bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of preoperative pulmonary hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary bypass on lung function in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Simonato Manuela , Padalino Massimo , Vedovelli Luca , Carollo Cristiana , Sartori Anna , Vida Vladimiro , Gregori Dario , Carnielli Virgilio , Cogo Paola 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn children with congenital heart disease (CHD), pulmonary blood flow (Qp) contributes to alterations of pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange, while cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces lung edema. We aimed to determine the effect of hemodynamics on lung function and lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) biomarkers in biventricular CHD children undergoing CPB. CHD children were classified as high Qp (n = 43) and low Qp (n = 17), according to preoperative cardiac morphology and arterial oxygen saturation. We measured ELF surfactant protein B (SP-B) and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) as indexes of lung inflammation and ELF albumin as index of alveolar capillary leak in tracheal aspirate (TA) samples collected before surgery and in 6 hourly intervals within 24 h after surgery. At the same time points, we recorded dynamic compliance and oxygenation index (OI). The same biomarkers were measured in TA samples collected from 16 infants with no cardiorespiratory diseases at the time of endotracheal intubation for elective surgery. Preoperative ELF biomarkers in CHD children were significantly increased than those found in controls. In the high Qp, ELF MPO and SP-B peaked 6 h after surgery and tended to decrease afterward, while they tended to increase within the first 24 h in the low Qp. ELF albumin peaked 6 h after surgery and decreased afterwards in both CHD groups. Dynamic compliance/kg and OI significantly improved after surgery only in the High Qp. Conclusion: In CHD children, lung mechanics, OI, and ELF biomarkers were significantly affected by CPB, according to the preoperative pulmonary hemodynamics.

What is Known:• Congenital heart disease children, before cardiopulmonary run, exhibit changes in respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and lung inflammatory biomarkers that are related to the preoperative pulmonary hemodynamics.• Cardiopulmonary bypass induces alteration of lung function and epithelial lining fluid biomarkers according to preoperative hemodynamics.

What is New:• Our findings can help to identify children with congenital heart disease at high risk of postoperative lung injury who may benefit of tailored intensive care strategies, such as non-invasive ventilation techniques, fluid management, and anti-inflammatory drugs that can improve cardiopulmonary interaction in the perioperative period.
Predictors of age at diagnosis in autism spectrum disorders: the use of multiple regression analyses and a classification tree on a clinical sample
Authors: Hrdlicka Michal , Urbanek Tomas , Rotreklova Adela , Kultova Aneta , Valek Ondrej , Dudova Iva 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has led to worldwide interest in factors influencing the age of ASD diagnosis. Parents or caregivers of 237 ASD children (193 boys, 44 girls) diagnosed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) completed a simple descriptive questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the variable-centered multiple regression analysis and the person-centered classification tree method. We believed that the concurrent use of these two methods could produce robust results. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.8 ± 2.2 years (median 5.3 years). Younger ages for ASD diagnosis were predicted (using multiple regression analysis) by higher scores in the ADOS social domain, higher scores in ADOS restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interest domain, higher maternal education, and the shared household of parents. Using the classification tree method, the subgroup with the lowest mean age at diagnosis were children, in whom the summation of ADOS communication and social domain scores was ≥ 17, and paternal age at the delivery was ≥ 29 years. In contrast, the subgroup with the oldest mean age at diagnosis included children with summed ADOS communication and social domain scores < 17 and maternal education at the elementary school level. The severity of autism and maternal education played a significant role in both types of data analysis focused on age at diagnosis.
While educating electrochemists, do not forget we live in a computer era
Authors: Bieniasz L. K. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe appearance of computers has led to considerable changes in research practices of natural sciences, including electrochemistry. The current status of the computerization in electrochemistry is briefly discussed, with the conclusion that the progress in this area is not as fast as in other natural science disciplines. Some postulates are formulated, referring to the education of young generations of electrochemists, that might bring improvements.
Specific absorption rate (SAR) simulations for low-field (< 0.1 T) MRI systems
Authors: Parsa Javad , Webb Andrew 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
To simulate the magnetic and electric fields produced by RF coil geometries commonly used at low field. Based on these simulations, the specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiency can be derived to ensure safe operation even when using short RF pulses and high duty cycles.

Methods
Electromagnetic simulations were performed at four different field strengths between 0.05 and 0.1 T, corresponding to the lower and upper limits of current point-of-care (POC) neuroimaging systems. Transmit magnetic and electric fields, as well as transmit efficiency and SAR efficiency were simulated. The effects of a close-fitting shield on the EM fields were also assessed. SAR calculations were performed as a function of RF pulse length in turbo-spin echo (TSE) sequences.

