bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative 1H Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Normal and Pathologic Rat Bones by Solid‐State 1H ZTE Sequence with Water and Fat Suppression
Authors: Kassey Víctor B. , Walle Matthias , Egan Jonathan , Yeritsyan Diana , Beeram Indeevar , Kassey Sharon P. , Wu Yaotang , Snyder Brian D. , Rodriguez Edward K. , Ackerman Jerome L. , Nazarian Ara 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundOsteoporosis (OP) and osteomalacia (OM) are metabolic bone diseases characterized by mineral and matrix density changes. Quantitative bone matrix density differentiates OM from OP. MRI is a noninvasive and nonionizing imaging technique that can measure bone matrix density quantitatively in ex vivo and in vivo.PurposeTo demonstrate water + fat suppressed 1H MRI to compute bone matrix density in ex vivo rat femurs in the preclinical model.Study TypeProspective.Animal ModelFifteen skeletally mature female Sprague–Dawley rats, five per group (normal, ovariectomized (OVX), partially nephrectomized/vitamin D (Vit‐D) deficient), 250–275 g, ∼15 weeks old.Field Strength/Sequence7T, zero echo time sequence with water + fat (VAPOR) suppression capability, μCT imaging, and gravimetric measurements.AssessmentCortical and trabecular bone segments from normal and disease models were scanned in the same coil along with a dual calibration phantom for quantitative assessment of bone matrix density.Statistical TestsANOVA and linear regression were used for data analysis, with P‐values <0.05 statistically significant.ResultsThe MRI‐derived three‐density PEG pellet densities have a strong linear relationship with physical density measures (r2 = 0.99). The Vit‐D group had the lowest bone matrix density for cortical bone (0.47 ± 0.16 g cm−3), whereas the OVX had the lowest bone matrix density for trabecular bone (0.26 ± 0.04 g cm−3). Gravimetry results confirmed these MRI‐based observations for Vit‐D cortical (0.51 ± 0.07 g cm−3) and OVX trabecular (0.26 ± 0.03 g cm−3) bone groups.Data ConclusionRat femur images were obtained using a modified pulse sequence and a custom‐designed double‐tuned (1H/31P) transmit‐receive solenoid‐coil on a 7T preclinical MRI scanner. Phantom experiments confirmed a strong linear relation between MRI‐derived and physical density measures and quantitative bone matrix densities in rat femurs from normal, OVX, and Vit‐D deficient/partially nephrectomized animals were computed.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
No evidence of association between either Modic change or disc degeneration and five circulating inflammatory proteins
Authors: Compte Roger , Freidin Maxim B. , Granville Smith Isabelle , Le Maitre Christine L. , Vaitkute Dovile , Nessa Ayrun , Lachance Genevieve , Williams Frances M. K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionIntervertebral disc degeneration and Modic change are the main spinal structural changes associated with chronic low back pain (LBP). Both conditions are thought to manifest local inflammation and if inflammatory proteins translocate to the blood circulation could be detected systemically. The work here assesses whether the presence of disc degeneration is associated with detectable blood level changes of five inflammatory markers and whether chronic LBP is associated with these changes.Materials and MethodsTwo hundred and forty TwinsUK cohort participants with both MRI disc degeneration grade and Modic change extent, and IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐8 TNF, and CX3CL1 protein blood concentration measurements were included in this work. Linear mixed effects models were used to test the association of blood cytokine concentration with disc degeneration score and Modic change volumetric score. Association of chronic LBP status from questionnaires with disc degeneration, Modic change, and cytokine blood concentration was also tested.ResultsNo statistically significant association between disc degeneration or Modic change with cytokine blood concentration was found. Instead, regression analysis pointed strong association between cytokine blood concentration with body mass index for IL‐6 and with age for IL‐6 and TNF. Mild association was found between IL‐8 blood concentration and body mass index. Additionally, LBP status was associated with Modic change volumetric score but not associated with any cytokine concentration.ConclusionsWe found no evidence that Modic change and disc degeneration are able to produce changes in tested blood cytokine concentration. However, age and body mass index have strong influence on cytokine concentration and both are associated with the conditions studied which may confound associations found in the literature. It is then unlikely that cytokines produced in the disc or vertebral bone marrow induce chronic LBP.
