bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neoadjuvant Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qu Chao , Zeng Piao‐e , Wang Hang‐yan , Yuan Chun‐hui , Yuan Hui‐shu , Xiu Dian‐rong 
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors of the human digestive system. Due to its insidious onset, many patients have already lost the opportunity for radical resection upon tumor diagnosis. In recent years, neoadjuvant treatment for patients with borderline resectable PDAC has been recommended by multiple guidelines to increase the resection rate of radical surgery and improve the postoperative survival. However, further developments are required to accurately assess the tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy and to select the population suitable for such treatment. Reductions in drug toxicity and the number of neoadjuvant cycles are also critical. At present, the clinical evaluation of neoadjuvant treatment is mainly based on several serological and imaging indicators; however, the unique characteristics of PDAC and the insufficient sensitivity and specificity of the markers render this system ineffective. The imaging evaluation system, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has its own unique imaging advantages compared with computed tomography (CT) and other imaging examinations. One key advantage is the ability to reflect the changes more rapidly in tumor tissue components, such as the degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and tissue hypoxia. It can also perform multiparameter quantitative analysis of tumor tissue and changes, attributing to its increasingly important role in imaging evaluation, and potentially the evaluation of neoadjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer, as several current articles have studied. At the same time, owing to the complexity of MRI and some of its limitations, its wider application is limited. Compared with CT imaging, few relevant studies have been conducted. In this review article, we will investigate and summarize the advantages, limitations, and future development of MRI in the evaluation of neoadjuvant treatment of PDAC.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Molecular Co‐Assembly of Two Building Blocks Harnesses Both their Attributes into a Functional Supramolecular Hydrogel
Authors: Chakraborty Priyadarshi , Aviv Moran , Netti Francesca , Cohen‐Gerassi Dana , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEngineering ordered nanostructures through molecular self‐assembly of simple building blocks constitutes the essence of modern nanotechnology to develop functional supramolecular biomaterials. However, the lack of adequate chemical and functional diversity often hinders the utilization of unimolecular self‐assemblies for practical applications. Co‐assembly of two different building blocks can essentially harness both of their attributes and produce nanostructured macro‐scale objects with improved physical properties and desired functional complexity. Herein, the authors report the co‐operative co‐assembly of a modified amino acid, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl‐pentafluoro‐phenylalanine (Fmoc‐F5‐Phe), and a peptide, Fmoc‐Lys(Fmoc)‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp [Fmoc‐K(Fmoc)‐RGD] into a functional supramolecular hydrogel. A change in the morphology and fluorescence emission, as well as improvement of the mechanical properties in the mixed hydrogels compared to the pristine hydrogels, demonstrate the signature of co‐operative co‐assembly mechanism. Intriguingly, this approach harnesses the advantages of both components in a synergistic way, resulting in a single homogeneous biomaterial possessing the antimicrobial property of Fmoc‐F5‐Phe and the biocompatibility and cell adhesive characteristics of Fmoc‐K(Fmoc)‐RGD. This work exemplifies the importance of the co‐assembly process in nanotechnology and lays the foundation for future developments in supramolecular chemistry by harnessing the advantages of diverse functional building blocks into a mechanically stable functional biomaterial.
Synergistically Improved Oxygen Barrier Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate by Combining “Active” and “Passive” Barrier Techniques
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Quan Lijun , Tong Zeming , Zhang Penghui , Nian Shifeng , Gong Lei , Li Zhong‐Ming , Zhang Qiuyu , Chen Yanhui , Liu Zhenguo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe relatively poor oxygen barrier properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) limit its high‐end use in flexible electronic substrates. In this work, the oxygen barrier properties of PET films are highly improved by biaxially stretching PET films containing oxygen scavengers. The “active” oxygen scavengers result in a higher crystallinity of biaxially stretched PET films, improving the “passive” barrier properties. Biaxial stretching processing increases the surface area of oxygen scavengers’ domain, which consumes the oxygen molecules more effectively, thus improving the “active” barrier properties. More importantly, the enhanced “passive” barrier path prolongs the residence time of oxygen molecules in the films, allowing the oxygen scavenges to have enough time to sufficiently react with oxygen molecules. As a result, the oxygen permeability coefficient of biaxially stretching PET films containing oxygen scavengers is as low as 14.5792 cc mil m−2 day−1 0.1 MPa−1, synergistically improved by a factor of 11.99 compared to pristine PET films.
