bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management and performance improvement of irrigation canals in water‐scarce conditions considering hydraulic drawbacks: A case study for the Eastern Aghili secondary canal, Iran
Authors: Ostovari Shirin , Monem Mohammad Javad 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIrrigation networks suffer from conventional water management in water‐scarce conditions. Most previous studies have concentrated on water allocation, paying little attention to hydraulic drawbacks. In this study, four water distribution scenarios for managing scarce water conditions are defined and evaluated, with consideration of their hydraulic drawbacks. In the first scenario, the water shortage is evenly distributed among all outlets. In the second scenario, a kind of prioritization of the outlets is considered. A time division is considered for the other two scenarios. In the third scenario, one half of the outlets receive complete delivery, and the other receive reduced water in the first period and perform the same operation in reverse in the second period. In the fourth scenario, half of the outlets receive twice the amount of required water, while the other half is closed in the first period. In the second period, the water delivery is carried out in reverse. The effect of four scenarios in improving water distribution in 40% water scarcity conditions is such that scenarios 4, 3, 2 and 1 have the most positive effect, in that order. The results show that with increasing water scarcity, time division scenarios have a greater impact on performance improvement.
Smooth muscle matrix bioink promotes myogenic differentiation of encapsulated adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Yeleswarapu Sriya , Chameettachal Shibu , Bera Ashis Kumar , Pati Falguni 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHydrogels derived from decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM) can mimic the biochemical composition of the native tissue. They can also act as a template to culture reseeded cells in vitro. However, detergent‐based decellularization methods are known to alter the biochemical compositions, thereby compromising the bioactive potential of dECM. This study proposes a facile detergent‐free method to achieve dECM from smooth muscle tissue. We have used the muscle layer of caprine esophageal tissue and decellularized using hypo and hyper‐molar sodium chloride solutions alternatingly. Then, a hydrogel was prepared from this decellularized smooth muscle matrix (dSMM) and characterized thoroughly. A comparative analysis of the dSMM prepared with our protocol with the existing detergent‐based protocol suggests successful and comparable decellularization with minimal residual DNA content. Interestingly, an 8.78‐fold increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans content and 1.62‐fold increased collagen content indicated higher retention of ECM constituents with NaCl‐based decellularization strategy. Moreover, the dSMM gel induces differentiation of the encapsulated adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells toward smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as observed by their expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, the hallmarks of SMCs. Finally, we optimized the process parameter for productive bioprinting with this dSMM bioink and fabricated 3D muscle constructs. Our results suggest that dSMM has the potential to be used as a bioink to engineer personalized esophageal tissues.
The relevance of communal altruism for sexual minority men in contemporary contexts
Authors: Skakoon‐Sparling Shayna , Card Kiffer G. , Novick Jake R. , Berlin Graham, W. , Lachowsky Nathan J. , Adam Barry , Brennan David J. , Sang Jordan M. , Noor Syed W. , Cox Joseph , Moore David M. , Grace Daniel , Grey Cornel , Daroya Emerich , Hart Trevor A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThere are many reasons why individuals engage in prosocial behavior; communal sexual altruism is based on the notion that some practice safer sex in the interest of promoting the well‐being of their community/in‐group. Given that definitions of what constitutes “safer sex” have changed with advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, we investigated the importance of communal sexual altruism (herein “altruism”) among urban gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (GBM) in the contemporary context. Using a sample of 2449 GBM we examined the association of both safer‐sex‐related attitudes (e.g., HIV treatment optimism–skepticism) and behaviors (e.g., condomless anal sex [CAS]) with altruism scores. Higher altruism scores were associated with a lower likelihood of CAS and a greater frequency of discussing HIV status with new partners. These findings demonstrate that many GBM are motivated to engage in several kinds of behaviors that improve the well‐being of their in‐group (i.e., the GBM community).
Specific anti‐glioma targeted‐delivery strategy of engineered small extracellular vesicles dual‐functionalised by Angiopep‐2 and TAT peptides
Authors: Zhu Zhanchi , Zhai Yuanxin , Hao Ying , Wang Quanwei , Han Fang , Zheng Wenlong , Hong Jing , Cui Leisha , Jin Wei , Ma Sancheng , Yang Lingyan , Cheng Guosheng 
Published: August 2022

AbstractGlioma is one of the primary malignant brain tumours in adults, with a poor prognosis. Pharmacological reagents targeting glioma are limited to achieve the desired therapeutic effect due to the presence of blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Effectively crossing the BBB and specifically targeting to the brain tumour are the major challenge for the glioma treatments. Here, we demonstrate that the well‐defined small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with dual‐targeting drug delivery and cell‐penetrating functions, modified by Angiopep‐2 and trans‐activator of transcription peptides, enable efficient and specific chemotherapy for glioma. The high efficiency of engineered sEVs in targeting BBB and glioma was assessed in both monolayer culture cells and BBB model in vitro, respectively. The observed high targeting efficiency was re‐validated in subcutaneous tumour and orthotopic glioma mice models. After loading the doxorubicin into dual‐modified functional sEVs, this specific dual‐targeting delivery system could cross the BBB, reach the glioma, and penetrate the tumour. Such a mode of drug delivery significantly improved more than 2‐fold survival time of glioma mice with very few side effects. In conclusion, utilization of the dual‐modified sEVs represents a unique and efficient strategy for drug delivery, holding great promise for the treatments of central nervous system diseases.
