bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of telephone visits at an urban safety‐net hospital during 2020: A retrospective review
Authors: Kim Eric K. , Kidane Joseph , Brodie Shauna , Tuot Delphine S. , Sharon Jeffrey D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectiveDuring COVID‐19, otolaryngology clinics rapidly implemented telehealth programs in accordance with social distancing guidelines and institutional policies. Our objectives are to evaluate the usefulness of telephone audio visits for underserved patients seeking otolaryngological care at an urban safety‐net hospital and identify patient factors associated with telephone visit attendance.MethodsIn a retrospective review of all adult telephone visits in 2020, we compared the demographics and visit characteristics of patients who attended telehealth versus in‐person visits and patients who attended versus missed telehealth visits. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized to identify predictors of missing telehealth visits.ResultsWe identified 318 telehealth encounters completed by 254 patients (72.8% were of racial/ethnic minority; 76.3% had low‐income, need‐based insurances; 43.7% had limited English proficiency). The most common chief complaints were related to head and neck oncology (n = 85, 26.7%), otology/neurotology (n = 74, 23.3%), and general otolaryngology (n = 69, 21.7%). The following actions were executed during telephone visits: behavioral and/or medication patient education (n = 152, 47.8%); sharing testing/imaging/tumor board results (n = 125, 39.3%); referrals to another department (n = 103, 32.4%); rendering a new diagnosis (n = 98, 30.8%); changing medications (n = 60, 18.9%). Less than half of telephone visits (46.2%) resulted in in‐person follow‐up, most commonly for in‐person exams. The distribution of race/ethnicity differed between attended in‐person appointments versus telephone visits (p = .01), but race and ethnicity were not significant predictors of telephone visit attendance.ConclusionDespite limited diagnostic capabilities, telephone audio visits can be an effective and accessible tool for providing continuity and advancing care in socially disadvantaged patients.Level of evidenceIV.
Design and Synthesis of Epoxidized Soybean Oil‐Branched Cardanol Ethers as Poly(vinyl chloride) Plasticizers
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Caili , Han Yu , Ma Zhirui , Weng Yunxuan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTo overcome the migration of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) used as a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plasticizer, ESO‐branched cardanol (CD) ethers (ESO‐CDn) are designed and synthesized in this work. The incorporation of the benzene ring and the C15 straight chain of CD provided excellent plasticizing efficiency, and the increase in the molecular weight by branching CD with ESO enhanced the migration resistance of the plasticizer. In this work, two different methods are adopted to prepare PVC/ESO/CD and PVC/ESO‐CDn, namely the one‐step method (dynamic vulcanization of ESO, CD, and PVC) and the two‐step method (synthesis of ESO‐CD and then mixing it with PVC). The first method is convenient, while it is also uncontrollable, leading to an incomplete reaction between ESO and CD. The second method offers a controllable reaction between ESO and CD. The chemical structure of ESO‐CDn is fully characterized. Furthermore, the thermal, mechanical, rheology, and migration resistance properties of PVC/ESO/CD and PVC/ESO‐CDn are compared. The relationship between the molecular structure and plasticizer performance is investigated, and the plasticization mechanism is proposed. The tensile and thermal properties indicate that PVC/35ESO‐CD10 offered a superior anti‐thermal aging performance due to the excellent plasticizing and migration resistance effects of ESO‐CD10.
