bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platform to study intracellular polystyrene nanoplastic pollution and clinical outcomes
Authors: Bojic Sanja , Falco Matias M. , Stojkovic Petra , Ljujic Biljana , Gazdic Jankovic Marina , Armstrong Lyle , Markovic Nebojsa , Dopazo Joaquin , Lako Majlinda , Bauer Roman , Stojkovic Miodrag 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Increased pollution by plastics has become a serious global environmental problem, but the concerns for human health have been raised after reported presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in food and beverages. Unfortunately, few studies have investigate the potentially harmful effects of MPs/NPs on early human development and human health. Therefore, we used a new platform to study possible effects of polystyrene NPs (PSNPs) on the transcription profile of preimplantation human embryos and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Two pluripotency genes, LEFTY1 and LEFTY2, which encode secreted ligands of the transforming growth factor-beta, were downregulated, while CA4 and OCLM, which are related to eye development, were upregulated in both samples. The gene set enrichment analysis showed that the development of atrioventricular heart valves and the dysfunction of cellular components, including extracellular matrix, were significantly affected after exposure of hiPSCs to PSNPs. Finally, using the HiPathia method, which uncovers disease mechanisms and predicts clinical outcomes, we determined the APOC3 circuit, which is responsible for increased risk for ischemic cardiovascular disease. These results clearly demonstrate that better understanding of NPs bioactivities and its implications for human health is of extreme importance. Thus, the presented platform opens further aspects to study interactions between different environmental and intracellular pollutions with the aim to decipher the mechanism and origin of human diseases.
Novel Two‐Dimensional Porous Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage: A Minireview
Authors: Mao Lei , Zhao Xun , Wang Huayu , Xu Hong , Xie Li , Zhao Chenglan , Chen Lingyun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTwo dimensional (2D) porous materials have great potential in electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Over the past five years, our research group has focused on Simple, Mass, Homogeneous and Repeatable Synthesis of various 2D porous materials and their applications for electrochemical energy storage especially for supercapacitors (SCs). During the experimental process, through precisely controlling the experimental parameters, such as reaction species, molar ratio of different ions, concentration, pH value of reaction solution, heating temperature, and reaction time, we have successfully achieved the control of crystal structure, composition, crystallinity, morphology, and size of these 2D porous materials including transition metal oxides (TMOs), transition metal hydroxides (TMHOs), transition metal oxalates (TMOXs), transition metal coordination complexes (TMCCs) and carbon materials, as well as their derivatives and composites. We have also named some of them with CQU‐Chen (CQU is the initialism of Chongqing University, Chen is the last name of Lingyun Chen), such as CQU‐Chen‐Co−O‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Ni−O−H‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Zn−Co−O‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Zn−Co−O‐2, CQU‐Chen‐OA−Co‐2‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Co−OA‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Ni−OA‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Gly−Co‐3‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Gly−Ni‐2‐1, CQU‐Chen‐Gly−Co−Ni‐1, etc. The introduction of 2D porous materials as electrode materials for SCs improves the energy storage performances. These materials provide a large number of active sites for ion adsorption, supply plentiful channels for fast ion transport and boost electrical conductivity and facilitate electron transportation and ion penetration. The unique 2D porous structures review is mainly devoted to the introduction of our contribution in the 2D porous nanostructured materials for SC. Finally, the further directions about the preparation of 2D porous materials and electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications are also included.
Characterization of the ablation zones produced by three commercially available systems from a single vendor for radiofrequency thermoablation in an ex vivo swine liver model
Authors: Bullone Michela , Garberoglio Roberto , Pregel Paola , Cannizzo Francesca T. , Gagliardo Arianna , Martano Marina , Bollo Enrico , Scaglione Frine E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is rarely performed in veterinary medicine. A rationale exists for its use in selected cases of canine liver tumours. RFA induces ablation zones of variable size and geometry depending on the technique used and on the impedance of the targeted organ.Objectives(a) to describe the geometry and reproducibility of the ablation zones produced by three commercially available systems from a single company, using isolated swine liver parenchyma as a model for future veterinary applications in vivo; (b) to study the effects of local saline perfusion into the ablated parenchyma through the electrode tip and of single versus double passage of the electrode on size, geometry and reproducibility of the ablation zones produced.MethodsSize, and geometry of ablation zones reproduced in six livers with one cooled and perfused (saline) and two cooled and non‐perfused systems, after single or double passage (n = 6/condition), were assessed macroscopically on digitalized images by a blinded operator. Longitudinal and transverse diameters, equivalent diameter, estimated volume and roundness index were measured. Reproducibility was assessed as coefficient of variation.Results and ConclusionsAblation zone reproducibility was higher when expressed in terms of ablation zone diameters than estimated volume. Local saline perfusion of the parenchyma through the electrode tip during RFA increased the ablation zone longitudinal diameter. Ablation zone estimated volume increased with saline perfusion only when double passage was performed. These data may provide useful information for those clinicians who intend to include RFA as an additive tool in veterinary interventional radiology.
