bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser‐assisted targeted gene delivery to degenerated retina improves retinal function
Authors: Batabyal Subrata , Kim Sanghoon , Wright Weldon , Mohanty Samarendra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDelivery of therapeutic genes into retina is proving to reverse degeneration and restore vision, however, viral vector‐based gene delivery is prone to immunorejection, inflammatory/immune‐response and nontargeted. Here, we report nonviral gene delivery and expression of opsin encoding genes in mouse retina in‐vitro and in‐vivo by use of pulsed femtosecond laser microbeam. In‐vitro patch‐clamp recording of the opsin‐sensitized retinal cells and visually evoked in‐vivo electrical recording from laser‐transfected eye of mouse with degenerated retina showed functional response. The ultrafast laser‐based naked gene delivery showed minimal damage and reliable expression of therapeutic opsin in cell membrane of the selected cells and in targeted retinal region. Laser‐based “naked DNA gene therapy” in a spatially targeted manner will pave the way for treatment of inherited retinal diseases.
Undergraduate engineering students' perceptions of research and researchers
Authors: Faber Courtney J. , Kajfez Rachel L. , McAlister Anne M. , Ehlert Katherine M. , Lee Dennis M. , Kennedy Marian S. , Benson Lisa C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundParticipating in undergraduate research experiences (UREs) supports the development of engineering students' technical and professional skills. However, little is known about the perceptions of research or researchers that students develop through these experiences. Understanding these perceptions will provide insight into how students come to understand knowledge evaluation and creation, while allowing research advisors to better support student development.PurposeIn this paper, we explore how undergraduate engineering students perceive what it means to do research and be a researcher, using identity and epistemic cognition as sensitizing concepts. Our goal is to explore students' views of UREs to make the benefits of these experiences more accessible.Design/MethodWe created and adapted open‐ended survey items from previously published studies. We collected responses from mechanical and biomedical engineering undergraduates at five institutions (n= 154) and used an inductive approach to analyze responses.ResultsWe developed four salient themes from our analysis: (a) research results in discovery, (b) research includes dissemination such as authorship, (c) research findings are integrated into society, and (d) researchers demonstrate self‐regulation.ConclusionsThe four themes highlight factors that students perceive as part of a researcher identity and aspects of epistemic cognition in the context of UREs. These results suggest structuring UREs to provide opportunities for discovery, dissemination, societal impact, and self‐regulation will help support students in their development as researchers.
Synthesis, Characterization and Optoelectronic Property of Axial‐Substituted Subphthalocyanines
Authors: Li Zhuo , Wang Bing , Zhang Bingbing , Cui Guoyi , Zhang Fenyan , Xu Long , Jiao Linyu , Pang Lingyan , Ma Xiaoxun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo novel substituted subphthalocyanines have been prepared introducing m‐hydroxybenzoic acid and m‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid into the axial position of bromo‐subphthalocyanine. The compounds have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and single‐crystal X‐rays diffraction (XRD) methods. Their photophysical properties show that the axial substitution results into a relatively higher fluorescence quantum efficiency (ΦF=5.74 for m‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 9.09 % for m‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid) in comparison with that of the prototype compound, despite the almost negligible influence on the maximum absorption or the emission position. Moreover, the electrochemical behaviors show that the axial‐substituted subphthalocyanines also exhibit enhanced specific capacitances of 395 F/g (m‐hydroxybenzoic acid) and 362 F/g (m‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid) compared with 342 F/g (the prototype) to the largest capacitance at the scan rate of 5 mV/s, and the significantly larger capacitance retentions of 83.6 % and 82.1 % versus 37.3 % upon density up to 3 A/g. These results show the potential of these axial‐substituted subphthalocyanines in the use as organic photovoltaics and supercapacitors.
Wilson loop algebras and quantum K-theory for Grassmannians
Authors: Jockers Hans , Mayr Peter , Ninad Urmi , Tabler Alexander 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We study the algebra of Wilson line operators in three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric U(M ) gauge theories with a Higgs phase related to a complex Grassmannian Gr(M, N ), and its connection to K-theoretic Gromov-Witten invariants for Gr(M, N ). For different Chern-Simons levels, the Wilson loop algebra realizes either the quantum cohomology of Gr(M, N ), isomorphic to the Verlinde algebra for U(M ), or the quantum K-theoretic ring of Schubert structure sheaves studied by mathematicians, or closely related algebras.
