles. The second purpose of this study was to investigate influences of using maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted copolymer (PLA‐g‐MA) compatibilization on the performance of one nanocomposite composition. Due to the improved chemical interfacial adhesion, use of PLA‐g‐MA compatibilization for the specimen of PLA/2 wt% n‐TiO2 composition resulted in the highest improvements in the mechanical performance of neat PLA. The improvements were 14% in tensile strength, 20% in flexural modulus, and as much as 67% in fracture toughness. Thermal behavior of all specimens was also observed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses.
Helicity Induction and Its Static Memory of Poly(biphenylylacetylene)s Bearing Pyridine N‐Oxide Groups and Their Use as Asymmetric Organocatalysts
Authors: Ando Mitsuka , Ishidate Ryoma , Ikai Tomoyuki , Maeda Katsuhiro , Yashima Eiji 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTNovel poly(biphenylylacetylene) derivatives carrying different types of pyridine N‐oxide units with a bulky or less‐bulky substituent at a different position as the functional pendant groups (poly‐2a and poly‐2b) were synthesized by the rhodium‐catalyzed polymerization of the corresponding monomers. The influence of the steric environment around the catalytically active pyridine N‐oxide sites on the helicity induction and its static memory as well as the asymmetric catalytic activities of the resulting helical polymers with a macromolecular helicity memory was investigated. The polyacetylenes formed an excess one‐handed helical conformation upon noncovalent interactions with optically active alcohols and the induced macromolecular helicities of the polyacetylenes were efficiently memorized after the removal of the chiral inducers. Poly‐2b with the macromolecular helicity memory showed an enantioselectivity for the catalytic asymmetric allylation of benzaldehydes, producing optically active allyl alcohols, although their enantioselectivities were low. On the other hand, poly‐2a exhibited a negligible catalytic activity probably due to the bulky substituent at the o‐position of the pyridine N‐oxide residues, while poly‐2a underwent a unique helix‐inversion with the increasing concentration of chiral alcohols and the opposite helicity of poly‐2a was further successfully memorized. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2481–2490
Investigation of Polymer Matrix Nano‐Aluminum Composites with Pulsed Laser Heating by In‐Situ TEM
Authors: Isik Tugba , Xu Xiaohui , Son Steven F. , Gunduz I. Emre , Ortalan Volkan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNanocomposites of aluminum and fluoropolymers react rapidly due to highly exothermic aluminum fluorination because of the high specific surface area nanoscale particles. In‐situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques are invaluable for real time monitoring of the reactions in these systems at the nanoscale. Here, we investigated the reactions in nanoscale Al (nAl) and THV (terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride) and nAl‐LDPE (low density polyethylene) composites, heated using a pulsed laser in a TEM. Results show that reactions are initiated at about 720 K, when THV starts to decompose, and proceed with the formation and growth of a hollow aluminum fluoride (AlF3) shell. Diffraction patterns revealed that this phase is the rare η‐phase AlF3. In contrast, no reactions were observed in the inert nAl‐LDPE composites. The experimental and theoretical results reveal that rapid pulsed laser heating and subsequent cooling of a nanoscale sample influences the phases that can form, and can be utilized to investigate other systems.
The limitations of locust preventive management faced with spatial uncertainty: exploration with a multi‐agent model
Authors: Gay Pierre‐Emmanuel , Lecoq Michel , Piou Cyril 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe spatial structure of locust outbreaks is a major aspect of preventive management that relies on where survey teams have to be sent if they are to react in time to any upsurge. The concentration of areas propitious to outbreaks has been documented for many species. Areas where preventive management fails to collect information because of insecurity or remoteness constitute other limits. We explored these conditions using a spatially explicit multi‐agent model representing a preventive management system. We simulated areas where field teams had limited or no access and areas where the probability of initial outbreaks was concentrated in hotspots.RESULTSA strong effort by the budget holder to maintain funding over time might be cancelled out with 5% of a territory having limited access. The larger the area of no access, the worse the proportion of plague years. Multiple no access areas generated more plagues than only one no access area of an equivalent size because more fronts must be controlled. Concentrating outbreaks in hotspots increased the probability of plagues. One hotspot alone was easier to control than several same‐sized hotspots. The period of the budget holder's cyclical behaviour between awareness and reduction in funding was longer with one hotspot than with several.CONCLUSIONThese results highlight the need to consider the spatial conditions and accessibility of locust species when planning the sustainability of management systems. Despite significant budgets to set in place a preventive management system, cyclical locust outbreaks may be related to these spatial conditions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Selection of high‐quality and viable blastocysts based on timing of morula compaction and blastocyst formation
Authors: Harada Yoshihisa , Maeda Tomoyo , Fukunaga Emi , Shiba Reiko , Okano Shinichiro , Kinutani Masayuki , Horiuchi Toshitaka 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeThe time‐lapse system is a device that allows continuous monitoring without removing embryos from the incubator. Using a time‐lapse system, we retrospectively investigated cleavage speed time points as potential indicators for selecting high‐quality viable blastocysts.MethodsThis study included 963 zygotes of two pronuclei retrieved from 196 patients between January 2015 and December 2016. All embryos in culture were monitored by time‐lapse after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Of 492 blastocysts developed in vitro, 128 vitrified‐warmed single blastocyst transfers were classified into pregnancy and non‐pregnancy groups, and the parameters were compared.ResultsIn the pregnancy group, timing of both morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation was significantly faster than in the non‐pregnancy group. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values for compacted morula (94.9 hours) and regular blastocyst (113.9 hours) were determined using the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Embryos that formed compacted morulae within 94.9 hours and developed into regular blastocysts within 113.9 hours were associated with a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those that did not (44.4% vs 16.0%).ConclusionThe timing of morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation is important as an indicator of high‐quality blastocysts to increase odds for pregnancy after embryo transfer.
