bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal flip angles for in vivo liver 3DT1 mapping and B1+ mapping at 3T
Authors: Belsley Gabriela , Tyler Damian J. , Robson Matthew D. , Tunnicliffe Elizabeth M. 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) sequence with variable flip angles (FAs) enables whole liver mapping at high spatial resolutions but is strongly affected by inhomogeneities. The aim of this work was to study how the precision of acquired maps is affected by the and ranges observed in the liver at 3T, as well as how noise propagates from the acquired signals into the resulting map.TheoryThe variance was estimated through the Fisher information matrix with a total noise variance including, for the first time, the map noise as well as contributions from the SPGR noise.MethodsSimulations were used to find the optimal FAs for both the mapping and mapping. The simulations results were validated in 10 volunteers.ResultsFour optimized SPGR FAs of 2°, 2°, 15°, and 15° (TR = 4.1 ms) and map FAs of 65° and 130° achieved a coefficient of variation of 6.2 ± 1.7% across 10 volunteers and validated our theoretical model. Four optimal FAs outperformed five uniformly spaced FAs, saving the patient one breath‐hold. For the liver and parameter space at 3T, a higher return in precision was obtained by investing FAs in the SPGR acquisition rather than in the map.ConclusionA novel framework was developed and validated to calculate the SPGR variance. This framework efficiently identifies optimal FA values and determines the total number of SPGR and measurements needed to achieve a desired precision.
Identification of new resonances in downfield 1H MRS of human calf muscle in vivo: Potentially metabolite precursors for skeletal muscle NAD+
Authors: Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Elliott Mark A. , Swain Anshuman , Wilson Neil E. , Swago Sophia , Witschey Walter R. , Reddy Ravinder 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify and characterize newly discovered resonances appearing in the downfield proton MR spectrum (DF 1H MRS) of the human calf muscle in vivo at 7T.MethodsDownfield 1H MRS was performed on the calf muscle of five healthy volunteers at 7T. A spectrally selective 90° E‐BURP RF pulse with an excitation center frequency at 10.3 ppm and an excitation bandwidth of 2 ppm was used for DF 1H MRS acquisition.ResultsIn all participants, we observed new resonances at 9.7, 10.1, 10.3, and 10.9 ppm in the DF 1H MRS. Phantom experiments at 37°C strongly suggest the new resonance at 9.7 ppm could be from H2‐proton of the nicotinamide rings in nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) while the resonance at 10.1 ppm could be attributed to the indole –NH proton of L‐tryptophan. We observed that the resonances at 10.1 and 10.9 ppm are significantly suppressed when the water resonance is saturated, indicating that these peaks have either 1H chemical exchange or cross‐relaxation with water. Conversely, the resonances at 9.7 and 10.3 ppm exhibit moderate signal reduction in the presence of water saturation.ConclusionWe have identified new proton resonances in vivo in human calf muscle occurring at chemical shifts of 9.7, 10.1, 10.3, and 10.9 ppm. These preliminary results are promising for investigating the role of NR/NMN and L‐tryptophan metabolism in understanding the de novo and salvage pathways of NAD+ synthesis in skeletal muscle.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for detection of pathological changes in the central nervous system of a mouse model of multiple sclerosis in vivo
Authors: Althobity Abdullah A. , Khan Nemat , Sandrock Cheyenne J. , Woodruff Trent M. , Cowin Gary J. , Brereton Ian M. , Kurniawan Nyoman D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease involving demyelination and axonal damage in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we investigated pathological changes in the lumbar spinal cord of C57BL/6 mice induced with progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) disease using 9.4‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multiparametric MRI measurements including MR spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and volumetric analyses were applied to detect metabolic changes in the CNS of EAE mice. Compared with healthy mice, EAE mice showed a significant reduction in N‐acetyl aspartate and increases in choline, glycine, taurine and lactate. DTI revealed a significant reduction in fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity and an increase in radial diffusivity in the lumbar spinal cord white matter (WM), while in the grey matter (GM), fractional anisotropy increased. High‐resolution structural imaging also revealed lumbar spinal cord WM hypertrophy and GM atrophy. Importantly, these MRI changes were strongly correlated with EAE disease scoring and pathological changes in the lumbar (L2–L6), particularly WM demyelination lesions and aggregation of immune cells (microglia/macrophages and astrocytes) in this region. This study identified changes in MRI biomarker signatures that can be useful for evaluating the efficacy of novel drugs using EAE models in vivo.
