bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of medical imaging assistants in Australian medical imaging departments: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Pinson Jo‐Anne , King Olivia A. , Dennett Amy M. , Davis Annette , Williams Cylie M. , Snowdon David A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionAllied health assistants are support staff who assist medical imaging professionals in their clinical and non‐clinical role. Assistants can improve efficiency of medical imaging services; however, little is known about the specific tasks they perform.MethodA two‐phase explanatory, sequential mixed‐methods study design comprising a time motion survey and qualitative interviews was conducted across three health services in Victoria, Australia. Participants were medical imaging assistants supporting medical imaging professionals. Participants recorded tasks completed on a time motion proforma across two working days. Time spent on tasks was categorised into patient related and non‐patient related tasks. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore assistants' perspectives about tasks, their roles and any responsibilities. Time motion data was descriptively analysed. Qualitative data were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework analysis method. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated using data triangulation.ResultsFour medical imaging assistants participated, providing 4170 min of time motion data and 138 min of interview data. Integration of time motion and interview data revealed the medical imaging assistant role is predominantly non‐patient facing; autonomous and critical to workflow; diverse and requires flexibility; has the potential to expand into a more patient‐facing role.ConclusionsMedical imaging assistants make significant contributions to workflow management. Their role is predominantly non‐patient facing but there appear opportunities for the clinical role to expand. Realizing these opportunities will require careful consideration of the challenges and benefits of extending their scope of practice.
Metformin improves tendon degeneration by blocking translocation of HMGB1 and suppressing tendon inflammation and senescence in aging mice
Authors: Zhang Jianying , Brown Roshawn , Hogan MaCalus V. , Onishi Kentaro , Wang James H.‐C. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to characterize aging‐induced tendinopathy in mouse Achilles tendon and also to assess the treatment effects of metformin (Met) on aging tendon. We showed that compared to young tendon, aging tendon was in an inflammatory and senescent state as shown by increased expression of inflammatory disulfide HMGB1 (dsHMGB1), inflammatory macrophage marker CD68, and senescent cell markers SA‐β‐gal, p53, and p16. Moreover, aging tendon was degenerated marked by accumulation of proteoglycans and lipids in its interior. However, treatment of aging tendon by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Met, a specific inhibitor of HMGB1, reduced dsHMGB1 levels, decreased the expression of CD68, SA‐β‐gal, CCN1, and p16 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Met treatment also increased the number of NS, SSEA‐1, and CD73 positive stem cells in culture and improved the tendon structure in aging mouse. These findings of this study indicate that Met exerts anti‐inflammatory and anti‐senescent effects on aging tendon.
Rapid detection of whole active ricin using a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐based sandwich immunoassay
Authors: Wang Jiang , Xu Hua , Luo Li , Li Nannan , Qiao Chunxia , Wu Jianfeng , Guo Lei , Xie Jianwei 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRicin is one of the most toxic proteins known, which has been listed as both chemical and biological warfare agent due to its unique properties. Rapid and sensitive method capable of detecting and distinguishing activity of the whole ricin has very important realistic significance in view of national security and defense. This study reports a reliable surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based sandwich immunoassay for the detection and differentiation of active ricin from other homologous toxins. In the immunoassay design, magnetic bead conjugated with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) MIL50 that can recognize the ricin in its holotoxin form was used as a capture probe to separate ricin from complex matrix, whereas both Raman reporter molecule Nile blue A (NBA) and ricin‐specific mAb 14C12 were modified on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form SERS nanoprobes. In the presence of ricin, SERS nanoprobes bound to the antigen‐captured magnetic beads and formed a sandwich immunocomplex to produce specific hot spots and then generated highly sensitive signals. As a result, the whole ricin could be detected as low as 1 and 5 ng/ml in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and in plasma, respectively. Not only active and inactive ricin can be discriminated distinctly but also ricin from other type II ribosome‐inactivating proteins and their agglutinins. Furthermore, the proposed method made an application to practical samples from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) biotoxin exercise test, proving this SERS‐based sandwich immunoassay a promising assay for timely response of ricin‐related risk assessment in terrorist event and human intoxication.
