bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gold nanoparticle printed coverslips to facilitate fluorescence-TEM correlative microscopy
Authors: Prabhakar Neeraj , Määttänen Anni , Peltonen Jouko , Hänninen Pekka , Peurla Markus , Rosenholm Jessica M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) allows combining the advantages of fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy for cell imaging. Rare phenomenon expressing cells can be studied by specifically tagged fluorophores with fluorescence microscopy. Subsequently, cells can be fixed and ultra-structural details can be studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at a higher resolution. However, precise landmarks are necessary to track the same cell throughout the CLEM process. In this technical report, we present a high contrast inkjet-printed gold nanoparticle patterns over commercial glass coverslip to facilitate cell tracking with correlative microscopy. High contrast and strong reflection from nano gold pattern can be used as a fixed landmark for cell identification with fluorescence microscopy. Nano gold printed letters over coverslips are visible in resin blocks, which can be further used to identify the cell of interest for performing sectioning of embedded cell blocks for TEM.
Collection efficiency and acceptance maps of electron detectors for understanding signal detection on modern scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Agemura Toshihide , Sekiguchi Takashi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCollection efficiency and acceptance maps of typical detectors in modern scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) were investigated. Secondary and backscattered electron trajectories from a specimen to through-the-lens and under-the-lens detectors placed on an electron optical axis and an Everhart–Thornley detector mounted on a specimen chamber were simulated three-dimensionally. The acceptance maps were drawn as the relationship between the energy and angle of collected electrons under different working distances. The collection efficiency considering the detector sensitivity was also estimated for the various working distances. These data indicated that the acceptance maps and collection efficiency are keys to understand the detection mechanism and image contrast for each detector in the modern SEMs. Furthermore, the working distance is the dominant parameter because electron trajectories are drastically changed with the working distance.
Transversal Hard Lefschetz Theorem on Transversely Symplectic Foliations
Authors: Álvarez López Jesús A , Jung Seoung Dal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe study the transversal hard Lefschetz theorem on a transversely symplectic foliation. This article extends the results of transversally symplectic flows (H.K. Pak, “Transversal harmonic theory for transversally symplectic flows”, J. Aust. Math. Soc. 84 (2008), 233–245) to general transversely symplectic foliations.
Go to gate: COVID-19 imported cases in Madrid and the potential role of airport transmissions
Authors: de Miguel Buckley R , Díaz-Menéndez M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Data on imported cases of COVID-19 are scarce. Recorded imported cases in Madrid, Spain represented 0.08% of the total cases from May to December 2020, as reported by the Epidemiology Service of Madrid Autonomous Community. We reflect on the potential role of airports in infection transmission, the current preventive measures to avoid travelling-related infections and discuss if there is a real need to focus on strict airport controls when community transmission is ongoing.
Altered von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 Levels in Children With Cirrhosis and Extrahepatic Portal Hypertension
Authors: Islek Ali , Ilhan Derya , Ozturk Nurinnisa , Guven Burcu , Sag Elif 
Published: December 2020

Background/Aim:
This study was concerned with whether vWF (von Willebrand factor) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) has altered in patients with cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH). We aimed to investigate changes to vWF and ADAMTS13 in children with cirrhosis and EPH.

Patients and Methods:
This study was conducted between January and October 2019 with both cirrhosis and EPH patients and with healthy volunteers. The von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), von Willebrand Ristocetin cofactor (vWF:RCo), and ADAMTS13 antigen and activity were studied.

Results:
Twenty-eight children with cirrhosis, 16 children with EPH, and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo levels were higher in patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls (171.65±101.67 vs. 85.86±30.58, P<0.01 and 121.62±55.83 vs. 61.52±27.03, P<0.01, respectively). vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo levels were higher in patients with EPH than in healthy controls (133.93±80.13 vs. 85.86±30.58, P<0.01 and 103.18±58.55 vs. 61.52±27.03, P=0.02, respectively). The ADAMTS13 antigen and activity levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls (0.58±0.23 vs. 0.97±0.15, P<0.01 and 49.91±22.43 vs. 86.51±22.07, P=0.02, respectively). The ADAMTS13 antigen and activity levels were lower in patients with EPH than in healthy controls (0.69±0.11 vs. 0.97±0.15, P=0.03; and 68.50±13.29 vs. 86.51±22.07, P=0.02, respectively). The increase in vWF and the decrease in ADAMTS13 were more pronounced in cirrhotic patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) than in non-AIH patients.

