bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay for the rapid, quantitative, and sensitive detection of specific IgE for mite allergens in sera from patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Liang Zheng-Yan , Deng Yu-Qin , Tao Ze-Zhang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing worldwide. However, the current systems used to measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in sera are associated with several disadvantages that limit their further application. Consequently, there is a need to develop novel highly sensitive strategies that can rapidly detect IgE in a quantitative manner. The development of such systems will significantly enhance our ability to diagnose, treat, and even prevent AR. Herein, we describe our experience of using quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay (QD-LFIA), combined with a portable fluorescence immunoassay chip detector (PFICD), to detect serum-specific IgE against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der-p) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der-f), two common mite allergens in China. Our data showed that our system could detect serum-specific levels of IgE against Der-p and Der-f as low as 0.093 IU/mL and 0.087 IU/mL, respectively. We also established a standard curve to determine serum-specific IgE concentrations that correlated well with the clinical BioIC microfluidics system. The sensitivity of our assay was 96.7% for Der-p and 95.5% for Der-f, while the specificity was 87.2% for Der-p and 85.3% for Der-f. Collectively, our results demonstrate that QD-LFIA is a reliable system that could be applied to detect serum-specific IgE in accordance with clinical demands. This QD-LFIA strategy can be applied at home, in hospitals, and in pharmacies, with reduced costs and time requirements when compared with existing techniques. In the future, this system could be developed to detect other types of allergens and in different types of samples (for example, whole blood).
Talimogene laherparepvec treatment to overcome loco-regional acquired resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in tumor stage IIIB–IV M1c melanoma patients
Authors: Fröhlich Anne , Niebel Dennis , Fietz Simon , Egger Eva , Buchner Andrea , Sirokay Judith , Landsberg Jennifer 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapy in melanoma patients is currently one of the major clinical challenges. With the approval of talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), oncolytic viruses are now in clinical practice for locally advanced or non-resectable melanoma. Here, we describe the usage of T-VEC in stage IVM1b-M1c melanoma patients, who achieved complete remission or stable disease upon systemic treatment but suffered from a loco-regional recurrence. To our knowledge, there are no case reports so far describing T-VEC as a means to overcome acquired resistance to immune checkpoint blockade or targeted therapy.

Methods
All melanoma patients in our department treated with T-VEC in the period of 2016–2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, treatment response, and toxicity were analyzed.

Results
Fourteen melanoma patients were treated with T-VEC in our center. Six patients (43%) received T-VEC first-line. In eight patients (57%), T-VEC followed a prior systemic therapy. Three patients with M1b stage and one patient with M1c stage melanoma were treated with T-VEC. These patients suffered from loco-regional progress, whilst distant metastases had regressed during prior systemic treatment. 64% of patients showed a benefit from therapy with T-VEC. The durable response rate was 36%.