Difficult Airway Response Team (DART) and Airway Emergency Outcomes: A Retrospective Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Kuhar Hannah N. , Bliss Alessandra , Evans Kimberly , Besecker Beth , Spitzer Carleen , Lyaker Michael , Schofield Minka 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveDifficult airways can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in the event of a delay in securing the airway. To improve the airway metrics at our institution, we implemented a multidisciplinary team of airway providers to respond to difficult and emergent airways, or the Difficult Airway Response Team (DART). The purpose of the present study is to assess the feasibility of a DART program at a tertiary care center.Study DesignA retrospective study evaluating the outcomes of emergent airway cases using the DART protocol.SettingSingle tertiary academic care center.MethodsIn August 2019, a DART program was implemented at a tertiary academic medical center. In order to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this system, data were collected to assess DART outcomes through chart review and surveys following each event, and analyzed in Microsoft Excel.ResultsA total of 161 DART events (average 4.6/month) took place from August 2019 to June 2022. Anesthesiologists secured the airway in 71 events (51%), otolaryngologists in 38 (27%), and pulmonary/critical care in 12 (9%). Seventy‐three activations were not labeled as a difficult airway. Pre‐DART, 19 cases required more than 3 attempts to secure the airway compared to 11 cases after DART. Transoral intubation was the most common intervention. Thirteen cases required surgical intervention.ConclusionImplementing a multidisciplinary team‐based approach for managing emergent difficult airways at a tertiary care institution was feasible and resulted in a decreased number of airway attempts in difficult airway patients. Continuous process improvement is essential for the ongoing enhancement of DART systems.
Machine learning approaches for improving integration of advanced sensors on legacy aircraft
Authors: Dennis Zachary , Holzer Thomas 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRapid integration of advanced sensors onto legacy military aircraft is critical for maintaining technological advantage in warfighting domains. Integration of these sensors is accomplished through upgrade programs that often fail during integration due to defect discovery and interoperability issues. Existing Department of Defense initiatives related to open architectures have improved sensor integration but have not eliminated the need for custom interface software to account for behavioral disparities across different sensors. The subject research proposes that reinforcement machine learning algorithms can be applied to aircraft sensor interfaces during integration and verifies effectiveness by training and testing Greedy, Q‐Learning, Deep Q‐Learning, Double Deep Q‐Learning, and Instance‐Based Learning algorithms against modeled Global Positioning System (GPS), Optical, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and Infrared sensor functions. The results are useful to open architecture standards management groups, sensor vendors, and systems and software engineers who are developing strategies and designs to accelerate subsystem integration timelines by reducing failures discovered during integration.
Transcript profiling of hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth) identified interesting genes for seed dormancy
Authors: Ali Shahjahan , Kucek Lisa Kissing , Riday Heathcliffe , Krom Nick , Krogman Sarah , Cooper Kimberly , Jacobs Lynne , Mehta Perdeep , Trammell Michael , Bhamidimarri Suresh , Butler Twain , Saha Malay C. , Monteros Maria J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHairy vetch, a diploid annual legume species, has a robust growth habit, high biomass yield, and winter hardy characteristics. Seed hardness is a major constraint for growing hairy vetch commercially. Hard seeded cultivars are valuable as forages, whereas soft seeded and shatter resistant cultivars have advantages for their use as a cover crop. Transcript analysis of hairy vetch was performed to understand the genetic mechanisms associated with important hairy vetch traits. RNA was extracted from leaves, flowers, immature pods, seed coats, and cotyledons of contrasting soft and hard seeded “AU Merit” plants. A range of 31.22–79.18 Gb RNA sequence data per tissue sample were generated with estimated coverage of 1040–2639×. RNA sequence assembly and mapping of the contigs against theMedicago truncatula(V4.0) genome identified 76,422 gene transcripts. A total of 24,254 transcripts were constitutively expressed in hairy vetch tissues. Key genes, such asKNOX4(a class II KNOTTED‐like homeobox KNOXII gene),qHs1(endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanase),GmHs1‐1(calcineurin‐like metallophosphoesterase), chitinase, shatterproof 1 and 2(SHP1, SHP2), shatter resistant 1–5(SHAT1–5)(NAC transcription factor),PDH1(prephenate dehydrogenase 1), and pectin methylesterases with a potential role in seed hardness and pod shattering, were further explored based on genes involved in seed hardness from other species to query the hairy vetch transcriptome data. Identification of interesting candidate genes in hairy vetch can facilitate the development of improved cultivars with desirable seed characteristics for use as a forage and as a cover crop.
