bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of postoperative complications on disease recurrence and long-term survival following oesophagogastric cancer resection
Authors: Saunders J H , Yanni F , Dorrington M S , Bowman C R , Vohra R S , Parsons S L 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Postoperative complications after resection of oesophagogastric carcinoma can result in considerable early morbidity and mortality. However, the long-term effects on survival are less clear.

Methods
All patients undergoing intentionally curative resection for oesophageal or gastric cancer between 2006 and 2016 were selected from an institutional database. Patients were categorized by complication severity according to the Clavien–Dindo classification (grades 0–V). Complications were defined according to an international consensus statement. The effect of leak and severe non-leak-related complications on overall survival, recurrence and disease-free survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analyses to evaluate differences between groups. All factors significantly associated with survival in univariable analysis were entered into a Cox multivariable regression model with stepwise elimination.

Results
Some 1100 patients were included, with a median age of 69 (range 28–92) years; 48·1 per cent had stage III disease and cancer recurred in 428 patients (38·9 per cent). Complications of grade III or higher occurred in 244 patients (22·2 per cent). The most common complications were pulmonary (29·9 per cent), with a 13·0 per cent incidence of pneumonia. Rates of atrial dysrhythmia and anastomotic leak were 10·0 and 9·6 per cent respectively. Patients with a grade III–IV leak did not have significantly reduced overall survival compared with those who had grade 0–I complications. However, patients with grade III–IV non-leak-related complications had reduced median overall survival (19·7 versus 42·7 months; P &lt; 0·001) and disease-free survival (18·4 versus 36·4 months; P &lt; 0·001). Cox regression analysis identified age, tumour stage, resection margin and grade III–IV non-leak-related complications as independent predictors of poor overall and disease-free survival.

Conclusion
Beyond the acute postoperative period, anastomotic leak does not adversely affect survival, however, other severe postoperative complications do reduce long-term overall and disease-free survival.
Multicentre study of prepectoral breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix
Authors: Chandarana M. , Harries S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Single-stage reconstruction is used widely after mastectomy. Prepectoral implant placement is a relatively new technique. This multicentre audit examined surgical outcomes following prepectoral reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Methods
All patients who had a mastectomy with prepectoral breast reconstruction and ADM in the participating centres between January 2015 and December 2017 were included. Demographic and treatment details, and short- and long-term operative outcomes were recorded. Factors affecting complications and implant loss were analysed: age, BMI, smoking status, diabetes, vascular disease, laterality of surgery, previous ipsilateral breast surgery or radiotherapy, indication for surgery (invasive versus in situ carcinoma, or risk reduction), type of mastectomy, axillary clearance, breast volume, implant volume, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results
A total of 406 reconstructions were performed across 18 centres. Median follow-up was 9·65 months. Median hospital stay was 1 day. The 90-day unplanned readmission rate was 15·7 per cent, and the return-to-theatre rate 16·7 per cent. Some 15·3 per cent of patients had a major complication, with a 90-day implant loss rate of 4·9 per cent. A further six patients had delayed implant loss. In multivariable analysis, no factor was significantly associated with complications or implant loss.

