bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of downfield proton resonances in the human brain at 3 T
Authors: Považan Michal , Schär Michael , Gillen Joseph , Barker Peter B. 
Published: December 2021

PurposeTo develop an MRSI technique capable of mapping downfield proton resonances in the human brain.MethodsA spectral‐spatial excitation and frequency‐selective refocusing scheme, in combination with 2D phase encoding, was developed for mapping of downfield resonances without any perturbation of the water magnetization. An alternative scheme using spectral‐spatial refocusing was also investigated for simultaneous detection of both downfield and upfield resonances. The method was tested in 5 healthy human volunteers.ResultsDownfield metabolite maps with a nominal spatial resolution of 1.5 cm3 were recorded at 3 T in a scan time of 12 minutes. Cramer‐Rao lower bounds for nine different downfield peaks were 20% or less over a single supraventricular slice. Downfield spectral profiles were similar to those in the literature recorded previously using single‐voxel localization methods. The same approach was also used for upfield MRSI, and simultaneous upfield and downfield acquisitions.ConclusionThe developed MRSI pulse sequence was shown to be an efficient way of rapidly mapping downfield resonances in the human brain at 3 T, maximizing sensitivity through the relaxation enhancement effect. Because the MRSI approach is efficient in terms of data collection and can be readily implemented at short TE, somewhat higher spatial resolution can be achieved than has been reported in previous single‐voxel downfield MRS studies. With this approach, nine downfield resonances could be mapped in a single slice for the first time using MRSI at 3 T.
Pseudo‐active actuators: A concept analysis
Authors: Bai Xianxu , He Guannan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe superior performance of active vibration control systems largely depends on the four‐quadrant controllable execution capability in the available force‐velocity diagram of active actuators. Although semi‐active vibration control systems have the advantages of low energy consumption, simple structure, and high reliability, the system performance is not comparable to active control systems, due to the partial capability in only the first and third quadrants. On the basis of the comprehensive advantages of active and semi‐active actuators, to reform the design philosophy of semi‐active actuators to realize pseudo‐active actuators that have both mechanical properties of active actuators and energy consumption advantages of semi‐active actuators, that is, new semi‐active actuators with four‐quadrant controllable execution capability, will very likely cause a revolution in the related fields of mechanical design and system control. The basic design principle of pseudo‐active actuators that use semi‐active controllable actuators to achieve active actuator performance in the way of conceptual analysis is proposed. The proposed pseudo‐active actuators should consist of two half‐four‐quadrant actuators, that is, one is for the first and third quadrants and the other one for the second and fourth quadrants. This study employs two semi‐active controllable damping actuators and one mechanical compensation mechanism. One of the actuators provides the damping force in the first and third quadrants, and the other one combining with the mechanical compensation mechanism is for the second and fourth quadrants. A global mathematical model of the proposed actuator is established to describe the four different operational modes of the proposed actuator. It is proved that the two operational modes of the proposed actuator can realize active vibration control, and a case study of realizing active control is presented. The other two operational modes are compared with the conventional two‐degree‐of‐freedom model. More specifically, the application cases of the pseudo‐active operational mode of the proposed actuator in the quarter‐car/body‐powertrain suspension system are given, a pseudo‐active suspension named dual‐hook automobile suspension is presented. Furthermore, an equivalent expression of the electrical network is given for the mechanical network under different operational modes of the proposed actuator.