Slope and pig slurry rate may increase the transfer of chemical elements by surface water runoff
Authors: Grando Douglas Luiz , Gatiboni Luciano Colpo , Mumbach Gilmar Luiz , da Silva Walquíria Chaves , Junior Abelino Anacleto de Souza , Pietroski Marizane , Pessotto Patrícia Pretto , Iochims Daniel Alexandre 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThere is a need to evaluate the interference of pig slurry rate and the terrain slope in the chemical elements losses from the soil. This work aimed to quantify water and chemical element losses by surface runoff due to terrain slope and pig slurry rate (PS) in two soils with contrasting textures. Two trials were evaluated in 2018 and 2019 in Cambisol and Nitisol. Rates of 0, 22.5, 45, and 90 m3 ha−1 yr−1 of PS were applied superficially in sites with slopes ranging from 10% to 35%. Perennial forage grass Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) was grown as summer crop and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) was sown in the cold seasons in a field environment. Were determined the runoff, the volume of water, and chemical elements (Al, Ca, P, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, and Zn) lost by the surface runoff after natural rainfall. Increasing land slope elevated water losses substantially, on average 23.4 times in Cambisol and 10.8 times in Nitisol. This increase resulted in average increases of 27.6 and 12.4 times in the losses of the chemical elements analyzed for Cambisol and Nitisol, respectively. There was a reduction in water losses by surface runoff due to increased PS rates applied in both sites. The increased PS rate affected the losses of Cr and Cu in Cambisol and P, Mg, Cd, and Cu in Nitisol. The clayey soil potentiated the water and chemical elements losses by surface runoff in relation to the soil with lower clay content. Regardless of the soil, water and chemical element losses are maximized at higher slopes.
Same-day discharge (SDD) vs standard enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for major colorectal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Zheng V. , Wee I. J. Y. , Abdullah H. R. , Tan S. , Tan E. K. W. , Seow-En I. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs are well-established, resulting in improved outcomes and shorter length of hospital stay (LOS). Same-day discharge (SDD), or “hyper-ERAS”, is a natural progression of ERAS. This systematic review aims to compare the safety and efficacy of SDD against conventional ERAS in colorectal surgery.

Methods
The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (394793). A systematic search was performed in major databases to identify relevant articles, and a narrative systematic review was performed. Primary outcomes were readmission rates and length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were operative time and blood loss, postoperative pain, morbidity, nausea or vomiting, and patient satisfaction. Risks of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results
Thirteen studies were included, with five single-arm and eight comparative studies, of which one was a randomised controlled trial. This comprised a total of 38,854 patients (SDD: 1622; ERAS: 37,232). Of the 1622 patients on the SDD pathway, 1590 patients (98%) were successfully discharged within 24 h of surgery. While most studies had an overall low risk of bias, there was considerable variability in inclusion criteria, types of surgery or anaesthesia, and discharge criteria. SDD resulted in a significantly reduced postoperative LOS, without increasing risk of 30-day readmission. Intraoperative blood loss and postoperative morbidity rates were comparable between both groups. Operative duration was shorter in the SDD group. Patient-reported satisfaction was high in the SDD cohort.

Conclusion
SDD protocols appear to be safe and feasible in selected patients undergoing major colorectal operations. Randomised controlled trials are necessary to further substantiate these findings.
Student teachers’ perceptions of flipped classroom in EFL teacher education
Authors: Han Han , Røkenes Fredrik Mørk , Krumsvik Rune Johan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper aims to provide evidence on student teachers’ perceptions of Flipped Classroom (FC) to help teacher educators (TEs) to make informed decisions about implementing FC and support student teachers to reflect on the value of FC in their teaching practice. FC, a pedagogical model requiring digital competence of students and teachers, has been a popular teaching approach for nearly two decades in K-12 and higher education. After the outbreak of Covid-19, more teachers have started to implement FC. In post-Covid-19, with the possibility of reusing video lectures made during the pandemic and the familiarity of digital skills to create digital lectures, a question for teachers is whether to continue with this approach. This paper follows an explanatory sequential mixed methods research approach. Insights from student teachers (STs) in the field of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Norway are the primary data, and surveys and focus group interviews are the main instruments to collect the data. FC’s advantages and challenges perceived by STs are reported, and the possibility of STs becoming future flippers is explored. Findings from this paper indicate that STs would like to have more courses flipped in their studies, yet STs seem hesitant about flipping their courses in their teaching practice. STs also provide some practical suggestions on implementing the FC approach.
Comparing the Above and Below-Ground Chemical Defences of Three Rumex Species Between Their Native and Introduced Provenances
Authors: Costan Cristian-Andrei , Godsoe William , Bufford Jennifer L. , Hulme Philip E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCompared to their native range, non-native plants often experience reduced levels of herbivory in the introduced range. This may result in reduced pressure to produce chemical defences that act against herbivores. We measured the most abundant secondary metabolites found in Rumex spp., namely oxalates, phenols and tannins. To test this hypothesis, we compared native (UK) and introduced (NZ) provenances of three different Rumex species (R. obtusifolius, R. crispus and R. conglomeratus, Polygonaceae) to assess whether any significant differences existed in their levels of chemical defences in either leaves and roots. All three species have previously been shown to support a lower diversity of insect herbivores and experience less herbivory in the introduced range. We further examined leaf herbivory on plants from both provenances when grown together in a common garden experiment in New Zealand to test whether any differences in damage might be consistent with variation in the quantity of chemical defences. We found that two Rumex species (R. obtusifolius and R. crispus) showed no evidence for a reduction in chemical defences, while a third (R. conglomeratus) showed only limited evidence. The common garden experiment revealed that the leaves analysed had low levels of herbivory (~ 0.5%) with no differences in damage between provenances for any of the three study species. Roots tended to have a higher concentration of tannins than shoots, but again showed no difference between the provenances. As such, the findings of this study provide no evidence for lower plant investments in chemical defences, suggesting that other factors explain the success of Rumex spp. in New Zealand.
