bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic distortion correction for functional MRI using FID navigators
Authors: Wallace Tess E. , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Stockmann Jason P. , Hoge W. Scott , Kober Tobias , Warfield Simon K. , Afacan Onur 
Published: September 2020

PurposeTo develop a method for slice‐wise dynamic distortion correction for EPI using rapid spatiotemporal B0 field measurements from FID navigators (FIDnavs) and to evaluate the efficacy of this new approach relative to an established data‐driven technique.MethodsA low‐resolution reference image was used to create a forward model of FIDnav signal changes to enable estimation of spatiotemporal B0 inhomogeneity variations up to second order from measured FIDnavs. Five volunteers were scanned at 3 T using a 64‐channel coil with FID‐navigated EPI. The accuracy of voxel shift measurements and geometric distortion correction was assessed for experimentally induced magnetic field perturbations. The temporal SNR was evaluated in EPI time‐series acquired at rest and with a continuous nose‐touching action, before and after image realignment.ResultsField inhomogeneity coefficients and voxel shift maps measured using FIDnavs were in excellent agreement with multi‐echo EPI measurements. The FID‐navigated distortion correction accurately corrected image geometry in the presence of induced magnetic field perturbations, outperforming the data‐driven approach in regions with large field offsets. In functional MRI scans with nose touching, FIDnav‐based correction yielded temporal SNR gains of 30% in gray matter. Following image realignment, which accounted for global image shifts, temporal SNR gains of 3% were achieved.ConclusionsOur proposed application of FIDnavs enables slice‐wise dynamic distortion correction with high temporal efficiency. We achieved improved signal stability by leveraging the encoding information from multichannel coils. This approach can be easily adapted to other EPI‐based sequences to improve temporal SNR for a variety of clinical and research applications.
A multicenter study on radiomic features from T2‐weighted images of a customized MR pelvic phantom setting the basis for robust radiomic models in clinics
Authors: Bianchini Linda , Santinha João , Loução Nuno , Figueiredo Mário , Botta Francesca , Origgi Daniela , Cremonesi Marta , Cassano Enrico , Papanikolaou Nikolaos , Lascialfari Alessandro 
Published: September 2020

PurposeTo investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of radiomic features extracted from MR images and provide a workflow to identify robust features.MethodsT2‐weighted images of a pelvic phantom were acquired on three scanners of two manufacturers and two magnetic field strengths. The repeatability and reproducibility of features were assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the concordance correlation coefficient, respectively, and by the within‐subject coefficient of variation, considering repeated acquisitions with and without phantom repositioning, and with different scanner and acquisition parameters. The features showing intraclass correlation coefficient or concordance correlation coefficient >0.9 were selected, and their dependence on shape information (Spearman’s ρ > 0.8) analyzed. They were classified for their ability to distinguish textures, after shuffling voxel intensities of images.ResultsFrom 944 two‐dimensional features, 79.9% to 96.4% showed excellent repeatability in fixed position across all scanners. A much lower range (11.2% to 85.4%) was obtained after phantom repositioning. Three‐dimensional extraction did not improve repeatability performance. Excellent reproducibility between scanners was observed in 4.6% to 15.6% of the features, at fixed imaging parameters. In addition, 82.4% to 94.9% of the features showed excellent agreement when extracted from images acquired with echo times 5 ms apart, but decreased with increasing echo‐time intervals, and 90.7% of the features exhibited excellent reproducibility for changes in pulse repetition time. Of nonshape features, 2.0% was identified as providing only shape information.ConclusionWe showed that radiomic features are affected by MRI protocols and propose a general workflow to identify repeatable, reproducible, and informative radiomic features to ensure robustness of clinical studies.