North–South development competition and the quality and sustainability of Chinese and Japanese trans‐national infrastructure initiatives
Authors: Mao Caixia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractChina has become a recent rising power in global development cooperation in the past few years. This paper examines how the Global North, as represented by Japan, responds to the rising of the Global South, as represented by China, in infrastructure support. This paper positions itself in the context of Global‐North/South and triangular cooperation to compare Japan's Partnership for Quality Infrastructure with China's Belt and Road Initiative from the dimensions of policy rhetoric, finance mechanism, environmental sustainability and rule of law. This paper draws the conclusion on whether the North–South competition enhances the quality and sustainability of those initiatives.
Folic acid inhibits 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate transport across the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier: Clinical biochemical data from two cases
Authors: Akiyama Tomoyuki , Kuki Ichiro , Kim Kiyohiro , Yamamoto Naohiro , Yamada Yumi , Igarashi Kazuya , Ishihara Tomohiko , Hatano Yuya , Kobayashi Katsuhiro 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe use of folic acid (FA) has been discouraged in cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) because, theoretically, it could inhibit the transport of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5MTHF) across the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. We present the clinical biochemical data of two cases with CFD to support this hypothesis.MethodsWe measured CSF and serum 5MTHF concentrations in a patient with Kearns‐Sayre syndrome (KSS) and a patient homozygous for MTHFR C677T polymorphism before and during folate supplementation therapy. To evaluate these 5MTHF concentrations, we also analyzed CSF and serum samples in pediatric patients without folate supplementation.ResultsBoth patients had low CSF 5MTHF before treatment and high‐dose FA therapy did not normalize CSF 5MTHF. There was a dissociation between serum total folate and 5MTHF concentrations during FA therapy, which was considered to be due to the appearance of unmetabolized FA. The addition of folinic acid did not improve low CSF 5MTHF in the KSS patient and the cessation of FA resulted in the normalization of CSF 5MTHF. In the patient homozygous for MTHFR C677T, minimization of the FA dosage resulted in the normalization of CSF 5MTHF and an increased CSF‐to‐serum 5MTHF ratio.ConclusionsOur data suggest that excess supplementation of FA impaired 5MTHF transport across the blood–CSF barrier. In the treatment of CFD, supplementation of folinic acid or 5MTHF (in cases of impaired 5MTHF synthesis) is preferred over the use of FA. The reference values of CSF 5MTHF concentration based on 600 pediatric cases were also provided.
Dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display using parallax barrier
Authors: Yang Fan , Ding Zhi , Huang Ying , Wu Fei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractA dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display using parallax barrier is proposed. It is composed of a display panel, a parallax barrier, a polarized array, and two pairs of polarized glasses. The polarized array consists of two kinds of orthogonal polarized units that are alternately aligned. Two kinds of elemental images are aligned to the corresponding polarized units, respectively. The lights emitted from two kinds of elemental images are, respectively, modulated by the corresponding slits and polarized units, and two three‐dimensional (3D) images are simultaneously reconstructed in the viewing zone. Two pairs of orthogonal polarized glasses are introduced to separate two reconstructed 3D images. Only one of the two reconstructed 3D images is seen by wearing either pairs of polarized glasses. An experimental setup was developed, and the viewing angle of the dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display is proportional to the aperture width of the slit. The restriction between the viewing angle and the optical efficiency is resolved in the proposed dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display.