Split-root system as a useful tool to study woody plant biology
Authors: Giertych Marian J. , Leski Tomasz 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe split-root system technique has been used to analyse plant biology for several decades, but woody plants have not received enough attention in this experimental approach. Historically, several methods have been developed, ranging from the simplest method of dividing a root into two parts and placing them in separate containers to more complex methods, such as grafting a second root from another plant. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that determine the goals of the experiment. Thus far, research using the split-root system has covered only 62 species of woody plants, mainly to investigate the water shortage effect on water acquisition. Many studies have also considered the significance of functional root-system diversity for plant fertilisation, which allows a better understanding of ion transport regulation mechanisms and some anatomical and functional features of woody plants. Ion uptake and transport have been studied frequently using isotope labelling. The split-root system method also offers interesting possibilities for studying the interactions of plants with other organisms. For example, this method was used to study root colonization strategies by mycorrhizal fungi. The comprehensive analysis of the split-root system technique in this review provides fine-scale information on the future concepts needed to study root-system biology, as the ability of roots to play a range of functions in the plant remains largely untested.
Additional morphological characters of the nematode Capillostrongyloides fritschi (Travassos, 1914) Moravec, 1982 (Nematoda: Capillaridae) from Bagrus spp. (Bagridae) inhabiting Damietta Branch of the River Nile, Egypt with a special reference to evaginated cirrus
Authors: Allam Hend E. , Mashaly Mohamed I. , EL-Naggar Mohamed M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe catfish Bagrus bajad (Forsskål) and B. docmak (Forsskål) (Siluriformes: Bagridae) are well distributed in the River Nile and have an economic value with good marketing and use in aquaculture. Collected specimens of Capillostrongyloides fritschi (Travassos 1914) were redescribed using a phase-contrast microscope and scanning electron microscope. The most remarkable finding was the unique structure of the evaginated cirrus, being composed of a proximal long tube, a middle spherical bulb packed with mature spermatozoa, and a distal funnel-shaped structure. All regions of the cirrus are provided with longitudinal and transverse muscles and covered with transverse cuticular folds. The mechanism of cirrus emergence was discussed based on available musculature data. Other important findings are the short stylet of the mouth, the two lateral oral lobes, 6-10 buried cephalic papillae and the bacillary bands that lack elevations. Stichosome is formed of 35-44 stichocytes that were differentiated into black and white forms, each containing dense granules and translucent vacuoles. The intestine showed a convoluted part at its anterior region. The vulvar lips are slightly elevated, many mature eggs are cleaved, and their shells are 3-layered. The anus was found in a groove bounded by two unequal lobes.
Influencing Factors and New Reference Intervals of Adult Thyroid Volume in Iodine-Sufficient Areas of China
Authors: Lin Zheyu , Lu Cihang , Teng Di , Sun Ying , Liu Tingting , Li Yongze , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping ,   The Thyroid disorders Iodine status,   Diabetes Epidemiological Survey Group (TIDE)
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe diagnosis of goiter is based on the thyroid volume measured by ultrasound in which iodine plays an important role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that affect thyroid volume and update the reference range of thyroid volume to provide a new basis for the diagnosis and treatment of goiter. A study population from mainland China was evaluated in the Thyroid disorders, Iodine status and Diabetes Epidemiological (TIDE) study. Thyroid size was measured by ultrasound, and thyroid volume was calculated. A quantile regression model was used to analyze the influence of related factors on the thyroid volume at each percentile. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 185.54 μg/l. The quantile regression model suggested that body surface area (BSA) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were positive and negative factors for thyroid volume, respectively (p < 0.01). Excess iodine reduces the median and lower limits of thyroid volume. In iodine-sufficient areas, smoking is no longer a risk factor. The reference value range of thyroid volume stratified by sex was 3.92–19.06 ml for males and 3.1–16.17 ml for females. The maximum reference ranges for stratification by sex and BSA were 4.25–20.98 ml for men and 3.44–18.31 ml for women. The iodine nutrition level of the population in mainland China is sufficient. Iodine has the potential to alter the effect of certain factors on thyroid volume and effect is not regional. The new reference interval of adult thyroid volume based on sex and BSA has been updated, which can be used as a reliable reference for updating the diagnostic criteria of endemic goiter.