bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting activities of daily living among patients with Wilson disease
Authors: Amemiya Ayumi , Asakura Keiko , Nishiwaki Yuji , Shimizu Norikazu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWilson disease (WD) is a congenital copper metabolism disorder with various manifestations and can be treated with oral medication. This study examined the factors related to decline in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with WD as research in this area remains limited. We enrolled 308 patients with WD, including patients who participated in a national survey and those who sought cares at the Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, from 2016 to 2017. We analyzed the association between ADL decline and factors including age at diagnosis, period from diagnosis to survey, hepatic symptoms, neurological signs, and psychiatric presentation at diagnosis. The relative risks (RRs) for ADL decline were estimated for each factor using multivariate modified Poisson regression analysis. Overall, 97 out of 308 (31.5%) patients experienced ADL decline. After adjusting for explanatory variables, regression analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with ADL decline were a period of ≥20 years from diagnosis to survey (adjusted RR = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–3.74), hepatic symptoms with splenomegaly (adjusted RR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.26–5.24), mild neurological signs (adjusted RR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.96–5.23), and severe neurological signs (adjusted RR = 3.63, 95% CI: 2.28–5.77). Neurological signs, hepatic symptoms with splenomegaly, and a period of 20 years from diagnosis to survey are associated with ADL decline. Thus, careful assessment of patients for these factors is necessary, and these findings may guide future efforts to improve patient prognosis.
Predictive Value of the Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique for the Postoperative Outcome of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Ni Ming , Wen Xiaoyi , Zhang Mengze , Jiang Chenyu , Li Yali , Wang Ben , Zhang Xianchang , Zhao Qiang , Lang Ning , Jiang Liang , Yuan Huishu 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundDiffusion magnetic resonsance imaging (dMRI) can potentially predict the postoperative outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).PurposeTo explore preoperative dMRI parameters to predict the postoperative outcome of CSM through multifactor correlation analysis.Study TypeProspective.PopulationPost‐surgery CSM patients; 102 total, 73 male (52.42 ± 10.60 years old) and 29 female (52.0 ± 11.45 years old).Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/Turbo spin echo T1/T2‐weighted, T2*‐weighted multiecho gradient echo and dMRI.AssessmentSpinal cord function was evaluated using modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scoring at different time points: preoperative and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative. Single‐factor correlation and t test analyses were conducted based on fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity, intracellular volume fraction, isotropic volume fraction, orientation division index, increased signal intensity, compression ratio, age, sex, symptom duration and operation method, and multicollinearity was calculated. The linear quantile mixed model (LQMM) and the linear mixed‐effects regression model (LMER) were used for multifactor correlation analysis using the combinations of the above variables.Statistical TestsDistance correlation, Pearson's correlation, multiscale graph correlation and t tests were used for the single‐factor correlation analyses. The variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to calculate multicollinearity. LQMM and LMER were used for multifactor correlation analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe single‐factor correlation between all variables and the postoperative mJOA score was weak (all r < 0.3). The linear relationship was stronger than the nonlinear relationship, and there was no significant multicollinearity (VIF = 1.10–1.94). FA values in the LQMM and LMER models had a significant positive correlation with the mJOA score (r = 5.27–6.04), which was stronger than the other variables.Data ConclusionThe FA value based on dMRI significantly positively correlated with CSM patient postoperative outcomes, helping to predict the surgical outcome and formulate a treatment plan before surgery.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Effect of deacetylation of chitosan on the physicochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties activities of chitosan–mannose derivatives
Authors: Yu Junzhe , Hu Na , Hou Liran , Hang Fangxue , Li Kai , Xie Caifeng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study investigates the physical, chemical, and antibacterial properties of water‐soluble chitosan derivatives. Preparation of the water‐soluble chitosan derivatives was performed by the Maillard reaction (MR) between chitosan [with the degree of deacetylation (DD) being 50%, 70%, and 90%] and mannose. No organic reagent was used in the process. Systematic evaluations of the effects of chitosan DD on the reaction extent, the structure, the composition, as well as the physicochemical properties, antioxidant properties, and bacterial inhibitory properties of the finished chitosan–mannose MR products (Mc‐mrps), were carried out.RESULTSBased on the experimental data obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis, and 1H‐NMR, the Mc‐mrps formed from chitosan with different DDs had different structures and components. An increase in the DD of chitosan led to a significant increase in the degree of reaction, color difference (△E), and solubility (P < 0.05). The zeta potential and particle size of the Mc‐mrps were also influenced by the DD of chitosan. Additionally, the antimicrobial action against Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium), as well as antioxidant activity, were enhanced by the incorporation of mannose. This was also achieved by the increase of the DD of chitosan.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study suggest that chitosan was derived with mannose to yield a novel, water‐soluble polysaccharide with better antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The DD of chitosan had a significant effect on the properties of the Mc‐mrp, which can serve as a reference point for the subsequent preparation and application of such derivatives. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Revealing the Monomer Gradient of Polyether Copolymers Prepared Using N‐Heterocyclic Olefins: Metal‐Free Anionic versus Zwitterionic Lewis Pair Polymerization
