bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of diffuse coplanar surface barrier plasma discharge to polymeric materials
Authors: Janík R. , Kohutiar M. , Pajtášová M. , Ondrušová D. , Skalková P. , Eckert M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe KPR 200 mm plasma reactor is a device designed for the surface modification of various materials. Such a modification occurs by applying a unique type of plasma – plasma generated on a ceramic dielectric. The ceramic dielectric is a durable system with which it is possible to continuously modify the surfaces of materials with such a plasma. The advantage of applying this unique type of plasma is that the modification of the materials occurs at room temperature and atmosphere. However, it is necessary to monitor and observe certain parameters, for example: the selected power, the exposure time of the surfaces of the modified materials, and the distance of the surface from the ceramic dielectric itself. Therefore, in the present paper, the effect of diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) plasma discharge on selected polymeric materials was investigated. Plasma impact assessment was also performed using image analysis, that could provide relevant information in the process of plasma‐chemical modification. Changes in the surfaces of the investigated thin polyvynil chloride material, before and after exposure to plasma discharge, were also observed (changes in contact angle, atomic force microscopy).
Tin dioxide in terms of physical properties on steel AISI 316 LVM
Authors: Basiaga M. , Walke W. , Lisoń J. , Taratuta A , Szewczenko J , Ziębowicz B. , Szindler M. , Dyner A 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper aimed to investigate the physical properties of SnO2 coatings deposited by atomic layer deposition on 316LVM stainless steel for biomedical applications. New assessment strategies for tin oxide functional materials are of fundamental importance in the development of new surface of biomaterials. Thin films of SnO2 have good substrate adhesion and could be deposited even on clean glass substrate. Tin oxide (SnO2) has a similar crystal structure like TiO2. It is believed that SnO2 can have a similar effect on TiO2 by inducing the formation of a calcium phosphate layer. Additionally, tin dioxide with nanocrystalline impurities has been reported to exist antibacterial activity. As part of the work, the SnO2 layer was deposited by using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The application process was carried out for a different number of cycles. In the first stage study of abrasion resistance and coating adhesion to the substrate were carried out. The surface topography was examinated using atomic force microscope (AFM) and wettability test were also complemented. Obtained results may form the basis for the development of more detailed criteria for the assessment of the final quality of medical devices used in the skeletal system, which will ensure the required biocompatibility of implants and contribute to minimizing the risk of postoperative complications.
The use of telemedicine in cardiogenetics clinical practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Liang Lusha W. , Kalia Isha , Latif Farhana , Waase Marc P. , Shimada Yuichi J. , Sayer Gabriel , Reilly Muredach P. , Uriel Nir 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has necessitated the rapid and widespread adoption of novel mechanisms of service delivery, including the use of telemedicine. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of COVID‐19 on cardiogenetics practices.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients who were seen for cardiogenetics visits pre‐pandemic (1 April–23 December 2019) and during the pandemic (1 April–23 December 2020) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.ResultsSix percent (n = 6) of visits in 2019 were remote telemedicine encounters, whereas 80% (n = 106) of visits in 2020 were telemedicine encounters. In 2019, only 18% (n = 19) of the patients seen for genetic counseling were family members of probands; this percentage increased to 34% in 2020 (n = 45; p = .01). In 2020, the geographic reach of genetic counseling also extended far beyond New York State, reaching a total of 11 states as well as one patient in Puerto Rico. Genetic testing results were similar in 2019 and 2020.ConclusionDespite the health‐care delivery barriers created by the COVID‐19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine allowed us to expand the reach of cardiovascular genetic counseling and testing.
Effects of superhydrophobic sand mulching on evapotranspiration and phenotypic responses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants under normal and reduced irrigation
Authors: Odokonyero Kennedy , Gallo Adair , Dos Santos Vinicius , Mishra Himanshu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIrrigated agriculture in arid and semi‐arid regions is a vital contributor to the global food supply. However, these regions endure massive evaporative losses that are compensated by exploiting limited freshwater resources. To increase water‐use efficiency in these giga‐scale operations, plastic mulches are utilized; however, their non‐biodegradability and eventual land‐filling renders them unsustainable. In response, we have developed superhydrophobic sand (SHS) mulching technology that is comprised of sand grains or sandy soils with a nanoscale coating of paraffin wax. Here, we investigate the effects of 1 cm‐thick SHS mulching on the evapotranspiration and phenotypic responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants as a model system under normal and reduced irrigation inside controlled growth chambers. Experimental results reveal that under either irrigation scenario, SHS mulching suppresses evaporation and enhances transpiration by 78% and 17%, respectively relative to the unmulched soil. Comprehensive phenotyping revealed that SHS mulching enhanced root xylem vessel diameter, stomatal aperture, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content index by 21%, 25%, 28%, and 23%, respectively, in comparison with the unmulched soil. Consequently, total fruit yields, total dry mass, and harvest index increased in SHS‐mulched plants by 33%, 20%, and 16%, respectively compared with the unmulched soil. We also provide mechanistic insights into the effects of SHS mulching on plant physiological processes. These results underscore the potential of SHS for realizing food–water security and greening initiatives in arid regions.