Sarcopenia diagnosis in patients receiving hemodialysis: Agreement among different consensuses
Authors: Rosa Clara Suemi Costa , Ribeiro Heitor Siqueira , Vogt Barbara Perez , Sakkas Giorgos K. , Monteiro Henrique Luiz 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are many consensuses to diagnose sarcopenia, and their agreement in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) is not clear. We described the sarcopenia prevalence in patients receiving HD using different consensuses and analyzed their level of agreement.MethodsSixty‐seven patients (43 men, 55 ± 14.6 years) were evaluated for appendicular skeletal muscle mass using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and muscle strength using handgrip strength. Patients were classified according to different sarcopenia consensuses (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People [EWGSOP], Revised EWGSOP [EWGSOP2], Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Project [FNIH], and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 [AWGS2]). Kappa analysis identified the level of agreement.ResultsThe prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 1.5% to 11.9% depending on the sarcopenia consensus. The agreement between the different consensuses ranged from poor to almost perfect. FNIH and EWGSOP showed the lowest agreement (κ = 0.20; 95% CI, −0.14 to 0.54; P < 0.05), whereas EWGSOP2 and AWGS2 had the largest κ = 0.90 (95% CI, 0.71 to 1.00; P < 0.001). When stratified by age (≥60 years), the sarcopenia prevalence was higher in the older group (27% vs 2%; P = 0.004). In addition, male participants seemed to be more prone to sarcopenia compared with female counterparts, but this difference was not statistically confirmed (16% vs 4%; P = 0.242).ConclusionThe sarcopenia consensuses showed from poor to almost perfect agreement, which varied the sarcopenia prevalence rates in patients receiving HD. EWGSOP2 and AWGS2 showed the largest agreement.
Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene/layered double hydroxide composites
Authors: Guo Xincheng , Xu Xiaoyu , Bai Zhuyu , Chen Xiaolang , Qin Jun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe crystalline behaviors of polymers have a large impact on their physical and mechanical properties, especially as reinforcing and toughening materials in the construction industry. This work investigates the crystallization behaviors of polypropylene (PP) composites with layered double hydroxide (LDH) by using differential scanning calorimeter and a polarizing optical microscope (POM), and analyzed the non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of PP composites by Avrami model and Mo's method. The results show that the entire process of non‐isothermal crystallization is appropriate for Mo′s method instead of Avrami model due to the offset of the curves in initial nucleation and secondary crystallization stages. The addition of LDH and modified LDH (SLDH) can increase the crystallinity (Xc) of PP despite decreasing the crystallization rate in the non‐isothermal crystallization process. The migration activation energy (∆E) indicates that LDH acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent, which is consistent with POM results. The values of ∆E and semi‐crystallization time (t1/2) reveal that the nucleation capacity of PP/LDH is greater than that of PP/SLDH, but the crystallization rate of PP/LDH is slower than that of PP/SLDH, resulting in a decrease in Xc.
Late effects in survivors of high‐risk neuroblastoma following stem cell transplant with and without total body irradiation
Authors: Hobbie Wendy L. , Li Yimei , Carlson Claire , Goldfarb Samuel , Laskin Benjamin , Denburg Michelle , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Mostoufi‐Moab Sogol , Wilkes Jennifer , Smith Karen , Sacks Nancy , Szalda Dava , Ginsberg Jill P. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Those with high‐risk disease are treated with multimodal therapy, including high‐dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, radiation, and immunotherapy that have led to multiple long‐term complications in survivors. In the late 1990s, consolidation therapy involved myeloablative conditioning including total body irradiation (TBI) with autologous stem cell rescue. Recognizing the significant long‐term toxicities of exposure to TBI, more contemporary treatment protocols have removed this from conditioning regimens. This study examines an expanded cohort of 48 high‐risk neuroblastoma patients to identify differences in the late effect profiles for those treated with TBI and those treated without TBI.ProcedureData on the study cohort were collected from clinic charts, provider documentation in the electronic medical record of visits to survivorship clinic, including all subspecialists, and ancillary reports of laboratory and diagnostic tests done as part of risk‐based screening at each visit.ResultsAll 48 survivors of BMT for high‐risk neuroblastoma had numerous late effects of therapy, with 73% having between five and 10 late effects. TBI impacted some late effects significantly, including growth hormone deficiency (GHD), bone outcomes, and cataracts.ConclusionAlthough high‐risk neuroblastoma survivors treated with TBI have significant late effects, those treated without TBI also continue to have significant morbidity related to high‐dose chemotherapy and local radiation. A multidisciplinary care team assists in providing comprehensive care to those survivors who are at highest risk for significant late effects.