Authors: Kersten Erik , Linker Olga , Blankenburg Jan , Wagner Manfred , Walther Patrick , Naumann Stefan , Frey Holger 
Published: May 2023

AbstractN‐Heterocyclic olefin (NHO)‐based polymerization pathways for the copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) are investigated in detail. Employing in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy, both an organocatalytic, anionic polymerization setup (system A) and a zwitterionic, Lewis pair‐type approach (system B) are studied comparatively. The obtained kinetics data are fitted to the non‐terminal model (Jaacks and Ideal Integrated) and terminal Mayo–Lewis model (Meyer Lowry) to determine the reactivity ratios, revealing striking differences in copolyether microstructure and achievable molar masses. While for the metal‐free catalysis (system A) reactivity ratios of rEO = 3.4 and rPO = 0.30 are found, indicating a soft gradient structure, the presence of Mg(HMDS)2 (system B) entails exclusively zwitterionic propagation. This results in enhanced selectivity, displaying corresponding parameters of rEO = 7.9 and rPO = 0.13, in line with the proposed monomer‐activated mechanism. The block‐like, strongly tapered copolyether microstructure is also reflected in the thermal properties, showing a melting point for the latter sample and much higher molar masses (Mn >50 000 g mol−1). Notably, this study not only identifies capable polymerization systems for EO/PO, but also underlines that via in situ 1H NMR kinetics key questions regarding the polymerization mechanism can be illuminated quickly and reliably, simplifying access to essential structure‐property relations.
Implicit institutional incentives and individual decisions: Causal inference with deep learning models
Authors: Cabras Stefano , Tena J. D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractReward schemes guide choices. However, they are not necessarily presented as a collection of written incentive mechanisms but as complex and implicit cues. This paper proposes a methodology to identify tacit organizational incentives based on direct observations of institutional reactions to operational decisions. Football data provides a laboratory for this analysis as referee decisions, and their consequences are subject to public scrutiny. This allows estimating the length of time between referee appointments in Spanish football as a function of referee decisions in the most recent match. A deep learning model is instrumental in this analysis as it allows controlling for many potential confounders. Our results are consistent with the presence of institutional incentives for the referee to take gradual (instead of drastic) decisions to send off home team players and deliver the game's expected outcome. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings in organizations.
Priming effect across framing, culture, and gender: Evidence from the academia
Authors: Shapir Offer Moshe , Shapir‐Tidhar Michal H. , Shtudiner Zeev 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study primarily aims to test how priming manipulation affects students' decisions in academia. Unlike many laboratory experiments testing priming, this experimental design mimics a real‐life scenario where students are unconsciously exposed to priming during class. We focus on three different framings of priming: visual, audio, and a combination of both and test their influence on the students' choices. We find strong evidence for priming in all three groups. This paper is a pioneer in addressing cultural differences between American and Chinese students with respect to priming and among the few to address gender differences in priming. Our results imply that gender plays a vital role in the priming effect, depending on the framing: females are more susceptible to visual priming than males, and while priming works across different cultures, culture may play a role in its effect. Regardless, we find that priming manipulation can be used to change short‐run behaviors in a learning environment.
Differential Effects of Betacyanin and Betaxanthin Pigments on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Murine Macrophages
Authors: Fernando Ganwarige Sumali N. , Sergeeva Natalia N. , Vagkidis Nikolaos , Chechik Victor , Marshall Lisa J. , Boesch Christine 
Published: May 2023

AbstractScope: Betalain pigments are increasingly highlighted for their bioactive and anti‐inflammatory properties, although research is lacking to demonstrate contributions of individual betalains. The work herein aimed to compare effects of four main betalains on inflammatory and cell‐protective markers and to highlight potential structure‐related relationships of the two main subgroups: betacyanins vs betaxanthins.Methods and results: Murine RAW 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide following incubation with betacyanins (betanin, neobetanin) and betaxanthins (indicaxanthin, vulgaxanthin I) in concentrations from 1 to 100 µM. All betalains suppressed expression of pro‐inflammatory markers IL‐6, IL‐1β, iNOS, and COX‐2 with tendency for stronger effects of betacyanins compared to betaxanthins. In contrast, HO‐1 and gGCS showed mixed and only moderate induction, while more emphasized effects were observed for betacyanins. While all betalains suppressed mRNA levels of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX‐2), a superoxide generating enzyme, only betacyanins were able to counteract hydrogen peroxide induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in alignment with their radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, betaxanthins exerted pro‐oxidant properties, elevating ROS production beyond hydrogen peroxide stimulation.Conclusion: In summary, all betalains display anti‐inflammatory properties, although only betacyanins demonstrate radical scavenging capacities, indicating potential differing responses under oxidative stress conditions, which requires further research.
