bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Porous UHMWPE Composites with Functional Bimodal Cellular Structure and Research on its Oil Absorption Performance
Authors: Wang Lixia , Bi Zhaojie , Wang Chen , Wang Dongfang , Li Qian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPorous polymers with bimodal cellular structure have excellent hydrophobicity and structure, while preparation of porous polymers with functional bimodal cellular structures is challengeable. In this work, porous ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) composites with functional bimodal cellular structures are fabricated based on the simple and environmentally friendly supercritical carbon dioxide microfoaming technology. The thermal performance, the foaming performance of UHMWPE/PEG composites, and the oil absorption performance under various extreme environments of UHMWPE/PEG porous samples are investigated. Representative sea‐island structures are observed on the fracture surface of various UHMWPE/PEG composites by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When the PEG content exceeds 3%, the porous UHMWPE shows a distinctive bimodal cellular structure. The results of the water contact angle test in various extreme environments indicates that the porous UHMWPE has stable hydrophobicity, exhibits good absorption performance and excellent reusability for different oils. The permeation pressure tests demonstrate that the permeation pressure of water is significantly higher than that of oil. Therefore, the functional porous UHMWPE/PEG has good application prospects in oil water separation and oil absorption.
Microbial biominers: Sequential bioleaching and biouptake of metals from electronic scraps
Authors: García‐Balboa Camino , Martínez‐Alesón García Paloma , López‐Rodas Victoria , Costas Eduardo , Baselga‐Cervera Beatriz 
Published: February 2022

AbstractElectronic scraps (e‐scraps) represent an attractive raw material to mine demanded metals, as well as rare earth elements (REEs). A sequential microbial‐mediated process developed in two steps was examined to recover multiple elements. First, we made use of an acidophilic bacteria consortium, mainly composed of Acidiphilium multivorum and Leptospidillum ferriphilum, isolated from acid mine drainages. The consortium was inoculated in a dissolution of e‐scraps powder and cultured for 15 days. Forty‐five elements were analyzed in the liquid phase over time, including silver, gold, and 15 REEs. The bioleaching efficiencies of the consortium were >99% for Cu, Co, Al, and Zn, 53% for Cd, and around 10% for Cr and Li on Day 7. The second step consisted of a microalgae‐mediated uptake from e‐scraps leachate. The strains used were two acidophilic extremotolerant microalgae, Euglena sp. (EugVP) and Chlamydomonas sp. (ChlSG) strains, isolated from the same extreme environment. Up to 7.3, 4.1, 1.3, and 0.7 µg by wet biomass (WB) of Zn, Al, Cu, and Mn, respectively, were uptaken by ChlSG biomass in 12 days, presenting higher efficiency than EugVP. Concerning REEs, ChlSG biouptake 14.9, 20.3, 13.7, 8.3 ng of Gd, Pr, Ce, La per WB. Meanwhile, EugVP captured 1.1, 1.5, 1.4, and 7.5, respectively. This paper shows the potential of a microbial sequential process to revalorize e‐scraps and recover metals and REEs, harnessing extremotolerant microorganisms.
Research on in‐band stealth of antenna based on phase gradient metasurface
Authors: Zhu Lin , Sun Jiwen , Cao Qunsheng , Li Huangyan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this letter, a low in‐band radar cross section (RCS) antenna with radiation and scattering characteristics based on phase gradient metasurface (PGM) is proposed. The proposed structure consists of periodic arrays of metallic patches printed on a 1.2 mm dielectric substrate with a metallic ground plane, and the RCS is reduced between 7.8 and 12 GHz under normal incidence. Without increasing the structural complexity, some units on the metasurface are used directly as the radiators of the antenna array, which maintains the radiation characteristics of the antenna and reduces its RCS in the working band. The performance test for metasurface antenna agrees well with simulation.