Kriging‐based robotic exploration for soil moisture mapping using a cosmic‐ray sensor
Authors: Pulido Fentanes Jaime , Badiee Amir , Duckett Tom , Evans Jonathan , Pearson Simon , Cielniak Grzegorz 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSoil moisture monitoring is a fundamental process to enhance agricultural outcomes and to protect the environment. The traditional methods for measuring moisture content in the soil are laborious and expensive, and therefore there is a growing interest in developing sensors and technologies which can reduce the effort and costs. In this work, we propose to use an autonomous mobile robot equipped with a state‐of‐the‐art noncontact soil moisture sensor building moisture maps on the fly and automatically selecting the most optimal sampling locations. We introduce an autonomous exploration strategy driven by the quality of the soil moisture model indicating areas of the field where the information is less precise. The sensor model follows the Poisson distribution and we demonstrate how to integrate such measurements into the kriging framework. We also investigate a range of different exploration strategies and assess their usefulness through a set of evaluation experiments based on real soil moisture data collected from two different fields. We demonstrate the benefits of using the adaptive measurement interval and adaptive sampling strategies for building better quality soil moisture models. The presented method is general and can be applied to other scenarios where the measured phenomena directly affect the acquisition time and need to be spatially mapped.
Social mobilization against large hydroelectric dams: A comparison of Ethiopia, Brazil, and Panama
Authors: Schapper Andrea , Unrau Christine , Killoh Sarah 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLarge‐scale hydroelectric dams have—throughout their history—had adverse impacts on local population groups, natural resources, and entire eco‐systems furthering resistance and protest against them.In this paper, we aim to investigate the impact of social mobilization against large‐scale dams by considering political opportunity structures, actor constellations, and frames. We comparatively analyze three case studies in varying political systems, that is, Gibe III in Ethiopia, Belo Monte in Brazil, and Barro Blanco in Panama. Our investigation is based on field research in these countries comprising data collection of governmental reports, newspaper articles, materials published by civil society organizations, and semi‐structured interviews. The analysis reveals that the impact of mobilization against dams is certainly limited in contexts with authoritarian governments. In democratic contexts, the impact depends on the degree of external involvement, as well as the ability of movements to avoid fracture, especially in view of temporal dimensions of large infrastructure projects.
Efficient Synthesis of Sulfonyl Diphenylsulfides Catalyzed via Cu–MOF of PCN‐6’
Authors: Liu Na , Tian An−Qi , Ren Zhi‐Lin , Wang Long 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this work, we used a metal organic framework of PCN‐6’, which prepared from copper compound and iazine‐2,4,6‐triyl‐benzoate (H3TATB) ligand, to catalyze the disulfide reacted with aryl iodide and sulfonyl chloride to synthesize of sulfonyl diphenylsulfides. A series of sulfonyl diphenylsulfide derivatives were synthesized with medium or high yields.
Acidic Handle Assemble Heterogeneous Carbocatalyst for Facile Aliphatic Nucleophilic Fluorination
Authors: Said Madhukar S. , Pandole Satish , Suryavanshi Amol , Kumar Pradeep , Gajbhiye Jayan M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAcidic handle (‐SO3H) assemble carbonaceous catalyst synthesized from glucose acts as a modulator for the nucleophilic fluorination reaction. The heterogeneous catalyst works with various alkyl sulfonate, halide and metal fluoride (MF), to offer a high yield of fluorinated products up to 93%. This carbonaceous catalyst is recyclable for more than five times, with no major loss of activity.
Size‐Optimized Ultrasmall Porous Silica Nanoparticles Depict Vasculature‐Based Differential Targeting in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Goel Shreya , Ferreira Carolina A. , Dogra Prashant , Yu Bo , Kutyreff Christopher J. , Siamof Cerise M. , Engle Jonathan W. , Barnhart Todd E. , Cristini Vittorio , Wang Zhihui , Cai Weibo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRapid sequestration and prolonged retention of intravenously injected nanoparticles by the liver and spleen (reticuloendothelial system (RES)) presents a major barrier to effective delivery to the target site and hampers clinical translation of nanomedicine. Inspired by biological macromolecular drugs, synthesis of ultrasmall (diameter ≈12–15 nm) porous silica nanoparticles (UPSNs), capable of prolonged plasma half‐life, attenuated RES sequestration, and accelerated hepatobiliary clearance, is reported. The study further investigates the effect of tumor vascularization on uptake and retention of UPSNs in two mouse models of triple negative breast cancer with distinctly different microenvironments. A semimechanistic mathematical model is developed to gain mechanistic insights into the interactions between the UPSNs and the biological entities of interest, specifically the RES. Despite similar systemic pharmacokinetic profiles, UPSNs demonstrate strikingly different tumor responses in the two models. Histopathology confirms the differences in vasculature and stromal status of the two models, and corresponding differences in the microscopic distribution of UPSNs within the tumors. The studies demonstrate the successful application of multidisciplinary and complementary approaches, based on laboratory experimentation and mathematical modeling, to concurrently design optimized nanomaterials, and investigate their complex biological interactions, in order to drive innovation and translation.