Microbial diversity of garden snail mucus
Authors: Belouhova Mihaela , Daskalova Elmira , Yotinov Ivaylo , Topalova Yana , Velkova Lyudmila , Dolashki Aleksander , Dolashka Pavlina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe search for new natural compounds for application in medicine and cosmetics is a trend in biotechnology. One of the sources of such active compounds is the snail mucus. Snail physiology and the biological activity of their fluids (especially the mucus) are still poorly studied. Only a few previous studies explored the relationship between snails and their microbiome. The present study was focused on the biodiversity of the snail mucus used in the creation of cosmetic products, therapeutics, and nutraceuticals. The commonly used cultivation techniques were applied for the determination of the number of major bacterial groups. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for key taxa was performed. The obtained images were subjected to digital image analysis. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was also done. The results showed that the mucus harbors a rich bacterial community (10.78 × 1010 CFU/ml). Among the dominant bacteria, some are known for their ability to metabolize complex polysaccharides or are usually found in soil and plants (Rhizobiaceae, Shewanella, Pedobacter, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes). The obtained data demonstrated that the snail mucus creates a unique environment for the development of the microbial community that differs from other parts of the animal and which resulted from the combined contribution of the microbiomes derived from the soil, plants, and the snails.
Improved accuracy and precision with three‐parameter simultaneous myocardial T1and T2mapping using multiparametric SASHA
Authors: Chow Kelvin , Hayes Genevieve , Flewitt Jacqueline A. , Feuchter Patricia , Lydell Carmen , Howarth Andrew , Pagano Joseph J. , Thompson Richard B. , Kellman Peter , White James A. 
Published: February 2022

PurposeTo develop and validate a three‐parameter model for improved precision multiparametric SAturation‐recovery single‐SHot Acquisition (mSASHA) cardiac T1and T2mapping with high accuracy in a single breath‐hold.MethodsThe mSASHA acquisition consists of nine images of variable saturation recovery and T2preparation in 11 heartbeats with T1and T2values calculated using a three‐parameter model. It was validated in simulations and phantoms at 3 T with comparison to a four‐parameter joint T1‐T2technique. The mSASHA acquisition was compared with MOLLI, SASHA, and T2‐prepared balanced SSFP in 10 volunteers.ResultsThe mSASHA technique had high accuracy in phantoms compared to spin echo, with −0.2 ± 0.3% T1error and −2.4 ± 1.3% T2error. The mSASHA coefficient of variation in phantoms for T1was similar to MOLLI (0.7 ± 0.2% for both) and T2‐prepared balanced SSFP for T2(1.3 ± 0.7% vs 1.4 ± 0.3%, adjustedp> .05 for both). In simulations, three‐parameter mSASHA had higher precision than four‐parameter joint T1‐T2for both T1and T2(46% and 11% reductions in T1and T2interquartile range for native myocardium). In vivo myocardial mSASHA T1was similar to SASHA (1523 ± 18 ms vs 1520 ± 18 ms) with similar coefficient of variation to both MOLLI and SASHA (3.3 ± 0.6% vs 3.1 ± 0.6% and 3.3 ± 0.5% respectively, adjustedp> .05 for all). Myocardial mSASHA T2was 37.1 ± 1.1 ms with similar precision to T2‐prepared balanced SSFP (6.7 ± 1.7% vs 6.0 ± 1.6%, adjustedp> .05).ConclusionThree‐parameter mSASHA provides high‐accuracy cardiac T1and T2quantification in a single breath‐hold with similar precision to MOLLI and T2‐prepared balanced SSFP. Further study is required to both establish normative values and demonstrate clinical utility in patient populations.
Hyperstability in Electrofishing Catch Rates of Common Carp and Bigmouth Buffalo
Authors: Simonson Martin A. , Weber Michael J. , McCombs Audrey 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Electrofishing catch per unit effort (CPUE) can be an effective index of relative abundance when CPUE is proportional to population density. However, the relationship between fish catch rates and density can be variable and not proportional because catchability may not be constant under a range of environmental conditions. Hyperstability occurs when catch rates change faster than population density, whereas hyperdepletion occurs when catch rates change slower than population density. We used capture–mark–recapture methods to estimate density of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio and Bigmouth Buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus across 24 lake-years. Next, we developed log-linear mixed-effects models to assess the relationship between catch rates and density to predict electrofishing CPUE based on density and environmental covariates. Common Carp and Bigmouth Buffalo electrofishing CPUE exhibited hyperstability; CPUE initially increased faster at low density but reached an asymptote as density continued to increase. Common Carp catch rates increased with water temperature and were negatively associated with season; highest catch rates occurred in the warmest temperatures of spring, whereas the lowest catch rates occurred in the coldest temperatures of fall. Bigmouth Buffalo electrofishing CPUE was negatively related to water temperature but had a quadratic relationship with season; catch rates were highest in the spring and fall when water temperatures were coldest. Secchi depth, shoreline length, and maximum depth did not influence our model predictions in either species. Electrofishing had little power to detect simulated changes in Bigmouth Buffalo density regardless of sampling effort, whereas power to detect changes in Common Carp density increase with population changes and sampling effort. At low population densities for both species, electrofishing CPUE is expected to increase or decrease faster than density and can obscure conclusions about population trajectories but may still be useful for monitoring population fluctuations if hyperstability is accounted for by a correction factor.