Four‐dimensional computed tomography of the left ventricle, Part II: Estimation of mechanical activation times
Authors: Manohar Ashish , Pack Jed D. , Schluchter Andrew J. , McVeigh Elliot R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPurposeWe demonstrate the viability of a four‐dimensional X‐ray computed tomography (4DCT) imaging system to accurately and precisely estimate mechanical activation times of left ventricular (LV) wall motion. Accurate and reproducible timing estimates of LV wall motion may be beneficial in the successful planning and management of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).MethodsWe developed an anthropomorphically accurate in silico LV phantom based on human CT images with programmed septal‐lateral wall dyssynchrony. Twenty‐six temporal phases of the in silico phantom were used to sample the cardiac cycle of 1 s. For each of the 26 phases, 1 cm thick axial slabs emulating axial CT image volumes were extracted, 3D printed, and imaged using a commercially available CT scanner. A continuous dynamic sinogram was synthesized by blending sinograms from these static phases; the synthesized sinogram emulated the sinogram that would be acquired under true continuous phantom motion. Using the synthesized dynamic sinogram, images were reconstructed at 70 ms intervals spanning the full cardiac cycle; these images exhibited expected motion artifact characteristics seen in images reconstructed from real dynamic data. The motion corrupted images were then processed with a novel motion correction algorithm (ResyncCT) to yield motion corrected images. Five pairs of motion uncorrected and motion corrected images were generated, each corresponding to a different starting gantry angle (0 to 180 degrees in 45 degree increments). Two line profiles perpendicular to the endocardial surface were used to sample local myocardial motion trajectories at the septum and the lateral wall. The mechanical activation time of wall motion was defined as the time at which the endocardial boundary crossed a fixed position defined on either of the two line profiles while moving toward the center of the LV during systolic contraction. The mechanical activation times of these myocardial trajectories estimated from the motion uncorrected and the motion corrected images were then compared with those derived from the static images of the 3D printed phantoms (ground truth). The precision of the timing estimates was obtained from the five different starting gantry angle simulations.ResultsThe range of estimated mechanical activation times observed across all starting gantry angles was significantly larger for the motion uncorrected images than for the motion corrected images (lateral wall: 58 ± 15 ms vs 12 ± 4 ms, p < 0.005; septal wall: 61 ± 13 ms vs 13 ± 9 ms, p < 0.005).Conclusions4DCT images processed with the ResyncCT motion correction algorithm yield estimates of mechanical activation times of LV wall motion with significantly improved accuracy and precision. The promising results reported in this study highlight the potential utility of 4DCT in estimating the timing of mechanical events of interest for CRT guidance.
Use of computed tomography for the diagnosis of surgical sarcopenia: Review of recent research advances
Authors: Xiao Yu , Xiao‐yue Zhou , Yue Wu , Ruo‐tao Liu , Xiang‐jie Li , Xing‐yuan Wang , Qian Wang , Xiao‐hua Qian , Zhen‐yi Jia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSarcopenia, also known as muscle decay, is associated with high morbidity among surgical patients. It is highly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as increased postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased mortality. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the main methods for diagnosing sarcopenia, which has the advantages of intuitiveness, rapidity, and accuracy. Clinical studies have shown that CT‐defined sarcopenia can help predict the clinical outcomes and prognosis of surgical patients and provide an important reference for the formulation of antitumor treatment protocols. In recent years, some scholars have tried to construct an intelligent CT‐based diagnostic model, which is expected to improve the diagnostic efficiency and establish standardized diagnostic criteria for CT‐defined sarcopenia. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the understanding of the diagnosis of sarcopenia and its potential prognostic value in surgery.
Characterization of a river embankment using a non‐destructive direct current electrical survey
Authors: Umezawa Ryosuke , Jinguuji Motoharu , Yokota Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTRiver embankments are earthen structures constructed to protect areas from flooding. If a river embankment collapses, it can cause major damage to human lives; therefore, proper inspection and evaluation are essential to determine the problem areas in river embankments, and repair them if necessary, before any damage occurs. Electrical surveys are a reliable method that has been used widely. Recently, electrical surveys have been used to inspect long structures such as river embankments, highlighting the need for developing non‐destructive and less fieldwork electrical survey methods. In this study, we examined a direct current electrical exploration system using polyvinyl alcohol sponge roller electrodes, which are non‐destructive and can be moved smoothly without damaging the ground surface. We conducted initial experiments on a test ground in which this new system was towed by an unmanned ground vehicle to perform an electrical survey and compared the results with those obtained using conventional methods that utilize stainless steel electrodes driven into the ground. The results indicate that the direct current electrical survey using the polyvinyl alcohol electrodes yielded almost the same results as those obtained using the stainless steel electrodes. In addition, both methods were tested on a river embankment to investigate the effectiveness of the towed direct current electrical survey. We confirmed that the towed survey method was effective by comparing the resistivity cross‐sections and fieldwork required for both survey types.
Three‐month Chan‐Chuang qigong program improves physical performance and quality of life of patients with cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsu Chin‐Yun , Yeh Mei‐Ling , Liu Yu‐Chi E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a 3‐month‐long Chan‐Chuang qigong program on patients' physical performance and quality of life while excluding the influence caused by the progression of their cognitive impairment. Patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment were recruited from two dementia daycare centers in Taiwan. The control group (n = 41) received the standardized plan of treatment, and the qigong group (n = 39) received the standardized plan of treatment plus the Chan‐Chuang qigong program. The outcomes were muscle strength, muscle endurance, exercise capacity, and quality of life. After controlling for the progression of cognitive impairment, the qigong group showed significant improvements over the control group and baseline in muscle strength and exercise capacity at Months 2 and 3 (p < 0.05) and in muscle endurance at Months 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.05). The Cognitron test scores were significantly associated with muscle strength (p = 0.03), whereas the Corsi block‐tapping test scores were significantly associated with exercise capacity (p = 0.001). Furthermore, a significant between‐group difference was detected in the physical (p = 0.01), not mental (p = 0.83), component of quality of life. The 3‐month Chan‐Chuang qigong program can be applied for patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment as complementary therapy to improve their muscle strength, muscle endurance, exercise capacity, and physical quality of life. This program should be practiced for at least 2 months to achieve satisfactory results.