Conclusion
T-VEC represents an effective and tolerable treatment option. This is true not only for loco-regionally advanced melanoma patients, but also for patients with stable or regressive systemic metastases who develop loco-regionally acquired resistance upon treatment with immune checkpoint blockade or targeted therapy. A sensible selection of suitable patients seems to be crucial.
Human inflammatory dendritic cells in malignant pleural effusions induce Th1 cell differentiation
Authors: Gu Fei-fei , Wu Jing-jing , Liu Yang-yang , Hu Yue , Liang Jin-yan , Zhang Kai , Li Ming , Wang Yan , Zhang Yong-an , Liu Li 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDendritic cells are crucial for the initiation and regulation of immune responses against cancer and pathogens. DCs are heterogeneous and highly specialized antigen-presenting cells. Human DCs comprise several subsets with different phenotypes and functional properties. In the steady state, human DC subsets have been well studied. However, the components of DC subsets and their immune functions during the inflamed setting are poorly understood. We identified and characterized DC subsets in the malignant pleural effusions of NSCLC patients. We analyzed the capacity of these DC subsets to induce T-cell differentiation. We observed the presence of inflammatory DCs (infDCs) and macrophages in the malignant pleural effusions of NSCLC patients, as identified by the CD11C+HLA-DR+CD16−BDCA1+ and CD11C+HLA-DR+CD16+BDCA1− phenotypes, respectively. InfDCs represented approximately 1% of the total light-density cells in the pleural effusion and were characterized by the expression of CD206, CD14, CD11b, and CD1α, which were absent on blood DCs. InfDCs also expressed CD80, although at a low level. As infDCs did not express CD40, CD83 and CD275, they remained functionally immature. We found that TLR agonists promoted the maturation of infDCs. Compared with macrophages, infDCs had a weaker capacity to phagocytose necrotic tumor cell lysates. However, only infDCs induced autologous memory CD4+ T-cell differentiation into Th1 cells. For the first time, we found that infDCs were present in the malignant pleural effusions of NSCLC patients. We conclude that infDCs represent a distinct human DC subset and induce Th1 cell differentiation in the presence of TLR agonists.
The column procedure preserves elbow stability on biomechanical testing
Authors: Podgórski Andrzej P. , Kordasiewicz Bartłomiej , Pomianowski Stanisław 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeThe effect of open release of a post-traumatic elbow contracture on the stability of the joint has not been so far studied in vivo. Resection of elbow joint capsule, the key element of surgery, was reported to have no effect on the stability of cadaveric elbows. The joint capsule is yet known to participate in maintaining elbow stability as one of secondary stabilizers.MethodsWe assessed elbow joint laxity in 39 patients who underwent an open contracture release via the ‘column procedure’ described by B. Morrey and P. Mansat within the preceeding three to nine months. The measurements were taken with an apparatus designed particularly for this experiment according to the predetermined protocol. A preliminary part of the experiment showed that there was no significant difference between laxity of two elbow joints in healthy volunteers. Laxity of the operated elbows could be then compared with the contralateral joints.ResultsMean absolute difference of laxity between healthy and operated elbows was 1.55° (0.1°–4.1°, SD = 1.1) being significantly lower than 2°,p = 0.0056. The difference of the joint laxity between the operated and healthy elbows did not differ statistically significantly by more than 0.6° from the difference of the laxity of two healthy elbows and, therefore, is not clinically noticeable.ConclusionsOur experiment confirmed that the ‘column procedure’ is a safe procedure which does not compromise the stability of the elbow joint.
Consequences of experimental addition of fresh, aromatic plants into nests of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) on the physiological condition of nestlings
Authors: Glądalski Michał , Bańbura Mirosława , Kaliński Adam , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Zieliński Piotr , Bańbura Jerzy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) is one of a few known passerine birds that incorporate fresh fragments of aromatic plants in their nest during the nesting period. In this study, we experimentally tested whether aromatic plants in blue tit nests affect physiological condition of nestlings as indicated by hemoglobin and glucose in the blood. Nestlings in nests supplemented with fresh, aromatic plants had elevated blood hemoglobin, and therefore improved physiological condition, as compared with control nestlings. There was no difference between nestlings in two contrasting habitats (urban parkland and forest). Although mean levels of blood glucose did not differ between treatment and control nestlings, the blood of forest nestlings contained more glucose than the blood of parkland nestlings, which indicates poorer health for forest nestlings. In general, knowledge of the effects of incorporating fresh green, aromatic plant material into avian nests on physiological condition of nestlings is still fragmentary and more experimental studies are needed.Significance statementThe blue tit is one of a few known passerine birds that incorporate fresh fragments of aromatic plants in their nest during the nesting period. Little is known about the impact of this material on nestling body condition, and there is a need to understand this behavior and its effects. We tested whether nestlings in nests supplemented with fresh, aromatic plants improved their physiological condition in comparison with control nestlings. The experiment showed that nestlings from supplemented nests improved their physiological condition by exhibiting elevated hemoglobin.
Report of a Quality Improvement Program for Reducing Postoperative Complications by Using a Surgical Risk Calculator in a Cohort of General Surgery Patients
Authors: Müller Elisa M. , Herrmann Eva , Schmandra Thomas , Weigel Thomas F. , Hanisch Ernst , Buia Alexander 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeThe study investigates whether postoperative complications in elective surgery can be reduced by using a risk calculator via raising the awareness of the surgeon in a preoperative briefing. Postoperative complications like wound infections or pneumonia result in a high burden for healthcare systems. Multiple quality improvement programs address this problem like the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator® (SRC).MethodsTo determine whether the preoperative usage of the SRC could reduce inpatient postoperative complications, two groups of 832 patients each were compared using propensity score matching. The SRC was employed retrospectively in the period 2012/2013 in one group (“Retro”) and prospectively in the other group (“Prosp”) in the period 2014/2015. Actual inpatient postoperative complications were classified by SRC complication categories and compared with the Clavien–Dindo complication classification system (Dindo et al. in Ann Surg 240:205–213, 2004).ResultsComparing SRC “serious complication” and SRC “any complication,” a nonsignificant increase in the “Prosp”‐group was apparent (serious complication: 6.6% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.164; any complication: 8.5% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.444).ConclusionUse of the SRC neither reduces inpatient postoperative complications nor the severity of complications. The calculations of the SRC rely on a 30‐day postoperative follow‐up. Poor sensitivity and medium specificity of the SRC showed that the SRC could not make accurate predictions in a short follow‐up time averaging 6 days. Alternatively, since the observed complication rate was low in our study, in an environment of already highly implemented risk management tools, reductions in complications are not easily achieved.
Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Histologically Proven T1 Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Aarts B. M. , Prevoo W. , Meier M. A. J. , Bex A. , Beets-Tan R. G. H. , Klompenhouwer E. G. , Gómez F. M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of histologically proven T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods
We analysed patients with a histologically proven RCC (≤ 7 cm) treated by MWA from April 2012–April 2018. Primary and secondary efficacy, local tumour recurrence (LTR), morbidity and mortality were reported. Efficacy was defined as no residual tumour enhancement on follow-up imaging 1 month after the first ablation (primary efficacy) and after re-ablation(s) for residual disease (secondary efficacy). Adverse events (AE) were registered by the Clavien–Dindo classification and the common terminology criteria for AE. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate a relation among pre-treatment factors incomplete ablation and complications.

