bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concordance between biparametric MRI, transperineal targeted plus systematic MRI-ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy, and radical prostatectomy pathology
Authors: Noh Tae Il , Shim Ji Sung , Kang Sung Gu , Cheon Jun , Lee Jeong Gu , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Kang Seok Ho 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe aimed to confirm the reliability of the results of bi-parametric magnetic resolution imaging-ultrasound fusion targeted and systematic biopsies (bpMRI-US transperineal FTSB) compared to prostatectomy specimens. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 80 men who underwent bpMRI-US transperineal FTSB with region of interest (ROI) and subsequent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Changes in the grade group determined by MRI and biopsy versus surgical specimens were analyzed. Thirty-five patients with insignificant prostate cancer and 45 with significant cancer were diagnosed using bpMRI-US transperineal FTSB. Among those with insignificant PCa, 25 (71.4%) were upgraded to significant PCa in prostatectomy specimens: 9/12 (75.0%) with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3, 12/16 (75.0%) with PI-RADS 4, and 4/7 (57.1%) with PI-RADS 5. In the PI-RADS 3 group, the upgraded group showed higher prostate specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density (PSAD) than the concordance group; PSA 8.34(2.73) vs. 5.31(2.46) (p = 0.035) and PSAD 0.29(0.11) vs. 0.18(0.09) (p = 0.025). The results of prostate biopsy and prostatectomy specimens were inconsistent and underestimated in patients with MRI-visible lesions. Therefore, for precise and individualized treatment strategies for PCa with MRI-visible lesions, careful interpretation of biopsy result is required.
Framework for assessing and easing global COVID-19 travel restrictions
Authors: Le Thien-Minh , Raynal Louis , Talbot Octavious , Hambridge Hali , Drovandi Christopher , Mira Antonietta , Mengersen Kerrie , Onnela Jukka-Pekka 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented international travel restrictions that aimed to contain viral spread while still allowing necessary cross-border travel for social and economic reasons. The relative effectiveness of these approaches for controlling the pandemic has gone largely unstudied. Here we developed a flexible network meta-population model to compare the effectiveness of international travel policies, with a focus on evaluating the benefit of policy coordination. Because country-level epidemiological parameters are unknown, they need to be estimated from data; we accomplished this using approximate Bayesian computation, given the nature of our complex stochastic disease transmission model. Based on simulation and theoretical insights we find that, under our proposed policy, international airline travel may resume up to 58% of the pre-pandemic level with pandemic control comparable to that of a complete shutdown of all airline travel. Our results demonstrate that global coordination is necessary to allow for maximum travel with minimum effect on viral spread.
On-chip-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive and label-free detection of Cryptosporidium
Authors: Luka George S. , Najjaran Homayoun , Hoorfar Mina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCryptosporidium, an intestinal protozoan pathogen, is one of the leading causes of death in children and diarrhea in healthy adults. Detection of Cryptosporidium has become a high priority to prevent potential outbreaks. In this paper, a simple, easy to fabricate, and cost-effective on-chip-based electrochemical biosensor has been developed for the sensitive and label-free detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples. The sensor was fabricated using standard lithography using a mask with a 3-electrode design and modified by self-assembling a hybrid of a thiolated protein/G and the specific anti-Cryptosporidium monoclonal antibodies (IgG3). The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to quantitate C. parvum in the range of 0 to 300 oocysts, with a detection limit of approximately 20 oocysts/5 µL. The high sensitivity and specificity of the developed label-free electrochemical biosensor suggest that this novel platform is a significant step towards the development of fast, real-time, inexpensive and label-free sensing tool for early warning and immediate on-site detection of C. parvum oocysts in water samples, as compared to the traditional methods (such as PCR and microscopy). Furthermore, under optimized conditions, this label-free biosensor can be extended to detect other analytes and biomarkers for environmental and biomedical analyses.
