bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the time to surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Müller Carolin , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Schmidt Gilda , Jungmann Peter , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Breitbach Georg-Peter , Juhasz-Böss Stephanie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
It is suspected that delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) leads to a worse outcome in breast cancer patients. We therefore evaluated possible influencing factors of the time interval between the end of NACT and surgery.

Methods
All patients receiving NACT due to newly diagnosed breast cancer from 2015 to 2017 at the Department of Gynecology, Saarland University Medical Center, were included. The time interval between end of NACT and surgery was defined as primary endpoint. Possible delaying factors were investigated: age, study participation, outpatient and inpatient presentations, implants/expander, MRI preoperatively, discontinuation of chemotherapy, and genetic mutations.

Results
Data of 139 patients was analyzed. Median age was 53 years (22–78). The time interval between end of NACT and surgery was 28 days (9–57). Additional clinical presentations on outpatient basis added 2 days (p = 0.002) and on inpatient basis added 7 days to time to surgery (p < 0.001). Discontinuation of NACT due to chemotherapy side effects prolonged time to surgery by 8 days (p < 0.001), whereas discontinuation due to disease progress did not delay surgery (p = 0.6). In contrast, a proven genetic mutation shortened time to surgery by 7 days (p < 0.001). Patient’s age, participation in clinical studies, oncoplastic surgery, and preoperative MRI scans did not delay surgery.

Conclusion
Breast care centers should emphasize a reduction of clinical presentations and a good control of chemotherapy side effects for breast cancer patients to avoid delays of surgery after NACT.
Comparison of microscopic and endoscopic views in cadaveric ears
Authors: Guy John , Muzaffar Jameel , Coulson Christopher 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The advent of endoscopic otosurgery provides reduced tissue destruction with theoretically improved views, yet a quantification of the difference of exposure between microscopic and endoscopic approaches has not yet been performed in human specimens. The objective of this study was to assess the difference in views of cadaveric tympanic membranes when inspected with operating microscopes or endoscopes.

Methods
A circular graduated disc was inserted into eight cadaveric external ear canals to rest against the tympanic membrane. Three independent observers assessed the maximum possible observable radius of the graduated disc in each ear using a 0° endoscope and a surgical microscope in superior, inferior, posterior, and anterior directions.

Results
The endoscope was able to view a significantly larger mean maximum visible radius than the microscope in posterior, superior, anterior, and inferior directions. This represented a mean gain in observable distance of 19.18%. There was a smaller variation in mean maximum visible radius than the microscope.

Conclusion
The wider field of view in an endoscope compared to a microscope implies reduced surgical tissue damage is needed to provide sufficient operative exposure. Enhanced views of the attic were demonstrated by the endoscope, further indicating utility in cholesteatoma observation and surgery.
Blood volume expansion does not explain the increase in peak oxygen uptake induced by 10 weeks of endurance training
Authors: Skattebo Øyvind , Bjerring Anders Wold , Auensen Marius , Sarvari Sebastian Imre , Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Capelli Carlo , Hallén Jostein 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The endurance training (ET)-induced increases in peak oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak) and cardiac output ($$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak) during upright cycling are reversed to pre-ET levels after removing the training-induced increase in blood volume (BV). We hypothesised that ET-induced improvements in $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak and $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak are preserved following phlebotomy of the BV gained with ET during supine but not during upright cycling. Arteriovenous O2 difference (a-$$\bar{\text{v}}$$v¯O2diff; $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2/$$\dot{Q}$$Q˙), cardiac dimensions and muscle morphology were studied to assess their role for the $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak improvement.

Methods
Twelve untrained subjects ($$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak: 44 ± 6 ml kg−1 min−1) completed 10 weeks of supervised ET (3 sessions/week). Echocardiography, muscle biopsies, haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and BV were assessed pre- and post-ET. $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak and $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak during upright and supine cycling were measured pre-ET, post-ET and immediately after Hbmass was reversed to the individual pre-ET level by phlebotomy.

Results
ET increased the Hbmass (3.3 ± 2.9%; P = 0.005), BV (3.7 ± 5.6%; P = 0.044) and $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak during upright and supine cycling (11 ± 6% and 10 ± 8%, respectively; P ≤ 0.003). After phlebotomy, improvements in $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak compared with pre-ET were preserved in both postures (11 ± 4% and 11 ± 9%; P ≤ 0.005), as was $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak (9 ± 14% and 9 ± 10%; P ≤ 0.081). The increased $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak and a-$$\bar{\text{v}}$$v¯O2diff accounted for 70% and 30% of the $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak improvements, respectively. Markers of mitochondrial density (CS and COX-IV; P ≤ 0.007) and left ventricular mass (P = 0.027) increased.