The investigation on the ideal spot weld numerical model in resistance welding
Authors: Mikno Zygmunt , Grzesik Bogusław , Stępień Mariusz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe paper presents investigation on the ideal spot weld numerical model. The weld discussed in the paper was made by the resistance spot welding of two overlapping steel sheets. The ideal weld contained three parts, i.e. two welded steel sheets and an intermediate component (connector) made of the same material. The connector was placed between the sheets, assembled mechanically and fixed. A numerical model of the ideal weld enables the elimination of all welding imperfections, including, among other things, an indent left by the electrode as well as stresses and deformations of materials present in the actual welded joint. The ideal weld was intentionally not subjected to the thermal cycle. As a result, the heat-affected zone and the molten nugget were eliminated from the model (welding area). Consequently, the entire tested (analysed) weld specimen only had the properties of the base material. The analysis presented in the paper is based on 3D FEM numerical modelling and experimental validation. The numerical model of the ideal weld (nugget surface) was investigated in relation to various shapes of the nugget (e.g. circular, square and rectangular) as well as in relation to different dimensions. The research also involved the performance of a comparative analysis including various welding conditions. The analysis was carried out to determine the highest possible value of shear force generated during a static tensile test. The results of the numerical tests were compared with the results of selected laboratory tests.
Discrete Arrow–Pratt indexes for risk and uncertainty
Authors: Baillon Aurélien , L’Haridon Olivier 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Arrow–Pratt index, a gold standard in studies of risk attitudes, is not directly observable from choice data. Existing methods to measure it rely on parametric assumptions. We introduce a discrete Arrow–Pratt index, and its relative counterpart, that can be directly obtained from choices. Our approach is general: it is (i) non-parametric, (ii) applicable to both risk and uncertainty, (iii) and robust to probability transformation, non-additive beliefs and multiple priors. Our index can also be used to characterize various decision models through various simple consistency requirements. We analyze its properties and demonstrate how it can be measured.
Maternal provisioning gives young-of-the-year Hammerheads a head start in early life
Authors: Lyons Kady , Galloway Ashley S. , Adams Douglas H. , Reyier Eric A. , Barker Amanda M. , Portnoy David S. , Frazier Bryan S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor species that do not provide parental care after birth, excess maternal provisioning during development, beyond what is required for embryogenesis, provides offspring with resources to increase their chances of survival. Maternally derived resources are expected to be important for buffering offspring against limited food resources at birth or time needed to learn how to properly feed. Young-of-the-year (YOY) cryptic Scalloped Hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) and Carolina Hammerheads (Sphyrna gilberti) were sampled from nurseries along the US Atlantic Coast and compared for a number of biological condition metrics across three developmental stages. Large declines in liver lipid content and hepatosomatic indices were found in neonatal sharks, using umbilical scar healing as a proxy for time since birth. Feeding commenced quickly as 96% of sharks had prey remnants in their stomachs. The combination of rapid exhaustion of maternally provided resources and high occurrence of stomachs with prey contents indicate that nursery quality, with respect to prey availability, may be important for YOY hammerhead survivorship. While externally the two species are morphologically similar, longer length-at-birth in S. lewini and higher hepatic condition in neonatal S. gilberti suggest that aspects of reproductive biology, including physiology, may differ between species. While more information is needed to distinguish life history differences between these two species, data collected from YOY may serve as a useful proxy to inform management when adult samples of cryptic species are difficult to collect.
Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Malanga Gerard A. , Chirichella Paul S. , Hogaboom Nathan S. , Capella Teresa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The management of knee pain secondary to meniscal tears with osteoarthritis is limited by the poor inherent healing potential of the meniscus. Previous studies have reported on the benefit of autologous micro-fragmented fat as a therapeutic for various knee pathologies. The goal of this prospective pilot study was to determine the safety and potential treatment effect of micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection for patients with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis and meniscal tears who have failed conservative management.