A fractional model for anomalous diffusion with increased variability: Analysis, algorithms and applications to interface problems
Authors: D'Elia Marta , Glusa Christian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFractional equations have become the model of choice in several applications where heterogeneities at the microstructure result in anomalous diffusive behavior at the macroscale. In this work we introduce a new fractional operator characterized by a doubly‐variable fractional order and possibly truncated interactions. Under certain conditions on the model parameters and on the regularity of the fractional order we show that the corresponding Poisson problem is well‐posed. We also introduce a finite element discretization and describe an efficient implementation of the finite‐element matrix assembly in the case of piecewise constant fractional order. Through several numerical tests, we illustrate the improved descriptive power of this new operator across media interfaces. Furthermore, we present one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional h‐convergence results that show that the variable‐order model has the same convergence behavior as the constant‐order model.
Amide Moieties Modulate the Antimicrobial Activities of Conjugated Oligoelectrolytes against Gram‐negative Bacteria
Authors: Limwongyut Jakkarin , Moreland Alex S. , Nie Chenyao , Read de Alaniz Javier , Bazan Guillermo C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCationic conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) are a class of compounds that can be tailored to achieve relevant in vitro antimicrobial properties with relatively low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Three distyrylbenzene‐based COEs were designed containing amide functional groups on the side chains. Their properties were compared to two representative COEs with only quaternary ammonium groups. The optimal compound, COE2−3C−C3‐Apropyl, has an antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli with an MIC=2 μg mL−1, even in the presence of human serum albumin low cytotoxicity (IC50=740 μg mL−1) and minimal hemolytic activity. Moreover, we find that amide groups increase interactions between COEs and a bacterial lipid mimic based on calcein leakage assay and allow COEs to readily permeabilize the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli. These findings suggest that hydrogen bond forming moieties can be further applied in the molecular design of antimicrobial COEs to further improve their selectivity towards bacteria.
Colour, chemical compounds, and antioxidant capacity of Astragali Radix based on untargeted metabolomics and targeted quantification
Authors: Yang Mei , Yin Minzhen , Chu Shanshan , Zhao Yujiao , Fang Qingying , Cheng Ming'en , Peng Huasheng , Huang Luqi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionAstragali Radix has been used for over 2000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. Its secondary xylem “Jinjing” and secondary phloem “Yulan” are important for evaluating the quality of the Daodi medicinal material in China. However, its systematic characterisation has not been conducted.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the colour, chemical compounds, and antioxidant capacity of the secondary xylem and phloem of Astragali Radix on the basis of untargeted metabolomics, broadening the application scope of Astragali Radix in food and pharmaceutical industries.MethodsThe L*, a*, and b* of the secondary xylem and phloem were measured by colorimetry, and the chemical compounds were identified and quantified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector‐evaporative light scattering detection. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays were conducted to evaluate their antioxidant capacity.ResultsThirty‐one compounds were identified by UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS. The secondary xylem exhibited high parameter b*, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity, while the secondary phloem was rich in astragalosides. The colour parameters of well‐defined type A significantly varied from those of the other types. Well‐defined type A also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and flavonoid content, followed by middle type A‐like, middle type B‐like, and yellow shading type B.ConclusionThe colour parameters, chemical compounds, and antioxidant capacity among the different transverse sections of secondary xylem and phloem varied. The yellow colour of secondary xylem was correlated to high flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, and well‐defined type A of Astragali Radix had better quality than other types.
Study on high energy absorption of spontaneous closed cell polyacrylate foam
Authors: Deng Jingqian , Liu Meng , Du Zhongjie , Zhang Chen , Wang Hui , Kong Peng , Zou Wei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo solve the problem of poor waterproof and moisture resistance caused by the high open‐cell ratio of polyacrylate foam, a special foam stabilizer (MMA‐g‐SI) for acrylate was synthesized with polyacrylate as the main chain and aminosiloxane as the side chain. MMA‐g‐SI has good foam stability in the process of acrylate foaming, and can significantly reduce the surface tension and further increase the closed‐cell content. When the amount of MMA‐g‐SI was 1.0 wt%, the water absorption of foam decreased from 64.3% to 2.1%. The point impact energy absorption increased from 50% to 72%, and the surface impact energy absorption increased from 28% to 35%. Moreover, with the increase of density, the point impact energy absorption of the foam increased, while the surface impact energy absorption decreased. The special foam stabilizer has a good application prospect in the field of acrylate foaming.
