bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red blood cell distribution width‐to‐albumin ratio is associated with all‐cause mortality in cancer patients
Authors: Lu Chengdong , Long Jianyun , Liu Haiyuan , Xie Xupin , Xu Dong , Fang Xin , Zhu Yuandong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCancer causes a serious health burden on patients worldwide. Chronic low‐level inflammation plays a key role in tumorigenesis and prognosis. However, the role of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW)‐to‐albumin (RA) ratio in cancer mortality remains unclear.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we collected clinical information from cancer patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC‐III) version 1.4 database and then calculated RA by dividing RDW by albumin concentration. The primary outcome was 30 days mortality, while secondary outcomes were 90 days and 1 year mortality. Next, we adopted Cox regression models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) together with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all‐cause mortalities associated with the RA ratio.ResultsFor 30 days mortality, the HR (95% CI) for the high RA ratio (≥5.51) was 2.17 [95CI% (1.87–2.51); p = <0.0001], compared with the low RA ratio (<5.51). In Model 2, we adjusted sex and age and obtained HR (95% CI) of 2.17 [95CI% (1.87–2.52); p = <0.0001] for the high RA ratio (≥5.51) group, compared to that in the low RA ratio (<5.51). In Model 3, adjusting for age, sex, anion gap, hematocrit, white blood cell count, congestive heart failure, SOFA, liver disease, and renal failure resulted in HR (95% CI) of 1.74 [95CI% (1.48–2.04); p = <0.0001] for the high RA ratio (≥5.51) relative to the low RA ratio (<5.51). We also analyzed common diseases in cancer patients but found no significant association.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that increased RA ratio is independently associated with increased all‐cause mortality in cancer patients.
A script‐based method for achieving distortion‐free selected area electron diffraction
Authors: Mitchell David R. G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractElectron diffraction patterns obtained on a TEM contain elliptical distortion resulting from column defects. This distortion can be corrected by applying offsets to the objective lens stigmators to cancel distortions occurring further down the column. In this work, a DigitalMicrographTM script‐based method has been developed to identify the optimum objective stigmator settings which produce a distortion minimum in diffraction. Initially, a manual (by eye) correction is used to determine the stigmator values necessary to bring the pattern distortion below the threshold at which it is no longer visible to the naked eye (<1%). Thereafter, an automated acquisition script is used to acquire matrices of diffraction patterns while varying the stigmator values about the values which were identified as producing a distortion minimum in the preceding step. This analysis can be applied iteratively to refine the location of the distortion minimum, using progressively finer step changes in objective stigmator values. The optimum stigmator values producing the distortion minimum in diffraction are very different to those in imaging. These imaging and diffraction stigmator values can be saved to script and subsequently recalled at the click of a button, making their application very simple. Using this method, diffraction pattern elliptical distortion in a newly installed TEM was reduced from 1.6% to 0.3%, on a measurement precision of 0.3%, effectively producing distortion‐free diffraction. The relevant scripts can be freely downloaded from the internet.Research HighlightsThis paper reports a DigitalMicrograph script‐based method to identify and subsequently apply optimized objective stigmator values in diffraction mode. These effectively eliminate elliptical distortion inherent to this diffraction technique.
Comparison of the osseointegration of implants placed in areas grafted with HA/TCP and native bone
Authors: Lima Julia Raulino , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , Pinotti Felipe Eduardo , Marcantonio Rosemary Adriana Chiérici , Marcantonio‐Junior Elcio , de Oliveira Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated the osseointegration of implants in areas grafted with biphasic ceramic based on hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) and in native bone (NB). Twenty‐eight rats were randomly assigned into two groups of 14 animals each: HA/TCP group: implants installed in areas grafted with HA/TCP and NB group: implants installed in areas of native bone. Bone defects were made in both tibiae of the rats belonging to the HA/TCP group and then filled with this bone substitute. After 60 days, the rats were submitted to surgical procedures for implant placement in grafted areas in both tibiae in the HA/TCP group while the implants were installed directly in native bone in the NB group. The animals were euthanized 15 and 45 days, respectively, after the implant placement. Biomechanical (removal torque), microtomographic (volume of mineralized tissues around the implants), and histomorphometric (Bone‐Implant contact—%BIC and bone area between the implant threads—%BBT) analyzes were conducted to assess the osseointegration process. The HA/TCP group showed lower values of removal torque, volume of mineralized tissue around the implants, lower %BIC, and %BBT compared to the NB group in both experimental periods. Osseointegration of implants placed in grafted areas with HA/TCP was lower compared to the osseointegration observed in native bone areas.Research Highlights
The areas grated with HA/TCP presented poor biological conditions.
