bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial First‐Pass Perfusion With Increased Anatomic Coverage at 3 T Using Autocalibrated Multiband Imaging
Authors: Zou Lixian , Zheng Yuan , Chen Jialing , Ding Yu , Liu Hui , Liu Yubao , Xu Jian , Zheng Hairong , Liu Xin 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundMyocardial first‐pass perfusion (FPP) imaging is a useful cardiac MRI method for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. However, conventional 2D multislice FPP acquisitions usually have gaps between myocardium slices, which limits the overall assessment of myocardial ischemia.PurposeTo increase the anatomic coverage of myocardial FPP imaging at 3 T by implementing both autocalibrated multiband (MB) acquisition and k‐t space acceleration with compress sensing (CS) reconstruction, without the need for additional reference scans.Study TypePhantom and prospective human studies.Phantom/SubjectsA T1MES (T1 Mapping and ECV Standardization in cardiovascular magnetic resonance) phantom and 20 subjects (12 healthy subjects and 8 patients, 10 males, age 42 ± 16 years).Field Strength/SequenceA 3 T/saturation recovery prepared gradient echo sequence with contrast administration.AssessmentPhantom experiments were performed to compare the performance of autocalibrated MB‐FPP with k‐t acceleration using slice‐GRAPPA and CS reconstructions. In vivo experiments were performed to compare the performance of conventional FPP (2.5× acceleration) with autocalibrated MB + CS‐FPP (6× acceleration). In phantom experiments, the error maps were calculated. In in vivo experiments, the contrast ratio (CR) and blurring were quantitatively measured, while image quality, perceived signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and artifact level were qualitatively graded by three cardiologists on a 4‐point scale.Statistical TestsWilcoxon signed‐rank test, paired t‐test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn phantom experiments, residual artifact was reduced using the MB + CS‐FPP reconstruction method compared with using the MB + slice‐GRAPPA reconstruction method. In in vivo experiments, the proposed autocalibrated MB + CS‐FPP method demonstrated significantly higher CR (3.52 ± 0.78 vs 2.91 ± 0.81) and had significantly better perceived SNR (2.69 ± 0.29 vs 2.48 ± 0.31) compared to the conventional sequence. Compared with conventional FPP, MB + CS‐FPP doubled the spatial coverage (MB + CS‐FPP vs conventional FPP) without compromising the image quality (2.69 ± 0.26 vs 2.60 ± 0.30) or increasing the artifact level (2.60 ± 0.26 vs 2.52 ± 0.31).ConclusionAutocalibrated MB + CS‐FPP improved the myocardial coverage and achieved comparable image quality with the same spatial resolution and scan time as conventional FPP and is a promising technique for clinical myocardial perfusion imaging.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 3
Accuracy of conversion formula for effect sizes: A Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Poom Leo , af Wåhlberg Anders 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn meta‐analysis, effect sizes often need to be converted into a common metric. For this purpose conversion formulas have been constructed; some are exact, others are approximations whose accuracy has not yet been systematically tested. We performed Monte Carlo simulations where samples with pre‐specified population correlations between the x and y‐variables were drawn from a normally distributed population. A number of commonly used effect size measures and statistics were calculated from each sample. Using several available conversion formula these statistics were converted into Pearson r and Cohen's d and compared to r and d calculated directly from the original data. Converted values were systematically lower than the directly calculated values. While conversions to d were quite accurate, some of the conversions to r resulted in large biases. These systematic errors can in most cases be adjusted for by simply multiplying the converted values with a corresponding correction factor.