Results
In 100 patients, a total of 108 RCCs (85 T1a and 23 T1b) were treated by MWA. Median size was 3.2 cm (IQR 2.4–4.0). Primary efficacy was 89% (95%CI 0.81–0.94) for T1a lesions and 52% (95%CI 0.31–0.73) for T1b lesions (p < 0.001). Fifteen lesions (7 T1a) were re-ablated for residual disease by MWA in one (n = 13) and two (n = 2, both T1b) sessions resulting in secondary efficacy rates of 99% (T1a) and 95% (T1b, p = 0.352). LTR occurred in four tumours (2 T1a, 2 T1b) after 10–60 months. Six (4%) AEs grade > 3–5 were observed (2 T1a, 4 T1b, p = 0.045). Multivariable analysis showed that mR.E.N.A.L. nephrometry was independently associated with incomplete ablation (p = 0.012).

Conclusion
Microwave ablation is safe and effective for T1a and T1b RCC lesions with a significantly lower primary efficacy for T1b lesions.
Efficient evaluation of a gene containment system for poplar through early flowering induction
Authors: Briones M. Valentina , Hoenicka Hans , Cañas Luis A. , Beltrán José Pío , Hanelt Dieter , Sharry Sandra , Fladung Matthias 
Published: February 2020

AbstractKey messageThe early flowering system HSP::AtFTallowed a fast evaluation of a gene containment system based on the construct PsEND1::barnase–barstarfor poplar.Transgenic lines showed disturbed pollen development and sterility.AbstractVertical gene transfer through pollen flow from transgenic or non-native plant species into their crossable natural relatives is a major concern. Gene containment approaches have been proposed to reduce or even avoid gene flow among tree species. However, evaluation of genetic containment strategies for trees is very difficult due to the long-generation times. Early flowering induction would allow faster evaluation of genetic containment in this case. Although no reliable methods were available for the induction of fertile flowers in poplar, recently, a new early flowering approach was developed. In this study, early flowering poplar lines containing the gene construct PsEND1::barnase–barstarwere obtained. The PsEND1 promoter was chosen due to its early expression pattern, its versality and efficiency for generation of male-sterile plants fused to thebarnasegene. RT-PCRs confirmedbarnasegene activity in flowers, and pollen development was disturbed, leading to sterile flowers. The system developed in this study represents a valuable tool for gene containment studies in forest tree species.
Refractive index matching (RIM) using double-binary liquid–liquid mixtures
Authors: Helmers Thorben , Kemper Philip , Mießner Ulrich , Thöming Jorg 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
For using microscopic multiphase flows in microreactors, an exact understanding of the underlying hydrodynamic interrelations is key for successful reactor layout and reaction control. To examine the local hydrodynamic behavior, non-invasive optical measurements techniques like particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) or micro particle image velocimetry (µPIV) are the methods of choice, since they provide precise velocity measurement with excellent spatial resolution. Such optical approaches require refractive index matching (RIM) of the involved flow phases to prevent optical distortion due to light refraction and reflection at the interfaces. Established RIM approaches often provide a single degree of freedom, which is sufficient to solely match the refractive index (RI) of the flow phases. Using these approaches, the material properties (Oh number) are fixed and the relevant dimensionless numbers (Ca, Re) may only be altered hydrodynamically or geometrically. To avoid expansive geometric scaling of the microchannels, we propose an approach using two binary mixtures (double-binary mixtures) to introduce an additional degree of freedom. The approach allows examining liquid–liquid two-phase flows at a distinct velocity while being able to change the material properties (Oh number). Thus, Ca and Re can be chosen individually and the proposed RIM-approach provides undisturbed optical access. Furthermore, we present four different binary mixtures, which allow to vary the viscosity ratio of the phases. The relevant material parameters are successfully correlated to measurement data, which delivers a system of equations that determines the mass fractions and the velocities to address Re and Ca individually. A proof-of-principle for the proposed double- binary mixture RIM-approach is successfully established using µPIV raw images.