The reduced biological properties for bone formation impaired the osseointegration in HA/TCP grafted areas.
Morphology of the tongue dorsal surface of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Onuk Burcu , Yardımcı Banu , Selviler‐Sizer Sedef , Kabak Murat 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the morphology of the tongue, which varies among fish species and has not been studied in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), using macro‐anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As research materials, the tongues of eight adult turbot, which were used for consumption, were examined. The roughly triangular‐shaped tongue of the turbot consisted of three parts: apex, body, and root. The thickness of the tongue continued to increase from the apex to the root. Although papillae were not observed in the macroscopic examination of the tongue, microscopic examination revealed the presence of cone‐like shaped papillae on the submucosa. The tongue was composed of mucosa, submucosa, and hyaline cartilage. By SEM the presence of the taste buds (Types I and III), taste pores and papillae on the dorsal surface were demonstrated. Taste buds are the first descriptions in S. maximus. Therefore our results could add new data to the fish tongue anatomy.HighlightsMorphological and morphometric data of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) tongue were obtained in this study and compared with other species. In addition, the dorsal surface of the turbot tongue was described for the first time using SEM.
Golden‐Angle Radial MRI: Basics, Advances, and Applications
Authors: Feng Li 
Published: April 2022

In recent years, golden‐angle radial sampling has received substantial attention and interest in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) community, and it has become a popular sampling trajectory for both research and clinical use. However, although the number of relevant techniques and publications has grown rapidly, there is still a lack of a review paper that provides a comprehensive overview and summary of the basics of golden‐angle rotation, the advantages and challenges/limitations of golden‐angle radial sampling, and recommendations in using different types of golden‐angle radial trajectories for MRI applications. Such a review paper is expected to be helpful both for clinicians who are interested in learning the potential benefits of golden‐angle radial sampling and for MRI physicists who are interested in exploring this research direction. The main purpose of this review paper is thus to present an overview and summary about golden‐angle radial MRI sampling. The review consists of three sections. The first section aims to answer basic questions such as: what is a golden angle; how is the golden angle calculated; why is golden‐angle radial sampling useful, and what are its limitations. The second section aims to review more advanced trajectories of golden‐angle radial sampling, including tiny golden‐angle rotation, stack‐of‐stars golden‐angle radial sampling, and three‐dimensional (3D) kooshball golden‐angle radial sampling. Their respective advantages and limitations and potential solutions to address these limitations are also discussed. Finally, the third section reviews MRI applications that can benefit from golden‐angle radial sampling and provides recommendations to readers who are interested in implementing golden‐angle radial trajectories in their MRI studies.Evidence Level5Technical EfficacyStage 1
Fragmentation pathways of deprotonated ortho‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol
Authors: Kumar Meenu , Zheng Zhaoyu , Nishshanka Upul , Xia Hanxue , Weisbecker Carl , Attygalle Athula B. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe ortho, meta, and para isomers of hydroxybenzyl alcohol can be unequivocally distinguished by the collision‐induced dissociation mass spectra of their anions. The presence of a prominent peak at m/z 121 for an elimination of a dihydrogen molecule renders the ortho‐isomer spectrum markedly different from those of its meta and para congeners. Investigations carried out with deuterium‐labeled isotopologues of the ortho isomer verified that the labile hydrogen atom on the hydroxyl group and one of the benzylic hydrogen atoms are specifically removed in the formation of the m/z 121 ion. The ortho‐isomer spectrum also showed a prominent peak at m/z 93. Experimental data