Conclusion
The ET-induced increase in $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak was preserved despite removing the increases in Hbmass and BV by phlebotomy, independent of posture. $$\dot{V}$$V˙O2peak increased primarily through elevated $$\dot{Q}$$Q˙peak but also through a widened a-$$\bar{\text{v}}$$v¯O2diff, potentially mediated by cardiac remodelling and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Coping with opponents: multi-objective evolutionary neural networks for fighting games
Authors: Künzel Steven , Meyer-Nieberg Silja 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFighting games represent a challenging problem for computer-controlled characters. Therefore, they have attracted considerable research interest. This paper investigates novel multi-objective neuroevolutionary approaches for fighting games focusing on the Fighting Game AI Competition. Considering several objectives shall improve the AI’s generalization capabilities when confronted with new opponents.
To this end, novel combinations of neuroevolution and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms are explored. Since the variants proposed employ the well-known R2 indicator, we derived a novel faster algorithm for determining the exact R2 contribution. An experimental comparison of the novel variants to existing multi-objective neuroevolutionary algorithms demonstrates clear performance benefits on the test case considered. The best performing algorithm is then used to evolve controllers for the fighting game. Comparing the results with state-of-the-art AI opponents shows very promising results; the novel bot is able to outperform several competitors.
Finite element analysis (FEA) modelling and experimental verification to optimise flexible electronic packaging for e-textiles
Authors: Li Menglong , Torah Russel , Liu Jingqi , Tudor John , Beeby Steve 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper a three-dimensional model of a novel electronic package has been developed using Finite element analysis to evaluate the shear load, tensile, bending and thermal stresses. Simulations of a complete flexible flip chip electronic packaging method are performed to minimize stresses on the packaged electronic device to improve robustness and reliability. Three component under-fill adhesives (Loctite 4860, Loctite 480 and Loctite 4902) and three circuit substrate materials (Kapton, Mylar and PEEK) are compared and the optimal thickness of each is found by shear load, tensile load, bending test and thermal expansion simulations. A fixed die size of 3.5 mm × 8 mm × 0.53 mm has been simulated and evaluated experimentally under shear and bending load. The shear and bending experimental results show good agreement with the simulation results and verify the simulated optimal thickness of the adhesive layer. The Kapton substrate together with the Loctite 4902 adhesive were identified as the optimum in the simulation. The simulation of under-fill adhesive and substrate thickness identified an optimum configuration of a 0.045–0.052 mm thick substrate layer and a 0.042–0.045 mm thickness of the Loctite 4902 adhesive. The bending simulation has also been used to determine the neutral axis of the encapsulated electronic package in this paper, thus identifying the optimal material and thickness for the encapsulation layer of the package.
Beta-blockers and glioma: a systematic review of preclinical studies and clinical results
Authors: Tewarie Ishaan Ashwini , Senders Joeky T. , Hulsbergen Alexander F. C. , Kremer Stijn , Broekman Marike L. D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGiven the median survival of 15 months after diagnosis, novel treatment strategies are needed for glioblastoma. Beta-blockers have been demonstrated to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation in various cancer types. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the effect of beta-blockers on glioma growth. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central to identify all relevant studies. Preclinical studies concerning the pharmacodynamic effects of beta-blockers on glioma growth and proliferation were included, as well as clinical studies that studied the effect of beta-blockers on patient outcomes according to PRISMA guidelines. Among the 980 citations, 10 preclinical studies and 1 clinical study were included after title/abstract and full-text screening. The following potential mechanisms were identified: reduction of glioma cell proliferation (n = 9), decrease of glioma cell migration (n = 2), increase of drug sensitivity (n = 1), induction of glioma cell death (n = 1). Beta-blockers affect glioma proliferation by inducing a brief reduction of cAMP and a temporary cell cycle arrest in vitro. Contrasting results were observed concerning glioma cell migration. The identified clinical study did not find an association between beta-blockers and survival in glioma patients. Although preclinical studies provide scarce evidence for the use of beta-blockers in glioma, they identified potential pathways for targeting glioma. Future studies are needed to clarify the effect of beta-blockers on clinical endpoints including survival outcomes in glioma patients to scrutinize the value of beta-blockers in glioma care.
The roles of teacher–student relationship quality and self-concept of ability in adolescents’ achievement emotions: temperament as a moderator
Authors: Clem Anna-Leena , Rudasill Kathleen M. , Hirvonen Riikka , Aunola Kaisa , Kiuru Noona 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study examined to what extent teacher–student conflict and closeness, on the one hand, and students’ self-concepts of ability in literacy and mathematics, on the other, are related to students’ achievement emotions (enjoyment, anxiety and boredom) in mathematics and literacy among Finnish early adolescents (N = 854). We also investigated the extent to which these associations are moderated by student temperament (surgency/extraversion, negative affectivity and effortful control). The results showed, after accounting for relevant covariates, that in both school subjects, teacher–student conflict was negatively related to enjoyment and positively to anxiety and boredom, whereas teacher–student closeness was positively related to enjoyment and negatively to boredom. Self-concepts of ability in both school subjects were positively related to enjoyment and negatively to anxiety, whereas the self-concept of ability was only negatively related to boredom in mathematics. Student temperament also moderated some of the associations in the literacy domain. Lower levels of conflict in the teacher–student relationship were related to higher levels of enjoyment in literacy, particularly among students who had lower levels of surgency/extraversion. Also, a closer relationship with the teacher or a lower self-concept of ability in literacy was related to higher levels of anxiety, particularly among students who had low effortful control. In the mathematics domain, the associations between the self-concept of ability and achievement emotions were somewhat stronger than in literacy, and the domain-specific associations were not dependent on student temperament.
Experimental nest replacement suggests that the bacterial load of nests may mediate nestling physiological condition in cavity nesting Great Tits (Parus major)
Authors: Zabłotni Agnieszka , Kaliński Adam , Bańbura Mirosława , Glądalski Michał , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Bańbura Jerzy 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNests of secondary-cavity breeding birds are structures constructed to lay and incubate eggs and raise nestlings to fledging. These nests are characterized by relatively stable conditions, which makes them a suitable habitat for various microorganisms. It has been suggested that bacteria inhabiting nests and nestling skin may affect nestlings both positively and negatively. In this study, nests of Great Tits Parus major were replaced with artificial nests on the fifth day of the nestling phase in two different study sites to create two categories of nests: (i) natural and (ii) artificial with a reduced bacterial load. Four days later, bacterial samples were collected from the nestling skin and from the edge of the nest to assess skin and nest bacterial loads, expressed as colony forming units (CFUs). It was predicted that (i) the previous season occupancy of nest boxes would influence bacterial loads, (ii) the experimental treatment would reduce nest and skin bacterial loads, and (iii) that nest and skin bacterial loads would affect the condition of the nestlings, assessed as the hemoglobin concentration in blood when nestlings were 14 days old. Occupancy in the previous season did not affect the bacterial load. The skin bacterial load was significantly lower in artificial nests, although the nest bacterial load did not differ between natural and artificial nests. Nestlings from artificial nests had higher hemoglobin, and hemoglobin concentration was negatively associated with the nest but not the skin bacterial load. Our results suggest that the bacterial load in nests may negatively affect the physiological condition of avian hosts.
Phase I dose escalation study of BI 836826 (CD37 antibody) in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kroschinsky Frank , Middeke Jan Moritz , Janz Martin , Lenz Georg , Witzens-Harig Mathias , Bouabdallah Reda , La Rosée Paul , Viardot Andreas , Salles Gilles , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Tae Min , Ottmann Oliver , Chromik Joerg , Quinson Anne-Marie , von Wangenheim Ute , Burkard Ute , Berk Andreas , Schmitz Norbert 
Published: March 2020