Solvent Influence on Absorption Spectra and Tautomeric Equilibria of Symmetric Azomethine‐Functionalized Derivatives: Structural Elucidation and Computational Studies
Authors: Salih Kifah S. M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA new series of azomethine‐functionalized compounds was synthesized from the condensation of 2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐propanediamine and 2‐thienylcarboxaldehydes in the presence of a drying agent. The derivatives were spectroscopically characterized by NMR, LC‐MS, UV/Vis, IR and elemental analysis. Variable temperature 1H‐NMR (−60 to +60 °C) was performed to investigate the effect of solvent polarity; the capability of solvent to form H‐bond was found to dramatically influencing the tautomerization process of the desired structures. The calculated thermochemical parameters (ΔH298, ΔG298 and ΔS298) at DFT and MP2 levels of theory explained that 3 b exists in equilibrium with two tautomers. The basis of the electronic absorptions was pursued through Time‐Dependent Density‐Functional Theory (TD‐DFT). Analysis of the structural surfaces was inspected and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) demonstrated that the three functionalized compounds were relatively analogous in the electronic distributions. Furthermore, the electrophilic and nucleophilic centers lying on the molecular surfaces were probably playing a key‐role in stabilizing the compounds through the nonclassical C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions and hydrogen bonding. The impact of solvent polarity on absorption spectra were investigated via solvatochromic shifts. For instance, compound 3 c displayed a gradual shift of the maximum absorption to the red area when the solvent polarity was increased, recording a 21 nm of bathochromic shift. In contrast, no significant solvent‐effect on 3 a and 3 b was observed. The solvation relation was pursued between Gutmann's donicity numbers the experimental λmax; exhibited almost positive linear performance with a minor oscillation, that ascribe to the possible weak interface between the molecules of solute and designated solvents. The bandgap energy of all products were assessed experimentally using optical absorption spectra following Tauc approach, giving −4.050 (3 a), −3.900 (3 b) and −3.210 (3 c) eV. However, the ΔE were computationally figured out from TD‐DFT simulation to be −4.258 (3 a), −4.022 (3 b) and −3.390 (3 c) eV.
Fetal lung regeneration using stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles: A new frontier for pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Figueira Rebeca Lopes , Antounians Lina , Zani‐Ruttenstock Elke , Khalaj Kasra , Zani Augusto 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe poor outcomes of babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are directly related to pulmonary hypoplasia, a condition characterized by impaired lung development. Although the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia is not fully elucidated, there is now evidence that CDH patients have missing or dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lung development. A prenatal therapy that supplements these missing/dysregulated miRNAs could be a strategy to rescue normal lung development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), also known as exosomes when of small dimensions, are lipid‐bound nanoparticles that can transfer their heterogeneous cargo (proteins, lipids, small RNAs) to target cells to induce biological responses. Herein, we review all studies that show evidence for stem cell‐derived EVs as a regenerative therapy to rescue normal development in CDH fetal lungs. Particularly, we report studies showing that administration of EVs derived from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC‐EVs) to models of pulmonary hypoplasia promotes fetal lung growth and maturation via transfer of miRNAs that are known to regulate lung developmental processes. We also describe that stem cell‐derived EVs exert effects on vascular remodeling, thus possibly preventing postnatal pulmonary hypertension. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and challenges to translate this promising stem cell EV‐based therapy to clinical practice.
