bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric 129Xe Gas‐Transfer MRI—Feasibility and Applicability
Authors: Willmering Matthew M. , Walkup Laura L. , Niedbalski Peter J. , Wang Hui , Wang Ziyi , Hysinger Erik B. , Myers Kasiani C. , Towe Christopher T. , Driehuys Bastiaan , Cleveland Zackary I. , Woods Jason C. 
Published: March 2022

Background129Xe gas‐transfer MRI provides regional measures of pulmonary gas exchange in adults and separates xenon in interstitial lung tissue/plasma (barrier) from xenon in red blood cells (RBCs). The technique has yet to be demonstrated in pediatric populations or conditions.Purpose/HypothesisTo perform an exploratory analysis of 129Xe gas‐transfer MRI in children.Study TypeProspective.PopulationSeventy‐seven human volunteers (38 males, age = 17.7 ± 15.1 years, range 5–68 years, 16 healthy). Four pediatric disease cohorts.Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, three‐dimensional‐radial one‐point Dixon Fast Field Echo (FFE) Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE).AssessmentBreath hold compliance was assessed by quantitative signal‐to‐noise and dynamic metrics. Whole‐lung means and standard deviations were extracted from gas‐transfer maps. Gas‐transfer metrics were investigated with respect to age and lung disease. Clinical pulmonary function tests were retrospectively acquired for reference lung disease severity.Statistical TestsWilcoxon rank‐sum tests to compare age and disease cohorts, Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests to compare pre‐ and post‐breath hold vitals, Pearson correlations between age and gas‐transfer metrics, and limits of normal with a binomial exact test to compare fraction of subjects with abnormal gas‐transfer. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsEighty percentage of pediatric subjects successfully completed 129Xe gas‐transfer MRI. Gas‐transfer parameters differed between healthy children and adults, including ventilation (0.75 and 0.67) and RBC:barrier ratio (0.31 and 0.46) which also correlated with age (ρ = −0.76, 0.57, respectively). Bone marrow transplant subjects had impaired ventilation (90% of reference) and increased dissolved 129Xe standard deviation (242%). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia subjects had decreased barrier‐uptake (69%). Cystic fibrosis subjects had impaired ventilation (91%) and increased RBC‐transfer (146%). Lastly, childhood interstitial lung disease subjects had increased ventilation heterogeneity (113%). Limits of normal provided detection of abnormalities in additional gas‐transfer parameters.Data ConclusionPediatric 129Xe gas‐transfer MRI was adequately successful and gas‐transfer metrics correlated with age. Exploratory analysis revealed abnormalities in a variety of pediatric obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage2
Hotspots for SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant spread: Lessons from New York City
Authors: Ramírez Juan D. , Castañeda Sergio , Ballesteros Nathalia , Muñoz Marina , Hernández Matthew , Banu Radhika , Shrestha Paras , Chen Feng , Shi Huanzhi ,   PSP Study Group, van Bakel Harm , Simon Viviana , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Sordillo Emilia M. , Paniz‐Mondolfi Alberto E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is still challenging public health systems worldwide, particularly with the emergence of novel SARS‐CoV‐2 variants with mutations that increase their transmissibility and immune escape. This is the case of the variant of concern Omicron that rapidly spread globally. Here, using epidemiological and genomic data we compared the situations in South Africa as the epicenter of emergence, United Kingdom, and with particular interest New York City. This rapid global dispersal from the place of first report reemphasizes the high transmissibility of Omicron, which needed only two weeks to become dominant in the United Kingdom and New York City. Our analyses suggest that as SARS‐CoV‐2 continues to evolve, global authorities must prioritize equity in vaccine access and continued genomic surveillance. Future studies are still needed to fully unveil the biological properties of Omicron, but what is certain is that vaccination, large‐scale testing, and infection prevention efforts are the greatest arsenal against the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Gray matter volume reduction in the emotional brain networks in adults with anosmia
Authors: Lee Suji , Kim Jungyoon , Kim Bong Jik , Kim Rye Young , Ha Eunji , Kim Shinhye , Hong Seung‐No , Lyoo In Kyoon , Kim Dae Woo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLoss of olfaction, or anosmia, frequently accompanies emotional dysfunctions, partly due to the overlapping brain regions between the olfactory and emotional processing centers. Here, we investigated whether anosmia was associated with gray matter volume alterations at a network level, and whether these alterations were related to the olfactory‐specific quality of life (QOL) and depressive symptoms. Structural brain magnetic resonance imaging was acquired in 22 individuals with postinfectious or idiopathic anosmia (the anosmia group) and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (the control group). Using independent component analysis on the gray matter volumes, we identified 10 morphometric networks. The gray matter volumes of these networks were compared between the two groups. Olfactory‐specific QOL and depressive symptoms were assessed by self‐report questionnaires and clinician‐administered interviews, respectively. The anosmia group showed lower gray matter volumes in the hippocampus–amygdala and the precuneus networks, relative to the control group. Lower gray matter volumes in the hippocampus–amygdala network were also linearly associated with lower olfactory‐specific QOL and higher depressive symptom scores. These findings suggest a close relationship between anosmia and gray matter volume alterations in the emotional brain networks, albeit without determined causal relations.