Real‐time B0 compensation during gantry rotation in a 0.35‐T MRI–Linac
Authors: Curcuru Austen N. , Kim Taeho , Yang Deshan , Gach H. Michael 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundRotation of the ferromagnetic gantry of a low magnetic field MRI–Linac was previously demonstrated to cause large center frequency offsets of ±400 Hz. The B0 off‐resonances cause image artifacts and imaging isocenter shifts that would preclude MRI‐guided arc therapy.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to measure and compensate for center frequency offsets in real time during gantry rotation on a 0.35‐T MRI–Linac using a free induction decay (FID) navigator.MethodsA nonselective FID navigator was added before each 2D balanced steady‐state free precession cine image acquisition on a 0.35‐T MRI–Linac. Images were acquired at 7.3 frames per second. Phase data from the initial FID navigator (while the gantry was stationary) was used as a reference. The phase data from each subsequent FID navigator was used to calculate the real‐time B0 off‐resonance. The transmitter/receiver phase and the phase accrual over the adjacent image acquisition were adjusted to correct for the center frequency offset. Measurements were performed using an MRI–Linac dynamic phantom prior to and while the gantry rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. Image quality and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were compared between uncorrected and B0‐corrected MRIs using a reference image acquired while the gantry was stationary. Four targets in the phantom were manually contoured on the first image frame, and an active contouring algorithm was used retrospectively on each subsequent frame to assess image variations and calculate Dice coefficients. Additionally, three healthy volunteers were imaged using the same pulse sequences with and without real‐time B0 compensation during gantry rotation. Normalized root mean square errors (nRMSEs) were calculated for the phantom and in vivo to assess the efficacy of the B0 compensation on image quality. The measured center frequency offsets from the volunteer and MRI dynamic phantom navigator data were also compared. The sinusoidal behavior of the center frequency offsets was modeled based on the gantry layout and long‐time constant eddy currents resulting from gantry rotation.ResultsThe duration of the FID navigator and processing was 4.5 ms. The FID navigator resulted in a ≤11% drop in SNR in the phantom and in vivo (liver). Dice coefficients from the MRI‐guided radiation therapy (MR‐IGRT) phantom contour measurements remained above 0.8 with B0 compensation. Without B0 compensation, the Dice coefficients dropped below 0.8 for up to 21% of the time depending on the contour. Real‐time B0 compensation resulted in mean reductions in nRMSE of 51% and 16% for the MR‐IGRT phantom and in vivo, respectively. Peak‐to‐peak center frequency offsets ranged from 757 to 773 Hz in the phantom and 760 to 871 Hz in vivo.ConclusionDynamic real‐time B0 compensation significantly improved image quality and reduced artifacts during gantry rotation in the phantom and in vivo. However, the FID navigator resulted in a small drop in the imaging duty cycle and SNR.
Fourier‐based decomposition for simultaneous 2‐voxel MRS acquisition with 2SPECIAL
Authors: Riemann Layla Tabea , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Mekle Ralf , Speck Oliver , Rose Georg , Ittermann Bernd , Schmitter Sebastian , Fillmer Ariane 
Published: July 2022

PurposeTo simultaneously acquire spectroscopic signals from two MRS voxels using a multi‐banded 2 spin‐echo, full‐intensity acquired localized (2SPECIAL) sequence, and to decompose the signal to their respective regions by a novel voxel‐GRAPPA (vGRAPPA) decomposition approach for in vivo brain applications at 7 T.MethodsA wideband, uniform rate, smooth truncation (WURST) multi‐banded pulse was incorporated into SPECIAL to implement 2SPECIAL for simultaneous multi‐voxel spectroscopy (sMVS). To decompose the acquired data, the voxel‐GRAPPA decomposition algorithm is introduced, and its performance is compared to the SENSE‐based decomposition. Furthermore, the limitations of two‐voxel excitation concerning the multi‐banded adiabatic inversion pulse, as well as of the combined B0 shim and B1+ adjustments, are evaluated.ResultsIt was successfully shown that the 2SPECIAL sequence enables sMVS without a significant loss in SNR while reducing the total scan time by 21.6% compared to two consecutive acquisitions. The proposed voxel‐GRAPPA algorithm properly reassigns the signal components to their respective origin region and shows no significant differences to the well‐established SENSE‐based algorithm in terms of leakage (both <10%) or Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB) for in vivo applications, while not requiring the acquisition of additional sensitivity maps and thus decreasing motion sensitivity.ConclusionThe use of 2SPECIAL in combination with the novel voxel‐GRAPPA decomposition technique allows a substantial reduction of measurement time compared to the consecutive acquisition of two single voxels without a significant decrease in spectral quality or metabolite quantification accuracy and thus provides a new option for multiple‐voxel applications.
