bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Portable single‐sided NMR measurements at variable temperatures: Implementation of a thermo‐controlled device and application to the heating of bread dough
Authors: Rondeau‐Mouro Corinne , Cambert Mireille , Blondel Laurent , Diascorn Yves , Mbaya Léo , Binti Ahmad Nazari Nor Nadiah , Helary Sarah , Lucas Tiphaine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA temperature control unit was implemented to vary the temperature of samples studied on a commercial Mobile Universal Surface Explorer nuclear magnetic resonance (MOUSE‐NMR) apparatus. The device was miniaturized to fit the maximum MOUSE sampling depth (25 mm). It was constituted by a sample holder sandwiched between two heat exchangers placed below and above the sample. Air was chosen as the fluid to control the temperature at the bottom of the sample, at the interface between the NMR probe and the sample holder, in order to gain space. The upper surface of the sample was regulated by the circulation of water inside a second heat exchanger placed above the sample holder. The feasibility of using such a device was demonstrated first on pure water and then on several samples of bread dough with different water contents. For this, T1 relaxation times were measured at various temperatures and depths and were then compared with those acquired with a conventional compact closed‐magnet spectrometer. Discussion of results was based on biochemical transformations in bread dough (starch gelatinization and gluten heat denaturation). It was demonstrated that, within a certain water level range, and because of the low magnetic field strength of the MOUSE, a linear relationship could be established between T1 relaxation times and the local temperature in the dough sample.
Motion‐compensated fat‐water imaging for 3D cardiac MRI at ultra‐high fields
Authors: Dietrich Sebastian , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Mayer Johannes , Kolbitsch Christoph , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette , Schaeffter Tobias , Schmitter Sebastian 
Published: January 2022

PurposeRespiratory motion‐compensated (MC) 3D cardiac fat‐water imaging at 7T.MethodsFree‐breathing bipolar 3D triple‐echo gradient‐recalled‐echo (GRE) data with radial phase‐encoding (RPE) trajectory were acquired in 11 healthy volunteers (7M\4F, 21–35 years, mean: 30 years) with a wide range of body mass index (BMI; 19.9–34.0 kg/m2) and volunteer tailored shimming. The bipolar‐corrected triple‐echo GRE‐RPE data were binned into different respiratory phases (self‐navigation) and were used for the estimation of non‐rigid motion vector fields (MF) and respiratory resolved (RR) maps of the main magnetic field deviations (ΔB0). RR ΔB0 maps and MC ΔB0 maps were compared to a reference respiratory phase to assess respiration‐induced changes. Subsequently, cardiac binned fat‐water images were obtained using a model‐based, respiratory motion‐corrected image reconstruction.ResultsThe 3D cardiac fat‐water imaging at 7T was successfully demonstrated. Local respiration‐induced frequency shifts in MC ΔB0 maps are small compared to the chemical shifts used in the multi‐peak model. Compared to the reference exhale ΔB0 map these changes are in the order of 10 Hz on average. Cardiac binned MC fat‐water reconstruction reduced respiration induced blurring in the fat‐water images, and flow artifacts are reduced in the end‐diastolic fat‐water separated images.ConclusionThis work demonstrates the feasibility of 3D fat‐water imaging at UHF for the entire human heart despite spatial and temporal and B0 variations, as well as respiratory and cardiac motion.