Facile Synthesis of Fluorinated Polyacrylate Elastomer via Emulsion Polymerization Using Adjustable Amphiphilic Star Macro‐RAFT Agent as Surfactant
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Zhang Shuangkun , Luo Zhi , Zou Tao , Deng Pingye , Wu Zhanpeng , Wang Haiqiao 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNovel thermoplastic fluorinated polyacrylate films possessing excellent mechanical performance are prepared by emulsion polymerization latex using adjustable amphiphilic star macro‐reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (macro‐RAFT) agent as surfactants in this work. First, star macro‐RAFT agent equipped with six amphiphilic arms is synthesized via two‐step RAFT polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl acrylate (TFEA) in the presence of hexa‐functional RAFT agents. The surface activities of the as‐synthesized amphiphilic star macro‐RAFT agents in aqueous solutions are studied. Subsequently, various fluorinated polyacrylate latexes are obtained by conducting emulsion polymerization of 2,2,3,4,4,4‐hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) and butyl acrylate (BA) using the amphiphilic star macro‐RAFT agents as both RAFT agents and surfactants. The latex particle morphologies are studied by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size is measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The effects of PAA segment length, HFBA/BA mole ratio, and TFEA segment length on the surface morphologies of the fluorinated polyacrylate films are illustrated by investigating the surface properties using water contact angle test and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Finally, the elastomeric films obtained by directly casting the prepared fluorinated polyacrylate latexes show excellent comprehensive properties such as tensile strength over 4 MPa, elongation at break ≈700%, permanent deformation below 25%. Water absorption test is also provided as a reference.
A Pilot Trial of Dopamine Replacement for Dynamic Facial Expressions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Schade Rachel N. , Springer Utaka , Mikos Ania , Gokcay Didem , Clark Alexandra , Sapienza Christine , Fernandez Hubert H. , Okun Michael S. , Bowers Dawn 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurrent conflict exists regarding the potential beneficial effects of dopamine medications on facial expressivity in Parkinson's disease. Via digital video analysis software, we previously found reduced facial movement (entropy) and slower time to reach peak entropy in individuals with Parkinson's disease compared to controls.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether levodopa medications improved parameters of dynamic facial expressions (amplitude, speed).MethodsA total of 34 individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease were videotaped making voluntary facial expressions (happy, fear, anger, disgust) when “on” and “off” levodopa. Participants were 52 to 80 years old, early to mid‐stage disease, non‐demented, and included more men (65%). Expressions were digitized and analyzed using software that extracted three variables: two indices of movement change (total entropy, percent entropy change) and time to reach peak expression.ResultsIndices of facial movement (total entropy, peak entropy) and timing were significantly improved when patients were “on” vs “off” medication (all F's ≥ 3.00, P < 0.05). For total movement and time to reach peak entropy, levodopa‐related improvements were emotion nonspecific. Levodopa‐related improvement for peak entropy was driven primarily by happy expressions. There was no relationship between quantitative indices and clinical measures of mood (depression, anxiety) and motor disease severity.ConclusionThe effects of levodopa on Parkinson's disease voluntary facial movement and on timing were robust and consistent with those of levodopa on other intentional movements in Parkinson's disease. This improvement possibly occurred because of levodopa enhanced activation of face representation areas in fronto‐cortical regions or because of less movement‐based suppression.
Corporate diversification and debt financing: Do family shareholders protect their control rights?
Authors: Subramaniam Vasanthan , Hosen Mosharrof 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe study explored the relationship between corporate diversification and the debt choice of listed 712 Malaysian family firms for the period from 2016 to 2020. Tobit regression results revealed that industrial diversified firms preferred debt financing, while geographically diversified firms rejected debt. With family control, firms that conducted both types of diversification activities rejected debt financing. Further, for the case of maturity structure of debt, family firms engaged in diversification activities tend to borrow short‐term debt, thereby reducing their ownership's risk of dilution and boosting their short‐term market goals by improving the creditors' short‐term monitoring function. Policy implications are discussed.
Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing of retrieved human oocytes and eggs in clinical practice and for human ovarian cell atlasing
Authors: Machlin Jordan H. , Shikanov Ariella 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWith the advancement of single‐cell separation techniques and high‐throughput sequencing platforms, single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) has emerged as a vital technology for understanding tissue and organ systems at cellular resolution. Through transcriptional analysis, it is possible to characterize unique or rare cell types, interpret their interactions, and reveal novel functional states or shifts in developmental stages. As such, this technology is uniquely suited for studying the cells within the human ovary. The ovary is a cellularly heterogeneous organ that houses follicles, the reproductive and endocrine unit that consists of an oocyte surrounded by hormone‐producing support cells, as well as many other cell populations constituting stroma, vasculature, lymphatic, and immune components. Here we review studies that have utilized scRNA‐seq technology to analyze cells from healthy human ovaries and discuss the single‐cell isolation techniques used. We identified two overarching applications for scRNA‐seq in the human ovary. The first applies this technology to investigate transcriptional differences in oocytes/eggs from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments to ultimately improve clinical outcomes. The second utilizes scRNA‐seq for the pursuit of creating a comprehensive single‐cell atlas of the human ovary. The knowledge gained from these studies underscores the importance of scRNA‐seq technologies in unlocking a new biological understanding of the human ovary.
Monastic meals: The role of birds in the diet of the Poor Clares at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes (Barcelona, Spain) from medieval to modern periods (14th to 19th centuries AD)
Authors: Lloveras Lluís , Cruells Josep , Castellano‐Tresserra Anna , Riera Santiago , Nadal Jordi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBird remains recovered from two trial pits and a rubbish dump dated from the 14th to 19th centuries AD at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes in Barcelona (northeast Spain) are studied. The variety of avian taxa is low, with domestic fowl (Gallus gallusdomesticus) clearly dominating the assemblage. The age at death and the sex profile data suggest that both chickens and hens were preferably consumed. The analysis of body parts indicates a preponderance of the meaty parts of legs, breast, and wings. Chops and cuts also suggest an interest in these anatomical parts. In addition, eggshell remains were recovered, indicating that eggs also played a role in the kitchen of this monastic community. Finally, our data are contrasted with available documentary evidence on historical monastic dietary practices.
Surface modification of polycarbonate urethane by grafting polyethylene glycol and bivalirudin drug for improving hemocompatibility
Authors: Wakai Ibrahim Y. , Wang Qiulin , Zhao Jing , Wang Xiaoyu , Xia Shihai , Zhang Wencheng , Xu Wei , Feng Yakai 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAs the clinical demand for blood‐contacting materials increases, higher requirements are placed on their physicochemical properties, durability and hemocompatibility in vivo. In this work, a multiple functionalized material was developed through a facile modification process. Herein, polycarbonate urethane (PCU) surface was co‐modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bivalirudin (BVLD). PCU provides excellent physical and mechanical properties, PEG and BVLD, especially BVLD, enable the surface with outstanding anticoagulant capacity. Specifically, PCU surface was first treated with hexamethylene diisocyanate to introduce active isocyanate groups onto the surface, followed by hydroxy‐PEG grafting to improve the hydrophilicity. Finally, BVLD was immobilized on the surface via Michael addition reaction to improve antithrombotic properties. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and UV spectrophotometers were used to confirm the modified surfaces. The hydrophilicity was characterized by static water contact angle measurement, the morphology of the modified surfaces was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Blood compatibility of the modified surfaces was characterized by the hemolysis rate, platelet adhesion assay and cell culture test. The results showed that the BVLD immobilized surface has excellent anticoagulant properties, good fibrin‐bound thrombin inhibition, and good resistance against non‐specific adhesion of proteins. Hence, the co‐modification with PEG and BVLD was proved an encouraging strategy for improving hemocompatibility.
