bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Nakayama Masahiro , Gosho Masahiko , Adachi Masahiro , Ii Rieko , Matsumoto Shin , Miyamoto Hidetaka , Hirose Yuki , Nishimura Bungo , Tanaka Shuho , Wada Tetsuro , Tabuchi Keiji 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThe Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple and well‐established nutritional assessment tool and is a significant prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the role of the GNRI in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with advanced head and neck cancer (AHNC) has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the GNRI and prognosis in patients with AHNC.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsData collected between 2002 and 2013 from Tsukuba University Hospital were reviewed. The GNRI was calculated according to the equation, 1.489 × serum albumin (g/l) + 41.7 × (body weight/ideal body weight). Characteristics and prognosis were compared among three risk groups: high (GNRI <82); intermediate (GNRI 82–98); and normal (GNRI >98). The primary endpoint was overall survival.ResultsA total of 248 AHNC patients were enrolled, among whom 134 (54%) exhibited no nutritional risk, 53 (21%) had an intermediate risk for malnutrition, and 61 (25%) exhibited a high risk for malnutrition. Three‐year survival rates according to the three‐group GNRI scores for normal, intermediate, and high risk were 76.6%, 56.3%, and 19.5%, respectively. As the three‐group GNRI score increased, the risk for mortality significantly increased (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for intermediate to normal, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.02–2.92]; adjusted HR for high to normal, 4.31 [95% CI, 2.71–6.84]).ConclusionsThe GNRI could be considered a useful prognostic factor in patients with AHNC.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E151–E156, 2021
PEG‐assisted solvothermal synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets with enhanced tribological property
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Xu Zuxin , Hu Yun , Yi Meirong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles are widely used as oil additives for obtaining low friction and wear. In this article, MoS2 nanosheets with ultrathin shape and structure defects were prepared by a facile solvothermal method with the aid of polyethylene glycol (PEG 200). The products were analysed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Results indicated that PEG 200 played a crucial role as the shape controller in the formation of different MoS2 structures. Interestingly, the prepared MoS2 perform excellent in improving the friction‐reducing and antiwear properties of oils. More importantly, the lubricating behaviour of the obtained MoS2 nanosheets as oil additives was still effective in the harsh condition of heavy load and high temperature. Further, the excellent lubrication performance of the prepared MoS2 was discussed based on the exfoliation into individually ultrathin nanosheets and nanosized debris, and the formation of MoS2‐based tribofilm inside the wear tracks.
Design of master oscillator for frequency locking of a complex of megawatt level microwave sources
Authors: Denisov Grigory G. , Kuftin Andrey N. , Manuilov Vladimir N. , Zavolsky Nikolai A. , Chirkov Alexey V. , Soluyanova Elena A. , Tai Evgeniy M. , Bakulin Mikhail I. , Tsvetkov Alexander I. , Fokin Andrey P. , Novozhilova Yulia V. , Movshevich Boris Z. , Glyavin Mikhail Yu. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe present the results of the development of a highly stable gyrotron (with long‐term stability of an operating frequency of 170 GHz being equal to 10−9) for experiments on frequency locking and control of megawatt power sources. The electron‐optical and electrodynamic systems of the gyrotron are calculated and optimized, including the magnetron‐injection gun, interaction space, collector, and quasioptical converter of radiation into a Gaussian wave beam. Main requirements for such systems are described along with their specific features, which allow one to develop a relatively simple, low cost, and reliable master generator for synchronization of a large number of continuous‐wave megawatt gyrotrons. This reveals new possibilities for creation of gyrotron complexes capable of generation coherent radiation of nearly unlimited power levels.