A novel method of light projection and modular jigs to improve accuracy in bone sarcoma resection
Authors: He Guangyu , Dai Amos Z. , Mustahsan Vamiq M. , Shah Aadit T. , Li Liming , Khan Jafar A. , Bielski Michael R. , Komatsu David E. , Kao Imin , Khan Fazel A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe developed a novel method using a combined light‐registration/light‐projection system along with an off‐the‐shelf, instant‐assembly modular jig construct that could help surgeons improve bone resection accuracy during sarcoma surgery without many of the associated drawbacks of 3D printed custom jigs or computer navigation. In the novel method, the surgeon uses a light projection system to precisely align the assembled modular jig construct on the bone. In a distal femur resection model, 36 sawbones were evenly divided into 3 groups: manual‐resection (MR), conventional 3D‐printed custom jig resection (3DCJ), and the novel projector/modular jig (PMJ) resection. In addition to sawbones, a single cadaver experiment was also conducted to confirm feasibility of the PMJ method in a realistic operative setting. The PMJ method improved resection accuracy when compared to MR and 3DCJ, respectively: 0.98 mm versus 7.48 mm (p < 0.001) and 3.72 mm (p < 0.001) in mean corner position error; 1.66 mm versus 9.70 mm (p < 0.001) and 4.32 mm (p = 0.060) in mean maximum deviation error; 0.79°–4.78° (p < 0.001) and 1.26° (p > 0.999) in mean depth angle error. The PMJ method reduced the mean front angle error from 1.72° to 1.07° (p = 0.507) when compared to MR but was slightly worse compared to 0.61° (p = 0.013) in 3DCJ. The PMJ method never showed an error greater than 3 mm, while the maximum error of other two control groups were almost 14 mm. Similar accuracy was found with the PMJ method on the cadaver. A novel method using a light projector with modular jigs can achieve high levels of bone resection accuracy, but without many of the associated drawbacks of 3D printed jigs or computer navigation technology.