Plug‐and‐play advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Deelchand Dinesh K. , Henry Pierre‐Gilles , Joers James M. , Auerbach Edward J. , Park Young Woo , Kara Firat , Ratai Eva‐Maria , Kantarci Kejal , Öz Gülin 
Published: January 2022

PurposeAdvanced MRS protocols improve data quality and reproducibility relative to vendor‐provided protocols; however, they are challenging to incorporate into the clinical workflow and require local MRS expertise for successful implementation. Here, we developed an automated advanced MRS acquisition protocol at 3T to facilitate acquisition of high‐quality spectroscopic data without local MRS expertise.MethodsFirst, a B0 shimming protocol was selected for automation by comparing 3 widely used B0 algorithms (2 vendor protocols and FAST(EST)MAP). Next, voxel‐based B0 and B1 calibrations were incorporated into the consensus‐recommended semi‐LASER sequence and combined with an automated VOI prescription tool, a recently developed method for automated voxel prescription. The efficiency of collecting single‐voxel data from a clinical cohort (N = 40) with the automated protocol (calibration time and fraction of usable datasets) was compared with the nonautomated semi‐LASER protocol (N = 35) whereby all prescan calibrations were executed manually in the academic hospital setting with rotating MR technologists in the neuroradiology unit.ResultsA multi‐iteration FAST(EST)MAP protocol resulted in narrower water linewidths than vendor’s B0 shim protocols for data acquired from 6 brain locations (p < 1e‐5) and was selected for automation. The automated B0 and B1 calibrations resulted in a time saving of ~4.5 minutes per voxel relative to the same advanced protocol executed manually. All spectra acquired with the automated protocol were usable, whereas only 86% of those collected with the manual protocol were usable and spectral quality was more variable.ConclusionThe plug‐and‐play advanced MRS protocol allows automated acquisition of high‐quality MRS data with high success rate and consistency on a clinical 3T platform.
Effect of inter‐electrode RF coupling on heating patterns of wire‐like conducting implants in MRI
Authors: Bhusal Bhumi , Bhattacharyya Pallab , Baig Tanvir , Jones Stephen , Martens Michael 
Published: January 2022

PurposeIn this study, the effects of RF coupling on the magnitude and spatial patterns of RF‐induced heating near multiple wire‐like conducting implants (such as simultaneous electrical stimulation of stereoelectroencephalography electrodes) during MRI were assessed.MethodsSimulations and experimental measurements of RF‐induced temperature increases near partially immersed wire‐like conductors were performed using a phantom with a transmit/receive head coil on a 3T MRI system. The conductors consisted of either a pair of wires or a single simultaneous electrical stimulation of stereoelectroencephalography electrode with multiple contacts, and the locations and lengths of the conductors were varied to study the effect of electromagnetic coupling on RF‐induced heating.ResultsThe temperature increase near a wire within the phantom was dependent not only on its own location and length, but also on the locations and lengths of the other partially immersed wires. In the configurations that were studied, the presence of a second implant could increase the heating near the tip of the conductor by as much as 95%.ConclusionThe level of RF‐induced heating during an MR scan is affected significantly by RF coupling when more than one wire‐like implant is present. In some of the configurations studied, the heating was increased by the presence of a second conductor partially immersed in the phantom. Thus, RF coupling is an important factor to consider in the assessment of safety issues for MRI when multiple implants are present.
Readiness for advance care planning and its relationship to coping style in patients with chronic diseases in communities: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Xinru , Sheng Yu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess advance care planning readiness among patients with chronic diseases and identify its relationship to patients’ coping styles.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsPatients with chronic diseases (N = 168) were recruited from community health service centres. We used a self‐designed and validated “advance care planning readiness questionnaire” to measure the patients’ advance care planning readiness and a "simplified coping style questionnaire” to measure the patients’ coping styles.ResultsMultiple linear regression analyses observed a positive relationship between “active coping style” (p = .002, 95%CI: 1.788, 7.599) with ACP readiness and a negative relationship between “passive coping style” (p < .001, 95%CI: −10.526, −4.274) with ACP readiness. Our study showed that there was a clear relationship between coping styles and ACP readiness. We suggest encouraging patients to choose more active coping strategies and to explore suitable conversation strategies for different coping styles when facilitating ACP discussion.
The illness perception and health promotion behaviour of young and middle‐aged patients with hyperuricaemia: A qualitative study
Authors: Liu Li , Jia Hong‐hong , Zhou Yu‐Qiu , Liu Yan‐Rui , Yin Fei , Liu Xiu‐fang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimThe purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the health‐promoting behaviours of patients with hyperuricaemia and influencing factors.DesignA descriptive qualitative design was used to gain insight into the personal experience of health promotion behaviour in patients with hyperuricaemia.MethodsSixteen patients were sampled in face‐to‐face interviews with maximum variation, and the data were transcribed verbatim. The data analysis was based on the phrases of thematic analysis outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006).ResultsFour main themes were identified in the data: (a) Perception of disease; (b) Motivation to change health‐promoting behaviour; (c) Strategies for health‐promoting behaviour; and (d) Encounter obstacles to change health‐promoting behaviour.