Are cancer patients with high depressive symptom levels able to manage these symptoms without professional care? The role of coping and social support
Authors: Bickel Esmée A. , Fleer Joke , Ranchor Adelita V. , Schroevers Maya J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveAround 25% of cancer patients experiences depressive symptoms. However, the majority does not receive formal psychological care because patients often prefer managing symptoms alone or with informal social support. Previous research has shown that adaptive coping and social support can indeed be effective in managing relatively mild depressive symptoms. However, higher depressive symptom levels rarely improve without psychological treatment. This longitudinal study examined how and to what extent coping and social support are related to reductions in depressive symptoms in cancer patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.MethodsRespondents were diagnosed with cancer in the past five years, experienced high depressive symptom levels (PHQ‐9 ≥ 10) and were not receiving psychological care at baseline. We collected data with self‐report questionnaires (including PHQ‐9, brief COPE and Social Support List) at two assessments, taken three months apart.ResultsAlthough depressive symptoms decreased significantly between baseline and follow‐up, the average level at follow‐up was still moderate to severe. Patients using less avoidant coping, specifically less substance use, were more likely to report a reduction of depressive symptoms. We found no significant beneficial effects of approach coping and social support (coping) on the course of depressive symptoms.ConclusionsA significant group of cancer patients with high levels of depressive symptoms do not seem able to effectively manage depressive symptoms by themselves, especially those more likely to avoid dealing with their symptoms. Cancer patients can be educated about avoidant coping and its possible detrimental effects, as well as being informed about possibilities of psychosocial services.
Neighbor interactions and settlement intentions of African Migrants in urban China: A case study of Guangzhou
Authors: Tan Yiming , Xue Desheng , Zhang Bo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe presence of African migrants in Chinese cities has attracted extensive scholarly interest. While several studies have noticed a decline in the population of African migrants in Guangzhou along with the recent changes of policies on immigration control, the present study casts new light to the currently remaining African migrants in Guangzhou who are less susceptible to the strict immigration control measures and are more likely to be socially included due to the recent favorable policies. It attempts to investigate what factors can further motivate their willingness to stay permanently in the city, and draws attention to the effects of neighbor interactions given their importance for the African communities in China as recently uncovered. Empirical data on 468 respondents were derived from a questionnaire survey conducted in the Xiaobei area of Guangzhou. Through descriptive and multivariate analyses of the determinants of settlement intentions, the present study finds that neighbor interactions affect the settlement intentions of the two major groups of African migrants, namely overseas students and businessmen, in quite different ways. Better affective neighbor relations are conducive to stronger settlement intentions for businessmen, while such an effect is found insignificant for the overseas students. The present study contributes new insights to the literature on settlement intentions by highlighting the importance of neighborhood supporting systems. It also has the potential to encourage new avenues for further research on the settlement intention of foreign populations in urban China, who are confronted with the constantly changing policy environment on immigration control.
Model‐free robust adaptive integral sliding mode impedance control of knee–ankle–toe active transfemoral prosthesis
Authors: Wu Zhengen , Chen Yawei , Geng Yanli , Wang Xirui , Xuan Bokai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWearing appropriate active prosthesis is the guarantee of daily life for amputees. Normally the controller of the traditional active transfemoral prosthesis is designed based on the mathematical model. The modelling error and the external interference will reduce the control accuracy of the system and make the prosthesis unable to operate in the desired trajectory.MethodsFirstly, combined with time delay estimation (TDE), a model‐free robust integral sliding mode impedance controller is designed. This method not only suppress the impedance error, but also eliminate the nonlinear relationship and disturbance in the dynamic model. Secondly, an adaptive law is proposed to update the controller gain, which provide stable control effect. Thirdly, the stability of prosthesis closed‐loop system is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the motor torque is used to drive each joint, and Matlab/Simscape is used to verify the prosthesis control system.ResultsFrom the result of the simulation experiment, the control method has a good tracking effect on each joint. The root mean square error and mean absolute errors of each joint's angle tracking error are 0.6123°, 1.9976°, 0.5574° and 0.2635°, 1.8175°, 0.4796°. Compared with the controller without adaptive gain and impedance control, the control effect is improved, and the plantar pressure of amputees is closer to the sound side.ConclusionsComparing the results of different controllers, the adaptive integral sliding mode impedance controller with TDE can better track the expected angles of each joint. The gait is more normal. The walking performance of the prosthesis wearers is improved.