Response of carbon and nitrogen dynamics in soil water‐stable aggregates to wheat straw incorporation in the Yangtze River Delta of China#
Authors: Dai Wei , Wang Jun , Terrer Cesar , Cao Luqi , Cao Linkui , Sha Zhimin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundResearch on the changes of organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in soil aggregates is crucial for better evaluating C and N dynamics in paddy soil.AimsWe investigated the effects of wheat straw incorporation on soil aggregate distributions and stability, the contents of OC and TN in bulk soil, and aggregates as well as their relationships.MethodsA rice paddy field experiment in China with four treatments: (1) unfertilized control (CK), (2) mineral NPK fertilizer (NPK), (3) NPK plus medium‐rate wheat straw incorporation (MSNPK), and (4) NPK plus high‐rate wheat straw incorporation (HSNPK). Soil samples were collected from four soil layers (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm, respectively) after the rice harvest, and the samples were separated into four classes of aggregates with different sizes (>5, 5–2, 2–0.25, and <0.25 mm).ResultsThe >5 mm fraction dominated aggregate size distribution, but the 2–0.25 mm fraction had the highest OC and TN contents throughout soil profile among treatments. The proportions of >5 and 5–2 mm aggregates, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), the proportion of aggregates greater than 0.25 mm (R0.25), bulk soil organic carbon (SOC) and TN contents, and OC and TN contents in aggregates were highest in HSNPK and lowest in CK at either depth. Both bulk SOC and TN contents positively correlated withR0.25, MWD, GMD, and OC and TN contents in aggregates, and positively and negatively correlated with all aggregates (p< 0.05), except between bulk TN and the proportion of 5–2 mm aggregates. The OC content in the 5–2 mm aggregates (increase in MSE = 23.87%) and the TN content in the 2–0.25 mm aggregates (increase in MSE = 13.89%) were more important than other driving factors for bulk SOC and TN, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, these results confirmed that the application of HSNPK increased bulk SOC and TN contents, soil aggregates distributions (i.e. >5 mm and 5–2 mm fractions) and stability, and the OC and TN contents in all aggregates at both depths in rice paddy fields of China, which might improve soil C and N sinks in agricultural ecosystems.
Optimum nitrogen fertilization rate and nitrogen use efficiency forBrachiariahybrid andMegathyrsus maximusvaries with stage of regrowth
Authors: Hughes Martin P. , Mlambo Victor , Lallo Cicero H. O. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTraditionally, recommended nitrogen (N) fertilization rates that maximize biomass yield and nutritive value in tropical grass forages tend to be fixed and do not consider possible stage of maturity‐induced variations. Therefore, this study investigated biomass yield and nutritive value ofBrachiariahybrid andMegathyrus maximusat different stages of maturity in response to incremental levels of N fertilizer. Both grasses were fertilized with urea at rates equivalent to 0, 25, 50, and 75 kg N ha−1and harvested after 4‐, 8‐, and 12‐week regrowth.ResultsCrude protein (CP) had a linear response to increasing N fertilization at all stages of regrowth. Herbage yield ofM. maximuswas optimized with 57.1–63.0 kg N ha−1, while herbage yield in 4‐weeks regrowthBrachiariahybrid was optimized with 59.1 kg N ha−1. The combination of herbage yield, 24 h in‐vitro organic matter digestibility, and CP were optimized with 59.1 and 68.2 kg N ha−1in 4‐weeks regrowthBrachiariahybrid and 8‐week regrowthM. maximus, respectively. The efficiency of N fertilizer use for herbage and CP yield was highest with 25 and 75 kg N ha−1, respectively except for 8‐weeks regrowthBrachiariahybrid.ConclusionIt was concluded that the herbage yield and nutritive value of 4‐week regrowthBrachiariahybrid and 8‐week regrowthM. maximusare optimized with 59.1 and 68.2 kg N ha−1, respectively, while all other stages of regrowth were optimized with 75 kg N ha−1.