SummaryBI 836826 is a chimeric immunoglobulin G1 antibody targeting CD37, a tetraspanin transmembrane protein predominantly expressed on normal and malignant B cells. This phase I, open-label study used a modified 3 + 3 design to evaluate the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary activity of BI 836826 in patients with relapsed/refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; NCT01403948). Eligible patients received up to three courses comprising an intravenous infusion (starting dose: 1 mg) once weekly for 4 weeks followed by an observation period of 27 (Course 1, 2) or 55 days (Course 3). Patients had to demonstrate clinical benefit before commencing treatment beyond course 2. Forty-eight patients were treated. In the dose escalation phase (1–200 mg) involving 37 Caucasian patients, the MTD was 100 mg. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in four patients during the MTD evaluation period, and included stomatitis, febrile neutropenia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. The most common adverse events were neutropenia (57%), leukopenia (57%), and thrombocytopenia (41%), and were commonly of grade 3 or 4. Overall, 18 (38%) patients experienced infusion-related reactions, which were mostly grade 1 or 2. Preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity was seen; three patients responded to treatment, including one complete remission in a Korean patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. BI 836826 plasma exposure increased more than proportionally with increasing doses. BI 836826 demonstrated preliminary activity; the most frequent adverse events were hematotoxicity and infusion-related reactions which were manageable after amending the infusion schedule. Although BI 856826 will not undergo further clinical development, these results confirm CD37 as a valid therapeutic target in B cell NHL.
Clinical course of sinus node dysfunction after thoracoscopic surgery for atrial fibrillation—analysis of the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study
Authors: Neefs Jolien , Ons Shaëlle A. , Berger Wouter R. , Krul Sébastien P. J. , van den Berg Nicoline W. E , Piersma Femke R. , Beijk Marcel A. M. , van Boven WimJan P. , Driessen Antoine H. G. , de Groot Joris R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Sinus node dysfunction (SND) may complicate thoracoscopic surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Identifying patients at risk is important, as SND may require temporary or permanent pacing. To determine the incidence of postoperative SND and duration of symptoms in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgical ablation.

