bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relevance of liver surface nodularity for preoperative risk assessment in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hobeika C , Cauchy F , Sartoris R , Beaufrère A , Yoh T , Vilgrain V , Rautou P E , Paradis V , Bouattour M , Ronot M , Soubrane O 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Quantification of liver surface nodularity (LSN) on routine preoperative CT images allows detection of cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension. This study aimed to assess the relevance of LSN in preoperative assessment of operative risks for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
All patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC between 2012 and 2017 were analysed retrospectively. LSN was assessed at the liver–fat interface on the left liver lobe on preoperative CT images. The feasibility of LSN quantification was assessed. The association between LSN and outcomes (severe complications and posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF)) was evaluated by multivariable analysis and after propensity score matching.

Results
Among 210 patients, LSN measurement was successful in 187 (89·0 per cent). Among these, the median LSN score was 2·42 (i.q.r. 2·21–2·66) and 52·9 per cent had severe fibrosis, including 33·7 per cent with cirrhosis. LSN score increased with hepatic venous pressure gradient (P = 0·048), severity of steatosis (P = 0·011) and fibrosis grade (P = 0·001). LSN score was independently associated with severe complications (odds ratio (OR) 5·25; P = 0·006) and PHLF (OR 6·78; P = 0·003). After matching with respect to model for end-stage liver disease, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and fibrosis-4 score, patients with a LSN score of 2·63 or higher retained an increased risk of PHLF (OR 5·81; P = 0·018). In the subgroup of patients without severe fibrosis, LSN was accurate in predicting severe complications (P = 0·005). Patients with (P = 0·039) or without (P = 0·018) severe fibrosis with increased LSN score had a higher comprehensive complication index score. Among patients with cirrhosis who had clinically significant portal hypertension, a LSN value below 2·63 ruled out the risk of PHLF.

Conclusion
LSN measurement represents a practical tool that may allow improvement in the preoperative evaluation and management of patients with HCC.
Glucose challenge metabolomics implicates the change of organic acid profiles in hyperlipidemic subjects
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Yu Jiaying , Zhao Jinhui , Guo Jing , Zhang Mingjia , Liu Liyan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHyperlipidemia (HLP) is a major risk factor of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Here, we applied gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to study differences in postprandial organic acid profiles in healthy and HLP subjects. In fasting status, six intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle showed significant differences in HLP and healthy controls (P < 0.05). The percentage changes of 17 metabolites including three intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly different during the oral glucose tolerance test. Postprandial changes in ethylmalonic acid and pimelic acid were negatively associated with HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; all P < 0.05) in the HLP group. Postprandial metabolism of organic acid profiles revealed energy metabolism perturbations in HLP. Our findings provide new insights into the complex physiological regulation of HLP postprandial metabolism.
Analysis of spinal cord blood supply combining vascular corrosion casting and fluorescence microsphere technique: A feasibility study in an aortic surgical large animal model
Authors: Saravi Babak , Wittmann Karin , Krause Sonja , Puttfarcken Luisa , Siepe Matthias , Göbel Ulrich , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Kari Fabian A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionSpinal cord ischemia after cardiovascular interventions continues to be a devastating problem in modern surgery. The role of intraspinal vascular networks and anterior radiculomedullary arteries (ARMA) in preventing spinal cord ischemia is poorly understood.Materials and methodsLandrace pigs (n = 30, 35.1 ± 3.9 kg) underwent a lateral thoracotomy. Fluorescent microspheres were injected into the left atrium and a reference sample was aspirated from the descending aorta. Repeated measurements of spinal cord and renal cortical blood flow from the left and right kidneys with three different microsphere colors in five pigs were taken to validate reproducibility. Spinal cord blood flow to the upper thoracic (T1–T4), mid‐thoracic (T5–T8), lower thoracic (T9–T13), and lumbar (L1–L3) levels were determined. After euthanasia, we carried out selective vascular corrosion cast and counted the left and right ARMAs from levels T1–T13.ResultsBlood flow analysis of the left and right kidneys revealed a strong correlation (r = .94, p < .001). We detected more left than right ARMAs, with the highest prevalence at T4 (p < .05). The mean number of ARMAs was 8 ± 2. Their number in the upper thoracic region ranged from 2 to 7 (mean of 5 ± 1), while in the lower thoracic region they ranged from 0 to 5 (mean of 3 ± 1 [p < .001]).ConclusionsThis study shows that combining fluorescence microsphere technique and vascular corrosion cast is well suited for assessing the blood flow and visualizing the arteries at the same time.