Conclusion
Prepectoral breast reconstruction with ADM has satisfactory surgical outcomes. The duration of follow-up needs to be extended to examine outcomes in patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy.
Forming automatic groups of learners using particle swarm optimization for applications of differentiated instruction
Authors: Zervoudakis Konstantinos , Mastrothanasis Konstantinos , Tsafarakis Stelios 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to present a method that uses computational intelligence techniques to classify students according to the principles of differentiated instruction. A clustering algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is applied to two sets of data emerging from the holistic assessment of the student's particular characteristics and needs. The results illustrate the algorithm's contribution to the effective formation of heterogeneous student groups, with the members of each having homogeneous characteristics of skills, difficulties, psychosocial and cognitive profiles. Thus, the teacher can easily manage students, by knowing the characteristics of each group. A comparison with a genetic algorithm as well as cuckoo search algorithm shows that the proposed method provides improved categorization capabilities.
Using Mathcad to facilitate the design of chemical reactors involving multiple reactions
Authors: Cuadri Antonio A. , Martín‐Alfonso José E. , Urbano Juan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe pedagogy of teaching chemical reaction engineering is continually advancing through the use of new computational tools and, therefore, the integration of these new tools into the Chemical Engineering degree is challenging. This paper reports an educational experience dealing with the use of Mathcad software to complement and to facilitate the design of chemical reactors involving multiple reactions. A continuous stirred‐tank reactor taking place series reactions and two reactors (continuous stirred‐tank reactor or plug flow reactor) arranged in series involving parallel reactions were presented as case studies. This experience, which was carried out with the third‐year chemical engineering students enrolled in the chemical reactors course, revealed that Mathcad facilitates the understanding of the theoretical concepts related to multiple reactions and also reduces the complexity of mathematical calculation to a minimum. Thus, the use of this computer tool allows the teacher (a) to delve deeper into more issues related to the design of chemical reactors, and (b) to consider this tool perfectly useful for other courses corresponding to the Chemical Engineering degree.
Strategies for the Targeted Improvement of Anodic Electron Transfer in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Heydorn Raymond Leopold , Engel Christina , Krull Rainer , Dohnt Katrin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe concept of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) has existed for over 100 years, but only within the last decade, the practical implementation has become conceivable due to microbial and technical progress. This review article presents available strategies to increase the limiting extracellular electron transfer (EET) in the anode space of MFCs. Therefore, organism‐based improvements as well as the effects of (bio–)polymers and redox mediators on ETT will be demonstrated.
A Structural Rationale for N‐Methylbicuculline Acting as a Promiscuous Competitive Antagonist of Inhibitory Pentameric Ligand‐Gated Ion Channels
Authors: Jones Mathew J. , Dawson Alice , Hales Tim G. , Hunter William N. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBicuculline, a valued chemical tool in neurosciences research, is a competitive antagonist of specific GABAA receptors and affects other pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels including the glycine, nicotinic acetylcholine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors. We used a fluorescence‐quenching assay and isothermal titration calorimetry to record low‐micromolar dissociation constants for N‐methylbicuculline interacting with acetylcholine‐binding protein and an engineered version called glycine‐binding protein (GBP), which provides a surrogate for the heteromeric interface of the extracellular domain of the glycine receptor (GlyR). The 2.4 Å resolution crystal structure of the GBP:N‐methylbicuculline complex, sequence and structural alignments reveal similarities and differences between GlyR and the GABAA receptor–bicuculline interactions. N‐methylbicuculline displays a similar conformation in different structures, but adopts distinct orientations enforced by interactions and steric blocks with key residues and plasticity in the binding sites. These features explain the promiscuous activity of bicuculline against the principal inhibitory pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels in the CNS.
Clear cell sarcoma of the esophagus: A rare location
Authors: Yahyaoui Yosra , Zenzri Yosr , Behi Khalil , Boujelbene Nadia , Mokrani Amina , Abbas Imen , Mrad Karima , Mezlini Amel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractClear cell sarcoma of the esophagus is very rare. The etiology of this neoplasm remains unknown. Confirmed diagnosis requires histopathology with immunochemistry and molecular study. CCS typically shows highly aggressive behavior with a high rate of local recurrence, metastases, and death from disease.
Magnetic Hybrid Wax Nanocomposites as Externally Controlled Theranostic Vehicles: High MRI Enhancement and Synergistic Magnetically Assisted Thermo/Chemo Therapy
Authors: de Moura Carolina L. , Gallo Juan , García‐Hevia Lorena , Pessoa Otília D. L. , Ricardo Nágila M. P. S. , Bañobre‐López Manuel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTo fight against cancer, smarter drugs and drug delivery systems are required both to boost the efficiency of current treatments while reducing deleterious side effects, and combine diagnosis/monitoring with therapy (theranosis) in the search for the final goal of personalized medicine. This work presents the design, preparation, and proof‐of‐principle validation of a novel hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite joining together non‐invasive imaging capabilities through magnetic resonance imaging and externally actuated therapeutic properties through a combination of chemo‐ and thermotherapy. The lipidic matrix of the nanocomposite was composed of carnauba wax, which was simultaneously dual loaded with magnetite nanoparticles and the anticancer drug Oncocalyxone A. Obtained formulations were fully characterized and showed outstanding performances as T2‐contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (r2>800 mm−1 s−1), heat generating sources in magnetic hyperthermia (specific absorption rate, SAR>200 W g−1Fe), and magnetically responsive drug delivery vehicles. The potential of the designed formulations as theranostic agents was validated in vitro and results indicated a synergistic thermo/chemotherapeutic effect derived from heat generation and controlled drug delivery to cancer growth. Thereby, this external control over the drug delivery profile and the integrated imaging capability open the door to personalized cancer medicine and real‐time monitoring of tumor progression.
Expansion of Magnetic Aromaticity Criteria to Multilayer Structures: Magnetic Response and Spherical Aromaticity of Matryoshka‐Like Cluster [Sn@Cu12@Sn20]12−
Authors: Kulichenko Maksim , Fedik Nikita , Boldyrev Alexander , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStructural characterization of the discrete [Sn@Cu12@Sn20]12− cluster exposed a fascinating architecture composed of three concentric structural layers in which an endohedral Sn atom is enclosed in a Cu12 icosahedron, which in turn is embedded in an Sn20 dodecahedron. Herein, the possibility of sustaining aromatic behavior for this prototypical multilayered species was evaluated, in order to extend this concept to more complex clusters on the basis of magnetic response and bonding analysis by the AdNDP approach. This revealed characteristic features of spherical aromatics, given by the ability to sustain the shielding cone property, similar to archetypal aromatics. The favorable bonding pattern in the [Sn@Cu12@Sn20]12− cluster fulfills the 2(N+1)2 Hirsch rule for aromaticity; thus, the cluster could be regarded as a first member of aromatic multilayered structures. The set of four 13c–2e aromatic bonds that was identified in the internal SnCu12 structure results in spherical aromatic character of this multilayered cluster. This insight builds a bridge between the traditional concept of Hückel's aromaticity and the aromaticity of complex and stable 3D systems that may be explored on the basis of magnetic response and bonding analysis. It also may open a way to novel findings in bottled clusters displaying aromatic behavior in multilayer structures, which are of great interest for inorganic nano‐ and material sciences due to their unprecedented stability.
Considering adjuvant therapy for stage II melanoma
Authors: Poklepovic Andrew S. , Luke Jason J. 
Published: December 2019