Methods
Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF included in the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study underwent pulmonary vein isolation and additional left atrial ablations on indication. Patients were randomized to ganglion plexus ablation or control. SND was defined as symptomatic or asymptomatic junctional rhythm exceeding sinus rate within 30 days postoperatively. The SND risk was assessed by using a univariable logistic regression model. The rate of pacemaker implantation was determined.

Results
The AFACT study included 240 patients. SND developed in 17 (7.1%) patients, not affected by randomized treatment, p = 0.18. SND patients more often had persistent AF (88.2%) than patients without SND (57.4%), p = 0.01. After univariable testing, persistent AF (OR 5.57 CI 1.52–35.90, p = 0.02) and additional left atrial ablations (OR 12.10 CI 2.40–220.20, p = 0.02) were associated with postoperative SND. Six (35.3%) patients needed temporary pacing for 1–7 days; permanent pacemakers (PMs) were implanted for SND in five (29.4%) patients.

Conclusion
Additional left atrial ablations strongly increase the SND risk. The majority of SND was temporary, and sinus rhythm resolved within days, which indicates that a conservative approach with regard to pacemaker implantation should be considered.
The Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Attachment of Fungal Conidia to Substrates of Polyvinyl Acetate and Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Liauw Christopher M. , Slate Anthony J. , Butler Jonathan A. , Wilson-Nieuwenhuis Joels S. T. , Deisenroth Ted , Preuss Andrea , Verran Joanna , Whitehead Kathryn A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBiofouling of PVAc and PVOH surfaces by fungal conidia can result in surface discolouration and subsequent biodeterioration. In order to understand the interactions of fungal conidia on polymer surfaces, the surface properties of PVAc and PVOH and the hydrophobicity, size and shape of three type of fungal conidia was determined (Aspergillus niger 1957, Aspergillus niger 1988 and Aureobasidium pullulans). Fungal conidia were used in a range of binding assays (attachment, adhesion and retention). The PVAc and PVOH demonstrated different surface topographies and the PVAc demonstrated a higher maximum height (300.6 nm) when compared to the PVOH (434.2 nm). The PVAc surfaces was less wettable (75°) than the PVOH surface (62°). The FTIR demonstrated differences in the chemistries of the two surfaces, whereby the PVOH confirmed the presence of polar moieties. Hydrophobicity assays demonstrated that both A. niger species’ were more non-wettable than the A. pullulans. Following the attachment assays, the more hydrophobic Aspergillus spp. conidia attached in greater numbers to the more wettable surface and the A. pullulans was retained in greater numbers to the less wettable PVAc surface. The adhesion and retention assays demonstrated that the more polar surface retained all the types of conidia, regardless of their surface hydrophobicities. This study demonstrated that conidial binding to the surfaces were influenced by the chemistry and physicochemistry of the surfaces and spores. However, the inclusion of a washing stage influenced the adhesion of conidia to surfaces. In environments that were indicative of a attachment or retention assay a PVAc surface would reduce the number of A. niger spp. spores whilst a PVOH surface would reduce the number of A. pullulans spores. However, in an environment similar to a adhesion assay, a PVAc surface would be most beneficial to reduce spore retention. Thus, the use of the correct methodology that reflects the environment in which the surface is to be used is important in order to accurately inform hygienic surface development.
Order-Disorder Transition in the Half-Filled Two-Component Lattice Fermion Model with Nearest-Neighbor Repulsion
Authors: Kapcia Konrad Jerzy , Majewska-Albrzykowska Katarzyna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this work, we study a model of asymmetric two-component lattice fermion system at half-filling, where particles of both species (distinguishable by, e.g., spin) can interact only via nearest-neighbor repulsion W. The analysis is performed on the Bethe lattice using the Hartree-Fock-type mean-field approximation, which is rigorous in the limit of high dimensions. At sufficiently low temperatures, both antiferromagnetic and charge orders (related to inhomogeneous distribution of particles with both spins) coexist in the system. We find that an order-disorder continuous transition occurs with increasing temperature. The transition temperature depends on the ratio t↑/t↓ of the hopping amplitudes of both fermion species (i.e., the asymmetry of the model). For fixed W, it is the biggest if one component is localized (e.g., t↑ = 0), and it decreases to its minimal value for the same hopping amplitudes (t↑ = t↓). Moreover, it increases with W for fixed t↑/t↓. Dependencies of order parameters with model parameters and temperature are also presented.