Utilization of the peroxidase-like activity of silver nanoparticles nanozyme on O-phenylenediamine/H2O2 system for fluorescence detection of mercury (II) ions
Authors: Abdel-Lateef Mohamed A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPolyvinylpyrrolidone stabilized silver nanoparticles (PV-AgNPs) were synthesized from AgNO3/trisodium citrate and with the assistance of microwave energy. The synthesized PV-AgNPs were found to own an actual peroxidase mimicking activity. This catalytic activity can oxidize the non-fluorescence reagent (o-phenylenediamine) to a high fluorescence reaction product (2,3-diaminophenazine). The reaction product exhibited a fluorescence emission at 563 nm upon the excitation at 420. Among many metals, only mercury (II) ions can inhibit the catalytic activity of PV-AgNPs nanozyme. Accordingly, the fluorescence intensity of the reaction product has been successfully quenched. This quenching effect in the fluorescence intensity was directly proportional to the concentration of mercury (II). Depending on this finding, a simple, cost-effective, and selective spectrofluorimetric approach has been designed for mercury (II) detection in water samples. The linear relationship between the inhibition in fluorescence intensity and mercury (II) concentration was found in 20–2000 nM with a detection limit of 8.9 nM.
Full factorial design and dynamic modelling of silent and ultrasound-assisted lead and cadmium removal by porous biosorbent
Authors: Ahmed S. Bdaiwi , Dobre T. , Kamar F. Hashim , Mocanu A. , Deleanu I. M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPresent work aimed to analyse single and competitive lead and cadmium batch adsorption, using experimental studies and mathematical modelling. The experiments were conducted in silent and ultrasound-assisted systems, in aqueous environment, using grinded hazelnut shells as porous biosorbent. The influence of process factors (pH, adsorbent concentration, adsorbent particle size, and initial species concentration in liquid phase) on species removal efficiency was evaluated when process equilibrium was attained. The statistical study, following a 24 factorial experimental design, allowed the development of a model to predict variables influence. Based on the obtained results a deeper analysis of the separation efficiency, depending on process factors, was conducted. The dynamic study was performed based on experimentally obtained removal rates, modelled considering species diffusion, with reversible kinetics of sorption inside solid particles. Hence, the dynamics of removal efficiency was determined for several representative experiments. The equilibrium isotherms data, best fitted by an appropriate Langmuir model, were used in the dynamic model to reduce the number of model parameters which normally require experimental identification.
Effect of nitrogen and zinc nanofertilizer with the organic farming practices on cereal and oil seed crops
Authors: Kumar Anil , Singh Kapur , Verma Pushpendra , Singh Omkar , Panwar Aashish , Singh Tarunendu , Kumar Yogendra , Raliya Ramesh 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSustainable and precision agriculture practices are essential to meet the global food demand with minimal impact on soil, air and water. In the present study, nanofertilizers of nitrogen and zinc was used with the organic farming practice under field condition for the cereal i.e. wheat, pearl millet, and oil seed crops i.e. mustard, sesame. The field trial was compared with chemical fertilizer based agricultural settings. A total of 160 field demonstrations were conducted at two locations: Khaliyawas (28.19° N, 76.76° E) and Khatawali (28.22° N, 76.76° E) of Haryana, India with a total area of 1225 acre and randomized block design. It was found that an average yield was recorded 5.35% higher in wheat, 24.24% higher yield in sesame, 4.2% higher in pearl millet and 8.4% higher yield in mustard by applying nanofertilizers of nitrogen and zinc along with the organic farming practice. The increased yield corroborated with the development parameters of plants such as wheat tillers, ear head length of pearl millet, capsule number per plant in sesame and siliquae number per plant in mustard. The trial observation suggests that the fields with applied organic manure, bio-fertilizer and nanofertilizers in combination resulted in higher yield and better plant growth performances when compared to the fields under conventional chemical fertilizer practice. The results suggest that the intervention of nanotechnology along with organic farming practice can help in minimizing the mass volume requirement of conventional chemical fertilizer while improving crop production.