Measurement of magnetostimulation thresholds in the porcine heart
Authors: Klein Valerie , Coll‐Font Jaume , Vendramini Livia , Straney Donald , Davids Mathias , Ferris Natalie G. , Schad Lothar R. , Sosnovik David E. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Wald Lawrence L. , Guérin Bastien 
Published: July 2022

PurposePowerful MRI gradient systems can surpass the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60601‐2‐33 limit for cardiac stimulation (CS), which was determined by simple electromagnetic simulations and electrode stimulation experiments. Only a few canine studies measured magnetically induced CS thresholds in vivo and extrapolating them to human safety limits can be challenging.MethodsWe measured cardiac magnetostimulation thresholds in 10 healthy, anesthetized pigs using capacitors discharged into a flat spiral coil to produce damped sinusoidal waveforms with effective stimulus duration ts,eff = 0.45 ms. Electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure, and peripheral oximetry signals were recorded to determine threshold coil currents yielding cardiac capture. Dixon and CINE MR volumes from each animal were segmented to generate porcine‐specific electromagnetic models to calculate dB/dt and E‐field values in the porcine heart at threshold. For comparison, we also simulated maximum dB/dt and E‐field values created by three MRI gradient systems in the heart of a human body model.ResultsThe average dB/dt threshold estimated in the porcine heart was 1.66 ± 0.23 kT/s, which is 11‐fold greater than the IEC dB/dt limit at ts,eff = 0.45 ms, and 31‐fold greater than the maximum value created by the investigated MRI gradients in the human heart. The average E‐field threshold estimated in the porcine heart was 92.9 ± 13.5 V/m, which is 6‐fold greater than the IEC E‐field limit at ts,eff = 0.45 ms and 37‐fold greater than the maximum gradient‐induced E‐field in the human heart.ConclusionThis first measurement of cardiac magnetostimulation thresholds in pigs indicates that the IEC cardiac safety limit is conservative for the investigated stimulus duration (ts,eff = 0.45 ms).
Assessing potential correlation between T2 relaxation and diffusion of lactate in the mouse brain
Authors: Mougel Eloïse , Malaquin Sophie , Valette Julien 
Published: July 2022

PurposeWhile diffusion and T2 relaxation are intertwined, little or no correlation exists between diffusion and T2 relaxation of intracellular metabolites in the rodent brain, as measured by diffusion‐weighted MRS at different TEs. However, situation might be different for lactate, since it is present in both extracellular and intracellular spaces, which exhibit different diffusion properties and may also exhibit different T2. Such a TE dependence would be crucial to account for when interpreting or modeling lactate diffusion. Here we propose to take advantage of a new diffusion sequence, where J‐modulation of lactate is canceled even at long TE, thus retaining excellent signal, to assess potential T2 dependence on diffusion of lactate in the mouse brain.MethodsUsing a frequency‐selective diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo sequence that removes J‐modulation at 1.3 ppm, thus preserving lactate signal even at long TE, we investigate the effect of TE between 50.9 and 110.9 ms (while keeping diffusion time constant) on apparent diffusivity and kurtosis in the mouse brain.ResultsRegardless of the metabolites, no difference appears for the diffusion‐weighted signal attenuation with increasing TE. For lactate, apparent diffusivity and kurtosis remain unchanged as TE increases.ConclusionNo significant TE dependence of diffusivity and kurtosis is measured for lactate in the 50–110 ms TE range, confirming that potential T2 effects can be ignored when interpreting or modeling lactate diffusion.