Effects of groundwater level decline on soil‐vegetation system in semiarid grassland influenced by coal mining
Authors: Feng Haibo , Duan Ying , Zhou Jianwei , Su Danhui , Li Ran , Xiong Ruimin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough it is well known that groundwater significantly influences the plant communities, there have been few studies on how the soil and plant communities respond to a rapid decline of groundwater in a short time affected by coal mining. This paper focuses on the examination of changes in groundwater depth before and after coal mining and the soil‐vegetation response in a typical semi‐arid grassland coal mine area of Hulunbuir Steppe, Northeastern China. The IsoSource model, based on the dual stable isotopes of δ D and δ18O, was employed to estimate groundwater contributions to shallow soil (0–100 cm) water under different groundwater depths. The results revealed that groundwater was the dominant water source (75.7% ± 17.1%) for shallow soil water when the groundwater depth is less than 4 m, indicating that 4 m is a threshold in groundwater depth, separating groundwater‐dependent, and precipitation‐driven vegetation system in the study area. Secondly, a strong nonlinear response was observed between vegetation species, height, coverage, and the decline in groundwater. The vegetation properties were found to be the lowest in the areas where groundwater depth increased from 1.5–4 m to 4–28 m before and after coal mining. Finally, the groundwater level decline in the mining area significantly influenced the groundwater‐dependent vegetation ecosystem, the soil cation exchange capacity and organic matter reduced lead to the degradation of plant communities and the transition of mesophytes to xerophytes. Besides, the soil‐vegetation system in the non‐groundwater‐dependent area has no obvious response to the groundwater decline. These results suggest that caution should be exercised when mining in groundwater‐dependent ecosystem regions.
Above‐ground biomass retrieval with multi‐source data: Prediction and applicability analysis in Eastern Mongolia
Authors: Ji Shuxin , Dashpurev Batnyambuu , Phan Thanh Noi , Dorj Munkhtsetseg , Jäschke Yun , Lehnert Lukas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGrassland aboveground biomass (AGB) is a key variable to measure grassland productivity, and accurate assessment of AGB is important for optimizing grassland resource management and understanding carbon, water, and energy fluxes. Current approaches on large scales such as the Mongolian Steppe Ecosystem often combine field measurements with optical and/or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Meanwhile, especially the representativeness of the field measurements for large‐scale analysis have seldom been accounted for. Therefore, we provide the first remotely sensed AGB product for central and Eastern Mongolia which (1) uses random forest (RF), (2) is fully validated against over 600 field samples, and (3) applies a novel method, dissimilarity index (DI), to derive the area of applicability of the model with respect to the training data. Therefore, different remote sensing data sources such as multi‐scale and multi‐temporal optical images—Worldview 2 (WV2), Sentinel 2 (S2), and Landsat 8 (L8) in combination with SAR data are tested for their suitability to provide an area‐wide estimation on large scale. The results showed that the AGB prediction by combining Sentinel 1 (S1) and S2 using RF had the highest accuracy. Furthermore, the model was applicable to at least 72.61% of the steppe area. Areas where the model was not applicable are mostly distributed along the edges of grassland. This study demonstrates the potential of combining Sentinel‐derived indices and machine learning to provide a reliable AGB prediction for grassland for extremely large ecosystems with strong climatic gradients.
Measurements of the inherent optical properties of aqueous suspensions of microplastics
Authors: Koestner Daniel , Foster Robert , El‐Habashi Ahmed , Cheatham Shea 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLibraries of inherent optical properties (IOPs) of microplastics are sparse, yet they are essential for the development of optical techniques to detect and quantify microplastics in the ocean. In this study, we describe our results and technique for the measurement of the IOPs of microplastic suspensions generated from commonly utilized plastics. The measurements included angle‐resolved polarized light scattering, and spectral absorption and beam attenuation coefficients. We also performed ancillary characterization of particle properties, including size distribution, shape, and mass concentration of suspended matter. We observed several unique optical characteristics regarding absorption, scattering, and polarization properties compared with typical marine particle assemblages. We show that these results are useful for radiative transfer simulations as well as the potential development of novel plastic detection techniques from above‐ or in‐water optical measurements.
3D‐printed intrinsically stretchable room‐temperature‐curable electrodes
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Chen Guoliang , Fei Zekai , Ou Xingcheng , Li Ziqian , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract3D printing technology has driven the development of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. In this field, silver‐based silicone rubber composites have emerged as promising materials due to their commendable conductivity, stretchability, and printability. However, the manufacturing of stretchable silver electrode materials at room temperature faced significant challenges, including intricate ink preparation methods, phase separation requiring high‐temperature annealing, and subpar conductivity. To address these issues, SP‐RTV ink was developed by mechanically blending room‐temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) with commercial conductive silver paste (SP). Subsequently, the 3D‐printed SP‐RTV electrodes were both stretchable and curable at room temperature, demonstrating excellent conductivity across various substrates. By optimizing the ink ratio, we achieved outstanding electrical conductivity of 5.17 × 105 S/m for the SP‐RTV electrode comprising 90 wt% silver paste. Moreover, the SP‐RTV electrodes containing 70 wt% silver paste exhibited excellent stretchability of 110% along with a gauge factor of 14.87, making them suitable for detecting finger and wrist movements. Additionally, the 80 wt% SP‐RTV maintained stable relative resistance changes during stretching, positioning it aptly for intrinsic stretchable organic electrochemical transistor applications. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the room‐temperature manufacturing of flexible electrodes, paving the way for advancements in this burgeoning field.