Compact, broadband, and high gain directional endfire antenna
Authors: Chopra Rinkee , Kumar Girish 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA broadband directional endfire printed antenna is proposed with a simple unbalanced feed, compact size, stable gain, and high front to back ratio (F/B). The antenna consists of a microstrip driven with U‐shaped ground and reflector elements to reduce the antenna size. The reflector increases the directivity and F/B in the lower frequency band. The parasitic element, which is located close to the driven element and also acts like director, enhances the bandwidth (BW) and gain in the upper frequency band. Prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated with antenna size of 0.48λo × 0.35λo. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed antenna provides 62.6% (1.606‐3.07 GHz) BW with stable gain (5‐6.8 dBi) and min F/B of 15 dB. The proposed endfire antenna is a good candidate for wireless applications in 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi‐Fi, and lower WiMAX bands.
Demonstration of magnetization transfer and relaxation normalized pH‐specific pulse‐amide proton transfer imaging in an animal model of acute stroke
Authors: Sun Phillip Zhe 
Published: February 2020

PurposepH‐weighted amide proton transfer (APT) MRI is promising to serve as a new surrogate metabolic imaging biomarker for refined ischemic tissue demarcation. APT MRI with pulse‐RF irradiation (pulse‐APT) is an alternative to the routine continuous wave (CW‐) APT MRI that overcomes the RF duty cycle limit. Our study aimed to generalize the recently developed pH‐specific magnetization transfer and relaxation‐normalized APT (MRAPT) analysis to pulse‐APT MRI in acute stroke imaging.MethodsMultiparametric MRI, including CW‐ and pulse‐APT MRI scans, were performed following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. We calculated pH‐sensitive MTRasym and pH‐specific MRAPT contrast between the ipsilateral diffusion lesion and contralateral normal area.ResultsAn inversion pulse of 10 to 15 ms maximizes the pH‐sensitive MRI contrast for pulse‐APT MRI. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio of pH‐specific MRAPT effect between the contralateral normal area and ischemic lesion from both methods are comparable (3.25 ± 0.65 vs. 3.59 ± 0.40, P > .05). pH determined from both methods were in good agreement, with their difference within 0.1.ConclusionsPulse‐APT MRI provides highly pH‐specific mapping for acute stroke imaging.
Plasma‐assisted gas‐phase synthesis and in‐line coating of silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Dasgupta Malini , Fortugno Paolo , Wiggers Hartmut 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the feasibility of plasma‐supported in‐line functionalization of silicon nanoparticles (NPs) in an atmospheric pressure gas‐phase reactor. The approach utilizes the synthesis of core silicon NPs and their subsequent coating downstream of the particle formation zone. In‐line coating is accomplished with a cylindrical coating nozzle to achieve homogenous mixing of coating precursor vapors with in‐coming NPs. Multiple siloxanes were tested for their coating suitability and their ability towards coating homogeneity. It was found that tetraethyl orthosilicate is favored for thin layers consisting of almost pure silica while hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS) coatings contained reasonable amounts of hydrocarbons. Moreover, OMCTS showed a pronounced tendency towards homogeneous nucleation, thus leading to the additional formation of silica NPs due to homogeneous nucleation.
Permafrost aggradation along the emerging eastern coast of Hudson Bay, Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada)
Authors: Boisson Antoine , Allard Michel , Sarrazin Denis 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEmerging polar coasts have different geothermal regimes than those in submergence. While the scientific community is mainly concerned with rapidly eroding permafrost coastlines in sedimentary formations where relative sea level is rising, much less research has been dedicated to permafrost dynamics in emergent coastal regions where post‐glacial uplift is ongoing. The eastern Hudson Bay coast of Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada) is undergoing glacio‐isostatic uplift at a current emergence rate of about 13 mm/yr, outpacing the current global sea‐level rise (~3 mm/yr) and progressively exposing new land to climate conditions favorable for permafrost formation. To observe incipient permafrost in the shore zone over time, in 2005 we strategically installed a thermistor cable down to a depth of 23 m at a high‐tide level site. We detected the formation and the continuing deepening of permafrost near the surface. Freezing of the ground was also favored by a succession of several cold years in Nunavik since 2010. The near 0°C temperature profile at greater depths also reveals the cooling influence of deep Hudson Bay waters on the shore zone ground temperature regime and the probable presence of subsea permafrost offshore of the measurement site.