Background rates of five thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndromes of special interest for COVID‐19 vaccine safety surveillance: Incidence between 2017 and 2019 and patient profiles from 38.6 million people in six European countries
Authors: Burn Edward , Li Xintong , Kostka Kristin , Stewart Henry Morgan , Reich Christian , Seager Sarah , Duarte‐Salles Talita , Fernandez‐Bertolin Sergio , Aragón María , Reyes Carlen , Martinez‐Hernandez Eugenia , Marti Edelmira , Delmestri Antonella , Verhamme Katia , Rijnbeek Peter , Horban Scott , Morales Daniel R. , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) has been reported among individuals vaccinated with adenovirus‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccines. In this study, we describe the background incidence of non‐vaccine induced TTS in six European countries.MethodsElectronic medical records from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom informed the study. Incidence rates of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, all with concurrent thrombocytopenia, were estimated among the general population of persons in a database between 2017 and 2019. A range of additional potential adverse events of special interest for COVID‐19 vaccinations were also studied in a similar manner.FindingsA total of 38 611 617 individuals were included. Background rates ranged from 1.0 (95% CI: 0.7–1.4) to 8.5 (7.4–9.9) per 100 000 person‐years for DVT with thrombocytopenia, from 0.5 (0.3–0.6) to 20.8 (18.9–22.8) for PE with thrombocytopenia, from 0.1 (0.0–0.1) to 2.5 (2.2–2.7) for SVT with thrombocytopenia, and from 1.0 (0.8–1.2) to 43.4 (40.7–46.3) for myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke with thrombocytopenia. CVST with thrombocytopenia was only identified in one database, with incidence rate of 0.1 (0.1–0.2) per 100 000 person‐years. The incidence of non‐vaccine induced TTS increased with age, and was typically greater among those with more comorbidities and greater medication use than the general population. It was also more often seen in men than women. A large proportion of those affected were seen to have been taking antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapies prior to their event.InterpretationAlthough rates vary across databases, non‐vaccine induced TTS has consistently been seen to be a very rare event among the general population. While still remaining very rare, rates were typically higher among older individuals, and those affected were also seen to generally be male and have more comorbidities and greater medication use than the general population.
The role of epigenetics in childhood autoimmune diseases with hematological manifestations
Authors: Gkoutsias Athanasios , Makis Alexandros 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTAutoimmune diseases with hematological manifestations are often characterized by chronicity and relapses despite treatment, and the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain unknown. Epigenetic alterations play a vital role in the deregulation of immune tolerance and the development of autoimmune diseases. In recent years, study of epigenetic mechanisms in both adult and childhood autoimmune disorders has been seeking to explain the pathophysiology of these heterogeneous diseases and to elucidate the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Various mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications (chromatin remodeling), and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have been studied extensively in the context of autoimmune diseases. This paper summarizes the epigenetic patterns in some of the most common childhood autoimmune disorders with hematological manifestations, based on epigenetic studies in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Research findings indicate that methylation changes in genes expressed on T cells, modifications at a variety of histone sites, and alterations in the expression of several ncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. These mechanisms not only determine the development of these diseases but also affect the severity of the clinical presentation and biochemical markers. Further studies will provide new tools for the prevention and diagnosis of childhood autoimmune disorders, and possible novel treatment options.
Abnormal gait and hypoglycorrhachia in a toddler with seizures
Authors: Angeli Maria , Vergadi Eleni , Niotakis Georgios , Raissaki Maria , Galanakis Emmanouil 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTIntroductionGlucose transporter type 1 (Glut1) deficiency syndrome is a treatable neurometabolic disorder characterized by seizures, developmental delay, and hypoglycorrhachia. Due to the rareness and non‐specific clinical manifestations, it is usually mis‐ or underdiagnosed.Case presentationWe report the case of a toddler who presented with afebrile epileptic seizures and abnormal gait. Brain imaging and electroencephalogram were normal. Further investigation of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed hypoglycorrhachia that was the clue to the diagnosis of Glut1 deficiency syndrome and the initiation of treatment with ketogenic diet.ConclusionOur case highlights the importance of lumbar puncture while investigating a child with epileptic seizures and abnormal gait or developmental delay, in order not to miss treatable neurometabolic conditions, such as Glut1 deficiency syndrome.
The role of psychosocial variables in breast self‐examination practice: Results from focus group discussions in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Triana Kesuma , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Ardi Rahkman , Massar Karlijn 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionBreast cancer is a global life‐threatening disease. Breast self‐examination (BSE) followed by timely diagnosis and treatment is a viable screening method for populations with limited health care access such as Indonesia. Knowledge of the beliefs underlying BSE could benefit the development of future health education efforts to promote BSE and breast cancer awareness among Indonesian women, with the ultimate aim to achieve early detection and promote long‐term survivals. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying beliefs of BSE among women in Surabaya, Indonesia in accordance with the reasoned action approach (RAA) framework. Moreover, we investigated what these women considered an effective approach to improve breast awareness and promote BSE in their social networks.MethodThe participants included 62 women aged 18–55 (M = 32,9) in Surabaya, Indonesia who were divided into nine focus groups. Directed content analysis was employed to analyze the data.ResultsSix psychosocial determinants of performing BSE emerged from the analysis: knowledge, attitude and beliefs, risk perception, norms, perceived behavior control, and intention. Furthermore, the participants identified face‐to‐face meetings with visual media and healthcare professionals as effective channels to enhance breast awareness.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the application of the RAA for BSE, and reveals the importance of face‐to‐face meetings involving healthcare professionals and women's social networks for breast education.