Risk assessment and resistance inheritance of triflumezopyrim resistance in Laodelphax striatellus
Authors: Zhang Shuirong , Gu Fuchuan , Du Ying , Li Xuyang , Gong Changwei , Pu Jian , Liu Xuemei , Wang Xuegui 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDLaodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is one of the most important insect pests of rice, and it has been able to develop strong resistance to many insecticides. Triflumezopyrim, a new type of mesoionic insecticide developed by Corteva Agriscience, showed high biological activity in controlling piercing‐sucking insect pests such as planthopper and leafhopper.RESULTSIn this study, we continuously selected a susceptible laboratory stain (Unsel) of L. striatellus for 16 generations by exposing it to triflumezopyrim in the laboratory. A 45.1‐fold triflumezopyrim‐resistant strain (Tri‐sel) was established, in which cross‐resistance to nitenpyram and acetamiprid was not detected. The realized heritability (h2) of the Tri‐sel strain was estimated at 0.13. The mortalities of the testing F1 (the offspring of a cross between Unsel and Tri‐sel strains) suggested that the resistance of L. striatellus to triflumezopyrim was autosomal and incompletely dominant, as well as a polygenic inheritance. In addition, the results of synergist experiment showed that P450s potentially contributed to the triflumezopyrim resistance. The activities of detoxification enzymes in the Unsel and Tri‐sel strains indicated that the activity of P450s in the Tri‐sel strain was significantly increased, consistent with the results of synergist experiments. Furthermore, 12 P450 genes demonstrated significant up‐regulation.CONCLUSIONSL. striatellus has a certain risk of resistance to triflumezopyrim after continuous selection. Triflumezopyrim resistance did not result in cross‐resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides. The up‐regulation of multiple P450 genes may mediate triflumezopyrim resistance in L. striatellus. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Moving towards sustainable environmental development for BRICS: Investigating the asymmetric effect of natural resources on CO2
Authors: Caglar Abdullah Emre , Guloglu Bulent , Gedikli Ayfer 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEnvironmental sustainability has become the most critical global agenda of the 21st century. The Paris Agreement goals to keep the global temperature rise below 2 compared to the pre‐industrial period. BRICS, which use intensive natural resources, hold regular meetings, and announce policies to comply with the Paris Agreement. This article aims to help BRICS achieve their sustainable development goals. In order to achieve this aim, the relationship between renewable energy consumption, natural resources, and CO2 emissions is explored in depth using the non‐linear panel autoregressive distributed lag method controlling for economic growth and foreign direct investments. Robust results are obtained by allowing for heterogeneity and cross‐section dependence in econometric analysis. Contrary to the previous literature, it has been shown in the empirical analysis that the impact of natural resources on CO2 emissions is not the same in both the long and short‐run. In the long‐run, negative and positive changes in natural resources increase environmental degradation, while foreign direct investments improve environmental quality. In addition, it seems that renewable energy sources have not reached the level to enhance environmental quality. The empirical results indicated that natural resource and renewable energy consumption findings are novel and bring a different perspective to the existing literature. BRICS should take measures to ensure sustainable use of natural resources in order to minimize dependence on fossil fuels. China, Russia, India, and South Africa should increase the share of RSE in the total energy mix and support renewable energy infrastructure investments for moving towards sustainable environmental development.
Chiral Diuranyl(VI) Complexes and Their Catecholase Activities: Experimental and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Ghosh Sabari , Srivastava Ankit K. , Sharma Manju , Pal Samudranil 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTwo enantiomeric pairs of complexes, [(UO2)2(R/S‐L1)2(H2O)2] ⋅ 2MeCN and [(UO2)2(R/S‐L2)2(Me2NCHO)2] (H2R/S‐L1=R/S‐N‐(salicylidene)‐2‐amino‐1‐propanol and H2R/S‐L2=R/S‐N‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthylidene)‐2‐amino‐1‐propanol) and their characterization by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, various spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography are reported. In each complex, trans‐UO22+ units are in edge‐shared NO4 pentagonal planes formed by the two alkoxide end bridging ONO‐donor (R/S‐L1/2)2− and the two solvent molecules. The first pair is inactive, while the second pair is active towards catecholase activity. The mass spectra suggest formation of the adduct {complex−Me2NCHO+substrate} and EPR spectra indicate a radical pathway for the catalytic reaction. Computational studies indicate that primarily the binding strength of the solvent molecule dictates the adduct formation and hence the catalytic inactivity/activity. Based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations a four step mechanism has been proposed for the catalytic activities of the second pair of complexes.
Imidazolium‐Based Energetic Materials