Gambel's Quail Survey Variability and Implications for Survey Design in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Overton Cory T. , Casazza Michael L. , Connelly Daniel , Gardner Scott 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTCareful design of a wildlife population monitoring strategy is necessary to obtain accurate and precise results whether the purpose of the survey is development of habitat suitability models, to estimate abundance, or assess site occupancy. Important characteristics to consider in survey design are sources of elevated variability, particularly within‐subject variability, which increases the amount of data needed to achieve statistical certainty either in terms of population trend analysis, hypothesis testing, or statistical power. However, alternative objectives, such as associating counts with habitat characteristics, may benefit from increased variation among counts when differences covary with habitat measures. This difference can result in competing needs when developing survey protocols. We investigated the relative precision of differing gamebird monitoring protocols to identify methods with the greatest statistical efficiency. We assessed call‐count transects using standard Breeding Bird Survey protocols (Passive call‐counts) and modified by including longer survey periods and call playback (Active call‐counts), autonomous recording units with supervised call detection (ARU‐recorded calls), camera traps, and roadside covey‐counts for Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) in the Mojave Desert (CA, USA) during the spring of 2016. Active call‐counts had the lowest within‐site variation relative to estimated population index values, but Passive call‐count transects may be more efficient for some purposes because more survey stations can be completed within a single survey timeframe. The ARU‐recorded calls may provide a suitable alternative despite larger sample size needs, especially for occupancy surveys because multiple units can be deployed concurrently. The ultimate sample size required will depend on specific study objectives and scope of interest, but camera traps and breeding‐season covey counts are not likely to meet objectives in desert environments. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Computing the p-modulus of systems of measures via optimal plans
Authors: Ciska-Niedziałomska Małgorzata 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe use the notion of the optimal plan associated with the Fuglede p-modulus of a family of Borel measures to derive formulas for the p-modulus and the extremal function in many special cases. Among others, we deduce Rodin’s formula for a family of Hausdorff measures associated with leaves of a foliation defined by a single chart.
Analysis of improved Nernst–Planck–Poisson models of compressible isothermal electrolytes
Authors: Dreyer Wolfgang , Druet Pierre-Étienne , Gajewski Paul , Guhlke Clemens 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We consider an improved Nernst–Planck–Poisson model first proposed by Dreyer et al. in 2013 for compressible isothermal electrolytes in non-equilibrium. The elastic deformation of the medium, that induces an inherent coupling of mass and momentum transport, is taken into account. The model consists of convection–diffusion–reaction equations for the constituents of the mixture, of the Navier–Stokes equation for the barycentric velocity and of the Poisson equation for the electrical potential. Due to the principle of mass conservation, cross-diffusion phenomena must occur, and the mobility matrix (Onsager matrix) has a non-trivial kernel. In this paper, we establish the existence of a global-in-time weak solution, allowing for a general structure of the mobility tensor and for chemical reactions with fast nonlinear rates in the bulk and on the active boundary. We characterise the singular states of the system, showing that the chemical species can vanish only globally in space, and that this phenomenon must be concentrated in a compact set of measure zero in time.
A one-stop perineal clinic: our eleven-year experience
Authors: Wan Osanna Yee Ki , Taithongchai Annika , Veiga Susana I. , Sultan Abdul H. , Thakar Ranee 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroduction and hypothesisThe perineal clinic is a dedicated setting offering assessment for various childbirth-related presentations including obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs), perineal wound complications, pelvic floor dysfunction and other conditions such as female genital mutilation(FGM). We describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of women from a tertiary perineal clinic based on data collected over an 11-year period.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study. A one-stop outpatient service was offered to all women who sustained OASIs (postnatally and antenatally in a subsequent pregnancy), perineal complications (within 16 weeks postpartum), FGM and/or peripartum symptoms of urinary/anal incontinence or prolapse. Assessment included history with validated questionnaires, examination and anal manometry and endoanal ultrasound when appropriate. Outcomes were compared among different grades of OASIs. Management of each type of presentation was reported with outcomes.ResultsThere were 3254 first attendance episodes between 2006 and 2016. The majority (58.1%) were for OASIs, followed by perineal wound complications. Compared to the lower grades, the higher grades of OASI were associated with poorer outcomes in terms of symptoms, investigations and complications. Women with OASIs had unrelated symptoms such as urinary incontinence, perineal pain and wound infections that needed further intervention. A high proportion(42%) of wound complications required further specialist management.ConclusionWe describe a dedicated, one-stop perineal clinic model for antenatal and postnatal women for management of perineal and pelvic floor disorders. This comprehensive and novel data will enable clinicians to better counsel women regarding of outcomes after OASI and focus training to minimize risks of morbidities.
Clinical characteristics and comparison of the outcome in young versus older patients with upper gastrointestinal carcinoma
Authors: Puhr Hannah Christina , Karner Alexander , Taghizadeh Hossein , Jomrich Gerd , Schoppmann Sebastian Friedrich , Preusser Matthias , Ilhan-Mutlu Aysegül 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The clinical behaviour and outcome of young patients with gastroesophageal tumours (GET) is surmised to differ from older patients, yet data on the comparison of these two patient subgroups is scarce. This study focuses on the investigation of the clinical characteristics and survival outcome of younger-age people with GET, when compared to older patients.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with GET at the Medical University of Vienna between 2004 and 2016 were included in this study. Clinical parameters and the overall survival (OS) were compared between young (≤ 45 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years) patients.