Stock Assessment of the Lemon Shark off the Southeast United States
Authors: Hansell Alexander C. , Curtis Tobey H. , Carlson John , Cortés Enric , Fay Gavin , Cadrin Steven X. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The Lemon Shark Negaprion brevirostris is a large coastal shark that commonly occurs in the shallow nearshore waters of the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. There are conservation concerns for this species due to fisheries exploitation, low productivity, anthropogenic disturbance at nursery sites, and the depleted status of other large coastal sharks, but no quantitative assessment of Lemon Shark stock status is available. We synthesized available data to develop a stock assessment of the Lemon Shark in the western North Atlantic. All information on stock identity was considered to define a fishery management unit off the southeastern United States. Stock abundance and trends in fishing mortality were estimated from 1981 to 2017 using a Bayesian state–space surplus production model. The model incorporated prior knowledge of Lemon Shark demography, catches, and a combination of 11 indices of abundance. Seven model configurations that fit the data well and produced plausible estimates were used to evaluate the sensitivity of posterior estimates to assumed priors and data decisions. Results suggested that Lemon Shark stock abundance has been relatively stable since the mid-1990s, with some estimates of prior depletion. Estimates of relative fishing mortality indicate earlier periods of overfishing, with a decrease in fishing mortality since the early 2000s. These estimates of population trends provide information for future fisheries management and conservation.
A branch‐and‐dive heuristic for single vehicle snow removal
Authors: Hajizadeh Roghayeh , Holmberg Kaj 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with planning of a tour for a vehicle to clear a certain set of streets in a city of snow. Our previous results on the problem contain a heuristic based on reformulation to an asymmetric traveling salesman problem (ATSP) which yields feasible solutions and upper bounds, and a relaxation of a MIP model for obtaining lower bounds. The goal now is to try to improve the solutions and bounds. In this paper we describe a branch‐and‐dive heuristic which is based on branch‐and‐bound principles. We discuss how branching can be done so that the fixations can be utilized in both the relaxation and the ATSP model, and how the search for better solutions can be done. The heuristic has been implemented and applied to real life city networks. The method is shown to outperform two other heuristics for the ATSP with precedence constraints.
Prognostic Implications of Tumor Differentiation in Clinical T1N0 Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Margalit Ofer , Shacham-Shmueli Einat , Yang Yu-Xiao , Lawerence Yaacov R. , Levy Idan , Reiss Kim A. , Golan Talia , Halpern Naama , Aderka Dan , Giantonio Bruce , Mamtani Ronac , Boursi Ben 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Current guidelines recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locoregional gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients diagnosed with early stage gastric adenocarcinoma are usually managed with upfront surgical intervention. However, pathologic staging in a subset of these clinically staged patients identifies more advanced locoregional disease requiring adjuvant treatment. Therefore, identifying these patients prior to surgical intervention is critical to ensure employment of the appropriate treatment paradigm. The aim of the current study was to define patient characteristics associated with clinical understaging in early gastric cancer.

Methods
Using the National Cancer Database (2004–2014) we identified 3,892 individuals with clinical T1N0 gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent upfront definitive surgery, had negative surgical margins, and did not receive preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patient characteristics were compared between those with pathologic stage T1N0 disease and those who were upstaged upon surgery.

Results
Twenty-seven percent of clinical T1N0 gastric adenocarcinomas had a change in stage because of pathologically defined ≥T2 disease or positive lymph nodes. Individuals who were upstaged had a higher tumor grade compared with those with pathologic stage T1N0 disease. Specifically, 41.9% (530/1,264) of individuals with a poorly differentiated tumor were upstaged, compared with only 10.7% (70/656) with a well-differentiated tumor. Approximately 75% of cases involved upstaging because of T misclassification. The highest percentage of upstaging was shown for tumors located at the fundus and body of the stomach.

Conclusion
Upstaging of clinical T1N0 gastric adenocarcinoma is characterized by higher tumor grade and is mostly a result of a change in T stage. These findings mandate thorough workup in order to identify patients with clinically staged T1N0 disease requiring preoperative chemotherapy.

Implications for Practice
Upstaging of clinical T1N0 gastric adenocarcinoma is characterized by higher tumor grade and is mostly a result of a change in T stage. These findings mandate thorough workup in order to identify patients with clinically staged T1N0 disease requiring preoperative chemotherapy.