Comparison of the effects of calcium channel blockers plus iron chelation therapy versus chelation therapy only on iron overload in children and young adults with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Gupta Vineeta , Kumar Ishan , Raj Vibhesh , Aggarwal Priyanka , Agrawal Vikas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMyocardial iron deposition is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT). Amlodipine, L‐type calcium channel blocker with regular chelation therapy may reduce myocardial iron overload. Lack of randomized trials prompted this study to assess the effect of calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) in combination with iron chelation therapy on iron overload in patients with TDT.MethodsSixty‐four eligible patients were randomized to receive either amlodipine and chelation (group A) or chelation alone (group B) in double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Myocardial iron concentration (MIC) using T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), liver iron concentration (LIC), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and serum ferritin were measured at baseline and 12 months.ResultsIn the amlodipine group, mean cardiac T2* value significantly increased from 18.11 ± 8.47 to 22.15 ± 7.61 (p = .002) at 12 months, whereas in control group, there was a nonsignificant increase (p = .62) in cardiac T2* value from 19.50 ± 8.84 to 20.03 ± 9.07. There was a significant decrease in MRI‐derived MIC in the amlodipine group compared to control group (1.93 ± 1.61 to 1.29 ± 0.90, p = .01). Changes in the LVEF (p = .45), MRI‐derived LIC (p = .09), and serum ferritin (p = .81) were not significant between the two groups.ConclusionAmlodipine is safe and when combined with chelation therapy appears to be more effective in reducing cardiac iron overload than chelation only in children and young adults with TDT.
Transparency of high‐dimensional propensity score analyses: Guidance for diagnostics and reporting
Authors: Tazare John , Wyss Richard , Franklin Jessica M. , Smeeth Liam , Evans Stephen J. W. , Wang Shirley V. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Douglas Ian J. , Gagne Joshua J. , Williamson Elizabeth J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe high‐dimensional propensity score (HDPS) is a semi‐automated procedure for confounder identification, prioritisation and adjustment in large healthcare databases that requires investigators to specify data dimensions, prioritisation strategy and tuning parameters. In practice, reporting of these decisions is inconsistent and this can undermine the transparency, and reproducibility of results obtained. We illustrate reporting tools, graphical displays and sensitivity analyses to increase transparency and facilitate evaluation of the robustness of analyses involving HDPS.MethodsUsing a study from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink that implemented HDPS we demonstrate the application of the proposed recommendations.ResultsWe identify seven considerations surrounding the implementation of HDPS, such as the identification of data dimensions, method for code prioritisation and number of variables selected. Graphical diagnostic tools include assessing the balance of key confounders before and after adjusting for empirically selected HDPS covariates and the identification of potentially influential covariates. Sensitivity analyses include varying the number of covariates selected and assessing the impact of covariates behaving empirically as instrumental variables. In our example, results were robust to both the number of covariates selected and the inclusion of potentially influential covariates. Furthermore, our HDPS models achieved good balance in key confounders.ConclusionsThe data‐adaptive approach of HDPS and the resulting benefits have led to its popularity as a method for confounder adjustment in pharmacoepidemiological studies. Reporting of HDPS analyses in practice may be improved by the considerations and tools proposed here to increase the transparency and reproducibility of study results.
Biological nanopores for sensing applications
Authors: Zhang Ming , Chen Chen , Zhang Yanjing , Geng Jia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBiological nanopores are proteins with transmembrane pore that can be embedded in lipid bilayer. With the development of single‐channel current measurement technologies, biological nanopores have been reconstituted into planar lipid bilayer and used for single‐molecule sensing of various analytes and events such as single‐molecule DNA sensing and sequencing. To improve the sensitivity for specific analytes, various engineered nanopore proteins and strategies are deployed. Here, we introduce the origin and principle of nanopore sensing technology as well as the structure and associated properties of frequently used protein nanopores. Furthermore, sensing strategies for different applications are reviewed, with focus on the alteration of buffer condition, protein engineering, and deployment of accessory proteins and adapter‐assisted sensing. Finally, outlooks for de novo design of nanopore and nanopore beyond sensing are discussed.