Effect of phenolic compounds and hydroxyl content on the physicochemical properties of pine nut oil Pickering emulsions
Authors: Zhao Xin‐lei , Bao Yi‐hong , Guo Yang , Luo Jia‐yuan , Jiang Shi‐long , Yang Xue 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDFor decades, pine nut oil Pickering emulsions have been stabilized using a covalent composite of two phenolic chemicals (tannic acid, TA; and gallic acid, GA) and whey protein isolate (WPI) following alkali treatment. Based on covalent composite particles being excellent sources of high‐quality stabilizers, this research explored the influence of phenolic addition and hydroxyl content on stability, rheological parameters and characterization of Pickering emulsions.RESULTSTannic acid was more effective in reducing the average particle size of the emulsion, which decreased from 479.4 ± 2.1 nm without addition to between 187.6 ± 5.9 and 368.2 ± 16.8 nm (P < 0.05). The potential values of all the emulsions were between −30 and −50 mV (except for the gallic acid addition of 2.5 g kg−1). When the phenolic addition was 7.5 g kg−1, emulsions demonstrated the best emulsification ability. Pickering emulsion stabilized by WPI‐TA and WPI‐GA particles were successfully generated, according to confocal laser scanning microscopy. Rheological results showed that the increase of phenolic addition contributed to larger elastic modulus (G′), viscosity modulus (G″) and viscosity of emulsions, which was beneficial to the stability of emulsions.CONCLUSIONBoth phenolic compounds significantly improved the physicochemical stability of the emulsions (P < 0.05) and their oxidative stability. Covalently crosslinking phenolic compounds to proteins is a better method to prepare stable emulsions. It is more prominent that TA shows a more significant improvement in emulsion stability due to the number of hydroxyl groups it can provide. This research might serve as a theoretical foundation for enhancing the quality of pine nut oil‐related products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Changes in soil organic carbon stocks from 1980‐1990 and 2010‐2020 in the northwest arid zone of China
Authors: Zhang ZiPeng , Ding JianLi , Zhu ChuanMei , Shi Haobo , Chen XiangYue , Han LiJing , Wang JingZhe 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSoil is the largest carbon reservoir in terrestrial ecosystems, and thus minor changes in it can dramatically affect atmospheric CO2 concentrations. In the northwestern arid zone of China, the prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) changes is often limited by the scarcity of soil samples and the scale and depth of research, which limit the understanding of carbon cycling processes in arid zone terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, this study produced digital soil maps of SOC stocks (SOCS) for two periods (1980‐1990 and 2010‐2020) at a 90‐m resolution based on historical soil profile data and a random forest model. The results showed that the prediction accuracy for SOCS in the topsoil (0–30 cm) was superior to that of the subsoil (30–100 cm). Among them, the mean annual evapotranspiration, normalized difference vegetation index during the growing season, multi‐year mean temperature, and clay content were the main environmental factors affecting the spatial distribution of SOCS. In the past 30 years, the SOCS of the northwestern arid zone has decreased by 585.50 Tg, with a mean decline of 19.52 Tg C yr−1. The changes in SOCS caused by land‐use conversion and reductions in SOCS were further shown to be attributable to grassland desertification and agricultural reclamation. These findings are valuable for exploring the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems in the context of global climate change and for achieving China's goal of carbon neutrality.
Influence of Wood Husk and CaCO3 on the Mechanical Properties of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
Authors: Krishna Ajay , Sabarinath S.B. , Abhishek P.S. , Chandran Greeshma U. , Hema S. , Sambhudevan Sreedha 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNatural fiber reinforced composites have sparked a lot of research and engineering interest in recent decades because of their low density, high specific strength, low cost, lightweight, recyclability, and biodegradability, earning them the title of green composite. Nitrile rubber‐based composites are generally used as elastomers in many industries due to their applications such as O‐rings, gaskets, oil seals, synthetic leather, automotive transition belts, etc. In the present work, in order to enhance the mechanical properties of nitrile rubber, the fillers like CaCO3 and wood husk in five different proportions are added to the NBR matrix. The curing studies, mechanical measurements, and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) analysis are conducted and it is found that the tensile and tear strength of the mixture with the proportion of CaCO3 with 10% and wood husk with 50% is the best combination compared to nitrile rubber gum sample. The tensile strength of the matrix with proportion CaCO3 10% and wood husk 50% has increased around 86.15% and where the tear strength increased around 80.59% compared to the matrix without fillers. SEM analysis reveals the uniform distribution of fillers in the rubber matrix, which is in accordance with mechanical properties. This is a cost‐effective method that consumes less time and is non‐pollutant as if this study uses natural products such as wood husk as the fillers.