indicated that the m/z 93 product ion originates either from a two‐step H2and CO elimination mechanism or from a direct loss of a HCHO molecule from the precursor anion. The intensity ratio of the m/z 93 and 94 peaks in the spectrum recorded from the m/z 124 ion generated from a sample of o‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol dissolved in D2O supported the notion that the direct HCHO loss is the more dominant pathway for the generation of the phenolate ion under low activation conditions. In contrast, the two‐step mechanism becomes the more dominant pathway under high collisional activation conditions. The spectrum also showed a weak peak at m/z 105 for a water loss. Based on computational data, the m/z 105 ion generated in this way appears to be a composite generated from a common ion‐neutral complex intermediate in which a hydroxyl anion is positioned equidistantly between one of the benzylic hydrogens and a nearby hydrogen atom of the benzene ring. Upon activation, the complex dissociates to form either a phenide or a quinone methide anion. The reaction forming a carbon dioxide adduct under ion‐mobility conditions was used to support the proposed water‐loss mechanism.
Robust design of fractional order IMC controller for fractional order processes with time delay
Authors: Gnaneshwar Kurnam , Trivedi Rishika , Padhy Prabin Kumar 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis article presents a novel approach to the robust design of fractional order IMC controller for the fractional‐order (FO) plus time delay processes. The proposed methodology provides the flexibility to adjust the controller performance based on the application requirement using a single parameter. Also, it does not require any external filter. Thus, it ensures a better response over existing methods. A mathematical analysis is provided to select the tuning parameter to obtain the optimal solution. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is measured for different FO processes with time delay using time‐domain specifications, performance indices and frequency domain parameters. Load disturbance analysis under various disturbances and robust analysis under uncertainty in process gain in the presence of the disturbances is carried out to study the sensitivity and robustness of the controller. The performance parameters are estimated in both analyses and compared with the different approaches available in the literature.
The characteristics of mesoscale convective systems generated over the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau during the warm seasons
Authors: Guo Yuanjing , Du Yu , Lu Riyu , Feng Xinxian , Li Jun , Zhang Yuanchun , Mai Zi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe characteristics of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau (YGP) during the warm seasons (April–August) are investigated using an automatic tracking algorithm based on long‐term (2000–2018) hourly geostationary satellites data of temperature of black body. A total of 1,845 MCSs generated over the YGP are identified and further classified into the eastward moving type (EMT; ~13.1%) and noneastward moving/dissipating type (NDT; ~86.9%). The two types of MCSs exhibit varying characteristics. The EMTs are mainly active in the eastern flank of the YGP with a longer mean lifespan (~16.5 hr), while the NDTs occur anywhere over the YGP with a preference for the central YGP with a shorter mean lifespan (~7.6 hr). The MCSs are observed most frequently during June–July, while the ratio of EMTs reaches the highest in April due to the strongest steering flows. The abundant moisture supply plays a vital role in the generation and development of MCSs in June, whereas the dynamic forcing and high CAPE are favourable to MCSs in July. In terms of the diurnal cycle, the NDTs are generally initiated in the afternoon, reach mature in the late afternoon, and dissipate at night. By contrast, the mature stage of EMTs shows double diurnal peaks in the late afternoon and early morning. The MCSs are usually generated in an instable environment accompanied by strong vertical wind shear and intense low‐level water vapour flux over the YGP, and the MCSs tend to vacate the YGP with strong mid‐level westerlies and instable environment in the downstream regions. Compared to MCSs in Tibetan Plateau, the ratio of the EMTs is higher with longer lifespans though fewer MCSs are generated over the YGP.