Conclusions:
While levels of vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo increased in children with cirrhosis and EPH, levels of the ADAMTS13 antigen and ADAMTS13 activity decreased. These alterations were more pronounced in patients with AIH–derived cirrhosis.
Assessment of Virtual Monoenergetic Images in Run-off Computed Tomography Angiography: A Comparison Study to Conventional Images From Spectral Detector Computed Tomography
Authors: Ren Haiyan , Zhen Yanhua , Gong Zheng , Wang Chuanzhuo , Chang Zhihui , Zheng Jiahe 
Published: December 2020

Objective
The aims of this study were to evaluate image quality of virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) compared with conventional images (CIs) from spectral detector CT (SDCT) and to explore the optimal energy level in run-off computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods
The data sets of 35 patients who received run-off CTA on the SDCT were collected in this retrospective study. Conventional images were generated via iterative reconstruction algorithm and VMI series from 40 to 120 keV were generated via spectral reconstruction algorithm. The objective indices including vascular attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were compared. Two readers performed subjective evaluation using a 5-point scale.

Results
The attenuation showed higher values compared with CIs at 40 to 60 keV (P < 0.001). The noise was similar in 60- to 80-keV VMIs and significantly decreased in 90- to 120-keV VMIs (P < 0.001) in comparison with CIs. The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were improved in 40- to 60-keV VMIs compared with CIs (P < 0.05). The score of subjective assessment was higher than that of CIs in 50- to 70-keV VMIs (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Virtual monoenergetic images can provide improved image quality compared with CIs from SDCT in run-off CTA, and VMIs at 60 keV may be the best choice in evaluating lower extremity arteries.
Functional Limb Restoration Through Amputation: Minimizing Pain and Optimizing Function With the Use of Advanced Amputation Techniques
Authors: Souza Jason M. , Wade Sean M. , Harrington Colin J. , Potter Benjamin K. 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
To demonstrate the role of advanced orthoplastic techniques in harnessing the full potential of elective amputation as a functionally restorative procedure.

Summary of Background Data:
Once considered the unfortunate consequence of failed reconstructive efforts, recent outcomes studies have prompted a re-evaluation of the role of amputation in the management of complex extremity trauma. However, even as amputation is appropriately afforded greater consideration as part of the reconstructive algorithm, reconstructive techniques that are commonly utilized in pursuit of limb salvage are rarely applied to amputation.

Methods:
The following case demonstrates the successful application of orthoplastic reconstructive techniques to achieve optimal pain and functional outcomes in a 41-year-old active duty soldier who underwent an elective transtibial amputation after prolonged, limb salvage.

Results:
The patient presented with a large osteocutaneous proximal tibial defect secondary to trauma and subsequent osteomyelitis. The patient underwent a free scapular-parascapular fasciocutaneous flap to provide soft tissue coverage and facilitate the skeletal reconstruction necessary for either continued limb salvage or amputation. Due to tibial allodynia and severely limited ankle function, the patient subsequently elected for amputation in favor of continued limb salvage. Thus, a transtibial amputation was performed concurrently with a pedicled vascularized fibula to address the proximal tibial defect. A modified agonist-antagonist myoneural interface procedure was used to maximize post-amputation function, with creation of regenerative peripheral nerve interface constructs to prophylax against neurogenic pain. After the operation, the patient achieved improved function of the extremity with the use of a prosthesis and reported substantially improved pain while remaining on active duty in a warfighting military occupational specialty.

Conclusions:
By addressing all of the reconstructive components commonly considered in limb salvage, an orthoplastic approach to amputation surgery can minimize pain and maximize the rehabilitative potential of the amputee.
Time to Cannulation after ICU Admission Increases Mortality for Patients Requiring Veno-venous ECMO for COVID-19 Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Raff Lauren A. , Gallaher Jared R. , Johnson Daniel , Raff Evan J. , Charles Anthony G. , Reid Trista S. 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
COVID-19 can cause ARDS that is rapidly progressive, severe, and refractory to conventional therapies. ECMO can be used as a supportive therapy to improve outcomes but evidence-based guidelines have not been defined.

Summary Background Data:
Initial mortality rates associated with ECMO for ARDS in COVID-19 were high, leading some to believe that there was no role for ECMO in this viral illness. With more experience, outcomes have improved. The ideal candidate, timing of cannulation, and best postcannulation management strategy, however, has not yet been defined.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review from April 1 to July 31, 2020 of the first 25 patients with COVID-19 associated ARDS placed on V-V ECMO at our institution. We analyzed the differences between survivors to hospital discharge and those who died. Modified Poisson regression was used to model adjusted risk factors for mortality.