Properties of Seaweed Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composite: Effect of Alkaline Treatment
Authors: Abdullah Norshafika S. E. , Salim Nurjannah , Roslan Rasidi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNatural fibers are favored to use as raw resources in making reinforced polymer composite because they are abundant and inexpensive. However, natural fiber‐reinforced composites are suggested to be treated to improve their qualities before being employed in the production of composites. The seaweed fibers are treated with an alkaline medium in this study. Alkaline treatment of seaweed/polypropylene (SW/PP) composites is expected to increase their physical and mechanical qualities. Extrusion and hot‐pressing processes are used in the production of this composite. The results reveal that after being treated, the SW/PP composite has a low proportion of water absorption compared to the untreated SW/PP composite. Untreated SW/ PP composites have a higher melt flow resistance (MRF), which indicates the presence of waxy and cellulose constituents and makes the composites flow easier in the melt indexer. The tensile strength of composites is higher in treated SW/PP composites, with a value of 0.1944 MPa compared to 0.1311 MPa in untreated SW/PP composites. Furthermore, the impact strength of the untreated SW/PP composites is low, at 28.9910 J m–1, compared to the treated SW/PP composites, which has a higher energy value of 59.5800 J m–1. Alkaline treatment improves the properties of natural fibers in the composite, according to these findings.
Regulation of XPO5 phosphorylation by PP2A in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jiao , Zhou Jian‐Kang , Mu Xiaoyu , Shen Shu , Xu Xiaomin , Luo Yao , Luo Yuxin , Ming Yue , Wu Yuangang , Peng Yong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractExportin 5 (XPO5) is a shuttle protein that mediates precursor miRNA (pre‐miRNA) export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, an important step in miRNA maturation. We previously demonstrated that XPO5 was phosphorylated by ERK kinase and subsequently underwent conformation change by the peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase Pin1, leading to the reduced miRNA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Protein phosphorylation modification serves as a reversible regulatory mechanism precisely governed by protein kinases and phosphatases. Here we identified that the phosphatase PP2A catalyzed XPO5 dephosphorylation. PP2A holoenzyme is a ternary complex composed of a catalytic subunit, a scaffold subunit, and a regulatory subunit that determines substrate specificity. In this study, we characterized the involvement of B55β subunit in XPO5 dephosphorylation that favored the distribution of XPO5 into the cytoplasm and promoted miRNA expression, leading to HCC inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Our study demonstrates the regulatory role of B55β‐containing PP2A in miRNA expression and may shed light on HCC pathogenesis.
A Randomized First‐in‐Human Study With UB‐312, a UBITh® α‐Synuclein Peptide Vaccine
Authors: Yu Hui Jing , Thijssen Eva , van Brummelen Emilie , van der Plas Johan L. , Radanovic Igor , Moerland Matthijs , Hsieh Eric , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Dodart Jean‐Cosme 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundα‐Synuclein (αSyn) is believed to play a central role in Parkinson's disease (PD) neuropathology and is considered a target for disease modification. UB‐312 is a synthetic αSyn peptide conjugated to a T helper peptide and is expected to induce antibodies specifically against oligomeric and fibrillar αSyn, making UB‐312 a potential immunotherapeutic for synucleopathies.ObjectiveTo investigate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of UB‐312 vaccination in healthy participants and to determine a safe and immunologically optimal dose for the first‐in‐patient study.MethodsFifty eligible healthy participants were enrolled in a 44‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. Participants in seven cohorts were randomized to three intramuscular UB‐312 or placebo injections at weeks 1, 5, and 13 (doses ranging between 40 and 2000 μg). Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events, clinical laboratory, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and neurological and physical examinations. Immunogenicity was assessed by measuring serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anti‐αSyn antibody concentrations.ResultsTwenty‐three participants received all three vaccinations of UB‐312. Most adverse events were mild, transient, and self‐resolving. Common treatment‐emergent adverse events included headache, nasopharyngitis, vaccination‐site pain, lumbar puncture‐site pain, and fatigue. UB‐312 induced dose‐ and time‐dependent antibody production. Antibodies were detectable in serum and CSF of all participants receiving the 300/300/300 μg UB‐312 dose regimen. The average CSF/serum ratio was 0.2%.ConclusionsUB‐312 was generally safe, well tolerated, and induced anti‐αSyn antibodies in serum and CSF of healthy participants. The 100 and 300 μg doses are selected for further evaluation in participants with PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Somatic TEK variant with intraarticular venous malformation and knee hemarthrosis treated with rapamycin
Authors: Adham Salma , Revencu Nicole , Mestre Sandrine , Nou‐Howaldt Monira , Vernhet‐Kovacsik Hélène , Quéré Isabelle 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundVenous malformations (VMs) are the most common vascular anomalies and have been associated with somatic variants in TEK. Current treatment of VM joint component might be challenging due to the size or location of some lesions or ineffective with recurrence of malformed veins. Targeted molecular therapies after identification of genetic defects might be an alternative.MethodsWe report a case with intraarticular bleeding due to VM with a TEK pathogenic somatic variant treated with rapamycin.ResultsA 26‐year‐old female patient was evaluated for right calf pain secondary to venous malformation of the right inferior limb with an intraarticular component in the right knee. Hemarthrosis and degenerative chondropathy of the knee were evidenced at MRA. Molecular diagnosis evidenced a pathogenic somatic TEK variant. Rapamycin was introduced to stop bleeding, with good tolerance and efficacy.ConclusionThe TEK receptor signals through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and TEK mutations have been linked to AKT activation. As rapamycin acts against angiogenesis and reduces phosphorylated‐AKT levels, targeted molecular therapy should be discussed as first‐line therapy in patients with proven molecular diagnosis and diffuse VM inaccessible to conventional treatment.
High gain Vivaldi antenna from 26 up to 40 GHz for 5G applications
Authors: Dam Thi‐Hong‐Le , Houzet Gregory , Lacrevaz Thierry , Vuong Tan‐Phu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe propose a directive broadband and high gain Vivaldi antenna in the Ka‐band (26–40 GHz) for 5G applications. To increase the gain of this antenna, we use a substrate lens and the quasi‐substrate integrated waveguide structure with the aim of reducing reflected waves and emphasizing the traveling waves. With this method, the gain is increased by 4.5 dBi in average and 7.5 dBi in the peak. The antenna has a good impedance matching in the whole band.
Towards free breathing 3D ASL imaging of the human liver using prospective motion correction
Authors: Huber Jörn , Günther Matthias , Channaveerappa Meghashree , Hoinkiss Daniel Christopher 
Published: April 2022

PurposeMeasurements of liver perfusion yield valuable information about certain diseases like carcinomas and cirrhosis. To assess perfusion, noninvasive arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI has the potential to become an important alternative to contrast agent–based methods. Unfortunately, ASL perfusion‐weighted images are highly susceptible to breathing motion. This work presents a prospective motion‐compensation technique, tackling breathing motion during ASL experiments of the human liver.MethodsFeasibility of 3D pseudo‐continuous ASL imaging under free breathing is investigated by using a prospective motion‐compensation technique with fat signal in additional 2D‐EPI navigators. The proposed technique is compatible with strong signal suppression, occurring in background‐suppressed pseudo‐continuous ASL imaging. An additional retrospective 2D elastic registration algorithm is proposed to correct for residual elastic deformations. The technique is validated in 8 healthy volunteers.ResultsThe prospective technique allowed a significant reduction of the cranial–caudal liver shifts during free breathing pseudo‐continuous ASL experiments. Additional 2D elastic image registration allowed reduction of cranial–caudal liver motion to levels of timed breathing protocols. Artifacts in perfusion‐weighted images could be reduced when compared with free‐breathing ASL images without motion correction.ConclusionThe proposed technique is suitable for prospective compensation of liver motion in background‐suppressed 3D pseudo‐continuous ASL imaging. Future work focuses on further improving the quality of perfusion‐weighted images.