Authors: Sevilia Sagi , Parvari Galit , Bernstein Jonathan , Fridman Natalia , Grinstein Dan , Gottlieb Levi , Eichen Yoav , Szpilman Alex M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe show that 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium and 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium salts, as well as the salts of their nitrite esters, that include oxidizing anions (so‐called explosphores) such as nitrate, picrate and perchlorate„ are endowed with high enthalpies of decomposition, high decomposition temperatures, and high densities. This combined with detonation velocities and pressures calculated using Explo5, indicates that especially the perchlorate salts have potential as energetic materials. All the studied salts are easily preparable in up to gram scale through two or three synthetic steps from simple imidazole. Many of these salts are ionic liquids, which may render them useful as energetic plasticizers or gel filled materials.
Elucidating Design Principles for Engineering Cell‐Derived Vesicles to Inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection
Authors: Gunnels Taylor F. , Stranford Devin M. , Mitrut Roxana E. , Kamat Neha P. , Leonard Joshua N. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe ability of pathogens to develop drug resistance is a global health challenge. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) presents an urgent need wherein several variants of concern resist neutralization by monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies and vaccine‐induced sera. Decoy nanoparticles—cell‐mimicking particles that bind and inhibit virions—are an emerging class of therapeutics that may overcome such drug resistance challenges. To date, quantitative understanding as to how design features impact performance of these therapeutics is lacking. To address this gap, this study presents a systematic, comparative evaluation of various biologically derived nanoscale vesicles, which may be particularly well suited to sustained or repeated administration in the clinic due to low toxicity, and investigates their potential to inhibit multiple classes of model SARS‐CoV‐2 virions. A key finding is that such particles exhibit potent antiviral efficacy across multiple manufacturing methods, vesicle subclasses, and virus‐decoy binding affinities. In addition, these cell‐mimicking vesicles effectively inhibit model SARS‐CoV‐2 variants that evade mAbs and recombinant protein‐based decoy inhibitors. This study provides a foundation of knowledge that may guide the design of decoy nanoparticle inhibitors for SARS‐CoV‐2 and other viral infections.
Online multitarget tracking system for autonomous vehicles using discriminative dictionary learning with embedded auto‐encoder algorithm
Authors: Gu Xiaoqing , Jiang Yizhang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith the advancements in 5G network and mobile edge computing technology, autonomous vehicle technology has gained new development opportunities. Multitarget tracking becomes the research hotspots in autonomous vehicles. Since many factors such as motion blur, partial occlusion, and illumination changes affect the performance of target tracking, the problem of target tracking is still an open topic. In this article, inspired by the strong discriminative ability of dictionary learning, the discriminative dictionary learning with embedded auto‐encoder (DDLEA) algorithm is developed for the multitarget tracking system. The DDLEA algorithm integrates the auto‐encoder into the dictionary learning framework and learns sparse representations while preserving the local structure and discriminative information of data. The learned dictionary model has the strong recognition ability. Further, a multitarget tracking system is developed based on the proposed DDLEA algorithm and the hierarchical data association scheme. Based on the target confidence in the STKSVD model, the hierarchical data association method first uses the Hungarian algorithm to complete the preliminary matching of high confidence targets, and then further tracks the low confidence targets to improve the tracking ability. Experiments are carried out the public MOT 2015 dataset. Compared with several popular multitarget tracking algorithms, the tracking performance of our system is satisfactory.
Joint Gaussian graphical model estimation: A survey
Authors: Tsai Katherine , Koyejo Oluwasanmi , Kolar Mladen 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGraphs representing complex systems often share a partial underlying structure across domains while retaining individual features. Thus, identifying common structures can shed light on the underlying signal, for instance, when applied to scientific discovery or clinical diagnoses. Furthermore, growing evidence shows that the shared structure across domains boosts the estimation power of graphs, particularly for high‐dimensional data. However, building a joint estimator to extract the common structure may be more complicated than it seems, most often due to data heterogeneity across sources. This manuscript surveys recent work on statistical inference of joint Gaussian graphical models, identifying model structures that fit various data generation processes.This article is categorized under:Data: Types and Structure > Graph and Network DataStatistical Models > Graphical Models
Use of a Steerable Sheath for Completely Femoral Access in Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair Compared to Upper Extremity Access
Authors: Hauck Sven R. , Eilenberg Wolf , Kupferthaler Alexander , Kern Maximilian , Dachs Theresa-Marie , Wressnegger Alexander , Neumayer Christoph , Loewe Christian , Funovics Martin A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To compare bridging stent graft (BSG) implantation in downward oriented branches in branched endovascular aortic repair (bEVAR), using a commercially available steerable sheath from an exclusively femoral access (TFA) with traditional upper extremity access (UEA).