Ultrasound measures of abdominal fat layers correlate with metabolic syndrome features in patients with obesity
Authors: Cuatrecasas Guillem , de Cabo Francisco , Coves Maria Josep , Patrascioiu Ioana , Aguilar Gerardo , March Sonia , Balfegó Mariona , Bretxa Clara , Calbo Marta , Cuatrecasas Gabriel , Aranda Gloria , Orois Aida , Bové Isabel , Munoz‐Marron Elena , García‐Lorda Pilar 
Published: September 2020

SummaryObjectiveAbdominal fat ultrasound (US) is a simple clinical tool that may allow measures of fat depots not visible using common dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The aim of this study was to validate the technique, give measures of superficial and profound subcutaneous, preperitoneal, omental and perirenal (retroperitoneal) fat and correlate them with MS markers.MethodsSequential US measures of these five abdominal fat layers were done at 397 adults. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist, body fat %, HOMA‐IR index (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance), lipid profile and leptin were recorded. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was defined according to Cholesterol education programme adult treatment panel III (ATPIII) criteria.ResultsSubcutaneous and omental fat were increased among people with obesity, whereas preperitoneal and perirenal fat did not show any difference according to BMI or waist. Women showed thicker subcutaneous fat (both superficial and profound), whereas men had bigger omental fat. Both postmenopausal and diabetic patients had changes in omental fat only, whereas patients with fatty liver showed thicker preperitoneal and perirenal fat, as well. MS patients showed both thicker perirenal and omental fat. A cut‐off of 54 mm in male (M)/34 mm in female (F) of omental fat and 22.5 mm (M)/12.5 mm (F) of perirenal fat could be predictive of later MS onset.ConclusionsUS is a valid method to measure all different abdominal fat depots. Omental and perirenal fat measures may classify patients at risk for MS. Preperitoneal fat depot may also correlate with fatty liver disease.
Systemic viral infection in children receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia
Authors: Buus‐Gehrig Constanze , Bochennek Konrad , Hennies Marc T. , Klingebiel Thomas , Groll Andreas H. , Lehrnbecher Thomas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSystemic viral diseases frequently occur in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but data in children receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia are scarce. We therefore collected and analyzed the published data on symptomatic infection from cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, parvovirus B19, or adenovirus in pediatric acute leukemia. Reports on 68 children were identified, of whom 16 patients have died from the infection. Further studies have to (1) evaluate the true incidence of these infections in pediatric acute leukemia, (2) their impact on outcome, and (3) whether a subpopulation of patients could benefit from screening and prophylactic strategies.
Neuropsychological impact of trametinib in pediatric low‐grade glioma: A case series
Authors: Peterson Rachel K. , McKeown Tara , Tabori Uri , Bartels Ute , Bouffet Eric , Janzen Laura 
Published: September 2020

AbstractClinical trials of MEK inhibitors are underway in pediatric low‐grade glioma (PLGG) with BRAF oncogene mutations and recurrent/refractory disease. Cognitive and behavioral impacts of MEK inhibitors, such as trametinib, are unknown as these outcomes have not yet been studied. This case series compared cognition and behavior in eight PLGG cases prior to and while on treatment with trametinib compared to four PLGG controls. Intelligence in the trametinib cases was mainly unchanged while on treatment, with mild decline in one of seven cases with complete data. Parent‐reported depression symptoms increased in five of eight trametinib cases relative to one of four controls.
Bortezomib treatment of steroid‐refractory Evans syndrome in children
Authors: Beydoun Serina B. , Persaud Yogindra , Lafferty Jennifer , Callaghan Michael U. , Savaşan Süreyya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTreatment of refractory Evans syndrome (ES) remains a challenge in hematology practice. Due to rarity of this condition, evidence‐based approaches are limited and often treatment choices stem from small case series or anecdotal experiences. There is mounting evidence that some patients have genetic defects that could be targeted with promising preliminary results. Here, we describe three very refractory pediatric ES cases treated on bortezomib without adverse effects. Two of the three patients had dramatic and long‐lasting recovery that started following the initial doses of the drug. Clinical trials to assess the role of bortezomib in ES treatment are warranted.