Quality of Life, Mental Health, Personality and Patterns of Use in Self‐Medicated Cannabis Users with Chronic Diseases: A 12‐Month Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bouso José C. , Jiménez‐Garrido Daniel , Ona Genís , Woźnica Damian , dos Santos Rafael G. , Hallak Jaime E.C. , Paranhos Beatriz A. P. B. , de Almeida Mendes Felipe , Yonamine Mauricio , Alcázar‐Córcoles Miguel Á. , Farré Magí 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe number of patients using cannabis for therapeutic purposes is growing worldwide. While research regarding the treatment of certain diseases/disorders with cannabis and cannabinoids is also expanding, only a few longitudinal studies have assessed the mid‐term impacts of medical cannabis use on psychological variables and quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study was to assess the psychological safety and QoL of patients with chronic diseases who self‐medicate with cannabis over time. We recruited patients with various chronic diseases who use cannabis and collected data regarding patterns of cannabis use as well as mental health, personality and QoL. Participants were followed‐up at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months. Hair analysis was conducted to confirm the presence of cannabinoids. Personality assessment showed a consistent decrease in self‐transcendence and self‐directedness scores. Neither cognitive nor psychopathological deterioration was found. There were also no variations in QoL. Mid‐term use of medical cannabis seems to show adequate tolerability regarding cognitive and psychopathological abilities, and it may help patients with chronic diseases to maintain an acceptable QoL.
Acceleration of an Enzymatic Reaction in Liquid Phase Separated Compartments Based on Intrinsically Disordered Protein Domains
Authors: Küffner Andreas M. , Prodan Marc , Zuccarini Remo , Capasso Palmiero Umberto , Faltova Lenka , Arosio Paolo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSpontaneous liquid demixing of biomolecules appears to be an efficient strategy developed by cells to organize reactions in space and time. This process allows cells to modulate biochemical reactions by locally changing the concentration and the environment of specific components. Here, we develop a strategy to couple the formation of biomolecular liquid compartments with reactions occuring within them. In particular, we conjugate a kinase enzyme with biologically derived low complexity domains and develop synthetic micro‐reactors that locally increase the enzyme concentration up to 140‐fold. We show that these micro‐reactors are characterized by a polarity comparable to methanol which promotes recruitment of small molecules. Despite exhibiting higher viscosity with respect to the surrounding solution, the reactors are liquid‐like and allow molecular diffusion within their interior. We demonstrate that the local increase in enzyme concentration accelerates the corresponding enzymatic rate up to 5‐fold. This flexible strategy enables the generation of biomolecular micro‐reactors with enhanced reactivity, with potential applications in heterogeneous biocatalysis.
Signaling in the primary cilium through the lens of the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Gigante Eduardo D. , Caspary Tamara 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCilia are microtubule‐based, cell‐surface projections whose machinery is evolutionarily conserved. In vertebrates, cilia are observed on almost every cell type and are either motile or immotile. Immotile sensory, or primary cilia, are responsive to extracellular ligands and signals. Cilia can be thought of as compartments, functionally distinct from the cell that provides an environment for signaling cascades. Hedgehog is a critical developmental signaling pathway which is functionally linked to primary cilia in vertebrates. The major components of the vertebrate Hedgehog signaling pathway dynamically localize to the ciliary compartment and ciliary membrane. Critically, G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) Smoothened, the obligate transducer of the pathway, is enriched and activated in the cilium. While Smoothened is the most intensely studied ciliary receptor, many GPCRs localize within cilia. Understanding the link between Smoothened and cilia defines common features, and distinctions, of GPCR signaling within the primary cilium.This article is categorized under:
Signaling Pathways > Global Signaling Mechanisms
Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling
Monitoring a New England Cottontail Reintroduction with Noninvasive Genetic Sampling