Multivariate Analysis of Coupled Operando EPR/XANES/EXAFS/UV–Vis/ATR‐IR Spectroscopy: A New Dimension for Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Gas‐Liquid Phase Reactions
Authors: Rabeah Jabor , Briois Valérie , Adomeit Sven , La Fontaine Camille , Bentrup Ursula , Brückner Angelika 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOperando EPR, XANES/EXAFS, UV‐Vis and ATR‐IR spectroscopic methods have been coupled for the first time in the same experimental setup for investigation of unclear mechanistic aspects of selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a Cu/TEMPO catalytic system (TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl). By multivariate curve resolution with alternating least‐squares fitting (MCR‐ALS) of simultaneously recorded XAS and UV‐Vis data sets, it was found that an initially formed (bpy)(NMI)CuI‐ complex (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, NMI=N‐methylimidazole ) is converted to two different CuII species, a mononuclear (bpy)(NMI)(CH3CN)CuII‐OOH species detectable by EPR and ESI‐MS, and an EPR‐silent dinuclear (CH3CN)(bpy)(NMI)CuII(μ‐OH)2⋅CuII (bpy)(NMI) complex. The latter is cleaved in the further course of reaction into (bpy)(NMI)(HOO)CuII‐TEMPO monomers that are also EPR‐silent due to dipolar interaction with bound TEMPO. Both Cu monomers and the Cu dimer are catalytically active in the initial phase of the reaction, yet the dimer is definitely not a major active species nor a resting state since it is irreversibly cleaved in the course of the reaction while catalytic activity is maintained. Gradual formation of non‐reducible CuII leads to slight deactivation at extended reaction times.
Furoic acid derivatives from the endophytic fungus Coniothyrium sp.
Authors: Tran‐Cong Nam Michael , Mándi Attila , Király Sándor Balázs , Kurtán Tibor , Lin Wenhan , Liu Zhen , Proksch Peter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe endophytic fungus Coniothyrium sp. was isolated from leaves of Quercus robur. Fermentation of this fungus on solid rice medium yielded two new furoic acid derivatives (1 and 2) and two additional known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectra as well as high‐resolution mass spectrometry data. Compound 1, containing three aromatic chromophores attached by rotatable sigma bonds and a chirality center in benzylic position, was found to be a scalemic mixture with an excess of the (S) enantiomer, the absolute configuration of which was elucidated as by the solution time‐dependent density functional theory‐electronic circular dichroism approach. The ωB97X/TZVP PCM/MeCN and SOGGA11‐X/TZVP SMD/MeCN methods were used for geometry reoptimization to reproduce the solution conformational ensemble. All isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity but proved to be inactive.
Potential of Lagrangian Analysis Methods in the Study of Chemical Reactors
Authors: Llamas Cristina Garcia , Spille Claas , Kastens Sven , Paz Daniel Garaboa , Schlüter Michael , von Kameke Alexandra 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn most chemical reactors the homogeneous distribution of reactants is a desired prerequisite for guaranteed product quality and purity. However, oftentimes, especially in new reactor concepts this condition may not be met due to evolving or existing structures in the transport patterns. In this article the usage of Lagrangian analysis techniques in order to analyze chemical and biochemical reactors regarding the behavior of Lagrangian tracers is explored. A Lagrangian analysis on two different datasets is performed trying to show the large versatility of the concepts. The Lagrangian analysis techniques allow new insights into the reactor dynamics and could be a valuable tool to identify and characterize areas of different mixing performance.
The Elusive Ketene (H2CCO) Channel in the Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation of Solid 1,3,5‐Trinitro‐1,3,5‐Triazinane (RDX)
Authors: Singh Santosh K. , La Jeunesse Jesse , Vuppuluri Vasant , Son Steven F. , Sun Bing‐Jian , Chen Yue‐Lin , Chang Agnes H. H. , Mebel Alexander M. , Kaiser Ralf I. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnderstanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the decomposition of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX) still represents a major challenge for the energetic materials and physical (organic) chemistry communities mainly because multiple competing dissociation channels are likely involved and previous detection methods of the products are not isomer selective. In this study we exploited a microsecond pulsed infrared laser to decompose thin RDX films at 5 K under mild conditions to limit the fragmentation channels. The subliming decomposition products during the temperature programed desorption phase are detected using isomer selective single photoionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PI‐ReTOF‐MS). This technique enables us to assign a product signal at m/z=42 to ketene (H2CCO), but not to diazomethane (H2CNN; 42 amu) as speculated previously. Electronic structure calculations support our experimental observations and unravel the decomposition mechanisms of RDX leading eventually to the elusive ketene (H2CCO) via an exotic, four‐membered ring intermediate. This study highlights the necessity to exploit isomer‐selective detection schemes to probe the true decomposition products of nitramine‐based energetic materials.