Methods
Twenty subjects with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis with associated meniscal tear after failed conservative management were enrolled in the study. Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) following ultrasound-guided intra-meniscal and intra-articular micro-fragmented adipose tissue injections were examined at three, six and 12 months.

Results
The mean NPS revealed a significant decrease in patient pain at the 1-year time point compared with baseline (5.45 to 2.21, p < .001). Similarly, overall, mean KOOS symptoms significantly improved from 57.7 to 78.2 (p < .001), with all 4 KOOS subscales demonstrating significant improvement at the final one year follow-up. One subject developed uncomplicated cellulitis at the harvest site which was treated with oral antibiotics. Other complications were minor and mostly limited to adipose harvest.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that micro-fragmented adipose tissue injected directly into a torn meniscus and knee joint using ultrasound guidance represents a safe and potentially efficacious treatment option for patients with knee pain suffering from degenerative arthritis and degenerative meniscal tears. A larger, randomized, controlled trial is warranted to determine efficacy.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.org Identifier: NCT03714659
Patient-reported factors that influence the vestibular schwannoma treatment decision: a qualitative study
Authors: Neve O. M. , Soulier G. , Hendriksma M. , van der Mey A. G. L. , van Linge A. , van Benthem P. P. G. , Hensen E. F. , Stiggelbout A. M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
In cases of small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas, three management strategies can be opted for: active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy. In these cases, the patient’s preference is pivotal in decision-making. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence a patient’s decision for a particular management strategy.

Methods
A qualitative inductive thematic analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews. Eighteen patients with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas were interviewed. All patients were diagnosed or treated at one of the two participating university medical centers in the Netherlands.

Results
Ten themes were identified that influenced the decision, classified as either medical or patient-related. The medical themes that emerged were: tumor characteristics, the physician’s recommendation, treatment outcomes and the perceived center’s experience. The patient-related themes were: personal characteristics, anxiety, experiences, cognitions, logistics and trust in the physician.

Conclusion
Knowledge of the factors that influence decision-making helps physicians to tailor their consultations to arrive at a true shared decision on vestibular schwannoma management.
Quantitative serosal and mucosal optical imaging perfusion assessment in gastric conduits for esophageal surgery: an experimental study in enhanced reality
Authors: Barberio Manuel , Felli Eric , Pizzicannella Margherita , Agnus Vincent , Al-Taher Mahdi , Seyller Emilie , Moulla Yusef , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Gockel Ines , Marescaux Jacques , Diana Michele 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction/objective
Gastric conduit (GC) is used for reconstruction after esophagectomy. Anastomotic leakage (AL) incidence remains high, given the extensive disruption of the gastric circulation. Currently, there is no reliable method to intraoperatively quantify gastric perfusion. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has shown its potential to quantify serosal StO2. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) allows for automatic mucosal microcirculation quantification as functional capillary density area (FCD-A). The aim of this study was to quantify serosal and mucosal GC’s microperfusion using HSI and CLE. Local capillary lactate (LCL) served as biomarker.

Methods
GC was formed in 5 pigs and serosal StO2% was quantified at 3 regions of interest (ROI) using HSI: fundus (ROI-F), greater curvature (ROI-C), and pylorus (ROI-P). After intravenous injection of sodium-fluorescein (0.5 g), CLE-based mucosal microperfusion was assessed at the corresponding ROIs, and LCLs were quantified via a lactate analyzer.