Laser ablation assisted micropattern screen printed transduction electrodes for sensing applications
Authors: Rehmani Muhammad Asif Ali , Lal Kartikay , Shaukat Ayesha , Arif Khalid Mahmood 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this work we present a facile method for the fabrication of several capacitive transduction electrodes for sensing applications. To prepare the electrodes, line widths up to 300 $$\upmu$$μm were produced on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrate using a common workshop laser engraving machine. The geometries prepared with the laser ablation process were characterised by optical microscopy for consistency and accuracy. Later, the geometries were coated with functional polymer porous cellulose decorated sensing layer for humidity sensing. The resulting sensors were tested at various relative humidity (RH) levels. In general, good sensing response was produced by the sensors with sensitivities ranging from 0.13 to 2.37 pF/%RH. In ambient conditions the response time of 10 s was noticed for all the fabricated sensors. Moreover, experimental results show that the sensitivity of the fabricated sensors depends highly on the geometry and by changing the electrode geometry sensitivity increases up to 5 times can be achieved with the same sensing layer. The simplicity of the fabrication process and higher sensitivity resulting from the electrode designs is expected to enable the application of the proposed electrodes not only in air quality sensors but also in many other areas such as touch or tactile sensors.
The importance of pH adjustment for preventing fibrin glue dissolution in the stomach: an in vitro study
Authors: Takegawa Yoshitaka , Takao Toshitatsu , Sakaguchi Hiroya , Nakai Tatsuya , Takeo Kazuhiro , Morita Yoshinori , Toyonaga Takashi , Kodama Yuzo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCombined use of fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets has attracted attention as a preventive measure for complications associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, fibrin glue is a protein that may be dissolved by gastric acid. We evaluated the effect of artificial gastric acid on fibrin clot. The dissolution time of three layers of fibrin glue with PGA sheets was measured in five groups (pH 1.2, 2.0, 4.0, 5.5, and 6.0 with pepsin). Measurements of three samples per group were made. The mean number of the remaining layers at each measurement point was observed for 168 h. The time to complete dissolution of the three layers of fibrin gel in the three samples was 2.5 h at pH 1.2, 5 h at pH 2.0, 24 h at pH 4.0, and 48 h and 6 h at pH 5.5. In order to maintain fibrin glue in the stomach for a long period, there was a need to avoid pepsin activation secondary to acidification of gastric juice. The use of strong antacids is recommended.
Assessment of acute toxicity and developmental transformation impacts of polyethylene microbead exposure on larval daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemon pugio)
Authors: Gray Austin D. , Weinstein John E. , Riegerix Rachelle C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDue to the ubiquity of microplastic contamination in coastal waters, there is potential for adverse impacts to organism development. One organism of interest is the daggerblade grass shrimp,Palaemon pugio, an ecologically important species in estuaries along the east coast of North America. We exposed larval grass shrimp to virgin polyethylene microbeads (35 and 58 µm) at a high (0.375 and 1.95 mg/L), medium (0.0375 and 0.195 mg/L), and a low concentration (0.00375 and 0.0195 mg/L), respectively for 23 days to assess mortality, transformation time from larval to juvenile stage, and weight. Average percent mortality was 3.7 to 4.8 times higher in the experimental treatments compared to controls. The greatest proportion of mortality was observed in the first 11 days. Median time for transformation ranged from 20.2 to 20.8 days. Shrimp exposed to the 35 µm beads in the high treatment (20.2 days) transformed significantly faster than the control shrimp (20.8 days). Although development was not delayed and size of the shrimp did not differ, the acute toxicity of microplastics on grass shrimp is a concern due to their role in energy cycling within tidal-creeks. These findings suggest potential population and community level effects following microplastic exposure.