Melanoma is among the few cancers that demonstrate an increasing incidence over time. Simultaneously, this trend has been marked by an epidemiologic shift to earlier stage at diagnosis. Before 2011, treatment options were limited for patients with metastatic disease, and the median overall survival was less than 1 year. Since then, the field of melanoma therapeutics has undergone major changes. The use of anti–CTLA‐4 and anti‐PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination BRAF/MEK inhibitors for patients with BRAF V600 mutations has significantly extended survival and allowed some patients to remain in durable disease remission off therapy. It has now been confirmed that these classes of agents have a benefit for patients with stage III melanoma after surgical resection, and anti‐PD1 and BRAF/MEK inhibitors are standards of care in this setting. Some patients with stage II disease (lymph node‐negative; American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IIB and IIC) have worse melanoma‐specific survival relative to some patients with stage III disease. Given these results, expanding the population of patients who are considered for adjuvant therapy to include those with stage II melanoma has become a priority, and randomized phase 3 clinical trials are underway. Moving into the future, the validation of patient risk‐stratification and treatment‐benefit prediction models will be important to improve the number needed to treat and limit exposure to toxicity in the large population of patients with early stage melanoma.
A Luminescent Polysilsesquioxane Obtained by Self‐Condensation of Anionic Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsequioxanes (POSS) and Europium(III) Ions
Authors: Marchesi Stefano , Bisio Chiara , Boccaleri Enrico , Carniato Fabio 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe self‐condensation reaction of an anionic completely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) in the presence of different Eu3+ loadings generated an amorphous polysilsequioxane. The synthesis involves self‐condensation of POSS units and Eu3+ ions and can be carried out at room temperature in a mild acid solution (pH 5.5), followed by simple solvent evaporation under gentle conditions (80 °C). The materials exhibit good chemical integrity, appreciable luminescent properties, and their emission intensity increases by ca. 250 times after inclusion of 1,10‐phenanthroline groups in the structure. Furthermore, the final materials showed a very limited photodegradation of ca. 3 % after 1 h of light irradiation. These properties make these samples suitable for applications as sensors and light‐emitting components for luminescent devices.
Evaluation‐function modeling with neural networks for RoboCup soccer
Authors: Fukushima Takuya , Nakashima Tomoharu , Akiyama Hidehisa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe quality of decision making by a RoboCup soccer agent depends on a path‐planning and an evaluation function of a soccer field. In this paper, we employ a five‐layered neural network as the evaluation function. We examine the performance of the soccer agents with various features (ball coordinates and opponents’ positions). We found that the neural network model helps soccer agents to imitate an expert team's decision making.
A permutation approach to the analysis of spatiotemporal geochemical data in the presence of heteroscedasticity
Authors: Římalová Veronika , Menafoglio Alessandra , Pini Alessia , Pechanec Vilém , Fišerová Eva 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel nonparametric approach to model and reveal differences in the geochemical properties of the soil, when these are described by space–time measurements collected in a spatial region naturally divided into two parts. The investigation is motivated by a real study on a space–time geochemical data set, consisting of measurements of potassium chloride pH, water pH, and percentage of organic carbon collected during the growing season in the agricultural and forest areas of a site near Brno (Czech Republic). These data are here modeled as spatially distributed functions of time. A permutation approach is introduced to test for the effect of covariates in a spatial functional regression model with heteroscedastic residuals. In this context, the proposed method accounts for the heterogeneous spatial structure of the data by grounding on a permutation scheme for estimated residuals of the functional model. Here, a weighted least squares model is fitted to the observations, leading to asymptotically exchangeable and, thus, permutable residuals. An extensive simulation study shows that the proposed testing procedure outperforms the competitor approaches that neglect the spatial structure, both in terms of power and size. The results of modeling and testing on the case study are shown and discussed.
Probabilistic predictive principal component analysis for spatially misaligned and high‐dimensional air pollution data with missing observations
Authors: Vu Phuong T. , Larson Timothy V. , Szpiro Adam A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAccurate predictions of pollutant concentrations at new locations are often of interest in air pollution studies on fine particulate matters (PM2.5), in which data are usually not measured at all study locations. PM2.5 is also a mixture of many different chemical components. Principal component analysis (PCA) can be incorporated to obtain lowerdimensional representative scores of such multipollutant data. Spatial prediction can then be used to estimate these scores at new locations. Recently developed predictive PCA modifies the traditional PCA algorithm to obtain scores with spatial structures that can be well predicted at unmeasured locations. However, these approaches require complete data, whereas multipollutant data tend to have complex missing patterns in practice. We propose probabilistic versions of predictive PCA, which allow for flexible model‐based imputation that can account for spatial information and subsequently improve the overall predictive performance.
The untold story of commodity futures in China
Authors: Fan John Hua , Zhang Tingxi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe investigate the behavior of commodity futures risk premia in China. In the presence of retail‐dominance and barriers‐to‐entry, the term structure and momentum premia remain persistent, whereas hedging pressure, skewness, volatility, and liquidity premia are distorted by time‐varying margins and strict position limits. Furthermore, open interest, currency, and inflation premia are sensitive to institutional settings. The observed premia cannot be attributed to common risks, sentiment, transactions costs, or data‐snooping, but are related to liquidity, anchoring, and regulation‐induced limits‐to‐arbitrage. We highlight the distinctive features of Chinese futures markets and assess the challenges posed to theories of commodity risk premia.
TMPRSS4 Drives Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Promoting HB‐EGF Expression and Proteolytic Cleavage
Authors: Dong Zhao‐Ru , Sun Dong , Yang Ya‐Fei , Zhou Wei , Wu Rui , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Shi Kai , Yan Yu‐Chuan , Yan Lun‐Jie , Yao Cheng‐Yu , Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Zhi Xu‐Ting , Li Tao 
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims
Heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor (HB‐EGF), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, plays a pivotal role in the progression of several malignancies, but its role and regulatory mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain obscure. Here, we report that transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) significantly enhanced the expression and proteolytic cleavage of HB‐EGF to promote angiogenesis and HCC progression.