Time from trophectoderm biopsy to vitrification affects the developmental competence of biopsied blastocysts
Authors: Miki Tetsuya , Ezoe Kenji , Kouraba Shizu , Ohata Kazuki , Kato Keiichi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe present study aimed to examine the correlations of the time interval from trophectoderm (TE) biopsy to vitrification with the blastocyst survival rate and blastocyst outgrowth ability.MethodsA total of 1,202 mouse blastocysts were randomly divided into control (non‐biopsy) and TE biopsy groups. The biopsied blastocysts were vitrified at various time points. The survival rate after warming, blastocyst adhesion rate, and outgrowth area was investigated. Several biopsied blastocysts were cultured in a time‐lapse incubator, and the time required for re‐expansion was measured.ResultsBlastocyst survival rates after warming and blastocyst adhesion rates were comparable between the control and biopsy groups. The area of trophoblast outgrowth in the 1‐h biopsy group was significantly smaller than that in the control, 0‐h biopsy, and 4‐h biopsy groups (p = 0.0304, p = 0.0058, and p = 0.0029, respectively). Re‐expansion of blastocysts was observed at a high incidence 1–2 h after TE biopsy.ConclusionsThe vitrification of biopsied blastocysts in the process of re‐expansion impairs outgrowth competence; therefore, blastocyst vitrification should be performed immediately after TE biopsy and before initiation of re‐expansion.
Molecular Regulation of Polymeric Raman Probes for Ultrasensitive Microtumor Diagnosis and Noninvasive Microvessle Imaging
Authors: Cui Kai , Zhang Yongming , Chen Gaoxian , Cui Yanna , Wu Wenwei , Zhao Na , Liu Tize , Xiao Zeyu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRaman imaging is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of cancers and visualization of various biological processes. Polymers possessing excellent biocompatibility are promising probes for Raman imaging. However, few polymers are reported to serve as Raman probes for in vivo imaging, mainly due to the intrinsic weak Raman signal intensity and fluorescence interference of these polymers. Herein, a poly(indacenodithiophene‐benzothiadiazole) (IDT‐BT) polymer is presented, which emits unprecedentedly strong Raman signals under the near‐infrared wavelength (785 nm) excitation, thus functioning as a Raman probe for ultrasensitive in vivo Raman imaging. Further mechanistic studies unveil that the unique Raman feature of the IDT‐BT polymer relies on molecularly regulating its absorbance edge adjacent to the desired excitation wavelength, thus avoiding fluorescence interference and simultaneously emitting strong Raman scattering under preresonant excitation. Taking advantage of this discipline, the IDT‐BT polymeric probe successfully realizes intraoperative Raman imaging of micrometastasis as small as 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm, comparable to the most sensitive Raman probes currently reported. Impressively, the IDT‐BT enables noninvasive microvascular imaging, which is not achieved using other Raman probes. This work opens a new avenue toward the development of polymeric Raman probes for in vivo Raman imaging.
Polyacrylonitrile‐Reinforced Composite Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Stable Potassium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Yue , Bahi Addie , Ko Frank , Liu Jian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe potassium‐ion battery (PIB) is an emerging energy storage technology due to its potential low cost and reasonably high energy density. However, PIB suffers from severe potassium (K) dendrites growth and even short circuiting caused by the high reactivity of K metal. To address these challenges, this work develops a robust composite gel polymer electrolyte (CGPE), named poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide polyacrylonitrile (PVDF‐HFP‐KFSI@PAN). It is found that the introduction of PAN nanofibers not only improves the mechanical properties but also widens the electrochemical stability window of the CGPE. As a result, the CGPE is much more effective in regulating K stripping/plating and enabling stable K metal anode. K metal symmetrical cells with CGPE exhibit a lifetime of over 1200 h at the current density of 0.5 mA cm−2, in contrast to 22 h for PVDF‐HFP‐KFSI and 185 h for a conventional glass fiber separator. The main reasons for the excellent performance of K metal cells with CGPE are attributed to the suppressed K dendrite growth, good structural integrity electrochemical stability of the CGPE, and stable KF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase layer at the electrode‐CGPE interface. It is expected that this facile strategy to stabilize K metal will pave the way for safer and more durable K metal batteries.