Towards quantitative in vivo dosimetry using x‐ray acoustic computed tomography
Authors: Sun Leshan , Gonzalez Gilberto , Pandey Prabodh Kumar , Wang Siqi , Kim Kaitlyn , Limoli Charles , Chen Yong , Xiang Liangzhong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRadiation dosimetry is essential for radiation therapy (RT) to ensure that radiation dose is accurately delivered to the tumor. Despite its wide use in clinical intervention, the delivered radiation dose can only be planned and verified via simulation. This makes precision radiotherapy challenging while in‐line verification of the delivered dose is still absent in the clinic. X‐ray‐induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has recently been proposed as an imaging tool for in vivo dosimetry.PurposeMost of the XACT studies focus on localizing the radiation beam. However, it has not been studied for its potential for quantitative dosimetry. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using XACT for quantitative in vivo dose reconstruction during radiotherapy.MethodsVarian Eclipse system was used to generate simulated uniform and wedged 3D radiation field with a size of 4 cm 4 cm. In order to use XACT for quantitative dosimetry measurements, we have deconvoluted the effects of both the x‐ray pulse shape and the finite frequency response of the ultrasound detector. We developed a model‐based image reconstruction algorithm to quantify radiation dose in vivo using XACT imaging, and universal back‐projection (UBP) reconstruction is used as comparison. The reconstructed dose was calibrated before comparing it to the percent depth dose (PDD) profile. Structural similarity index matrix (SSIM) and root mean squared error (RMSE) are used for numeric evaluation. Experimental signals were acquired from 4 cm 4 cm radiation field created by Linear Accelerator (LINAC) at depths of 6, 8, and 10 cm beneath the water surface. The acquired signals were processed before reconstruction to achieve accurate results.ResultsApplying model‐based reconstruction algorithm with non‐negative constraints successfully reconstructed accurate radiation dose in 3D simulation study. The reconstructed dose matches well with the PDD profile after calibration in experiments. The SSIMs between the model‐based reconstructions and initial doses are over 85%, and the RMSEs of model‐based reconstructions are eight times lower than the UBP reconstructions. We have also shown that XACT images can be displayed as pseudo‐color maps of acoustic intensity, which correspond to different radiation doses in the clinic.ConclusionOur results show that the XACT imaging by model‐based reconstruction algorithm is considerably more accurate than the dose reconstructed by UBP algorithm. With proper calibration, XACT is potentially applicable to the clinic for quantitative in vivo dosimetry across a wide range of radiation modalities. In addition, XACT's capability of real‐time, volumetric dose imaging seems well‐suited for the emerging field of ultrahigh dose rate “FLASH” radiotherapy.
Neural correlates of decreased impulsivity during delay discounting task after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Li Guanya , Hu Yang , Wang Jia , Ji Weibin , von Deneen Karen M. , Yu Juan , Han Yu , Cui Guangbin , Manza Peter , Tomasi Dardo , Volkow Nora D. , Wang Huaning , Nie Yongzhan , Ji Gang , Wang Gene‐Jack , Zhang Yi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this study was to investigate laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)‐induced changes in choice impulsivity and the neural correlates in individuals with obesity (OB).MethodsThe study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging with a delay discounting task in 29 OB tested before and 1 month after LSG. Thirty participants with normal weight matched to OB with gender and age were recruited as the control group and underwent an identical functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Alterations in activation and functional connectivity between pre‐ and post‐LSG were investigated and compared with participants with normal weight.ResultsOB exhibited significantly reduced discounting rate after LSG. During the delay discounting task, hyperactivation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, right caudate, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex decreased in OB after LSG. LSG additionally engaged compensatory effects through increased activation in bilateral posterior insula and functional connectivity between caudate and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Those changes were associated with decreased discounting rate and BMI as well as improved eating behaviors.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that decreased choice impulsivity following LSG was associated with the changes in regions involved in executive control, reward evaluation, interoception, and prospection. This study may provide neurophysiological support for the development of nonoperative treatments such as brain stimulation for individuals with obesity and overweight.
Mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide‐6 nanocomposites reinforced by graphene oxide with low loading by double extrusion method
Authors: Tripathy Sangita , Singh Bhanu Pratap , de Oliveira Sanair Massafra , Kuznetsov Alexei , de Araujo Joyce Rodrigues , Gnaniah Sam , Dhakate S. R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe high toughness, high abrasion resistance, and high water absorption capacity of polyamide‐6 (PA6), and the restacking of graphene oxide (GO) sheets make it quite challenging to get uniformly dispersed GO/PA6 nanocomposites. Herein, GO of different parts per hundred ratios (phr) was melt‐mixed with PA6 matrix by double extrusion using a twin‐screw compounder, followed by the micro twin‐screw extruder, and composites were prepared by injection molding method. The stress–strain curves from tensile measurements showed strain hardening in nanocomposites. The yield strength and Young's modulus increased by 11.3% and 16.7% respectively, for 0.1 phr GO loading. The crystallization and melting temperatures in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were increased by 4.7 and 9.6°C, respectively with 0.1 phr GO reinforcement. The Raman and XRD analysis showed continuous shifting in the intensity peaks with increasing reinforcements. Moreover, a double extrusion process imparts good mechanical and thermal stability to our composites. The significant improvement in mechanical and thermal performance of injection molded nanocomposites at very low reinforcements leads to their potential applications in automobiles, civil constructions, smart textiles, packaging, and sensors.
Bacillus thuringiensis as a biofertilizer in crops and their implications in the control of phytopathogens and insect pests
Authors: Gomis‐Cebolla Joaquin , Berry Colin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a spore‐forming bacterium that produces insecticidal proteins and other virulence factors and is considered one of the most successful bioinsecticides available to control pests in agriculture. Currently, some Bt strains have been reported as endophyte or rhizospheric bacteria.RESULTSLittle is known about the implications of plant‐Bt interaction in crop protection. Here, we review if Bt can establish as an endophyte/rhizobacterium and evaluate if Bt as an endophyte/rhizobacterium can simultaneously act against different phytopathogens (fungi, bacteria, insects and viruses) plus promote plant growth.CONCLUSIONAlthough Bt produce an arsenal of proteins with toxic effects against insect, the current knowledge suggests that Bt can be considered as a promising new plant growth promotion bacterium (PGPB). The implications of the proposed review will broaden our understanding of Bt as a versatile entomopathogen that may be able to exhibit differential behavior depending on context. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Organic Photovoltaic Stability: Understanding the Role of Engineering Exciton and Charge Carrier Dynamics from Recent Progress
Authors: Zhang Kang‐Ning , Du Xiao‐Yan , Yan Lei , Pu Yong‐Jin , Tajima Keisuke , Wang Xingzhu , Hao Xiao‐Tao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBenefiting from the synergistic development of material design, device engineering, and the mechanistic understanding of device physics, the certified power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of single‐junction non‐fullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) have already reached a very high value of exceeding 19%. However, in addition to PCEs, the poor stability is now a challenging obstacle for commercial applications of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Herein, recent progress made in exploring operational mechanisms, anomalous photoelectric behaviors, and improving long‐term stability in non‐fullerene OSCs are highlighted from a novel and previously largely undiscussed perspective of engineering exciton and charge carrier pathways. Considering the intrinsic connection among multiple temporal‐scale photocarrier dynamics, multi‐length scale morphologies, and photovoltaic performance in OPVs, this review delineates and establishes a comprehensive and in‐depth property‐function relationship for evaluating the actual device stability. Moreover, this review has also provided some valuable photophysical insights into employing the advanced characterization techniques such as transient absorption spectroscopy and time‐resolved fluorescence imagings. Finally, some of the remaining major challenges related to this topic are proposed toward the further advances of enhancing long‐term operational stability in non‐fullerene OSCs.
Creative and flexible deployment of systems methodologies for child rights and child protection through Holistic Flexibility
Authors: Chowdhury Rajneesh , Gregory Amanda , Queah Miguel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHolistic Flexibility is a conceptual lens in systems thinking that enables intellectual, emotional and tactical elasticity in systems practice. This paper will demonstrate Holistic Flexibility in practice in an NGO setting to design and implement a programme to address the widening gap between government policy and its implementation. Critical Systems Heuristics was chosen as the preferred methodology, strengthened with two methods from two other systems methodologies—CATWOE (a mnemonic for Customers, Actors, Transformation, Worldview, Owners, Environment) from Soft Systems Methodology and issues (assumption) rating method from Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing. Following a participative programme design exercise, two phases were identified. The strategy, implementation and impact of phase 1, which covered work undertaken between the period 2018 and 2020, is provided. Phase 2 was under consideration at the time of writing this paper.