Methods
In a retrospective cohort study, 7 patients with 19 branches in the TFA cohort received BSG insertion using the Medtronic Heli FX steerable sheath from a femoral access, and 10 patients with 32 branches in the UEA cohort from a brachial approach. Technical success, total intervention time, fluoroscopy time, branch cannulation time, and complication rate were recorded.

Results
Technical success was 19/19 branches in the TFA and 31/32 in the UEA cohort. The mean branch cannulation time was considerably shorter in the TFA group (17 vs. 29 min, p = 0.003), and total intervention time tended to be shorter (169 vs. 217 min, p = 0.176).

Conclusion
Using a commercially available steerable sheath allowed successful cannulation of all branches in this cohort and was associated with significantly shorter branch cannulation times. Potentially, this technique can lower the stroke and brachial puncture site complication risk as well as reduce total intervention time and radiation dose.

Level of Evidence
2b, retrospective cohort study.
CT-monitored minimal ablative margin control in single-session microwave ablation of liver tumors: an effective strategy for local tumor control
Authors: Joo Ijin , Morrow Kenneth W. , Raman Steven S. , McWilliams Justin P. , Sayre James W. , Lu David S. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the usefulness of minimal ablative margin (MAM) control by intra-procedural contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) in microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors.

Methods
A total of 334 consecutive liver tumors (240 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs] and 94 colorectal liver metastases [CRLMs]) in 172 patients treated with percutaneous MWA were retrospectively included. MAM of each tumor was assessed after expected ablation completion using intra-procedural CECT, allowing within-session additional ablation to any potentially insufficient margin. On immediate post-MWA MRI, complete ablation coverage of tumor and final MAM status were determined. The cumulative local tumor progression (LTP) rate was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. To identify predictors of LTP, Cox regression analysis with a shared frailty model was performed.