Ionic Current Fluctuation and Orientation of Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructures in a Solid‐State Nanopore
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Zhao Xinjia , Ma Ruiping , Hu Ying , Cui Chengjun , Mi Zhuang , Dou Ruifen , Pan Dun , Shan Xinyan , Wang Lihua , Fan Chunhai , Lu Xinghua 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamic behavior of a nanostructure translocating through a nanopore is important for various applications. In this paper, the characteristics in ion current traces of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDN) translocating through a solid‐state nanopore are examined, by combined experimental and theoretical simulations. The results of finite element analysis reveal the correlation between orientation of TDN and the conductance blockade. The experimentally measured fluctuations in the conductance blockade, expressed as voltage‐dependent histogram profiles, are consistent with the simulation, revealing the nature of a random distribution in orientation and weak influence of electrostatic and viscous torques. The step changes in orientation of a TDN during translocation are further explained by the collision with the nanopore, while the gradual changes in orientation illustrate the impact of a weak torque field in the nano‐fluidic channel. The results demonstrate a general method and basic understanding in the dynamic behavior of nanostructures translocating through solid‐state nanopores.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate functionalized ordered Santa Barbara Amorphous‐15 mesoporous silica as an effective adsorbent for preconcentration of some heavy metals followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
Authors: Samadifar Mahsa , Yamini Yadollah , Khataei Mohammad Mahdi , Badiei Alireza 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA simple and sensitive method was developed for preconcentration of the several transition metal ions using Santa Barbara Amorphous‐15 mesoporous silica functionalized with the ethylenediaminetetraacetate functional group. The determination of the metal ions was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The effective parameters on the extraction efficiency of the ions were investigated. The optimized conditions were: the sample solution pH 4, adsorbent amount = 10 mg, adsorption time = 30 min, elution solvent = 1.5 M of HCl, and desorption time = 5 min. Under the optimum conditions, limits of detection of 50, 5, 10, 50, 10, and 500 ng/L were obtained for Co2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ respectively. The relative standard deviations for determination of the selected metal ions at concentration level of 50 μg/L (n = 4) were in the range of 1.7–5.8%. Linear ranges for Co2+ and Cd2+ (0.1–250 μg/L), Cu2+ and Zn2+ (0.05–250 μg/L), Fe3+ (1–250 μg/L), and Mn2+ (0.01–25 and 50–500 μg/L) were obtained with perfect correlation coefficients (R = 0.9958–0.9996, n = 8). The applicability of the method was evaluated by the extraction and determination of the heavy metal ions in different water samples.
Wettbewerb und Entwurf zum Ersatzneubau der Norderelbbrücke (A 1) in Hamburg
Authors: Gebert Gregor 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDie Norderelbbrücke aus dem Jahre 1963 ist ein herausragendes Zeugnis der Ingenieurskunst. Nach fast 60 Jahren hat das Bauwerk das Ende seiner Nutzungszeit erreicht. Mit Hochdruck laufen die Planungen für den Ersatzneubau. Ziel ist es, das bestehende Bauwerk bis 2027 außer Betrieb zu nehmen. Mit dem Neubau ist auch die Erweiterung der A 1 auf acht Fahrstreifen verbunden. Die angrenzenden Autobahndreiecke erfordern darüber hinaus zusätzliche Verflechtungsstreifen, sodass der Neubau insgesamt zwölf Fahrstreifen zu überführen hat und mehr als doppelt so breit sein wird wie der Bestand. Aufgrund der gestalterischen und technischen Bedeutung wurde 2018/2019 für den Ersatzneubau der Norderelbbrücke ein Realisierungswettbewerb durchgeführt. Der Siegerentwurf befindet sich derzeit in der Entwurfsplanung. Der Beitrag geht sowohl ausführlich auf den Realisierungswettbewerb als auch auf den aktuellen Stand der Entwurfsplanung ein. Abschließend erfolgt ein Blick auf zwei weitere Schrägseilbrückenprojekte, die aktuell in Deutschland in Bau sind – die Rheinbrücken in Leverkusen und in Duisburg‐Neuenkamp.