Approach and Results
A mechanistic analysis revealed that TMPRSS4 not only increased the transcriptional and translational levels of HB‐EGF precursor, but also promoted its proteolytic cleavage by enhancing matrix metallopeptidase 9 expression through the EGF receptor/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin/ hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 α signaling pathway. In addition, HB‐EGF promoted HCC proliferation and invasion by the EGF receptor/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt signaling pathway. The level of HB‐EGF in clinical samples of serum or HCC tissues from patients with HCC was positively correlated with the expression of TMPRSS4 and the microvessel density, and was identified as a prognostic factor for overall survival and recurrence‐free survival, which suggests that HB‐EGF can serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. More importantly, we provide a demonstration that treatment with the HB‐EGF inhibitor cross‐reacting material 197 alone or in combination with sorafenib can significantly suppress angiogenesis and HCC progression.

Conclusions
HB‐EGF can be regulated by TMPRSS4 to promote HCC proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, and the combination of the HB‐EGF inhibitor cross‐reacting material 197 with sorafenib might be used for individualized treatment of HCC.
Advocating safe abortion: outcomes of a multi‐country needs assessment on the potential role of national societies of obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: de Vries Irene , van Keizerswaard Lisa Juanola , Tolboom Bianca , Bulthuis Susan , van der Kwaak Anke , Tank Jaydeep , de Koning Korrie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn 2019 the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) embarked on an initiative that aims to strengthen the capacity of 10 national societies of obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn) in advocacy for safe abortion. In 2018 needs assessments that entailed a desk study, interviews, and stakeholder workshops were conducted in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Panama, Peru, Uganda, and Zambia. The general aim of the needs assessments was to gain a deeper understanding of the contextual situation and identify the needs of ObGyn societies in relation to safe abortion advocacy. This paper provides a cross‐country analysis of the outcomes of the needs assessments and reflects on the capabilities, barriers, and opportunities to strengthen this role of ObGyn societies. Common barriers, such as unavailability of services, lack of technical guidance, unawareness and ambiguity about the legal framework, provider attitudes, and abortion stigma, pose challenges for ObGyn societies to work constructively on safe abortion advocacy. However, ObGyn societies have a strong position due to their strategic networks and technical credibility and can be a facilitator in healthcare providers’ advocacy role. Five strategies were developed to strengthen the capacity of ObGyn societies in safe abortion advocacy.