Results
Intra-procedural CECT findings prompted additional ablation in 18.9% (63/334) of tumors. Final complete ablation coverage of tumor and sufficient MAM were determined by MRI to be achieved in 99.4% (332/334) and 77.5% (259/334), and their estimated 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year LTP rates were 3.2%, 7.5%, and 12.9%; and 1.0%, 2.1%, and 6.9%, respectively. Insufficient MAM on post-MWA MRI, perivascular tumor location, and tumor size (cm) were independent risk factors for LTP (hazard ratio = 14.4, 6.0, and 1.1, p < 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.011, respectively), while subcapsular location and histology (HCC vs CRLM) were not.

Conclusions
In MWA of liver tumors, intra-procedural CECT monitoring of minimal ablative margin facilitates identification of potentially suboptimal margins and guides immediate additional intra-session ablation to maximize rates of margin-sufficient ablations, the latter being a highly predictive marker for excellent long-term local tumor control.

Key Points
• In MWA of liver tumors, intra-procedural CECT can identify potentially suboptimal minimal ablative margin, leading to immediate additional ablation in a single treatment session.
• Achieving a finally sufficient ablative margin through the MWA with intra-procedural CECT monitoring of minimal ablative margin results in excellent local tumor control.
Feasibility of an accelerated 2D-multi-contrast knee MRI protocol using deep-learning image reconstruction: a prospective intraindividual comparison with a standard MRI protocol
Authors: Herrmann Judith , Keller Gabriel , Gassenmaier Sebastian , Nickel Dominik , Koerzdoerfer Gregor , Mostapha Mahmoud , Almansour Haidara , Afat Saif , Othman Ahmed E. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of a deep-learning (DL)–accelerated two–dimensional (2D) turbo spin echo (TSE) MRI of the knee at 1.5 and 3 T in clinical routine in comparison to standard MRI.

Material and methods
Sixty participants, who underwent knee MRI at 1.5 and 3 T between October/2020 and March/2021 with a protocol using standard 2D–TSE (TSES) and DL–accelerated 2D–TSE sequences (TSEDL), were enrolled in this prospective institutional review board–approved study. Three radiologists assessed the sequences regarding structural abnormalities and evaluated the images concerning overall image quality, artifacts, noise, sharpness, subjective signal-to-noise ratio, and diagnostic confidence using a Likert scale (1–5, 5 = best).

Results
Overall image quality for TSEDL was rated to be excellent (median 5, IQR 4–5), significantly higher compared to TSES (median 5, IQR 4 – 5, p < 0.05), showing significantly lower extents of noise and improved sharpness (p < 0.001). Inter- and intra-reader agreement was almost perfect (κ = 0.92–1.00) for the detection of internal derangement and substantial to almost perfect (κ = 0.58–0.98) for the assessment of cartilage defects. No difference was found concerning the detection of bone marrow edema and fractures. The diagnostic confidence of TSEDL was rated to be comparable to that of TSES (median 5, IQR 5–5, p > 0.05). Time of acquisition could be reduced to 6:11 min using TSEDL compared to 11:56 min for a protocol using TSES.

Conclusion
TSEDL of the knee is clinically feasible, showing excellent image quality and equivalent diagnostic performance compared to TSES, reducing the acquisition time about 50%.

Key Points
• Deep-learning reconstructed TSE imaging is able to almost halve the acquisition time of a three-plane knee MRI with proton density and T1-weighted images, from 11:56 min to 6:11 min at 3 T.
• Deep-learning reconstructed TSE imaging of the knee provided significant improvement of noise levels (p < 0.001), providing higher image quality (p < 0.05) compared to conventional TSE imaging.
• Deep-learning reconstructed TSE imaging of the knee had similar diagnostic performance for internal derangement of the knee compared to standard TSE.