Results
Among 796 patients, who were eligible for this analysis, fifty-eight patients (7%) were ≤ 45 years at the initial onset of the disease. These 58 young patients were then matched to elderly patients based on the gender, tumour stage, histology and tumour location. The number of metastatic lesions was significantly higher among young patients (p < 0.05). In a non-metastatic setting younger patients showed a significant longer OS than older patients (median 1226 versus 801 days, p = 0.028). Furthermore, young patients with extensive metastatic disease (2 or more metastatic site) had a significantly poorer OS than elderly patients (median 450 versus 646 days, p = 0.033).

Conclusion
These results indicate that young patients might be diagnosed very late, which might lead to the development of a more aggressive disease compared to older patients, but a relatively long OS when diagnosed and treated in a non-metastatic setting. Thus, screening methods for younger patients might be considerable to enhance the outcome of young patients with GET.
A numerical method for the generation of hierarchical Poisson Voronoi microstructures applied in micromechanical finite element simulations—part I: method
Authors: Schneider Y. , Weber U. , Wasserbäch W. , Zielke R. , Schmauder S. , Tillmann W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPoisson Voronoi (PV) tessellations as artificial microstructures are widely used in investigations of material deformation behaviors. However, a PV structure usually describes a relative homogeneous field. This work presents a simple numerical method for generating 2D/3D artificial microstructures based on hierarchical PV tessellations. If grains/particles of a phase cover a large size span, the concept of “artificial phases” can be used to create a more realistic size distribution. From case to case, detailed microstructural features cannot be directly achieved by commercial or free softwares, but they are necessary for a deep or thorough study of the material deformation behavior. PV tessellations created in our process can fulfill individual requirements from material designs. Another reason to use PV tessellations is due to the limited experimental data. Concerning the application of PV microstructures, four examples are given. The FE models and results will be presented in consecutive works, i.e. “part II: applications”.
Development of intelligent healthcare system based on ambulatory blood pressure measuring device
Authors: Eun Sung-Jong , Kim JungYoon 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCurrently, the market size of blood pressure monitors both in domestic and overseas is gradually increasing due to the increase in hypertension patients resulting from aging population. In addition, the necessity of developing systems and devices for the healthcare of hypertension patients is also increasing. Moreover, the determination of health normality in respect to the management of hypertension patients is possible, but it is essentially important to incorporate preventive healthcare. Thus, further studies on deep learning-based prediction technology using previous data are needed. This paper proposes the development of an intelligent healthcare management system that can help to manage the health of hypertensive patients. The system includes a wrist-worn ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device that can analyze the normality of measured blood pressures. The performance evaluation results of the proposed system verified the reliability of data acquisition as compared with the existing equipment as well as the efficiency of the intelligent healthcare system.
The proteorhodopsins of the dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina: ultrastructure and localization by immunofluorescence light microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy
Authors: Rhiel Erhard , Westermann Martin , Steiniger Frank , Hoischen Christian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAt least 7 proteorhodopsin sequences of Oxyrrhis marina were recently proven in bands obtained by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and MS analyses revealed that the bands consisted almost of pure, native proteorhodopsins (Rhiel et al. 2020). The proteorhodopsin fractions, i.e., bands B2, B3, and B4 were subjected to transmission electron microscopy. Negative staining revealed that band B2 consisted most likely of monomeric/oligomeric proteorhodopsins with particle dimensions of about 6 nm. Negative staining, freeze-fracture, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed that bands B3 and B4 consisted of vesicular, sheet-like, and cup-shaped structures which all seemed to be composed of protein. Frequently, ring-like protein aggregates were registered at higher magnifications. They measured about 4 nm in diameter with a tiny hole of 1.5 nm in the middle. The bands B2, B3, and B4 were pooled and used to raise an antiserum. Immunoelectron microscopy resulted in intense labeling of the isolated structures. Immunofluorescence light microscopy of formaldehyde-fixed Oxyrrhis cells resulted in intense labeling of the cell periphery. Some cell internal structures became labeled, too. Immunoelectron microscopy of freeze-fractured cells revealed that most likely the membranes of the amphiesmal vesicles were labeled at the cell periphery, while the cell internal label seemed to originate from the food vacuoles.
Comparison of models of diffusion in Wilms’ tumours and normal contralateral renal tissue
Authors: Rogers Harriet J. , Verhagen Martijn V. , Clark Chris A. , Hales Patrick W. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective
ADC (Apparent Diffusion Coefficient) derived from Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) has shown promise as a non-invasive quantitative imaging biomarker in Wilms’ tumours. However, many non-Gaussian models could be applied to DWI. This study aimed to compare the suitability of four diffusion models (mono exponential, IVIM [Intravoxel Incoherent Motion], stretched exponential, and kurtosis) in Wilms’ tumours and the unaffected contralateral kidneys.