Artificial intelligence significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of deep myxoid soft tissue lesions in histology
Authors: Yeung Maximus C. F. , Cheng Ivy S. Y. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDeep myxoid soft tissue lesions have posed a diagnostic challenge for pathologists due to significant histological overlap and regional heterogeneity, especially when dealing with small biopsies which have profoundly low accuracy. However, accurate diagnosis is important owing to difference in biological behaviors and response to adjuvant therapy, that will guide the extent of surgery and the need for neo-adjuvant therapy. Herein, we trained two convolutional neural network models based on a total of 149,130 images representing diagnoses of extra skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, intramuscular myxoma, low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma. Both AI models outperformed all the pathologists, with a significant improvement of accuracy up to 97% compared to average pathologists of 69.7% (p < 0.00001), corresponding to 90% reduction in error rate. The area under curve of the best AI model was on average 0.9976. It could assist pathologists in clinical practice for accurate diagnosis of deep soft tissue myxoid lesions, and guide clinicians for precise and optimal treatment for patients.
The rising moon promotes mate finding in moths
Authors: Storms Mona , Jakhar Aryan , Mitesser Oliver , Jechow Andreas , Hölker Franz , Degen Tobias , Hovestadt Thomas , Degen Jacqueline 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTo counteract insect decline, it is essential to understand the underlying causes, especially for key pollinators such as nocturnal moths whose ability to orientate can easily be influenced by ambient light conditions. These comprise natural light sources as well as artificial light, but their specific relevance for moth orientation is still unknown. We investigated the influence of moonlight on the reproductive behavior of privet hawkmoths (Sphinx ligustri) at a relatively dark site where the Milky Way was visible while the horizon was illuminated by distant light sources and skyglow. We show that male moths use the moon for orientation and reach females significantly faster with increasing moon elevation. Furthermore, the choice of flight direction depended on the cardinal position of the moon but not on the illumination of the horizon caused by artificial light, indicating that the moon plays a key role in the orientation of male moths.
Drug-resistant focal epilepsy in children is associated with increased modal controllability of the whole brain and epileptogenic regions
Authors: Chari Aswin , Seunarine Kiran K. , He Xiaosong , Tisdall Martin M. , Clark Christopher A. , Bassett Dani S. , Scott Rod C. , Rosch Richard E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNetwork control theory provides a framework by which neurophysiological dynamics of the brain can be modelled as a function of the structural connectome constructed from diffusion MRI. Average controllability describes the ability of a region to drive the brain to easy-to-reach neurophysiological states whilst modal controllability describes the ability of a region to drive the brain to difficult-to-reach states. In this study, we identify increases in mean average and modal controllability in children with drug-resistant epilepsy compared to healthy controls. Using simulations, we purport that these changes may be a result of increased thalamocortical connectivity. At the node level, we demonstrate decreased modal controllability in the thalamus and posterior cingulate regions. In those undergoing resective surgery, we also demonstrate increased modal controllability of the resected parcels, a finding specific to patients who were rendered seizure free following surgery. Changes in controllability are a manifestation of brain network dysfunction in epilepsy and may be a useful construct to understand the pathophysiology of this archetypical network disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these controllability changes may also facilitate the design of network-focussed interventions that seek to normalise network structure and function.
Finite element analysis of tibio‐femoral contact mechanics of a customised knee spacer
Authors: Choh Alex C. T. , Yew Andy , Yeo Seng Jin , Chong Desmond Y. R. , Chia Shi‐Lu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith one‐third of patients having osteoarthritis predominantly in one compartment of the knee, unicompartmental knee spacers have been introduced as a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement. However, patients with the knee spacer implanted were seen to have persistent pain, resulting in high revision rates. A static finite element model of the knee and its interaction with a knee spacer implant at full extension and 90° flexion was used to investigate the tibio‐femoral contact mechanics of the knee joint after a knee spacer surgery. Three different knee spacer designs (contoured, flat and C‐shaped) were modelled and prescribed with cobalt‐chrome, ultra‐high molecular polyethylene and polyurethane material properties. The results suggested that a softer spacer is generally preferred as this helps in the conformity of knee spacer to the condyle, effectively distributing the load subjected to the implant. Flat spacers that result in high stresses resulting from lower contact areas should be avoided.