Preparation and properties of nylon 11/ethylene‐vinyl alcohol/montmorillonite ternary composites
Authors: Yu Ren , Liu Yan , Gao Zijian , Liu Meng , Zhang TongLu , Zhang Haixin , Wang Bai , Hu Jianshe 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIt is known that polyamide 11 (PA11) is widely used in aviation, automobile, oil pipeline, gas engineering and other fields because of its excellent performance. However, pure PA11 as a carrier material of gas or liquid, its mechanical properties and barrier performance can not fully meet the application requirements in some circumstances, such as in narrow confined space or transporting flammable liquids. In this work, ternary blends were prepared by twin‐screw extruder with PA11, ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and modifier montmorillonite (MMT). The mechanical property, barrier functions, flame retardant performance and rheology of composites were studied. In comparison with those of the pure PA11, the impact properties, barrier properties and combustion intensity of ternary composites were significantly improved. Among them, the impact strength of the ternary composites (PA11/EVOH/MMT = 67.5/22.5/10 wt%) was increased by 58% and the oil absorption value and peak heat release rate (PHRR) at this ratio were 0.190 and 164.124 w•g−1, which were 23% and 43% of pure PA11, respectively. The addition of MMT had no obvious effect on ignition performance. All ternary composites were pseudo‐plastic fluids and exhibited shear‐thinning. SEM observation confirmed that composite materials changed from exfoliated composites to intercalated composites with an increase of the MMT content. The work offered the possibility of exploiting a high barrier performance low‐cost polymer.
Synthesis of C‐terminal glycine‐rich o‐aminoanilide peptides without overacylation for use in benzotriazole‐mediated native chemical ligation
Authors: Ferrer‐Gago Fernando J. , Koh Li Quan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNative chemical ligation (NCL) requires the constant development of methods that facilitate the efficient synthesis of C‐terminal peptide thioesters, which are key intermediates in NCL. After testing several resins and linkers, we have developed a solid support on the Rink and chlorotrityl chloride resins based on the attachment of o‐phenylenediamine (PheDA), with and without an electron withdrawing group. These linkers enable the synthesis of C‐terminus o‐aminoanilide peptides without overacylation when the glycine is the first amino acid in the synthesis or when we have a glycine‐rich sequence. Upon treatment with NaNO2, the glycine o‐aminoanilide peptides produce C‐terminus benzotriazole (Bt) peptides. The C‐terminus‐Bt peptides undergo thiol exchange, yielding thioester peptides, which can then be used in an NCL reaction. The linkers attached to the Rink and CT resins efficiently avoid overacylation in the synthesis of glycine‐rich sequences, increasing the yield and purity of these sequences.
Frequency and Severity of Phantom Limb Pain in Veterans with Major Upper Limb Amputation: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Balakhanlou Ellie , Webster Joseph , Borgia Matthew , Resnik Linda 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo describe the frequency and severity of phantom limb pain (PLP) in veterans with major upper limb amputation and determine the association between PLP and person, amputation, and prosthesis characteristics.DesignCross‐sectional design.SettingNational survey of veterans living in the community.ParticipantsU.S. military veterans (N = 776) with major upper limb amputations.Main Outcome MeasuresFrequency and intensity of PLP, person characteristics such as age and gender, amputation characteristics such as level and etiology, and prosthesis characteristics such as type and intensity of prosthesis use.ResultsRespondents were 97% male with a mean age of 63 years and a mean time since amputation of 31 years. The most common amputation level was transradial (36%) and 62% reported accident as the amputation etiology. 73% of amputees reported PLP with a mean intensity score of 4.2 (standard deviation 3.4). PLP frequency in the daily to always category was reported in 42% of amputees. Weekly and more frequent residual limb pain was associated with having any PLP. Amputation at the shoulder (odds ratio [OR] 3.78 [1.93, 7.39]), amputation at the transhumeral level (OR 1.76 [1.10,2.81]), and amputation due to cancer (OR 5.33 [1.15, 24.81]) were also associated with any PLP. Moderate (β = 1.34, P = < .001) and severe (β = 3.31, P < .001) residual limb pain intensity was associated with higher PLP intensity among those with pain. Amputation at the shoulder level was associated with a 1.5 points higher average pain intensity score (P < .001) compared to the transradial level. Multivariable models failed to show an association between PLP prevalence and amputation of the dominant limb (P = .08) and PLP was not associated with intensity of daily prosthesis use in bivariate analyses.ConclusionThis study of a large cohort of veterans with major upper limb amputation highlights the long‐term persistence of moderate frequency and intensity PLP.