Effect of surface treatment on the performance of composite‐composite and composite‐metal adhesive joints
Authors: Nasreen Adeela , Bangash Muhammad Kashif , Shaker Khubab , Nawab Yasir 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe use of Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Composites (FRPCs) in automotive, aerospace, and naval applications has increased significantly due to the requirement for a high performance‐to‐weight ratio. One the issue in using composite parts is their joining to the metal parts in the global structure. Several joining techniques such as mechanical joining, adhesive, vibration joining, and hybrid joining are used for this purpose. Being lighter in weight and lower in cost in comparison to other techniques, adhesive bonding is mostly used for composite‐composite and composite‐metal joining. To achieve reliable adhesive joining, surface preparation of the joining substrates is of utmost importance. Though the effect of physical surface treatments on the performance of joints has been reported in the literature, however, the effect of chemical surface treatment of composites on the mechanical performance of adhesive joints was rarely studied. In this article, the effect of chemical treatment (alkaline permanganate), of the composite surfaces on the single lap shear strength and Izod impact strength of composite‐composite and composite‐metal adhesive joints is reported. The results showed that the chemically treated joints demonstrate a significant improvement in these properties.
Production of bacterial cellulose with antioxidant additive from grape residue with promising cosmetic applications
Authors: Nascimento Helenise A. , Amorim Julia D. P. , M. Filho Luiz E. P. T. de , Costa Andrea Fernanda S. , Sarubbo Leonie A. , Napoleão Daniella Carla , Maria Vinhas Glória 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe present study describes the development of a polymeric matrix based on bacterial cellulose (BC) additivated with grape skin residue extract by in situ and ex situ methods, to obtain a material with antioxidant and moisturizing characteristics for possible cosmetic applications. The samples developed by the different methods showed antioxidant activity, and this property was intensified with the increase of the extracted content used. Among the samples added by the in situ method, the produced with a fermentation medium containing only pure grape skin residue extract (100%v/v—G100) presented the highest value of antioxidant activity 35.6%. While for the produced by the ex situ method (HSG“ex situ”) the value was approximately 30.3%. Both antioxidant activity results were close to those found for the pure extract (38.5%), emphasizing its stability even after incorporation into the membrane. In addition, it was observed that other properties, such as high water retention capacities (around 98%), high porosity (around 85%), and low crystallinity, favor the development of cosmetic products, because they increase the moisturizing effect and the ability to incorporate active compounds. In addition, the use of residue from the grape juice extraction process is valuable inputs for BC additive with antioxidant properties.
Synoeca‐MP: New insights into its mechanism of action by using NMR and molecular dynamics simulations approach
Authors: Alves Eliane Santana Fernandes , de Santos Bruno de Paula Oliveira , Rodrigues Leticia Valvassori , Freitas Carlos Daniel Pereira , dos Santos Lucianna Helene Silva , Dias Simoni Campos , Franco Octávio Luiz , Lião Luciano Morais , de Magalhães Mariana Torquato Quezado 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSynoeca‐MP is a 14‐residue amidated peptide, belongs to the mastoparan family and it is found in the venom of the wasp Synoeca surinama and has antibacterial and antifungal activity. The low cytotoxicity of the peptide also makes it an excellent candidate for drug development. To better understand its selectivity and interaction with the membrane, the peptide behavior in membrane‐like environments was studied here and the peptide structure in SDS micelles was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The behavior of the peptide in hydrophobic media and in different pH ranges was studied by CD spectroscopy. The incorporation of residues into the anionic micelles was studied by hydrogen‐deuterium exchange. The peptide stability and insertion in the micelles was studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Synoeca‐MP, bound to SDS micelles, exhibits a partial α‐helix conformation, with the first five residues and the last two unfolded. H/D exchange showed that the peptide has a slow exchange rate. After 164 h, four residues had not yet completed H/D substitution, suggesting parallel alignment of the peptide with the micelle, mainly due to the hydrophobic interface. This may indicate a carpet interaction model of the peptide with micelles. The molecular simulation study of peptide showed that the peptide consists of a well‐folded alpha‐helix core and unfolded extremities, which are responsible for the nature of the peptide interaction. The biophysical analyses can improve the atomic understanding of the mode of action of the peptide and help in future improvements of the peptide for clinical usage.