Results
Simulations of RF coil characteristics and B1+ transmit efficiencies agreed well with corresponding experimentally determined parameters. Overall, the SAR efficiency was, as expected, higher at the lower frequencies studied, and many orders of magnitude greater than at conventional clinical field strengths. The tight-fitting transmit coil results in the highest SAR in the nose and skull, which are not thermally sensitive tissues. The calculated SAR efficiencies showed that only when 180° refocusing pulses of duration ~ 10 ms are used for TSE sequences does SAR need to be carefully considered.

Conclusion
This work presents a comprehensive overview of the transmit and SAR efficiencies for RF coils used for POC MRI neuroimaging. While SAR is not a problem for conventional sequences, the values derived here should be useful for RF intensive sequences such as T1ρ, and also demonstrate that if very short RF pulses are required then SAR calculations should be performed.
Numerical approach to investigate MR imaging artifacts from orthopedic implants at different field strengths according to ASTM F2119
Authors: Spronk Tobias , Kraff Oliver , Schaefers Gregor , Quick Harald H. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study presents an extended evaluation of a numerical approach to simulate artifacts of metallic implants in an MR environment.

Methods
The numerical approach is validated by comparing the artifact shape of the simulations and measurements of two metallic orthopedic implants at three different field strengths (1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T). Furthermore, this study presents three additional use cases of the numerical simulation. The first one shows how numerical simulations can improve the artifact size evaluation according to ASTM F2119. The second use case quantifies the influence of different imaging parameters (TE and bandwidth) on the artifact size. Finally, the third use case shows the potential of performing human model artifact simulations.

Results
The numerical simulation approach shows a dice similarity coefficient of 0.74 between simulated and measured artifact sizes of metallic implants. The alternative artifact size calculation method presented in this study shows that the artifact size of the ASTM-based method is up to 50% smaller for complex shaped implants compared to the numerical-based approach.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the numerical approach could be used in the future to extend MR safety testing according to a revision of the ASTM F2119 standard and for design optimization during the development process of implants.
Tower yarder powertrain performance simulation analysis: electrification study
Authors: Leitner Stefan , Perez Estevez Manuel Antonio , Renzi Massimiliano , Spinelli Raffaele , Mazzetto Fabrizio , Vidoni Renato 
Published: March 2023