Estimation of the nutritive value of grasslands with the Yara N‐sensor field spectrometer
Authors: Morel Julien , Zhou Zhenjiang , Monteiro Leonardo , Parsons David 
Published: October 2022

AbstractForage crops are a cornerstone of the agricultural industry in Nordic countries. Economic and ecological performances are directly linked to adapted farming practices, which require timed and precise information on the nutritive value of the forage. Field spectrometers could offer an interesting alternative to time‐consuming laboratory measurements, as they provide near real time information. We used a handheld version of a field spectrometer already commercialized for cereal adjustable rate fertilization, to evaluate its potential for grassland nutritive quality estimation. Spectral data and samples were acquired over experimental fields and plots in four locations in Northern Sweden; samples were analyzed using wet chemistry to determine the crude protein concentration, the in vitro true digestibility, the neutral detergent fiber and the neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Grid‐based adjusted spectral indices, partial least squares, random forest and support vector machine were tested to link the spectral data to the nutritive traits. Partial least squares and support vector machine outperformed the adjusted spectral indices and random forest. Best predictions were obtained with partial least squares for in vitro true digestibility and neutral detergent fiber (R2 of 0.64 and 0.78 and normalized root mean square error [nRMSE] of 2.1 and 8.0%, respectively) and with support vector machine for crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (R2 of 0.49 and 0.65 and nRMSE of 13.0 and 3.8%, respectively). These results suggests that there is a potential for this affordable, industry‐ready spectrometer to be used as a practical farming tool, although more comprehensive datasets are needed to ensure that robust models are developed.
Developing a new water–energy–food‐greenhouse gases nexus tool for sustainable agricultural landscape management
Authors: Masaeli Hourieh , Gohari Alireza , Hasanzadeh Saray Marzieh , Torabi Haghighi Ali 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA new comprehensive water, energy, food, greenhouse gas (WEFG) nexus index was developed to capture the interrelationships between them. A total of 11 indicators were applied to consider the interplay of resources consumption, productivity, economic issues, and carbon emission as one of the most critical issues regarding sustainable agricultural development. The proposed WEFG index was evaluated for crop pattern optimization. The results showed that the WEFG ranged from 0.162 to 0.658, which were calculated respectively for almonds and rice due to their energy consumption and carbon emission levels. The optimal cultivation pattern based on WEFG leads to 11% and 15.8% reductions in water and energy consumption, even with a 2.3% increase in cultivation area. The estimated profit for optimal pattern based on WEFG decreased by 13.67% due to lower cultivation levels of high‐yield crops such as onion and potatoes. However, the optimal cultivation pattern based on the WEFG index has decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 2%, leading to sustainable agricultural management. Therefore, the presented WEFG nexus index can be a practical metric for sustainable planning and management in the agriculture sector.
Valorizing Canadian Oat Cultivars to Obtain Non‐Conventional Starch: Pasting, Physicochemical, and Morphological Properties
Authors: Zhu Xiuling , Dai Qingyuan , Silveira Hornung Polyanna , Lopes Teixeira Gerson , Nkhata Malunga Lovemore , Ames Nancy , Beta Trust 
Published: October 2022

AbstractValorizing non‐conventional raw materials to obtain food products has become a crucial strategy of food processing industries for curbing the current depletion of natural resources worldwide. Thus, non‐conventional starches from protein extraction residues of Canadian oat cultivars are studied regarding their technological properties. Consequently, 29 variables are evaluated in starches originating from 18 oat grain samples harvested from nine locations in Canada. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to analyze the effects of location, cultivar, and their interaction on the properties. Data are also processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to reduce the dataset's dimensionality. ANOVA reveals that the starches technological features are greatly affected by harvesting location. PCA and HCA grouped samples into three clusters, explaining >70% of the data variability. Cluster 1 shows the lowest means for each response variable. Cluster 2 presents the highest trough viscosity values, while cluster 3 shows a low swelling factor. For proximate analysis, significantly different values are found for ash and amylose contents. Structural and morphological studies indicate starches with low crystallinity and small, polygonal, and irregular starch granules.