Newly identified chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy in a childhood cancer survivorship clinic
Authors: Rodwin Rozalyn L. , Ross Wilhelmenia L. , Rotatori Jaime , Allen Katherine , Auerbach Claudia , Balsamo Lyn M. , Kadan‐Lottick Nina S. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractChemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a debilitating side effect of pediatric cancer therapy, can be challenging to diagnose. We estimated the prevalence of newly identified and previously diagnosed CIPN in the regional HEROS Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic. From 2016 to 2018, 148 survivors (45.3% female, age 17.1 [SD 7.7] years, 81.8% in ongoing routine oncology follow‐up) had their initial survivorship evaluation at an average of 7.4 (SD 6.6) years from diagnosis. Fifty‐six survivors (37.8%) had CIPN, of these 46 (82.1%) were newly identified. Our findings demonstrate CIPN may be missed in routine oncology care, and new methods are needed to screen for CIPN.
MicroRNA expression profile predicts prognosis of pediatric adrenocortical tumors
Authors: Veronez Luciana Chain , Fedatto Paola Fernanda , Correa Carolina Alves Pereira , Lira Régia Caroline Peixoto , Baroni Mirella , da Silva Keteryne Rodrigues , Santos Paula , Antonio David Santos Marco , Queiroz Rosane de Paula Silva , Antonini Sonir Roberto Rauber , Tucci Jr Silvio , Neder Luciano , Yunes José Andres , Brandalise Silvia Regina , Panepucci Rodrigo Alexandre , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Scrideli Carlos Alberto 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPediatric adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are rare aggressive neoplasms with heterogeneous prognosis. Despite extensive efforts, identifying reliable prognostic factors for pediatric patients with ACT remains a challenge. MicroRNA (miRNA) signatures have been associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment response, and prognosis of several types of cancer. However, the role of miRNAs has been poorly explored in pediatric ACT. In this study, we performed miRNA microarray profiling on a cohort of 37 pediatric ACT and nine nonneoplastic adrenal (NNA) samples and evaluated the prognostic significance of abnormally expressed miRNAs using Kaplan–Meier plots, log‐rank test, and Cox regression analysis. We identified a total of 98 abnormally expressed miRNAs; their expression profile discriminated ACT from NNAs. Among the 98 deregulated miRNAs, 17 presented significant associations with patients’ survival. In addition, higher expression levels of hsa‐miR‐630, ‐139‐3p, ‐125a‐3p, ‐574‐5p, ‐596, ‐564, ‐1321, and ‐423‐5p and lower expression levels of hsa‐miR‐377‐3p, ‐126‐3p, ‐410, ‐136‐3p, ‐29b‐3p, ‐29a‐3p, ‐337‐5p, ‐143‐3p, and 140‐5p were significantly associated with poor prognosis, tumor relapse, and/or death. Importantly, the expression profile of these 17 miRNAs stratified patients into two groups of ACTs with different clinical outcomes. Although some individual miRNAs exhibit potential prognostic values in ACTs, only the 17 miRNA‐based expression clustering was considered an independent prognostic factor for 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) compared to other clinicopathological features. In conclusion, our study reports for the first time associations between miRNA profiles and childhood ACT prognosis, providing evidence that miRNAs could be useful biomarkers to discriminate patients with favorable and unfavorable clinical outcomes.
Effect of solvent on the microstructure of polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Xiang Xiaomin , Shen Nengmei , Wang Xufang , Su Lulu , Xu Lingyun , Wu Fusheng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe method for producing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by the solution polymerization of vinyl acetate first and then alcoholysis strategy is industrial. Where solvent plays a vital role in control over stereoregularity, molecular weight and its distribution, crystallinity and so on. In this report, when methyl acetate was used as a solvent in the polymerization of vinyl acetate instead of methanol, prepared PVA was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that PVA obtained in methyl acetate has a higher content of syndiotactic structure, crystallinity melting temperature and enhanced thermal stability compared with PVA obtained in methanol due to the formation of Π ‐ Π complex between methyl acetate and vinyl acetate and the enhanced steric hindrance effect during polymerization. Additionally, methyl acetate has a smaller chain transfer constant (1.31 × 10−4), which benefits to decrease the branching degree and molecular weight distribution index of PVA. This research provides more ideas for the choice of solvents in the industrial production of polyvinyl alcohol.