Authors: Bauer Melissa L. , Ferry Brett , Holman Heidi , Kovach Adrienne I. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTCareful monitoring of reintroduced threatened species is essential for informing conservation strategies and evaluating reintroduction efforts in an adaptive management context. We used noninvasive genetic sampling to monitor a reintroduction of a threatened shrubland specialist, the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), in southeastern New Hampshire, USA. We monitored the apparent survival and breeding success of founder individuals and tracked changes in population size and genetic diversity for 5 years following an initial reintroduction in 2013. We released 42 rabbits, documented 29 unique offspring in years following releases through noninvasive surveys, and identified 6 founder individuals and 9 recruited offspring that bred. Apparent survival of founders was variable and greatest in the first year of the reintroduction. Predation was the primary cause of mortality and greatest in the first month after release and after heavy snowfall. Population size remained small but relatively stable until a stochastic decline in the fourth year following reintroduction, followed by a slight rebound after population augmentation and offspring production by wild‐born rabbits. Genetic diversity increased after the initial founders with diverse genetic backgrounds were released and then they and their subsequent offspring bred. We documented successful dispersal 700 m from the release site to a high‐quality patch of habitat, which remained occupied throughout the study. For New England cottontail reintroductions to be successful in the long term, releases will be needed at multiple patches within dispersal distance, and habitat corridors need to be restored among patches to create a functioning metapopulation. For small or isolated reintroduced populations, continued intensive monitoring is needed to detect stochastic declines in population size or changes in sex ratios and guide subsequent management reactions via additional reintroductions or population augmentations. Noninvasive genetic sampling is a valuable tool to monitor reintroductions of the New England cottontail and other threatened species to provide managers with detailed information to inform decision‐making in an adaptive management framework. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Relativistic and spectator effects in leptogenesis with heavy sterile neutrinos
Authors: Garbrecht Björn , Klose Philipp , Tamarit Carlos 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
For leptogenesis with heavy sterile neutrinos above the electroweak scale, asymmetries produced at early times (in the relativistic regime) are relevant, if they are protected from washout. This can occur for weak washout or when the asymmetry is partly protected by being transferred to spectator fields. We thus study the relevance of relativistic effects for leptogenesis in a minimal seesaw model with two sterile neutrinos in the strongly hierarchical limit. Starting from first principles, we derive a set of momentum-averaged fluid equations to calculate the final B − L asymmetry as a function of the washout strength and for different initial conditions at order one accuracy. For this, we take the leading fluid approximation for the relativistic CP-even and odd rates. Assuming that spectator fields remain in chemical equilibrium, we find that for weak washout, relativistic corrections lead to a sign flip and an enhancement of the asymmetry for a vanishing initial abundance of sterile neutrinos. As an example for the effect of partially equilibrated spectators, we consider bottom-Yukawa and weak-sphaleron interactions in leptogenesis driven by sterile neutrinos with masses ≳ 5 × 1012 GeV. For a vanishing initial abundance of sterile neutrinos, this can give rise to another flip and an absolute enhancement of the final asymmetry in the strong washout regime by up to two orders of magnitude relative to the cases either without spectators or with fully equilibrated ones. These effects are less pronounced for thermal initial conditions for the sterile neutrinos. The CP-violating source in the relativistic regime at early times is important as it is proportional to the product of lepton-number violating and lepton-number conserving rates, and therefore less suppressed than an extrapolation of the nonrelativistic approximations may suggest.
Two loop QCD amplitudes for di-pseudo scalar production in gluon fusion
Authors: Bhattacharya Arunima , Mahakhud Maguni , Mathews Prakash , Ravindran V. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We compute the radiative corrections to the four-point amplitude g+g → A+A in massless Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) up to order $$ {\alpha}_s^4 $$

α
s
4

in perturbation theory. We used the effective field theory that describes the coupling of pseudo-scalars to gluons and quarks directly, in the large top quark mass limit. Due to the CP odd nature of the pseudo-scalar Higgs boson, the computation involves careful treatment of chiral quantities in dimensional regularisation. The ultraviolet finite results are shown to be consistent with the universal infrared structure of QCD amplitudes. The infrared finite part of these amplitudes constitutes the important component of any next to next to leading order corrections to observables involving pair of pseudo-scalars at the Large Hadron Collider.