Hyper‐Raman spectral signatures of structured and de‐structured hydrogen‐bonded water
Authors: Korepanov Vitaly , Yu Chun‐Chieh , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHyper‐Raman (HR) spectra of liquid water have been measured in the temperature range from 15 to 45°C. A total of 76 spectra obtained at an interval of about 0.5°C are analyzed by singular value decomposition (SVD) and multivariate curve resolution with alternate least squares (MCR‐ALS) analyses. Obtained temperature‐dependent HR spectra are univocally decomposed into two components, corresponding to de‐structured hydrogen‐bonded water (DH water) and structured hydrogen‐bonded water (SH water). The results are in complete agreement with those of Raman spectroscopy, supporting the understanding that SH water and DH water coexist in thermal equilibrium in ambient liquid water.
Supplementation of sulfur and folic acid improves performance of broiler chicken fed suboptimal concentrations of dietary methionine
Authors: Rao Savaram Venkata Rama , Raju Mantena Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha , Srilatha Thota , Nagalakshmi Devanaboyina , Rajkumar Ullengala 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDSupplementation of sulfur (S) and folic acid (FA) are known to spare the dietary requirement of methionine (Met) in chicken. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding graded concentrations of FA (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 mg kg−1) and two concentrations of S (0 and 2 g kg−1) in 5 × 2 factorial design. Diet without FA and S was considered as negative control (NC). Another diet with the recommended concentration of Met was considered as the positive control (PC). Each diet was offered ad libitum from day 1 to 42 to 10 pens of 20 male chicks each.RESULTSBroilers fed the NC diet had lower body weight gain (BWG), high feed conversion ratio, lower ready‐to‐cook yield, higher lipid peroxidation and reduced concentrations of protein and albumin in serum. BWG improved with FA at day 21 and showed a trend of improvement at day 42. Similarly, BWG improved with S supplementation at day 42. The FA and S interaction indicated a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation with S supplementation at the majority of FA levels. Serum protein fractions increased with increased dietary FA content and increased further with S supplementation.CONCLUSIONBased on the results, it is concluded that the combination of FA (4 mg kg−1) and S (2 g kg−1) improved BWG. Similarly, the feed efficiency with 6 mg FA alone or with S was similar to the PC group. The improvement was probably due to the increase in protein accretion and reduction in lipid peroxidation with FA and S supplementation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of harvest time span on physicochemical properties, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory activities of Meliponinae honey
Authors: Wu Ming‐Cheng , Wu Cheng‐Yin , Klaithin Kanokwan , Tiong Kuok Kiang , Peng Chi‐Chung 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe maturity of honey has a great impact on its quality and contents. Additionally, stingless bee honey contains high moisture, which allows microorganisms to survive and ferment, contributing to honey's variable flavor and physicochemical properties. Therefore, there is a need for better quality control of the honey process, especially the harvest time of honey.RESULTSWe gathered honey from the nest of stingless bees Heterotrigona itama and Tetrigona binghami over different time periods, i.e. 15, 30, and 45 days. The results show harvest time considerably affects the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of honey. Good antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity can be found in honey produced from a longer harvest time. Compared with 15‐day harvest time, at 30‐ or 45‐day harvest time water, trehalulose, and protein content and total acidity increased, and the content of reducing sugars, fructose and glucose, and pH values, decreased in both types of honey. Moreover, compared with 15‐day harvest time, the sum of six organic acids in the 45‐day honey of H. itama fluctuated between 2.78 to 4.12 g 100 g−1 and in the 45‐day honey of T. binghami increased from 1.66 to 3.61 g 100 g−1, respectively.CONCLUSIONHoney harvest time had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of stingless bee honey (H. itama or T. binghami). This study provides a reference for beekeepers to adjust harvest time to obtain honey with suitable physicochemical parameters. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Speckle‐Tracking Analysis in Fetuses With Tetralogy of Fallot: Evaluation of Right and Left Ventricular Contractility and Left Ventricular Function