Results:
Forty-four patients (11/25) survived to hospital discharge. Survivors were significantly younger (40.5 years vs 53.1 years; P < 0.001) with no differences between cohorts in mean body mass index, diabetes, or PaO2:-FiO2 at cannulation. Survivors had shorter duration from symptom onset to cannulation (12.5 days vs 19.9 days, P = 0.028) and shorter duration of intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay before cannulation (5.6 days vs 11.7 days, P = 0.045). Each day from ICU admission to cannulation increased the adjusted risk of death by 4% and each year increase in age increased the adjusted risk 6%.

Conclusions:
ECMO has a role in severe, refractory ARDS associated with COVID-19. Increasing age and time from ICU admission were risk factors for mortality and should be considered in patient selection. Further studies are needed to define best practices for V-V ECMO use in COVID-19.
Validation of the Al-based Predictive OpTimal Trees in Emergency Surgery Risk (POTTER) Calculator in Patients 65 Years and Older
Authors: Maurer Lydia R. , Chetlur Prahan , Zhuo Daisy , El Hechi Majed , Velmahos George C. , Dunn Jack , Bertsimas Dimitris , Kaafarani Haytham M.A. 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
We sought to assess the performance of the Predictive OpTimal Trees in Emergency Surgery Risk (POTTER) tool in elderly emergency surgery (ES) patients.

Summary Background Data:
The POTTER tool was derived using a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI)-methodology called optimal classification trees and validated for prediction of ES outcomes. POTTER outperforms all existent risk-prediction models and is available as an interactive smartphone application. Predicting outcomes in elderly patients has been historically challenging and POTTER has not yet been tested in this population.

Methods:
All patients ≥65 years who underwent ES in the ACS-NSQIP 2017 database were included. POTTER’s performance for 30-day mortality and 18 postoperative complications (eg, respiratory or renal failure) was assessed using c-statistic methodology, with planned sub-analyses for patients 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85+ years.

Results:
A total of 29,366 patients were included, with mean age 77, 55.8% females, and 62% who underwent emergency general surgery. POTTER predicted mortality accurately in all patients over 65 (c-statistic 0.80). Its best performance was in patients 65 to 74 years (c-statistic 0.84), and its worst in patients ≥85 years (c-statistic 0.71). POTTER had the best discrimination for predicting septic shock (c-statistic 0.90), respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation for ≥48 hours (c-statistic 0.86), and acute renal failure (c-statistic 0.85).

Conclusions:
POTTER is a novel, interpretable, and highly accurate predictor of in-hospital mortality in elderly ES patients up to age 85 years. POTTER could prove useful for bedside counseling and for benchmarking of ES care.
Anatomical variations and evolution: re‐evaluating their importance for surgeons
Authors: Saniotis Arthur , Henneberg Maciej 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFor several decades, anatomists and biological anthropologists have made an intensive study in anatomical variations in ancestral and living humans. While many anatomical variants do not require clinical attention, some may present diagnostic problems or augur adverse symptoms. It is only in the last few decades that a plausible argument has been made that anatomical changes in human individuals and lineages demonstrate ongoing microevolution. Since the mid‐19th century, there has been a reduction in differential mortality. Increased variation of heritable traits is a consequential outcome of relaxation of natural selection. Consequently, this has contributed to various anatomical variations in musculo‐skeletal anatomy, vascular anatomy as well as congenital disorders such as spina bifida occulta. The authors argue that surgeons and anatomists should improve their knowledge of evolution and its continuing influence on human morphology. Simply repeating the old mantra that anatomical variations are important because knowledge of them minimizes surgical complications, albeit important, is inadequate.
Increase in humidity widens heat tolerance range of tropical Ceratosolen fig wasps
Authors: Gigante Earl Terrenz , Lim Emmanuel Justin , Crisostomo Kei Gabrielle , Cornejo Patricia , Rodriguez Lillian Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