Knee Flexion Contractures Are Associated with Worse Pain, Stiffness, and Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Campbell T Mark , Ramsay Tim , Trudel Guy 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPatients with or at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) can acquire a knee flexion contracture (FC). The prevalence, severity, and association of knee FC on OA outcomes such as pain, stiffness, and function are not well described and clinical scales may omit measuring joint range of motion.Objective(1) To determine if the presence and severity of a knee FC was associated with worse joint pain, stiffness and/or function and (2) to determine if this association was present in participants with or at risk of knee OA.MethodsFollowing a detailed standardized protocol, maximum knee extension was obtained from the baseline physical examination data using a goniometer with the fulcrum over the knee joint line, the upper arm directed towards the greater trochanter and the lower arm directed towards the lateral malleolus.DesignCross‐sectional, using the Osteoarthritis Initiative database.Setting and ParticipantsBaseline cross‐sectional data collected from a prospective outpatient cohort study, recruiting from four academic health care centers in the United States. Three subcohorts were included: those at‐risk of OA (n = 5995 knees), those with radiographic OA (n = 2610 knees), and controls (n = 62 knees).Main Outcome MeasuresWe categorized knee FCs as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Pain scales included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale and numeric pain rating scale; stiffness, the WOMAC stiffness subscale; and function, the WOMAC function subscale and 400‐m walk time.ResultsParticipants with FC reported overall worse pain, stiffness, and function compared to those without FC in a severity‐dependent manner. OA participants' scores showed between 1.8‐ and 11.0‐fold mean relative worsening versus at‐risk participants (P < .05 for all). Knee FC was independently associated in a severity‐dependent manner with all outcomes (P < .01).ConclusionsKnee FCs were associated with worse pain, stiffness, and function in a severity‐dependent manner in a population with or at risk of knee OA. There was an interaction between OA subcohort and FC severity (P‐for‐interaction <.01 for all WOMAC outcomes). Evaluation of the longitudinal effects of contracture on OA and at‐risk patient outcomes is necessary.
Impact of bottlebrush chain architecture on Tg‐confinement and fragility‐confinement effects enabled by thermo‐cleavable bottlebrush polymers synthesized by radical coupling and atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Li Lingqiao , Qiang Zhe , Chen Xi , Jin Kailong , Wang Muzhou , Torkelson John M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThermo‐cleavable bottlebrush polymers were synthesized by a facile grafting‐to method via radical coupling and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) without small‐molecule synthesis involved. Bottlebrushes were achieved by coupling backbones of poly(4‐methacryloyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl), which contain nitroxide radicals, and ATRP‐synthesized side chains, which can be halogen‐abstracted to generate carbon‐centered radicals. Bottlebrushes were prepared using homopolymer or block copolymer side chains. Alkoxyamine covalent bonds resulting from radical coupling are thermo‐reversible at high temperature, and grafting density may be tuned by annealing of post‐synthesis bottlebrush, with the bottlebrush regime going from loose bottlebrush to dense comb and loose comb. The effects of confinement on the Tg and fragility of films of polystyrene bottlebrush were studied by ellipsometry; comparisons were made to thermally cleaved linear components obtained directly after annealing. Relative to linear polymer, bottlebrush topology reduces bulk fragility and suppresses Tg‐ and fragility‐confinement effects. The correlation between the strengths of the confinement effects is consistent with other film studies of linear and non‐linear polymers and supports the notion that fragility is a fundamental property underlying perturbations to Tg. Besides providing a platform for advancing fundamental scientific understanding, our synthetic strategy may afford novel applications of bottlebrushes via incorporated dynamic chemistry.