Improving Quality of Material by Reducing Its Interaction with Fused Silica Container During Processing
Authors: Su Ching‐Hua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDuring the processing of electronic and optical materials at elevated temperature, the sample has the tendency to interact with the fused silica container and form chemical bonding, the so‐called “wetting”, which makes the surface section of the sample attaching to the ampoule wall. When the sample is cooled down to room temperature after the processing, as the bulk of the sample goes through thermal contraction, the wetting area remains attached to the fused silica wall and, consequently, causes the sample to separate apart which causes cracks and other structural defects. These defects are detrimental to the electronic/optic performance of materials, especially on the applications of high‐quality compound semiconductors. It is demonstrated, in this paper, that by adding a simple procedure of hydrofluoride acid etching of empty ampoule, the wetting of the sample can be reduced during the high temperature processing of crystal growth and, as a result, the structural quality of the semiconductors can be significantly improved.
Promoting sustainability through corporate social responsibility implementation in the manufacturing industry: An empirical analysis of barriers using the ISM‐MICMAC approach
Authors: Bux Hussain , Zhang Zhe , Ahmad Naveed 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) is a useful instrument to promote sustainability in organizations by focusing on their social, economic, and environmental aspects. Despite the growing adoption of CSR in the developed countries, it is at an initial stage of adoption in developing countries owing to the challenges faced by organizations. This study empirically identified the barriers to CSR adoption in a developing country context by taking the Pakistani manufacturing industry as a case. A novel framework was developed to analyze the obstacles by integrating the Delphi method (DM), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and MICMAC. Initially, CSR obstacles were identified from previous literature; these were later filtered by using the DM. Furthermore, the data collected from experts and the results obtained through the application of ISM and MICMAC indicate that the “lack of resources, ” “lack of regulations and standards, ” and “lack of policy incentives” are the most critical barriers impeding CSR implementation in the Pakistani manufacturing industry. “Lack of concern for reputation” and “customers do not care about CSR” emerged as the least essential barriers to CSR adoption. The government, as the primary stakeholder and implementing agency, can act as the moderator to overcome these barriers and take initiatives for the effective adoption of CSR. This study would support manufacturing industry managers’ effort to understand the main obstacles to CSR adoption and develop an effective implementation policy for CSR adoption.
Impact of anesthesia exposure in early development on learning and sensory functions
Authors: Aksenov Daniil P. , Miller Michael J. , Dixon Conor J. , Drobyshevsky Alexander 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEach year, millions of children undergo anesthesia, and both human and animal studies have indicated that exposure to anesthesia at an early age can lead to neuronal damage and learning deficiency. However, disorders of sensory functions were not reported in children or animals exposed to anesthesia during infancy, which is surprising, given the significant amount of damage to brain tissue reported in many animal studies. In this review, we discuss the relationship between the systems in the brain that mediate sensory input, spatial learning, and classical conditioning, and how these systems could be affected during anesthesia exposure. Based on previous reports, we conclude that anesthesia can induce structural, functional, and compensatory changes in both sensory and learning systems. Changes in myelination following anesthesia exposure were observed as well as the neurodegeneration in the gray matter across variety of brain regions. Disproportionate cell death between excitatory and inhibitory cells induced by anesthesia exposure can lead to a long‐term shift in the excitatory/inhibitory balance, which affects both learning‐specific networks and sensory systems. Anesthesia may directly affect synaptic plasticity which is especially critical to learning acquisition. However, sensory systems appear to have better ability to compensate for damage than learning‐specific networks.