AbstractRadical changes are necessary to address challenges related to global warming and pollution. Ever-tightening emission standards for combustion engines have already led to a drastic reduction in the amount of harmful gas and matter emitted. Drivetrain hybridization and electrification, which are becoming increasingly popular in all sectors, are two additional ways to achieve that goal. However, within the forestry sector most of the equipments still rely on conventional mechanic or hydraulic drivetrains. An example of this is tower yarders, the workhorse of the alpine logging industry. This work simulates the duty cycle and energy flow of tower yarders in logging operations, both with conventional diesel–hydraulic configuration and a proposed hybrid configuration. The objective is to determine the potential of hybridized drivetrains for tower yarder applications. Detailed models are developed to describe the cable-based extraction of timber and tower yarder internal processes. Extensive simulations were performed to determine force, power and energy components during the harvesting operation for both the diesel–hydraulic and hybrid drivetrains. Results confirm the large potential of the hybrid configuration for efficiency improvement and emission reduction, with estimated fuel savings of 45% and 63% in the uphill and downhill configurations, respectively. Extensive sensitivity analysis further demonstrates that the hybrid concept remains effective across a wide range of cable setup and transport characteristics. This confirms the large potential of electrified drivetrains, especially in the presence of very dynamic duty cycles, as is the case in cable-based logging equipment.
The vascular gene Apold1 is dispensable for normal development but controls angiogenesis under pathological conditions
Authors: Fan Zheng , Ardicoglu Raphaela , Batavia Aashil A. , Rust Ruslan , von Ziegler Lukas , Waag Rebecca , Zhang Jing , Desgeorges Thibaut , Sturman Oliver , Dang Hairuo , Weber Rebecca , Roszkowski Martin , Moor Andreas E. , Schwab Martin E. , Germain Pierre-Luc , Bohacek Johannes , De Bock Katrien 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis have been intensely studied, but many genes that control endothelial behavior and fate still need to be described. Here, we characterize the role of Apold1 (Apolipoprotein L domain containing 1) in angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Single-cell analyses reveal that - across tissues - the expression of Apold1 is restricted to the vasculature and that Apold1 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) is highly sensitive to environmental factors. Using Apold1−/− mice, we find that Apold1 is dispensable for development and does not affect postnatal retinal angiogenesis nor alters the vascular network in adult brain and muscle. However, when exposed to ischemic conditions following photothrombotic stroke as well as femoral artery ligation, Apold1−/− mice display dramatic impairments in recovery and revascularization. We also find that human tumor endothelial cells express strikingly higher levels of Apold1 and that Apold1 deletion in mice stunts the growth of subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumors, which have smaller and poorly perfused vessels. Mechanistically, Apold1 is activated in ECs upon growth factor stimulation as well as in hypoxia, and Apold1 intrinsically controls EC proliferation but not migration. Our data demonstrate that Apold1 is a key regulator of angiogenesis in pathological settings, whereas it does not affect developmental angiogenesis, thus making it a promising candidate for clinical investigation.
Impact of relaxing flood policy interventions on fish production: lessons from earthen pond-based farmers in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Olutumise Adewale Isaac 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThese days, aquatic (fish) welfare is a major issue and a significant component that affects fish output. Although numerous factors can be involved, climate-induced floods are one of the most critical limiting factors in the aquaculture and fisheries industry’s development. Understanding the extent of losses and damages caused by floods at the farm level will thereby exacerbate pre-emptive policy responses. Thus, the impact of floods on fish production by focusing on catfish earthen pond-based farmers in Southwest Nigeria is presented. A survey is conducted for 150 fish farms in the region. A marginal treatment effects (MTE) approach is employed to determine the heterogeneity across the households and the policy-relevant treatment effects (PRTE). The results show significant heterogeneity in the effects of floods on fish production, considering both observed and unobserved characteristics of the farmers. It is shown that flood significantly increases output loss. Furthermore, farmers with high propensity scores to flood tend to have a high likelihood of incurring output loss. The estimates of PRTE reveal that relaxing policy strategies, such as access to climate information and climate-related training and workshops, would significantly exacerbate output loss due to flood incidences. Thus, intensifying awareness and sensitization on climate change policies will address the flood menace and still increase food production.
Experimental study on sand-tire chip mixture foundations acting as a soil liquefaction countermeasure
Authors: Nikitas Georgios , Bhattacharya Subhamoy 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSoil liquefaction is a phenomenon associated with strong earthquakes and it can affect large areas. High-rise and low-rise buildings, residential structures typically of 1–2 storeys, may be equally prone to the destructive consequences of liquefaction. For the case of high-rise buildings, expensive solutions like well-designed piles with ground improvement can be used. However, in the case of smaller residential structures, this is not economically viable. To this purpose, the current research explores the effectiveness of a novel proposed low-cost liquefaction protection technique, where the soil underneath the foundation is replaced by a sand-tire chip mixture base reaching down to a certain depth. Series of triaxial and shaking table tests were performed for a range of parametric scenarios to, mainly mechanistically, assess the effectiveness of such a mitigation technique, since similar previous studies are extremely limited. The tests have shown that the closest the considered base is to the surface, the thicker it is and with higher tire ratio, the more effective it can become on controlling the pore pressure rise that leads to liquefaction.
The Eurasian beaver range expansion reveals uneven future trends and possible conservation issues: an European assessment