Delivering multidisciplinary neuromuscular care for children via telehealth
Authors: Carroll Kate , Adams Justine , de Valle Katy , Forbes Robin , Kennedy Rachel A. , Kornberg Andrew J. , Vandeleur Moya , Villano Daniella , Woodcock Ian R. , Yiu Eppie M. , Ryan Monique M. , Davidson Zoe 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsIn response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic restrictions int 2020, our face‐to‐face (F2F) multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic (NMC) transitioned to widespread use of telehealth (TH). This study aimed to (1) understand parent/guardian, child, and clinician perceptions of TH; (2) examine TH‐related changes in clinical activity; and (3) use these findings to inform a future model of care for the NMC.MethodsA clinical audit was undertaken to examine clinical activity throughout 2018–2020. Online surveys were distributed to clinicians and parents of children attending the NMC via TH in 2020. A working group of clinicians created a checklist to guide a future hybrid model of TH and F2F care.ResultsTotal clinical activity in 2020 was maintained from previous years; 62.8% of all appointments occurred via TH, and 82.3% of patients attended NMC by TH at least once. Ninety‐nine parents (30.6% response rate), 52 children, and 17 clinicians (77% response rate) responded to the survey. All groups reported better interaction when F2F compared to TH. Eighty percent of parents identified advantages of TH and reported lower levels of stress. A lack of “hands‐on” physical assessment was identified by parents and clinicians as a TH limitation. Most families (68.1% of parents; 58.8% of children) and all clinicians indicated a preference for a mix of TH and F2F NMC appointments in the future.DiscussionThis study has informed a checklist to guide future TH use in a new hybrid model of care. Further investigation is required to assess health impacts of TH use in pediatric neuromuscular care.
Exploring faunal conservation in carbon projects through Map of Life: A case study
Authors: Miles Danielle Christine 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith the onset of global change, forest species diversity has declined in recent decades as pristine habitat in biological hotspots rapidly diminishes. Many carbon mitigation efforts directed at decreasing emissions from forest degradation and destruction assume that faunal biodiversity will benefit from such efforts. Yet, conservation of faunal biodiversity is rarely considered in carbon mitigation plans. Despite this, forest preservation and reforestation through greenhouse gas frameworks such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation may provide means to conserve and enhance species richness while also sequestering carbon stocks simply through the establishment of large forest preserves. In this case study, students assess the disparities and synergies between management priorities focused on carbon sequestration and faunal conservation of amphibians, birds, and mammals. Future conservation practitioners need to gain experience balancing multiple, potentially competing, project goals especially within the context of climate change and habitat loss. Students using this case study examine the application of species data from Map of Life and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List to assess real differences between 86 Verified Carbon Standard carbon mitigation projects based on location, certifications for additional priorities, and size of forest preserve.
Taming an articulated laser
Authors: Aharon Oren 
Published: April 2022

AbstractArticulated arms are a well‐established method for laser beam delivery, with superior characteristics for diversified spectral wavelengths. Recent innovative applications, especially in the dentistry industry, benefit from improved performance, including user‐friendly beam delivery directly to the treatment position. The preferred technology relies on mounting mirrors in hollow members, rotating with respect to each other. The beam is delivered by a train of mirrors to the end point.
Pachyrhynchus Weevils Use 3D Photonic Crystals with Varying Degrees of Order to Create Diverse and Brilliant Displays
Authors: Parisotto Alessandro , Steiner Ullrich , Cabras Analyn Anzano , Van Dam Matthew H. , Wilts Bodo D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe brilliant appearance of Easter Egg weevils, genus Pachyrhynchus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), originates from complex dielectric nanostructures within their elytral scales and elytra. Previous work, investigating singular members of the Pachyrhynchus showed the presence of either quasi‐ordered or ordered 3D photonic crystals based on the single diamond () symmetry in their scales. However, little is known about the diversity of the structural coloration mechanisms within the family. Here, the optical properties within Pachyrhynchus are investigated by systematically identifying their spectral and structural characteristics. Four principal traits that vary their appearance are identified and the evolutionary history of these traits to identify ecological trends are reconstructed. The results indicate that the coloration mechanisms across the Easter Egg weevils are diverse and highly plastic across closely related species with features appearing at multiple independent times across their phylogeny. This work lays a foundation for a better understanding of the various forms of quasi‐ordered and ordered diamond photonic crystal within arthropods.