Results
StO2 and FCD-A at ROI-F (41 ± 10.6%, 3.3 ± 3.8, respectively) were significantly lower than ROI-C (68.2 ± 6.7%, p value: 0.005; 18.4 ± 7, p value: 0.01, respectively) and ROI-P (72 ± 10.4%, p value: 0.005; 15.7 ± 3.2 p value: 0.001). LCL value at ROI-F (9.6 ± 4.7 mmol/L) was significantly higher than at ROI-C (2.6 ± 1.2 mmol/L, p value: 0.04) and ROI-P (2.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p value: 0.04). No statistically significant difference was found in all metrics between ROI-C and ROI-P. StO2 correlated with FCD-A (Pearson’s r = 0.67). The LCL correlated negatively with both FCD-A (Spearman’s r =  − 0.74) and StO2 (Spearman’s r =  −  0.54).

Conclusions
GC formation causes a drop in serosal and mucosal fundic perfusion. HSI and CLE correlate well and might become useful intraoperative tools.
Augmented reality for the virtual dissection of white matter pathways
Authors: Ille Sebastian , Ohlerth Ann-Katrin , Colle David , Colle Henry , Dragoy Olga , Goodden John , Robe Pierre , Rofes Adrià , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Robert Erik , Satoer Djaina , Viegas Catarina Pessanha , Visch-Brink Evy , van Zandvoort Martine , Krieg Sandro M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The human white matter pathway network is complex and of critical importance for functionality. Thus, learning and understanding white matter tract anatomy is important for the training of neuroscientists and neurosurgeons. The study aims to test and evaluate a new method for fiber dissection using augmented reality (AR) in a group which is experienced in cadaver white matter dissection courses and in vivo tractography.

Methods
Fifteen neurosurgeons, neurolinguists, and neuroscientists participated in this questionnaire-based study. We presented five cases of patients with left-sided perisylvian gliomas who underwent awake craniotomy. Diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking (DTI FT) was performed and the language-related networks were visualized separated in different tracts by color. Participants were able to virtually dissect the prepared DTI FTs using a spatial computer and AR goggles. The application was evaluated through a questionnaire with answers from 0 (minimum) to 10 (maximum).

Results
Participants rated the overall experience of AR fiber dissection with a median of 8 points (mean ± standard deviation 8.5 ± 1.4). Usefulness for fiber dissection courses and education in general was rated with 8 (8.3 ± 1.4) and 8 (8.1 ± 1.5) points, respectively. Educational value was expected to be high for several target audiences (student: median 9, 8.6 ± 1.4; resident: 9, 8.5 ± 1.8; surgeon: 9, 8.2 ± 2.4; scientist: 8.5, 8.0 ± 2.4). Even clinical application of AR fiber dissection was expected to be of value with a median of 7 points (7.0 ± 2.5).

Conclusion
The present evaluation of this first application of AR for fiber dissection shows a throughout positive evaluation for educational purposes.
Asymmetry of P1 and vertebral arteries is not related to basilar tip aneurysm development or rupture
Authors: Li Lan , Hofmann Björn B. , Fischer Igor , Donaldson Daniel M. , Engel Adrian , Karadag Cihat , Wetzel-Yalelis Andreas , Piedade Guilherme Santos , Mijderwijk Hendrik-Jan , Bostelmann Richard , Kaschner Marius G. , Muhammad Sajjad , Hänggi Daniel , Cornelius Jan F. , Petridis Athanasios K. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective
Lately, morphological parameters of the surrounding vasculature aside from aneurysm size, specific for the aneurysm location, e.g., posterior cerebral artery angle for basilar artery tip aneurysms, could be identified to correlate with the risk of rupture. We examined further image-based morphological parameters of the aneurysm surrounding vasculature that could correlate with the growth or the risk of rupture of basilar artery tip aneurysms.

Methods
Data from 83 patients with basilar tip aneurysms (27 not ruptured; 56 ruptured) and 100 control patients were assessed (50 without aneurysms and 50 with aneurysms of the anterior circle of Willis). Anatomical parameters of the aneurysms were assessed and analyzed, as well as of the surrounding vasculature, namely the asymmetry of P1 and the vertebral arteries.