1. Fig wasps are the obligate mutualistic pollinators of fig trees, which are important components of tropical forests. The stability of these species interactions, in the face of environmental changes, relies heavily on the thermal tolerance of these wasps.2. This study determined the upper thermal limits of three tropical Ceratosolen fig wasp species. Humidity levels and collection season were varied to determine the effect of water availability on heat tolerance.3. Wasps were placed in incubators to simulate different temperature regimes (30–45 °C) with varying humidity conditions. Wasp populations from either the dry or wet seasons were tested. Upper lethal temperature was determined by recording wasp survival.4. All factors (temperature, humidity, season, wasp species, and their interactions) significantly affected wasp longevity. Exposure to high temperatures resulted in a significant decrease in wasp longevity: longest at 30 °C and the ratio decreased rapidly at 40 and 45 °C. An increase in temperature from 30 to 35 °C caused at least a two‐fold reduction in wasp lifespan. More surprisingly, humid conditions allowed survival for two to six times longer than non‐humid conditions in high temperatures (40–45 °C). Wasps obtained during the wet season also survived longer than those from the dry season. Increased water availability (i.e. during wet season and with high humidity conditions) thus increased wasp upper thermal limits.5. Relative humidity was a strong limiting factor in the heat tolerance of tropical wasps. Persistence of insect species that are narrowly‐distributed will depend on the presence of intact, high‐humidity habitats.
Features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy
Authors: Shavlokhova Veronika , Flechtenmacher Christa , Sandhu Sameena , Vollmer Michael , Hoffmann Jürgen , Engel Michael , Ristow Oliver , Freudlsperger Christian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundReal‐time microscopic imaging of freshly excised oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) would be potentially supportive in rapid recognition of oral malignancy and an optimal and time‐saving management of patients' surgical treatment.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine oral squamous cell cancer tissue in regards to the commonly known and well‐described histomorphologic criteria for the diagnosis of OSCC in ex vivo confocal fluorescent microscopy and to analyze its correlation with grade of differentiation and level of invasiveness.MethodsEx vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of 38 OSCCs were evaluated immediately after excision for presence or absence of various cytological and architectural features based on the histopathological background. Next, these features were compared to the grade of differentiation as elaborated via gold standard histologic examination.ResultsOf 38 invasive OSCCs, 14 were well differentiated, while three moderately and 19 were poorly differentiated. The presence of the commonly known cytologic and histopathologic criteria for the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma such as the destruction of the basal cell membrane, cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, anisocytosis, intraepithelial keratinization, nuclear hyperchromasia, atypical mitotic figures as well as the presence of necrosis, and mixed inflammation could be observed in ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM). In ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy pictures, cellular pleomorphism and anisocytosis were observed more often in poorly differentiated OSCCs. Intraepithelial keratinization was associated with well differentiated and moderately differentiated OSCCs.ConclusionThe results demonstrate the high potential of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy in fresh tissue for rapid real‐time diagnosis of OSCC.
Nomograms predicting the outcomes of endoscopic treatments for pediatric upper urinary tract calculi
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Jun , Zhang Dong , Jiao Jian Wei , Tian Ye 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the efficacy and safety of mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy, micro‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and flexible ureteroscopy for pediatric upper urinary tract calculi and to develop nomograms predicting surgical outcomes.MethodsA prospectively managed database containing children who were diagnosed with upper urinary tract calculi and treated with mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy, micro‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and flexible ureteroscopy between June 2014 and April 2019 was analysed. Patient demographics, intraoperative data, stone characteristics, stone‐free rate, and complication rate were analysed and compared. Nomograms predicting the postoperative stone‐free rate and complication rate were established based on predictors, and internal validation was performed. Calibration curves and decision curves were generated to assess the predictive efficacy and clinical benefit.ResultsForty‐three children underwent mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy on 56 sides in 47 operations, 30 children underwent micro‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy on 30 sides in 30 operations, and 275 children underwent flexible ureteroscopy on 320 sides in 288 operations. The stone‐free rates were 88.5% (282/320) for flexible ureteroscopy, 89.3% (50/56) for mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and 90.0% (27/30) for micro‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy (P = 0.94). And the complication rates were 19.8% (57/288), 36.2% (17/47), and 33.3% (10/30), respectively (P = 0.02). Nomograms based on stone characteristics, operation duration, and the physical condition of the child were shown to have good discrimination and calibration. The area under the curve of the models was 81% for stone‐free rate and 73% for complication rate. The calibration curves showed that the nomogram might underestimate the probability of stone‐free rate when the threshold was below 82% and might overestimate the risk of complication rate when the threshold was over 25%. The decision curves demonstrated that the Capital Medical University nomograms improved clinical risk prediction against threshold probabilities of stone‐free rate ≤20% and complication rate ≤10%.ConclusionsBoth the percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy procedures could have acceptable stone‐free rates when treating pediatric stones. The Capital Medical University nomograms performed well in helping to predict stone‐free and complication rates.
Identifying standards for postseason advancement: a case of the National Basketball Association
Authors: Chen Shih‐Pin , Liao Chi‐Nan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper identifies a standard for postseason advancement and predicts whether a team will advance when criteria are known but requirements are undetermined. A frontier function for advancing teams is constructed based on their past statistics of influential performance factors. The difference between a team's performance and the frontier function indicates whether a team will advance. The importance of each performance factor and team efficiency (TE) after a certain number of regular‐season games is identified. The ratio of a team's actual winning percentage to its highest winning percentage indicates the in‐season TE. Data from advancing teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) over 11 years are collected. The difference between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference and the changes in NBA playing styles are analyzed. The results predict whether stakeholders’ teams will advance and provide managers and coaches a metric to measure the optimal performance and direction of improvement.