Non‐destructive prediction of total soluble solids in strawberry using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Agulheiro‐Santos Ana Cristina , Ricardo‐Rodrigues Sara , Laranjo Marta , Melgão Catarina , Velázquez Rocío 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDNear‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is considered to be a fast and reliable non‐destructive technique for fruit analysis. Considering that consumers are looking for strawberries with good sweetness, texture, and appearance, producers need to effectively measure the ripeness stage of strawberries to guarantee their final quality. Therefore, the use of this technique can contribute to decreasing the high level of waste and delivering good ripe strawberries to consumers. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive capacity of NIRS technology, as a possible alternative to conventional methodology, for the analysis of the main organoleptic parameters of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.).RESULTSSpectroscopic measurements and physicochemical analyses [total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, colour, texture] of ‘Victory’ strawberries were carried out. The predictive models developed for titratable acidity, colour and texture were not good enough to quantify those parameters. By contrast, in the NIRS quantitative prediction analysis of TSS, it was observed that the spectral pre‐treatment with the highest predictive capacity was the first derivative 1‐5‐5. The coefficients of determination were: 0.9277 for the calibration model; 0.5755 for the validation model; and 0.8207 for the prediction model, using a seven‐factor partial least squares multivariate regression analysis.CONCLUSIONTherefore, these results demonstrate that NIR analysis could be used to predict the TSS in strawberry, and further work on sampling is desirable to improve the prediction obtained in the present study. It is shown that NIRS technology is a suitable tool for determining quality attributes of strawberry in a fast, economic, and environmentally friendly way. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dry‐salted cod (Gadus morhua) rehydration assisted by pulsed electric fields: modelling of mass transfer kinetics
Authors: Genovese Jessica , Tappi Silvia , Tylewicz Urszula , D'Elia Fabio , De Aguiar Saldanha Pinheiro Ana C. , Rocculi Pietro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDDry‐salted cod (Gadus morhua) must be rehydrated before consumption and this step can take up to 5 days. Desalting of cod on an industrial scale poses many problems, mainly related to the long processing times and the quality of the final product. For this reason, many researchers have focused on finding new desalting methods to improve mass transfer. The application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) has been proposed as an alternative method for improving mass transfer in many food processes. However, there is no previous literature on the use of PEF to improve animal tissue rehydration. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of two PEF pre‐treatments [PEF (1) 500 V cm−1 and PEF (2) 1000 V cm−1] on mass transport kinetics during the rehydration process of salted cod. The rehydration process was carried out under static conditions for 6 days, immersing dry‐salted cod samples in tap water (5 ± 0.5 °C).RESULTSThe results show that the use of PEF technology increases the rate of the rehydration process of dry‐salted cod and influences the redistribution of salt. In general, the samples pre‐treated with PEF showed higher weight gain and lower salt loss than the control samples during the rehydration process.CONCLUSIONThe application of PEF prior to rehydration of salted cod samples could be of interest to the food industry as a result of a higher process yield (higher weight gain) and the possibility to reduce the water renewal because less NaCl is lost in the wastewater. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sound localization in patients with a unilateral hearing aid: Discordance between the right and left ears
Authors: Ha Jungho , Kim Hantai , Lee Ju Ho , Park Hun Yi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesPatients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) have difficulty in recognizing the direction of a sound. Previous studies have shown that hearing aids (HAs) could improve the directional perception of sound. In this study, we analyzed the results of sound localization tests in patients using a unilateral HA.MethodsAll patients with UHL who had performed sound localization tests since 2018 were included in this study. Sound localization tests, functional gain tests, and the speech discrimination scores (SDSs) were analyzed. The tests were obtained at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month after fitting the HA.ResultsOf the 32 patients with UHL, 13 were right‐sided and 19 were left‐sided. After 6 months of using a HA, the results of the sound localization test were significantly better in patients with right than left UHL (percent correct [PCT], 61.9 ± 24.0% vs. 37.9 ± 24.6%, p = .011; mean absolute error (MAE), 41.4 ± 23.9° vs. 65.5 ± 28.6°, p = .018; root‐mean‐square error (RMS), 25.8 ± 17.6° vs. 48.8 ± 24.5°, p = .007]. The aided SDSs were not different between the two groups (78.7 ± 16.5% vs. 77.2 ± 18.5%, p = .825).ConclusionThe side of the hearing loss could have a substantial effect on sound localization in UHL patients using a HA. Sound localization test results should be interpreted with the consideration of this discordance.Level of Evidence4
Failure cause assessment of steam reformer radiant tube after long‐term service
Authors: Dobrotvorskaia Anna N. , Dobrotvorskii Mstislav A. , Shevyakova Elena P. , Simanov Michail A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the damage, microstructure, and mechanical evolution of service‐exposed HP40NbTi radiant tubes of a steam reformer furnace. Tube failure was reported after 6‐year of working at 525°C–830°C in the form of visible longitudinal and transverse cracks. The microstructure was evaluated using optical and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum analysis. The carbide phase transformation was determined by the method based on the matrix dissolution technique and X‐ray diffraction. The results of this study showed that the primary cause of the longitudinal crack formation is the local overheating and the oxidation of the dendritic grain boundaries. The M7C3 carbide transforms completely into the metastable M23C6 phase during high‐temperature service. Metallographic examinations revealed the shrinkage cavities and creep voids that are nucleated on both Cr‐ and Nb‐carbides. The continuous oxide layers of Cr2O3 and SiO2 formed near the inner and outer tube surfaces and the matrix's chemical composition near the outer tube surface was found to be depleted of Cr and C. Mechanical properties are irregular across the samples. A little margin of safety is noted, while the complete ductility dip is detected at room temperature. The root cause analysis of the failure under investigation showed that the tube failed due to the creep.