Materials and methods
DWI data were retrospectively reviewed (110 Wilms’ tumours and 75 normal kidney datasets). The goodness of fit for each model was measured voxel-wise using Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). Mean AIC was calculated for each tumour volume (or contralateral normal kidney tissue). One-way ANOVAs with Greenhouse–Geisser correction and post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction evaluated significant differences between AIC values; the lowest AIC indicating the optimum model.

Results
IVIM and stretched exponential provided the best fits to the Wilms’ tumour DWI data. IVIM provided the best fit for the normal kidney data. Mono exponential was the least appropriate fitting method for both Wilms’ tumour and normal kidney data.

Discussion
The diffusion weighted signal in Wilms’ tumours and normal kidney tissue does not exhibit a mono-exponential decay and is better described by non-Gaussian models of diffusion.
Evaluation of objective visual quality in dry eye disease and corneal nerve changes
Authors: Ma Jiahui , Wei Shanshan , Jiang Xiaodan , Chou Yilin , Wang Yuexin , Hao Ran , Yang Jiarui , Li Xuemin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To explore objective visual quality in dry eye diseases (DED) and the correlation between corneal nerves and objective visual quality.

Methods
Ninety-eight eyes of 49 patients with DED were included. Each patient was evaluated with the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), eyelid margin signs and meibomian gland assessments; corneal staining; tear film breakup time (TBUT); tear meniscus height (TMH); in vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM); objective visual quality including the objective scatter index (OSI), mean objective scattering index (mOSI), modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff value and Strehl ratio.

Results
A significant correlation was found between the OSDI and mOSI (r = 0.422, p = 0.005), MTF cutoff value (r = − 0.355, p = 0.020), and Strehl ratio (r = − 0.446, p = 0.003). The OSI was significantly correlated with TBUTf (r = − 0.213, p = 0.042). The mOSI, MTF cutoff value, Strehl ratio were correlated with eyelid margin signs and meibomian assessments. Additionally, there was a statistically significant correlation between corneal nerve length and the mOSI (r = − 0.239, p = 0.037), OSI (r = − 0.294, p = 0.028), MTF cutoff value(r = 0.282, p = 0.012), and Strehl ratio (r = 0.299, p = 0.008).

Conclusions
Our study explored that objective visual quality was correlated with clinical symptoms and signs in DED patients. Furthermore, for the first time, our study explored the relationship between corneal nerves and objective visual quality and discovered that longer and wider corneal nerves were associated with better objective visual quality, which suggested that nerve changes may be a factor that related to poor visual quality in DED patients.
Performance of longitudinal item response theory models in shortened or partial assessments
Authors: Arrington Leticia , Ueckert Sebastian , Ahamadi Malidi , Macha Sreeraj , Karlsson Mats O. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis work evaluates the performance of longitudinal item response (IR) theory models in shortened assessments using an existing model for part II and III of the MDS-UPDRS score. Based on the item information content, the assessment was reduced by removal of items in multiple increments and the models’ ability to recover the item characteristics of the remaining items at each level was evaluated. This evaluation was done for both simulated and real data. The metric of comparison in both cases was the item information function. For real data, the impact of shortening on the estimated disease progression and drug effect was also studied. In the simulated data setting, the item characteristics did not differ between the full and the shortened assessments down to the lowest level of information remaining; indicating a considerable independence between items. In contrast when reducing the assessment in a real data setting, a substantial change in item information was observed for some of the items. Disease progression and drug effect estimates also decreased in the reduced assessments. These changes indicate a shift in the measured construct of the shortened assessment and warrant caution when comparing results from a partial assessment with results from the full assessment.