Demography, management and outcomes of canine physeal fractures (103 cases)
Authors: Currie Alex J. , Meeson Richard 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis study is a retrospective review of the demography, management, complications and outcomes of canine physeal fractures.MethodsClinical records were reviewed for dogs with appendicular physeal fractures, and descriptive statistical analysis was applied to the data set.ResultsOne hundred and three fractures were included, of which 68 had follow‐up. Fractures of the distal humerus were the most common (n= 57), followed by proximal tibial fractures (n= 16). Outcome was fair for most fractures at all locations, aside from the distal humerus, where most outcomes were good. At radiographic follow‐up, most physes were closed at all locations aside from the distal tibia. Implant removal to allow ongoing physeal growth was performed in only 3/18 (17%) fractures, in 15/18 (83%) implant removal related to complications.LimitationsOnly short‐term follow‐up data were present, and hence it is not possible to give a longer term indication of return to function.ConclusionsThe management and demography of canine physeal fractures have evolved considerably from previous publications. Routine implant removal to allow ongoing growth was not regularly performed at all locations in this cohort.
Use of an ultrasound‐guided block of the radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerves in seven calves undergoing tenotomy or carpus arthrodesis surgery
Authors: Alonso Bruna , Casteleyn Christophe , Schauvliege Stijn 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis report describes an ultrasound‐guided technique to block the radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerves in seven calves submitted for tenotomy of flexor tendons or carpus arthrodesis surgery. Surgery was performed under sedation and locoregional anaesthesia (n = 4) or under isoflurane inhalation and locoregional anaesthesia (n = 3). A block of the radial and ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerves was performed at the lateral and medial aspect of the brachium, respectively, using a linear ultrasound probe positioned transversely to the mid‐humerus. A 19‐gauge spinal needle was introduced in‐plane through the triceps or transverse pectoral muscle until reaching the target nerves, where 5 ml of lidocaine 20 mg/ml or a mixture of lidocaine 20 mg/ml and detomidine 15 μg/ml was injected at each site. The calves’ cardiovascular parameters varied from baseline by less than 15% during surgery. Complications such as prolonged paralysis or haematoma/swelling at the injection site were not observed.
Chargenprüfung als wesentliche Säule der Versorgung mit sicheren und wirksamen Impfstoffen
Authors: Sediri-Schön Hanna , Lange Jeannette , Grabski Elena , Wagner Ralf , Hildt Eberhard 
Published: October 2022

ZusammenfassungDas Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Freigabe von Impfstoffen in Deutschland, aber auch in Europa. Die experimentelle Prüfung und Freigabe der Chargen erfolgt nach dem Verfahren und den Regelungen der Chargenfreigabe der offiziellen Kontrollbehörden (Official Control Authority Batch Release, OCABR) sowie dem § 32 des deutschen Arzneimittelgesetzes (AMG). Die unabhängige Prüfung zielt darauf ab, die Konformität der in der Zulassung festgelegten Qualitätskriterien für jede hergestellte Charge nachzuweisen. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt das Verfahren der Chargenfreigabe im Allgemeinen sowie speziell für die während der COVID-19-Pandemie neu entwickelten und zugelassenen COVID-19-Impfstoffe.
Aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Finanzierung von Offshore-Windparks
Authors: Balks Marita , Mann Lukas 
Published: October 2022

ZusammenfassungOffshore-Windparks sind eine wichtige Säule für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung der Energiewende. Weltweit boomen der Ausbau und die Entwicklung dieser nachhaltigen Technologien mit unterschiedlichen nationalen Herausforderungen. Allen Projekten ist jedoch gemein, dass mit steigender Tendenz viel Kapital benötigt wird. Für die Finanzierung von Offshore-Windparks hat sich die Projektfinanzierung in Europa in den vergangenen Jahren zunehmend etabliert, allerdings haben sich die Vertragsbedingungen stark verändert. Anhand von qualitativen Experteninterviews werden die aktuellen Entwicklungen der Finanzierungsstrukturen für die Realisierung von europäischen Offshore-Windparks aufgezeigt.