Pulsatile Darcy flow of water‐based thermally radiative carbon nanotubes between two concentric cylinders
Authors: Rehman Naeem Ur , Hussain Syed Tayyab , Aziz Asim 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIt is perceived that the addition of nanoparticles has increased the heat transfer capabilities of ordinary fluids significantly for both turbulent and laminar flow regimes. The current investigation analyzes the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the pulsatile flow and heat transfer characteristics of viscous fluid between two concentric cylinders in the presence of thermal radiation effects. The flow of Magneto‐hydrodynamic (MHD) viscous fluid in a Darcy type porous medium is driven by the pressure gradient, assumed as a periodic function of time. The fluid is taken as optically thick and radiations can travel only a short distance within the fluid. The magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the direction of flow and the induced magnetic field is considered negligible. The conventional governing equations are based upon partial differential equations affected by the viscosity of the base fluid, effective thermal conductivity, and thermophysical characteristics of CNTs nanoparticles. The exact solutions are obtained in the form of the modified Bessel functions of the first and second kind. The effect of the flow control parameters like thermal radiation parameter , nanoparticles volume fraction , and Darcy number are illustrated through graphs. Based on a comprehensive analysis, it is concluded that the addition of single‐walled carbon nanotubes provides higher velocity and temperature distribution of nanofluid when compared with the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes.
Synthesis and Structural Properties of Adamantane‐Substituted Amines and Amides Containing an Additional Adamantane, Azaadamantane or Diamantane Moiety
Authors: Bonsir Maxime , Kennedy Alan R. , Geerts Yves 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroduction of adamantane moieties on diamondoids such as adamantane, 2‐azaadamantane or diamantane by amide formation and reduction to the corresponding amine was performed in a straightforward and easy way by amidation under Schotten–Baumann conditions and reduction with BH3 ⋅ THF. The obtained amides and amines were studied in terms of structural properties towards the perspective of transformation into nanodiamonds. Crystal structure and dynamic NMR experiments of the most crowded amide obtained gave structural insights into the effect of bulkiness and steric strain on out‐of‐planarity of amide bonds (16.0°) and the kinetics and thermodynamics of amide bond rotation (ΔG≠298K=11.5–13.3 kcal ⋅ mol−1).
Diffusion mechanism and properties of chemical liquids and their mixtures in 977‐2 epoxy resin
Authors: Korkees Feras , Swart Russo , Barsoum Imad 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEpoxy resin is a versatile high‐performance thermosetting material with attractive properties for many engineering applications. However, epoxy resins may come into contact with various chemical liquid environments while in service which can degrade their mechanical properties and deteriorate their performance. Water diffusion into epoxy resins is well‐studied; however, little research has been reported on the diffusion mechanisms of other liquids/solvents and their mixtures. Therefore, this study addresses this gap through the use of gravimetric analysis to investigate the absorption of water and various chemical liquids, and their mixtures into epoxy resin. The liquid diffusion characterizations, which include weight gain, diffusion coefficients, and edge effects have been investigated. A two‐stage absorption process was observed for water, ethanol, methanol, and their mixtures. A unique three‐stage diffusion process of butyl formate, decalin, and their mixtures in 977‐2 epoxy resin was observed. A correction factor was used to account for the edge effects. The experimental results showed a dependency of saturation levels and diffusion coefficients on the polarity of the liquids and on the interaction level between the penetrants and the polymer. Furthermore, the absorption rate of the binary mixtures is intermediate between the rates of either penetrant.