Job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as an academician in Gujarat—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Choksi Khushali , Patel Jagruti , Solanki Shivkumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractContextJob satisfaction is an integral part of an individual's Professional life. It denotes to the worker's perception of their workplace settings, relationships among fellows, salary as well as endorsement opportunities.AimTo determine job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as academicians in Gujarat, India.Study designA Cross‐Sectional Study.Methods and MaterialA self‐administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was developed on Google Forms and consisted of 15 closed questions, equally distributed on job and career satisfaction, eight of which focused on job satisfaction, and seven on career satisfaction. The socio‐demographic factor and work related factor questions were also added to the questionnaire. A total of 102 responses were received and recorded on an Excel spreadsheet for further data analysis.Statistical analysis usedDescriptive analysis and Chi‐square test were performed using SPSS.ResultsThe respondents from different colleges working in government or private colleges, different age groups, marital status and having children or no children and different years of job experience showed non‐significant differences in the job satisfaction (p value > 0.05). There was a significant difference in gender and salary the respondents received (p value < 0.05). The study revealed that from a total of 26 (100%) male participants, 10 (38.5%) male participants were satisfied and 16 (61.5%) male were dissatisfied, whereas from a total of 76 (100%) female participants, 58 (76.3) female were satisfied and 18 (23.7%) female were dissatisfied.ConclusionMajority of physiotherapists in the current study were satisfied with their job and career, but different factors need to be considered in order to gain high satisfaction in different factors of job satisfaction. The study also concluded major dissatisfaction in salary. Recognition in the society and research opportunities in India.
Giant bullous emphysema successfully treated with percutaneous drainage followed by resection: A case complicated by lung cancer diagnosed by intraoperative biopsy
Authors: Hasegawa Sachie , Yokoyama Mako , Inui Toshihide , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Watanabe Hiroko , Kimura Masaki , Yoshida Susumu , Sakamoto Tohru 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe present a case of bilateral giant bullous emphysema (GBE) with rapidly progressive dyspnea. The dyspnea was thought to be due to tension bullae caused by the check valve mechanism in COVID‐19 bronchitis. Multiple nodules were also detected on both sides of the lung. As the patient had poor pulmonary reserve for surgical bullectomy, we first performed percutaneous intracavitary drainage. Prior to this procedure, we placed a chest tube in the thoracic cavity to avoid tension pneumothorax. As a result, the patient's remaining lung expanded and respiratory status improved, allowing him to undergo surgical bullectomy. Intraoperatively, needle biopsy of the lung nodule was directly performed, which led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Despite multiple distant metastases, the patient's general condition improved postoperatively, and chemotherapy was successfully initiated.
Effects of paternal ionizing radiation exposure on fertility and offspring's health
Authors: Li Jiaqun , Liu Juan , Zhang Yanye , Qiu Hong , Zheng Junyan , Xue Jinglei , Jin Jiani , Ni Feida , Zhang Chunxi , Chen Chuan , Sun Xiao , Wang Huiquan , Zhang Dan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe intergenerational effects of ionizing radiation remain controversial. Extensive insights have been revealed for DNA mutations and cancer incidence in progeny, yet many of these results were obtained by immediate post‐radiation mating. However, conception at short times after radiation exposure is likely to be avoided. After a long period of fertility recovery, whether unexposed sperm derived from exposed spermatogonia would challenge the health of the offspring is not yet clearly demonstrated.MethodsTen‐week‐old C57BL/6J males underwent whole‐body acute γ irradiation at 0 and 6.4 Gy. Testes and sperm were collected at different times after radiation to examine reproductive changes. The reproductive, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental parameters were measured in the offspring of controls and the offspring derived from irradiated undifferentiated spermatogonia.ResultsPaternal fertility was lost after acute 6.4 Gy γ radiation and recovered at 10–11 weeks post irradiation in mice. The reproductive, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental health of offspring born to irradiated undifferentiated spermatogonia were comparable to those of controls.ConclusionThe male mice could have healthy offspring after recovery from the damage caused by ionizing radiation.