Physicochemically modified anisotropic polyacrylamide thin film via ion‐beam treatment for liquid crystal system
Authors: Lee Dong Wook , Kim Dong Hyun , Oh Jin Young , Seo Dae‐Shik 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe investigated ion‐beam (IB)‐treated polyacrylamide (PAM) film as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer. Polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle analysis show the uniform LC alignment status. Atomic force microscopy shows the IB etching effect, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates the formation of carbon–oxygen bonds on the surface, which ensured the uniform alignment of LC molecules via van der Waals forces interaction. The reformed PAM films also had good thermal budgets and optical transparency for the LC system. The IB‐treated PAM films demonstrated stable electro‐optical performances in a twisted nematic LC system. Hence, IB treatment can be an effective method to apply several polymer materials to the LC alignment layer, and IB‐irradiated PAM films have remarkable potential for use in the LC system.
Starch Nanocrystals Grafted with Epichlorohydrin Dimethylamine for Methyl Blue Dye Removal
Authors: Chen QiJie , Gao Xin , Zhao YaLan , Liu Zhuo , Xie Guangyang , Liang ChunYan , Wang JianHui 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, modified starch nanocrystals (SNCs) are prepared successfully by grafting the epichlorohydrin‐dimethylamine copolymer (PA) onto oxidized starch nanocrystals (OSNCs). The material is used as an adsorbent to deal with the methyl blue (MB) dye. The OSNCs‐PA is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Scanning electron microscopy. The zeta potential of OSNCs‐5.0%PA is +46.6 mV, which has a good adsorption performance for MB. In the adsorption process, the effects of adsorption time, pH, and initial MB concentration on the adsorption capacity are studied with the different OSNCs‐PA, and the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isothermal curves are also fitted. The results show that the maximum adsorption capacity of OSNCs‐0.5%PA, OSNCs‐3.0%PA, OSNCs‐5.0%PA on MB could reach 142.86, 166.67, and 169.49 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption of OSNCs‐PA for MB conform to the second‐order kinetics and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Global phylogeny and taxonomic reassessment of the lichen genusDendriscosticta(Ascomycota: Peltigerales)
Authors: Simon Antoine , Goffinet Bernard , Wang Li‐Song , Spribille Toby , Goward Trevor , Pystina Tatiana , Semenova Natalia , Stepanov Nikolay V. , Moncada Bibiana , Lücking Robert , Magain Nicolas , Sérusiaux Emmanuël 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe genusDendriscosticta(Ascomycota: Peltigerales) encompasses several distinctive lichen‐forming fungal species restricted to the Northern Hemisphere. Most are flagship species of old‐growth forests with good air quality. A global phylogeny of the genus based on multilocus sequence data (ITS,RPB1,EF‐1α,MCM7), model‐based phylogenetic methods, and morphological and chemical assessments, reveals a high level of cryptic speciation often associated with restricted geographical distribution and/or chemical characters. Using sequence‐based species delimitation approaches, we circumscribe two main clades referred to as theD. wrightiiclade, with five unequivocal species, includingD. gelidasp. nov., and theD. praetextataclade, with eight putative species, includingD. phyllidiatasp. nov. The absence of recently collected material ofD. hookericomb. nov. from the type locality unfortunately prevents assignment of this epithet to one of the five supported lineages sharing this morphotype. Three new combinations are proposed:D. hookeri,D. insinuanscomb. nov. andD. yatabeanacomb. nov. Epitypes are designated forD. wrightiiandD. yatabeana. Species diversity within the genus increased from four to nine. Our morphological assessment confirmed thatStictaandDendriscostictacan be readily distinguished by the presence of excipular algae whereas the structure of the lower surface pores is not a reliable diagnostic feature.