Assessing intraspecific trait variability during seedling establishment to improve restoration of tropical dry forests
Authors: Lanuza Oscar R. , Espelta Josep M. , Peñuelas Josep , Peguero Guille 
Published: March 2020

AbstractForest restoration is an effective tool to mitigate climate change, but its implementation in highly diverse and threatened tropical dry forests (TDFs) is particularly challenging due to the hostile environment. Intraspecific trait variability (ITV) in response to these constraints may be very informative for predicting the potential for species acclimation and therefore for improving trait‐based species screenings that best match each particular scenario of forest restoration. We analyzed ITV during seedling establishment of three widely distributed and ecologically contrasting TDF species in a greenhouse multifactorial experiment crossing levels of resource availability (nutrients and water) and herbivory to assess the capacity of ITV to discern strategies of seedling establishment and to predict species’ growth rates and acclimation potential. The three species studied had contrasting responses to the experimental treatments, suggesting different strategies of seedling establishment. The species with the most plastic pattern of growth performed the best, especially due to its ability to modulate the trade‐off of root‐to‐shoot allocation of biomass depending on nutrient availability. Almost 50% of the variation in the root mass ratio was within species, half of which was a direct response of the treatments, indicating a strong acclimation potential. Individual‐level trait measurements, however, were poor predictors of seedling growth rates. ITV, particularly the ability to adapt the pattern of biomass allocation, can be critical during seedling establishment. We propose incorporating information about ITV and the ability of species to modulate their phenotypic expression to cope with environmental variability into programs of forest restoration. Easily implemented and standardized greenhouse experiments are an inexpensive way to obtain high‐quality data on the plasticity of forest species, which can be very valuable for predicting the potential of species acclimation and thus improving the selection of species that better match each particular scenario of restoration.
Sensitive Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Copper Ions Determination Performed in Double Deposition and Double Stripping Steps System for Real Water Samples Analysis
Authors: Gęca Iwona , Ochab Mateusz 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe article reports on utilization of double deposition and stripping steps for increasing sensitivity of Cu(II) determination by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) at two lead film working electrodes. A significant preconcentration of copper was achieved thanks to utilization of a simple design of four electrodes system that gives possibility to perform one measurement cycle consisting of two deposition and two stripping steps. Due to the fact that deposition step is doubled, the concentration of Pb(II) needed to lead film electrodes formation was significantly reduced as compared to traditional procedures using three electrodes system. The analytical procedure of Cu(II) determination was optimized. The experimental factors: supporting electrolyte's pH and its concentration, lead ions concentration, potential and time of deposition at both working electrodes were studied. The Cu(II) peak current was linearly dependent on its concentration from 5×10−10 to 2×10−8 mol L−1 (deposition time of 270 and 160 s at the first and the second working electrode, respectively). The obtained detection limit for copper ions determination was 2.1×10−10 mol L−1. The described procedure was validated by analysis of two water certified reference materials. The described procedure was also utilized for real water sample analysis.
Key Parameters of Proton‐conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells from the Perspective of Coherence with Models
Authors: Milewski J. , Szczęśniak A. , Szabłowski Ł. , Bernat R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe paper presents a review of thermal, flow, and material parameters from the perspective of modeling proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H+SOFC). Comments are offered regarding key parameters selected through research of the literature, featuring mostly material‐related properties of electrolyte and electrodes. Some general relationships are proposed here for the purpose of modeling H+SOFC. The most important parameter is fuel cell operational temperature. Next to the temperature, partial pressures of hydrogen on both sides of H+SOFC impact mainly maximum voltage. The materials from which the fuel cell is built do not directly affect the operation of the fuel cell in the sense that they can be taken as fixed values. Indirectly, their influence can be seen in the resistances, that electrolyte conducts for proton flux and electrodes for electrons. In some cases, double ion/electron conductivity may occur.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) item analysis of empathy and theory of mind
Authors: Tholen Matthias G. , Trautwein Fynn‐Mathis , Böckler Anne , Singer Tania , Kanske Philipp 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn contrast to conventional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis across participants, item analysis allows generalizing the observed neural response patterns from a specific stimulus set to the entire population of stimuli. In the present study, we perform an item analysis on an fMRI paradigm (EmpaToM) that measures the neural correlates of empathy and Theory of Mind (ToM). The task includes a large stimulus set (240 emotional vs. neutral videos to probe empathic responding and 240 ToM or factual reasoning questions to probe ToM), which we tested in two large participant samples (N = 178, N = 130). Both, the empathy‐related network comprising anterior insula, anterior cingulate/dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, and dorsal temporoparietal junction/supramarginal gyrus (TPJ) and the ToM related network including ventral TPJ, superior temporal gyrus, temporal poles, and anterior and posterior midline regions, were observed across participants and items. Regression analyses confirmed that these activations are predicted by the empathy or ToM condition of the stimuli, but not by low‐level features such as video length, number of words, syllables or syntactic complexity. The item analysis also allowed for the selection of the most effective items to create optimized stimulus sets that provide the most stable and reproducible results. Finally, reproducibility was shown in the replication of all analyses in the second participant sample. The data demonstrate (a) the generalizability of empathy and ToM related neural activity and (b) the reproducibility of the EmpaToM task and its applicability in intervention and clinical imaging studies.