Radioligand therapy using [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC: a pre-VISION single-center analysis
Authors: Seifert Robert , Kessel Katharina , Schlack Katrin , Weckesser Matthias , Bögemann Martin , Rahbar Kambiz 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is efficacious for the treatment of patients with metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Various studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 using a dose of 6.0 GBq and an 8-week therapy interval. However, the first prospective phase III trial (VISION) plans to use an elevated cumulative dose by applying 7.5 GBq in a 6-week interval. The aim of the present study was to compare safety and efficacy of the two aforementioned [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy regimes (7.5 GBq every 6 weeks vs. 6.0 GBq every 8 weeks).

Methods
A total number of 78 consecutive patients with mCRPC and a history of first-line chemotherapy were included in this retrospective analysis. The outcome of patients treated with 6.0 GBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 per cycle (n = 37) were compared with those treated with 7.5 GBq (n = 41) per cycle. The median therapy intervals were 8.4 weeks (6.0 GBq group) vs. 6.5 (7.5 GBq group). PSA response, PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), overall survival, and adverse events were evaluated and compared between both groups. Chi-squared test, Kaplan Meier estimates, Cox regression, and log-rank test were used. The highest decline from pretherapeutic PSA levels was measured as percentage (best PSA response) and compared between groups by Wilcoxon test.

Results
There was no significant difference comparing the rate of > 50% PSA decline or best PSA response between the 6.0 GBq and 7.5 GBq group (35% vs. 54%, p = 0.065; and − 40.2% vs. − 57.8%, p = 0.329). The median estimated survival and PSA-PFS did not significantly differ between the 6.0 GBq and 7.5 GBq groups as well (11.3 vs. 12.7 months, p = 0.384; and 9.5 vs. 12.3 months, p = 0.258). There was no significant difference regarding the change of kidney, liver, and blood cell parameters under therapy between the treatment groups.

Conclusion
Higher cumulated doses of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 were well tolerated and caused no significantly increased rate of adverse reactions. Moreover, 7.5 GBq of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 every 6 weeks causes slightly higher, though not statistically significant, response rates and seems therefore to be the preferable treatment regime. However, future studies are needed to elucidate the dose-related efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 as a way to personalized medicine.
Evaluation of a new suture material (Duramesh™) by measuring suture tension in small and large bites techniques for laparotomy closure in a porcine model
Authors: Yurtkap Y. , den Hartog F. P. J. , van Weteringen W. , Jeekel J. , Kleinrensink G. J. , Lange J. F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeAfter closure of laparotomies, sutures may pull through tissue due to too high intra-abdominal pressure or suture tension, resulting in burst abdomen and incisional hernia. The objective of this study was to measure the suture tension in small and large bites with a new suture material.MethodsClosure of thelinea albawas performed with small bites (i.e., 5 mm between two consecutive stitches and 5 mm distance from the incision) and large bites (i.e., 10 mm × 10 mm) with Duramesh™ size 0 (2 mm) and PDS II 2-0 in 24 experiments on six porcine abdominal walls. The abdominal wall was fixated on an artificial computer-controlled insufflatable abdomen, known as the ‘AbdoMan’. A custom-made suture tension sensor was placed in the middle of the incision.ResultsThe suture tension was significantly lower with the small bites technique and Duramesh™ when compared with large bites (small bites 0.12 N (IQR 0.07–0.19) vs. large bites 0.57 N (IQR 0.23–0.92),p < 0.025). This significant difference was also found in favour of the small bites with PDS II 2-0 (p < 0.038). No macroscopic tissue failure was seen during or after the experiments.ConclusionClosure of the abdominal wall with the small bites technique and Duramesh™was more efficient in dividing suture tension across the incision when compared to large bites. However, suture tension compared to a conventional suture material was not significantly different, contradicting an advantage of the new suture material in the prevention of burst abdomen and incisional hernia during the acute, postoperative phase.