Effects of smartphone application‐based cognitive training at home on cognition in community‐dwelling non‐demented elderly individuals: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jang Hyemin , Yeo Minyoung , Cho Jinju , Kim Seonwoo , Chin Juhee , Kim Hee Jin , Seo Sang Won , Na Duk L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated whether cognitive function improves in elderly individuals after Application‐based Cognitive Training at Home (ACTH) for 12 months.MethodsA total of 389 non‐demented elderly volunteers aged over 60 years were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention group underwent daily ACTH (with regular feedback from the administrator) and monthly offline cognitive training in groups for 12 months. All participants received a computerized cognitive test battery called Inbrain Cognitive Screening Test (Inbrain‐CST) at baseline and 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the change in the total composite score of Inbrain‐CST, and secondary outcomes included changes in composite scores in five cognitive domains of Inbrain‐CST.ResultsThe intervention group outperformed the control group in terms of the total score (P = .001) and subscores of language (P < .001) and memory (P < .001) domains at 12 months.DiscussionACTH improved global cognition in community‐dwelling non‐demented elderly individuals.
Eye movements in frontotemporal dementia: Abnormalities of fixation, saccades and anti‐saccades
Authors: Russell Lucy L. , Greaves Caroline V. , Convery Rhian S. , Bocchetta Martina , Warren Jason D. , Kaski Diego , Rohrer Jonathan D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionOculomotor function has not been systematically studied in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and yet may offer a simple target to monitor disease activity.MethodsWe assessed fixation stability, smooth pursuit, pro‐saccades, and anti‐saccades using the Eyelink 1000‐plus eye‐tracker in 19 individuals with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) and 22 controls. Neuroanatomical correlates were assessed using a region of interest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis.ResultsMeasures of fixation stability were impaired in the bvFTD group compared with controls. However, performance did not differ from controls in the pro‐saccade tasks except in the vertical overlap condition. The bvFTD group performed worse in the anti‐saccade task, which correlated strongly with executive function. Neural correlates included the orbitofrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortices and striatum for fixation stability, and the dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal cortices and striatum for anti‐saccades.DiscussionOverall, oculomotor function is abnormal in bvFTD, with performance likely related to impairment of inhibitory control and executive dysfunction.
Aerobic exercise in older people with subclinical sporadic cerebral small vessel disease: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wong Adrian , Lam Bonnie Yin Ka , Mak Margaret Kit Yi , Lam Linda Chiu Wa , Au Lisa Wing Chi , Yiu Brian Ka Fung , Wong Chun , Tong Hor Yee , Yeung Sin Ki , Chu Winnie Chiu Wing , Shi Lin , Leung Thomas Wai Hong , Soo Yannie Oi Yan , Lau Alexander Yuk Lun , Ip Bonaventure Yiu Ming , Kwok Timothy Chi Yui , Ko Ho , Mok Vincent Chung Tong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe benefit and risk of aerobic exercise among older people harboring advanced cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) upon cognition, mood, and motor functions are unknown.MethodsThis rater‐blind randomized trial examined effects of a 24‐week aerobic exercise training (60 min/session, twice/week) upon clinical (cognition, mood, motor functions) and hemodynamic (pulse pressure [PP], blood pressure [BP], pulsatility index) measures in older people harboring moderate to severe CSVD, as evidenced by confluent white matter hyperintensity and/or ≥2 lacunes on magnetic resonance imaging. We further investigated interactions between treatment conditions and hemodynamics measures.ResultsFifty‐three and 54 subjects were randomized into the active and control group, respectively. There was no between‐group difference in any of the clinical outcomes. The active group had a greater between‐group reduction in systolic BP and PP than the control group. Within‐group comparison showed that global cognition of the active group remained similar at end of the study compared to baseline, whereas it declined significantly in the control group. We observed “diverging” interaction effects in that greater reduction in systolic BP/PP was associated with greater improvement in memory functions and global cognition but worsening in processing speed in the active group. Side effects were comparable between the two groups.DiscussionFuture study should investigate the mechanisms of the diverging impacts of aerobic exercise upon different cognitive domains so that the benefit–risk ratio of aerobic exercise in older people harboring more advanced CSVD can be better defined.