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Afshar Yalda , Harake Danielle , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesThis study examines fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and evaluates the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular contractility and LV function using speckle‐tracking analysis of the endocardium.MethodsThe study group consisted of 44 fetuses with TOF, of which 34% had pulmonary valve atresia (N = 15) and 59% (N = 26) had pulmonary valve stenosis. The RV and LV global fractional area change, longitudinal contractility (longitudinal strain, free wall strain, septal strain, free wall and septal annular fractional shortening, and free wall and septal wall annular plane systolic excursion), and transverse contractility (24‐segment fractional shortening) as well as LV functional assessment (stroke volume, cardiac output, and ejection fraction) were measured using speckle‐tracking analysis. The z‐scores of the measurements were compared to 200 controls.ResultsCompared to controls, measurements of LV contractility in fetuses with TOF demonstrated significantly abnormal values for global contractility, longitudinal contractility, and transverse contractility of the mid and apical segments. LV function was abnormal for stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and ejection fraction (EF). In comparison, RV contractility demonstrated no significant difference between TOF and control z‐score values for RV global contractility. Only two RV measurements were found to be abnormal: longitudinal contractility and transverse contractility of the apical segments.ConclusionUsing multiple measurement tools to evaluate global, longitudinal, and transverse contractility, this study identified significant differences between fetuses with TOF and healthy controls, with greater contractility abnormalities seen in the LV than in the RV.
Restoration of ecologically valuable grassland on sites degraded by invasive Solidago: lessons from a 6‐year experiment
Authors: Szymura Magdalena , Świerszcz Sebastian , Szymura Tomasz H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMost semi‐natural grasslands are threatened by invasive alien plants, which have also overgrown abandoned fields. We conducted a 6‐year experiment testing different methods of eliminating invasive Solidago species and adding seed to restore valuable species‐rich grassland. Three removal treatments (herbicide spraying, rototilling, turf stripping) and two seed addition methods (direct sowing of a fast‐growing grass species mixture, spreading of fresh hay collected from a semi‐natural meadow) were examined alongside control treatments (no removal, no seed addition). The experimental plots were mowed twice a year, and the vegetation composition, biomass production, hay chemical composition, and fodder quality were assessed. Mowing twice a year significantly reduced Solidago cover. Although significant differences were observed in the invaders' cover between the removal treatments and between the seed addition methods early in the study, the differences lessened over time, especially for the removal treatments. By the end of the 6‐year study period, the Solidago cover was reduced to 25% of the initial complete coverage. Spreading fresh hay greatly reduced Solidago biomass and yielded the highest characteristic species cover. Herbicide treatment was no more efficient than the more environmentally friendly methods over the study period. The results suggest that fresh hay is good method of seed addition for restoring old fields overgrown by invasive Solidago. With mowing of the restored area twice a year for several years, Solidago removal by turf striping (scalping) followed by the spreading of fresh hay is recommended for grassland restoration given its environmental impact, cost, and hay quality.
SPASER as Nanoprobe for Biological Applications: Current State and Opportunities
Authors: Wang Jian‐Hua , Wang Shao‐Peng , Melentiev Pavel N. , Balykin Victor I. , Xu Jing‐Juan , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Kang Bin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSince the concept of surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (SPASER) was proposed in 2003, great progresses have been made on two kinds of plasmonic nanolasers, namely SPASER device and SPASER nanoparticle. In comparison, SPASER nanoparticle, with ultra‐narrow emission line, small size, and good biocompatibility, is a kind of promising luminescent nanoprobe and has a bright application prospect in biomedical imaging and sensing. Hence, it is gradually becoming an attractive research hotspot in the world. However, as the research on SPASER nanoparticle is still in its infancy, there are still lots of problems to be solved before it is widely applied. In this paper, the latest research advances of SPASER nanoparticles and their biological applications are reviewed. Besides existing problems, challenges and opportunities of SPASER nanoparticles as next generation luminescent nanoprobes are discussed as well.