Paraglottic Space Invasion in Glottic Laryngeal Cancer: A Clinical‐Pathological Study
Authors: Fermi Matteo , Lo Manto Alfredo , Di Massa Gianluca , Gallo Graziana , Lupi Massimo , Maiolo Vincenzo , Montrone Grazia , Lovato Luigi , Presutti Livio , Mattioli Francesco 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to prospectively compare endoscopic, radiological, and pathological features of a cohort of patients with glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) undergoing open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL) type II/III or total laryngectomy to better understand the reliability of preoperative endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) to predict the inferior paraglottic space (iPGS) involvement.MethodsWe prospectively compared the endoscopic, radiological, and pathological findings in patients with glottic LSCC who underwent OPHL II/III, or total laryngectomy.ResultsEndoscopy achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 87.2% for the anterior iPGS (iPGSa) and 86.1% for the posterior iPGS (iPGSp). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of histopathologic iPGSa involvement between reduced (85%—17/20 pts) and absent (92%—24/26 pts) vocal cord mobility (p = 0.39). CT alone did not improve the diagnostic performance of the endoscopy, reaching a diagnostic accuracy of 62.9% and 73.7% for the iPGSa and iPGSp, respectively. When endoscopy and CT were combined, the diagnostic performance improved for the iPGSp, achieving a sensitivity (Se), specificity (Spe), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, 89.8%, 68.7%, and 100%, respectively. On the contrary, the combination of CT and endoscopy improved only the Se and NPV for the iPGSa with respect to the sole endoscopic assessment.ConclusionsWhenever motility impairment is present, a histopathologic invasion of the iPGS should be suspected. Endoscopic assessment of laryngeal motility achieved a satisfactory value of Se, Spe, PPV, and NPV in predicting the involvement of the iPGS. CT scan is still the mainstay imaging technique in the clinical staging of patients with LSCC.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:1184–1190, 2023
In situ estimates of net primary production in the open‐ocean Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Yang Bo , Gomez Fabian , Schmid Claudia , Baringer Molly 
Published: August 2022

AbstractNet primary production (NPP) measurements in the open‐ocean Gulf of Mexico are scarce and mostly limited to satellite‐derived surface estimates. Profiling floats can obtain depth‐resolved chlorophyll (Chl) and backscattering (bbp) data for NPP estimates, but historical float data in this region lacked field calibrations. We adjusted the float data with satellite Chl, generating a consistent dataset for deriving the first year‐round depth‐resolved NPP estimates in this region. The results revealed distinct seasonal patterns in surface NPP and depth‐integrated (0–100 m) total NPP, with the peak values in the winter and summer, respectively. The results showed that for most of the year subsurface (20–100 m) contributes more to the total (0–100 m) NPP than the surface layer (0–20 m), and the major controls of NPP in these two layers were light level and nutrient supply, respectively.
Polydioxanone Derivative Bearing Methoxy Groups toward Bio‐Functional Degradable Polymers Exhibiting Hydration‐Driven Biocompatibility
Authors: Fukushima Kazuki , Ota Yuki , Kato Takashi 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAn aliphatic poly(ester‐ether) with methoxy side chains from a glycerol derivative that exhibits increased hydration properties for potential applications in blood‐contacting medical devices is developed. The poly(ester‐ether) is prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of an analogue of 1,4‐dioxan‐2‐one (DX) with a methoxy‐containing substituent in the presence of acidic organocatalysts. It is found that the ring–chain equilibrium resides in the ROP of the DX analogue at room temperature and at relatively low monomer concentration (≈2 m). The organocatalytic ROP has enabled more than 80% monomer conversion at temperatures below 0 °C in the bulk state. The methoxy‐bearing poly(ester‐ether) is insoluble in water, amorphous, and viscous, demonstrating a high level of interaction with water when evaluating the thermal properties of the hydrated polymer and water contact angles. The polymer also shows susceptibility to hydrolysis and end‐group dependence on thermal degradation. These results suggest a good potential for methoxy‐bearing poly(ester‐ether) as a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer derived from renewable feedstocks.
Association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: Alves Elyudienne Andressa Silva , Salazar Teresa Cristina do Nascimento , Silvino Valmir Oliveira , Cardoso Glêbia Alexa , dos Santos Marcos Antonio Pereira 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPhase angle, obtained by bioelectrical impedance, is an indicator of cellular integrity and has been proposed as a prognostic parameter in patients who are critically ill. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease–2019 (COVID‐19). An extensive literature search was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, with interest in observational studies evaluating the association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes in individuals aged ≥18 years hospitalized with COVID‐19. Studies were independently selected by two reviewers, according to eligibility criteria. Subsequently, data were extracted and presented in a qualitative synthesis. The evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. The full methodology was published in PROSPERO (ID CRD42022306177). A total of 392 articles were identified, resulting in seven selected studies, of which six were prospective cohorts and one was retrospective. In the quality assessment, six studies obtained scores equal to or greater than seven, indicating a low risk of bias. A total of 750 participants composed the samples of the selected studies. Five studies reported an independent association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes during hospitalization for COVID‐19, with emphasis on prolonged hospitalization and mechanical ventilation and higher mortality in patients with a lower phase angle. Thus, phase angle measurement can be useful in the early identification of risks in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, for the purpose of adequacy of clinical management.