Efficacy and safety of follitropin delta versus follitropin alpha/beta in infertility treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Komiya Shinnosuke , Watanabe Jun , Terayama Takero , Kamijo Kyosuke , Okada Hidetaka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundFollitropin δ may be an alternative to conventional follitropin α/β for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) within assisted reproductive treatment (ART), but its efficacy and safety remain unknown. We performed a random‐effects meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of follitropin δ and follitropin α/β.MethodsWe searched randomized controlled trials comparing follitropin δ and follitropin α/β using MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO‐ITCRP on December 14, 2022. The primary outcomes were the live birth rate and the incidence of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation approach. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework.ResultsThree studies involving 2682 participants were included in our meta‐analysis. The results indicated that follitropin δ may result in little to no difference in live birth rates (risk ratio [RR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–1.38; low certainty) and the incidence of moderate or severe OHSS (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.48–1.26; low certainty) compared with follitropin α/β.ConclusionFollitropin δ may result in little to no difference in COS compared with follitropin α/β, especially in terms of live births and safety.
Energy‐saving technologies and energy efficiency in the post‐COVID era
Authors: Gorina Larisa , Korneeva Elena , Kovaleva Olga , Strielkowski Wadim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic made people reevaluate their energy consumption and energy efficiency. It held up a mirror to humanity's opportunistic and ruthless deployment of energy sources. As the city streets went empty and the international air traffic stopped altogether, people witnessed the significant drop in CO2 emissions, realized their dependence upon energy sources, and became aware of global climate change. In addition, with lockdowns and home offices, the demand for energy and the usual peak hours shifted offering a new perspective in energy consumption. The pandemic delivered a devastating blow to the human belief in having the constant and everlasting supply of energy that can be relied upon in everything. All these attracted the attention of researchers focusing on energy consumption and efficiency during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As a result, the vast body of academic literature on the topic burgeoned in the past four years yielding many exciting perspectives and viewpoints. Our paper conducts a comprehensive review of this body of literature employing the bibliometric network analysis of 12960 publications indexed in Web of Science database. It demonstrates the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing energy‐saving technologies, altering energy consumption behavior, and implementing novel ICT solutions in a post‐COVID world. In addition, it highlights the importance of energy efficiency measures and examines novel technologies that can contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future. Our findings emphasize the need for robust policies, technological advancements, and public engagement for fostering energy efficiency and mitigating environmental impacts of post‐pandemic energy consumption.
An analytical investigation into the lateral load response of curved RC shear walls
Authors: Abdoos Hatef , Khaloo Alireza , Tabiee Mohammad 
Published: March 2024

SummaryCurved structural elements can extensively be employed in engineering applications, to which structural designers and architects can resort in order to cope with the existing structural limitations and architectural challenges. In this regard, the current study is an attempt to provide insight into the overall performance of curved reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls (CRCSWs) due to the gaps existing in the literature. In order to fulfill this purpose, a CRCSW with general cross‐section has been considered subjected to the applied bi‐lateral and axial loadings. Equivalent non‐rectangular T‐, U‐, and L‐shaped sections are then introduced in lieu of a curved section. Thereafter, the stress and displacement distributions of CRCSWs have been analytically established. In order to highlight the structural merits of CRCSWs, a comparative study is performed based on the six non‐dimensional parameters defined in this study. According to the comparative study conducted between the CRCSWs and the equivalent non‐rectangular flanged walls, unlike latter wall types, the shear‐lag effects do not make serious issues for the performance of CRCSWs. Furthermore, to make a more realistic judgment on the response of CRCSWs, a numerical investigation has been carried out utilizing the finite element (FE) software Abaqus. On the strength of the data obtained from the FE simulation of 90 CRCSWs in three categories of short, squat, and slender walls, a regression model has been established, which is advantageous in that it can supply a means for the initial estimation of the shear strength of CRCSWs. The average R‐factor of 0.88 indicates that the established formulations can potentially well predict the shear strength of CRCSWs. The findings of this study divulge that, in addition to the inherent aesthetical advantages of CRCSWs, these structural elements can effectively resist against bi‐directional loadings as compared with the equivalent RC walls with flanged sections.
Book Creation to Support English Language Learning
Authors: Torrejon Capurro Carolina , Moses Lindsey , Garces Paula 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs part of a large study aiming to understand how kindergarten children in Colombia used translanguaging during independent play, Paula (the teacher) along with Dr. Moses (lead researcher) co‐designed a 6‐week play‐based intervention that included a variety of learning experiences such as partner reading, small‐group reading, and supported play, among others. In this guide, we describe the step‐by‐step process followed to design the children's book the students used during instruction to learn the desired language, vocabulary, and interactions. Additionally, we provide suggestions on how to create a book that fits your teaching goals.