Authors: Serva Davide , Biondi Maurizio , Iannella Mattia 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Eurasian beaver is a keystone species and landscape-capable ecosystem engineer, which went close to extinction until the 19th century. Recently, thanks to legal protection and reintroduction programs, the species has recolonized much of its past range. However, in some countries this process did not occur. Objectives. Our objective is to model the potential distribution of the Eurasian beaver for current and future conditions, on a continental scale, at river and sub-basin level. We focus on the protected areas of Italy and Portugal for possible reintroductions. Methods. The study area is Europe, with a subset focusing on Italy and Portugal. We produce species distribution models for current and future conditions using climate change scenarios and predicting changes in river flow, including topographic and human disturbance variables. We then deepen suitability-related issues within Italian and Portuguese protected areas. Results. We find that the Eurasian beaver current suitability is comparable to its known distribution, although some potentially-suitable spots occur in Italy (where there are two occurrences), while the Iberian Peninsula and the Balkan countries host scattered suitable spots. Future scenarios predict a general lowering of suitability in Central and Northern Europe. Portuguese protected areas generally host unsuitable territories, while the Italian ones have reported a tangled scenario, depending on the biogeographical sector. Conclusions. Our results may support the large-scale management of the beaver, both for countries already hosting this species and those planning a reintroduction. The framework used may be applied to other species, and for different topics, from biogeography to conservation.
Witnesses, Deniers and Bourgeois Troublemakers. The Holodomor and Ukrainian-Canadian Collaboration in Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch’s Winterkill (2022)
Authors: Świetlicki Mateusz 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe article examines Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch’s Winterkill (2022), a recent Holodomor middle-grade historical novel issued by Scholastic, and showcases that Skrypuch explores the implicated position of North Americans – especially Soviet collaborators and journalists – in the context of the famine and Stalin’s collectivization. Most notably, Winterkill brings attention to the actions of Rhea Clyman, a Jewish-Canadian journalist who wrote factual articles about the situation in the Soviet Union but until the mid-2010s was largely forgotten. In the first part of the article, the author briefly introduces the historical background and points to the recent increase of Holodomor-themed Anglophone books. Then, close reading Winterkill, they argue that many characters in the novel, including the ones based on Clyman and Alice, a Ukrainian Canadian girl she met in Kharkiv in 1932, emerge as what Michael Rothberg has called “implicated subjects.” The article demonstrates that at first the foreigners in the novel are enchanted with Stalinism, accept its benefits, and their actions – directly and indirectly – contribute to the destruction of the Ukrainian countryside. Winterkill showcases both the importance of recognizing one’s implication and sharing the testimony of the Holodomor witnesses, hence keeping the memory of the famine and its victims alive.
Using spatially variable nitrogen application and crop responses to evaluate crop nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Hegedus Paul B. , Ewing Stephanie A. , Jones Clain , Maxwell Bruce D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLow nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is ubiquitous in agricultural systems, with mounting global scale consequences for both atmospheric aspects of climate and downstream ecosystems. Since NUE-related soil characteristics such as water holding capacity and organic matter are likely to vary at small scales (< 1 ha), understanding the influence of soil characteristics on NUE at the subfield scale (< 32 ha) could increase fertilizer NUE. Here, we quantify NUE in four conventionally managed dryland winter-wheat fields in Montana following multiple years of sub-field scale variation in experimental N fertilizer applications. To inform farmer decisions that incorporates NUE, we developed a generalizable model to predict subfield scale NUE by comparing six candidate models, using ecological and biogeochemical data gathered from open-source data repositories and from normal farm operations, including yield and protein monitoring data. While NUE varied across fields and years, efficiency was highest in areas of fields with low N availability from both fertilizer and estimated mineralization of soil organic N (SON). At low levels of applied N, distinct responses among fields suggest distinct capacities to supply non-fertilizer plant-available N, suggesting that mineralization supplies more available N in locations with higher total N, reducing efficiency for any applied rate. Comparing modelling approaches, a random forest regression model of NUE provided predictions with the least error relative to observed NUE. Subfield scale predictive models of NUE can help to optimize efficiency in agronomic systems, maximizing both economic net return and NUE, which provides a valuable approach for optimization of nitrogen fertilizer use.
Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Winds, Waves, and Currents: Where are we Now?
Authors: Hauser Danièle , Abdalla Saleh , Ardhuin Fabrice , Bidlot Jean-Raymond , Bourassa Mark , Cotton David , Gommenginger Christine , Evers-King Hayley , Johnsen Harald , Knaff John , Lavender Samantha , Mouche Alexis , Reul Nicolas , Sampson Charles , Steele Edward C.C , Stoffelen Ad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis review paper reports on the state-of-the-art concerning observations of surface winds, waves, and currents from space and their use for scientific research and subsequent applications. The development of observations of sea state parameters from space dates back to the 1970s, with a significant increase in the number and diversity of space missions since the 1990s. Sensors used to monitor the sea-state parameters from space are mainly based on microwave techniques. They are either specifically designed to monitor surface parameters or are used for their abilities to provide opportunistic measurements complementary to their primary purpose. The principles on which is based on the estimation of the sea surface parameters are first described, including the performance and limitations of each method. Numerous examples and references on the use of these observations for scientific and operational applications are then given. The richness and diversity of these applications are linked to the importance of knowledge of the sea state in many fields. Firstly, surface wind, waves, and currents are significant factors influencing exchanges at the air/sea interface, impacting oceanic and atmospheric boundary layers, contributing to sea level rise at the coasts, and interacting with the sea-ice formation or destruction in the polar zones. Secondly, ocean surface currents combined with wind- and wave- induced drift contribute to the transport of heat, salt, and pollutants. Waves and surface currents also impact sediment transport and erosion in coastal areas. For operational applications, observations of surface parameters are necessary on the one hand to constrain the numerical solutions of predictive models (numerical wave, oceanic, or atmospheric models), and on the other hand to validate their results. In turn, these predictive models are used to guarantee safe, efficient, and successful offshore operations, including the commercial shipping and energy sector, as well as tourism and coastal activities. Long-time series of global sea-state observations are also becoming increasingly important to analyze the impact of climate change on our environment. All these aspects are recalled in the article, relating to both historical and contemporary activities in these fields.