Cyclo‐olefin copolymer/poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) blends: Structure–property relationships and morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties
Authors: Kurt Gökçe , Tüney İclal , Kasgoz Alper 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this study, blends of cyclo‐olefin copolymers (COC) that had different monomer compositions and poly(Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene) (ABS) were prepared and variations in their morphological, rheological, and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. In the morphological analyses, it was seen that all blends with 50/50% composition had a co‐continuous morphology, while droplet‐matrix morphology was observed for the other compositions. Melt‐state shear modulus and viscosity increased with the addition of ABS for the blends prepared with COC derivatives containing 40% and ⁓68% norbornene content by weight, while there was no significant change in the modulus values of those prepared with the COC derivative containing ⁓76% norbornene by weight. On the contrary to other blends, it was observed that the modulus values decreased with the addition of ABS in the blends prepared with COC with 82% norbornene content. Evaluation of the SEM images and Cole‐Cole plots indicated that COC‐rich blends were more compatible than the ABS‐rich blends in the case COC with lower norbornene content was used in polymer blends, while ABS‐rich blends became more compatible with increasing norbornene content of COC.
Nanoscale strain–stress mapping for a thermoplastic elastomer revealed using a combination of in situ atomic force microscopy nanomechanics and Delaunay triangulation
Authors: Liu Haonan , Liang Xiaobin , Nakajima Ken 
Published: August 2022

AbstractStyrene block copolymer‐type thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has a nanoscale phase‐separated structure and undergoes topological changes in response to external stimuli. A typical example is the macroscopic stress relaxation in TPEs while maintaining the elongated state. To understand the influence of structural changes on the mechanical properties of TPEs, in this work, we evaluate a styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene‐type TPE using an in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based nanomechanical approach while maintaining 50% strain. According to AFM deformation and modulus maps of the same area at different relaxation times, it is found that the hard polystyrene domain splits in the early stage of relaxation, resulting in a constant rise in the number. At the same time, the modulus of the soft poly(ethylene‐butylene) matrix continues to decrease. Both the domain number and matrix modulus stabilize in the late stage of the relaxation. Further finite element analysis explains the above phenomenon. The distribution of stresses and strains under the material microscopically evolves toward homogenization with relaxation time. The internal stress network achieves an elastic behavior after sufficient relaxation at the expense of hard‐domain splitting.
Effect of flow rate on the end‐expiratory lung volume in infants with bronchiolitis using high‐flow nasal cannula evaluated through electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Nascimento Milena S. , do Prado Cristiane , Costa Eduardo L. V. , Alcala Glasiele C. , Corrêa Letícia C. , Rossi Felipe S. , Amato Marcelo B. P. , Rebello Celso M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of four flow rates on the functional residual capacity (FRC) and pulmonary ventilation distribution while using a high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC).Working HypothesisOur hypothesis is that flow rates below 1.5 L·kg−1·min−1 lead to FRC loss and respiratory distress.Study DesignA single‐center, prospective clinical study.Patient SelectionInfants diagnosed with acute viral bronchiolitis were given HFNC.MethodologyThrough a prospective clinical study, the effects of four different flow rates, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 L·kg−1·min−1, on FRC and the pulmonary ventilation pattern were evaluated using electrical impedance tomography. The impedance variation (delta Z), end‐expiratory lung volume (EELZ), respiratory rate, heart rate, respiratory distress score, and saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (SpO2/FIO2), were also evaluated at each flow rate.ResultsAmong the 11 infants included, There was a decrease in respiratory distress score at a flow rate of 1.5 L·kg−1·min−1 (*p = 0.021), and at a flow rate of 2.0 L·kg−1·min−1 (**p = 0.003) compared to 0.5 L·kg−1·min−1. There was also a small but significant increase in SpO2/FiO2 at flow rates of 1.5 (*p = 0.023), and 2.0 L·kg−1·min−1 (**p = 0.008) compared to 0.5 L·kg−1·min−1. There were no other significant changes in the clinical parameters. In the global EELZ measurements, there was a significant increase under a flow rate of 2.0 L·kg−1·min−1 as compared to 0.5 L·kg−1·min−1 (p = 0.03). In delta Z values, there were no significant variations between the different flow rates.ConclusionThe ∆EELZ increases at the highest flow rates were accompanied by decreased distress scores and improved oxygenation.
Building a pediatric rare lung disease program: It takes a community of villages
Authors: Vece Timothy J. , Gower William A. , Davis Stephanie D. , Austin Ashley , McKinzie Cameron J. , Hatch Joseph E. , Davis Miriam , Hagood James S. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPediatric rare lung disease programs are increasing in number due to an increase in recognition of the diseases, increased clinical and research interest in children's interstitial lung disease, and the expansion of the children's interstitial lung disease research network. Due to this increased interest newly graduated trainees in pediatric pulmonology and other physicians are often starting new programs, which can be daunting. We provide some guidance for new programs based on our experiences.