The intracellular proteome of the gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is widely unaffected by a switch from glucose to sucrose as main carbohydrate source
Authors: Genth Jerome , Kaleja Patrick , Treitz Christian , Schäfer Kathrin , Graspeuntner Simon , Rupp Jan , Tholey Andreas 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a gram negative bacterium within the human gut microbiome that metabolizes a wide range of dietary and mucosal polysaccharides. Here, we analyze the proteome response of B. thetaiotaomicron cultivated on two different carbon sources, glucose and sucrose. Two quantitative LC‐MS based proteomics approaches, encompassing label free quantification and isobaric labeling by tandem mass tags were applied. The results obtained by both workflows were compared with respect to the number of identified and quantified proteins, peptides supporting identification and quantification, sequence coverage, and reproducibility. A total of 1719 and 1696 proteins, respectively, were quantified, covering 35 % of the predicted B. thetaiotaomicron proteome. The data show that B. thetaiotaomicron widely maintains its intracellular proteome upon change of the carbohydrates and that major changes are observed solely in the machinery necessary to make use of the carbon sources provided. With respect to the central role of carbohydrates on gut health these data contribute to the understanding of how different carbohydrates contribute to shape bacterial community in the gut microbiome. All proteomics raw data have been uploaded to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD033704.
Polyethylene crosslinking using the epoxy‐anhydride reaction II: Development of a chemorheological model
Authors: Peterson Thomas , Davies Daniel , Koh Kyoungmoo , Ren Dakai , Rickard Mark , Singh‐Rachford Tanya , Sun Yabin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe have developed a kinetic model attempting to describe the rheological changes observed during crosslinking of blends of epoxide‐ and anhydride‐functionalized polyethylene using the activatable imidazolium catalyst EMIC. The model incorporated first‐order formation of an active initiator from a latent state followed by initiation of the crosslinking reaction and continued propagation by an active crosslinking end group. Because the formation of a crosslink does not consume an active end group, the post‐initiation crosslinking reaction assumes a first‐order dependence in crosslinkable functionality. Application of the model to data generated from rheological studies exploring the effects of initiator and anhydride loading was met with moderate success. While curvature in the rheological plots modeled very well, capturing the active initiator formation and early cure, some data sets did not model well at higher degrees of cure. Extraction of modeled parameters
,
and
from fits showed that the initiation rate constant
was linearly dependent on the anhydride loading. We believe that this indicates the presence of an independent initiation pathway that destroys latency in the system. Additionally, it was found that the modeled value for the plateau modulus,
showed a remarkably linear dependence on initiator loading. This relationship indicates that the ultimate degree of crosslinking in a system is determined by the sequence length of the crosslinking reaction and how many crosslinking cascades initiate based on the initiator loading.
Reducing boiler operating staff? It might be legal but think through the risks!
Authors: Puskar John R. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThere's a dire shortage of qualified and licensed boiler operators. Many states have boiler operator laws that set minimum requirements for boiler operators. Many states have allowed for variances to permit remote and unattended operations that help to counter shortages of qualified operators. In some cases, unattended operations are now permitted for periods of time that do not accurately consider all of the risks. Some states require process hazard analyses (PHAs) to allow for variances to boiler operator requirements and licensing requirements. Some states use as a reference NFPA 85, the Boiler Combustion Hazards Code, and this documents reference to PHAs for unattended operations. This document's guidance does not contain many factors related to process safety practices that are important for conducting and implementing PHAs. This article seeks to provide guidance to those who are considering reducing boiler operations staff and/or allowing for remote or unattended operations. It provides a number of considerations that address process safety risk assessment practices that should be used when these kinds of decisions are made.