Efficient modelling of natural gas pipeline on electromagnetic transient simulation programs
Authors: Song Ruikai , Xia Yue , Chen Ying , Du Songhuai , Strunz Kai , Song Yankan , Fang Wang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractElectromagnetic transient programs (EMTPs) are widely used for simulating electromagnetic transient in power systems. With the increasing interest in integrated energy system (IES), it would be beneficial to extend the scope of EMTP‐type application to multi‐physics transients in integrated electrical and gas networks. An efficient and accurate model of gas pipeline is proposed in EMTP for the simulation of pneumatic transients. The pipeline is split into a number of segments using spatial discretization. Analogies between pneumatic and electric quantities, such as flow and pressure, current, and voltage, are used to create a circuit representation of pipe segment. The pipeline is represented by a distributed‐element model. In order to enhance the computational efficiency, the nodal equation for pipeline model is reformulated. The pipeline model appears as a two‐port Norton equivalent with constant admittances. Case studies are performed to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed pipeline model. The implementation of the proposed pipeline model in the EMTP‐type program power systems computer aided design (PSCAD) enables the analysis of diverse transients in integrated electrical and gas systems (IEGSs).
Lexical Neighborhood Test: Test-Retest Reliability and Interlist Equivalency
Authors: Kirk Karen Iler , Eisenberg Laurie S. , Martinez Amy S. , Hay-McCutcheon Marcia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study examined the reliability and interlist equivalency of two new recorded spoken word recognition measures, the Lexical Neighborhood Test (LNT) and the Multisyllabic Lexical Neighborhood Test (MLNT), and evaluated the effects of lexical difficulty on spoken word recognition by children with hearing loss. Participants were 16 children with prelingual, profound deafness who used a cochlear implant. Test-retest reliability was high and no significant interlist differences were observed for both measures. In addition, we found that lexically "easy" words (i.e., those that occur often and have few phonemically words with which they are similar) were recognized correctly more often than lexically "hard" words (i.e., those with opposite characteristics). The results demonstrate that the LNT and MLNT provide reliable information about the spoken word recognition abilities of children with profound hearing loss who use cochlear implants. In addition, these new measures also provide more detailed information about the way in which these children organize and access spoken words from long-term lexical memory.
Abbreviations: CHILDES = Child Language Data Exchange System; LNT = Lexical Neighborhood Test; MLNT = Multisyllabic Lexical Neighborhood Test; NAM = Neighborhood Activation Model; OC = oral communication; PB-K = Phonetically Balanced Kindergarten Word Lists; PTA = average of the pure-tone threshold hearing levels at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz; SPL = speech presentation level; TC = total communication
Hit and False-Positive Rates for the Middle Latency Response in Patients with Central Nervous System Involvement
Authors: Musiek Frank , Charette Lori , Kelly Tim , Lee Wei Wei , Musiek Erik 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe sought to determine the test efficiency of the middle latency evoked response for identifying or differentiating subjects with and without central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Receiver operating characteristic curves were established for hit and false-positive rates for 26 subjects with CNS lesions and 26 control subjects matched for age and hearing sensitivity. The lesions involved but were not limited to the auditory regions of the CNS. Middle latency evoked response latency and amplitude measurements were made for the Na and Pa waves recorded at C3 and C4 electrode sites following stimulation of the left and right ears. Intrasubject comparisons were made for ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation/recording conditions. Amplitude measures were superior to latency measures. For amplitude, percentage differences from contralateral comparisons proved to be the most sensitive and specific measure. The clinical implications of findings are discussed.
Abbreviations: ABR = auditory brainstem response, CANS = central auditory nervous systems, CNS = central nervous system, MLR = middle latency response, ROC = receiver operating characteristics