Results
Patients with basilar tip aneurysm showed no significant increase in P1 or vertebral artery asymmetry compared with the control patients or patients with aneurysms of the anterior circulation, neither was there a significant difference in asymmetry between cases with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Furthermore, we observed no significant correlations between P1 asymmetry and the aneurysm size or number of lobuli in the aneurysms.

Conclusion
We observed no significant difference in aneurysm size, rupture, or lobulation associated with P1 or vertebral artery (surrounding vasculature) asymmetry. Therefore, the asymmetry of the surrounding vessels does not seem to be a promising morphological parameter for the evaluation of probability of rupture and growth in basilar tip aneurysms in future studies.
Evolutionary Dynamics in Vascularised Tumours under Chemotherapy: Mathematical Modelling, Asymptotic Analysis and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Villa Chiara , Chaplain Mark A. J. , Lorenzi Tommaso 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe consider a mathematical model for the evolutionary dynamics of tumour cells in vascularised tumours under chemotherapy. The model comprises a system of coupled partial integro-differential equations for the phenotypic distribution of tumour cells, the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of a chemotherapeutic agent. In order to disentangle the impact of different evolutionary parameters on the emergence of intra-tumour phenotypic heterogeneity and the development of resistance to chemotherapy, we construct explicit solutions to the equation for the phenotypic distribution of tumour cells and provide a detailed quantitative characterisation of the long-time asymptotic behaviour of such solutions. Analytical results are integrated with numerical simulations of a calibrated version of the model based on biologically consistent parameter values. The results obtained provide a theoretical explanation for the observation that the phenotypic properties of tumour cells in vascularised tumours vary with the distance from the blood vessels. Moreover, we demonstrate that lower oxygen levels may correlate with higher levels of phenotypic variability, which suggests that the presence of hypoxic regions supports intra-tumour phenotypic heterogeneity. Finally, the results of our analysis put on a rigorous mathematical basis the idea, previously suggested by formal asymptotic results and numerical simulations, that hypoxia favours the selection for chemoresistant phenotypic variants prior to treatment. Consequently, this facilitates the development of resistance following chemotherapy.
The vaginal microbiota in the course of bacterial vaginosis treatment
Authors: Zwittink Romy D. , van den Munckhof Ellen H. A. , Leverstein-van Hall Maurine A. , Boers Kim , Molijn Anco , Knetsch Cornelis W. , Kuijper Ed J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBacterial vaginosis (BV) is perceived as a condition of disrupted vaginal microbiota, but remains of unknown aetiology. In this study, vaginal microbiota composition was determined in twenty-one women with BV, before and after treatment with metronidazole or clindamycin. Microbiota composition varied greatly between women and defining a (un)healthy vaginal microbiota state remains elusive, challenging BV diagnosis and treatment. While relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased after antibiotic treatment in two-third of women, its abundance was not associated with treatment outcome. Instead, remaining complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge were more common after metronidazole treatment and associated with increased relative abundance of Ureaplasma.
New Trends in General Variational Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat , Rassias Michael Th. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt is well known that general variational inequalities provide us with a unified, natural, novel and simple framework to study a wide class of unrelated problems, which arise in pure and applied sciences. In this paper, we present a number of new and known numerical techniques for solving general variational inequalities and equilibrium problems using various techniques including projection, Wiener-Hopf equations, dynamical systems, the auxiliary principle and the penalty function. General variational-like inequalities are introduced and investigated. Properties of higher order strongly general convex functions have been discussed. The auxiliary principle technique is used to suggest and analyze some iterative methods for solving higher order general variational inequalities. Some new classes of strongly exponentially general convex functions are introduced and discussed. Our proofs of convergence are very simple as compared with other methods. Our results present a significant improvement of previously known methods for solving variational inequalities and related optimization problems. Since the general variational inequalities include (quasi) variational inequalities and (quasi) implicit complementarity problems as special cases, these results continue to hold for these problems. Some numerical results are included to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods. Several open problems have been suggested for further research in these areas.