Graphic abstract
Quantitative metrics for comparison of in-cylinder velocity fields using particle image velocimetry
Authors: Willman Christopher , Scott Blane , Stone Richard , Richardson David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe in-cylinder flow field plays a key role in determining the combustion performance of internal combustion engines (ICEs) and it is critically important to validate numerical simulations of the flow field by comparison to experimental measurements using techniques such as particle image velocimetry (PIV). With the current trend for high-speed diagnostics, methods for quantitative comparison of vector fields are required which can provide robust spatially averaged results, without inspection of individual flow fields. The quality of match between vector fields, when quantified using current metrics such as the relevance index (RI), can be overly sensitive to the alignment of regions of low velocity such as the tumble vortex centre. This work presents complementary metrics, weighted using a function of the local velocity, for robust quantification of the alignment and magnitude differences between vector fields, the weighted relevance index (WRI) and the weighted magnitude index (WMI). These metrics are also normalized and combined in the combined magnitude and relevance index (CMRI). PIV measurements taken up to every 2 crank angle degrees within the tumble plane of a motored, optically accessible ICE are used to demonstrate the motivation for development and the application of the WRI, WMI, and CMRI metrics. The metrics are used to determine the number of cycles required to provide a representative mean flow field and to identify single cycles of interest. Variability of the flow field is quantified using the metrics and shows high variability in the region of the spark plug near typical ignition timings.Graphic abstract
The effect of initial H2O concentration on decompression-induced phase separation and degassing of hydrous phonolitic melt
Authors: Allabar A. , Salis Gross E. , Nowak M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSupersaturation of H2O during magma ascent leads to degassing of melt by formation and growth of vesicles that may power explosive volcanic eruptions. Here, we present experiments to study the effect of initially dissolved H2O concentration (cH2Oini) on vesicle formation, growth, and coalescence in phonolitic melt. Vesuvius phonolitic melts with cH2Oini ranging between 3.3 and 6.3 wt% were decompressed at rates of 1.7 and 0.17 MPa·s−1 and at temperatures ≥ 1323 K. Decompression started from 270 and 200 MPa to final pressures of 150–20 MPa, where samples were quenched isobarically. Optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopic measurements confirm that the glasses obtained were free of microcrystals and Fe-oxide nanolites, implying that the experiments were superliquidus and phase separation of the hydrous melt was homogeneous. A minimum number of the initially formed vesicles, defined by the number density normalized to vesicle-free glass volume (VND), is observed at ~ 5 wt% cH2Oini with a logVND of ~ 5 (in mm−3). The logVND increases strongly towards lower and higher cH2Oini by one order of magnitude. Furthermore, an important transition in evolution of vesiculation occurs at ~ 5.6 wt% cH2Oini. At lower cH2Oini, the initial VND is preserved during further decompression up to melt porosities of 30–50%. At higher cH2Oini, the initial vesicle population is erased at low melt porosities of 15–21% during further decompression. This observation is attributed to vesicle coalescence favored by low melt viscosity. In conclusion, cH2Oini determines the VND of initial phase separation and the evolution of vesiculation during decompression that controls the style of volcanic eruptions.
Cognitive profiles discriminate between genetic variants of behavioral frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Poos J. M. , Jiskoot L. C. , Leijdesdorff S. M. J. , Seelaar H. , Panman J. L. , van der Ende E. L. , Mol M. O. , Meeter L. H. H. , Pijnenburg Y. A. L. , Donker Kaat L. , de Jong F. J. , van Swieten J. C. , Papma J. M. , van den Berg E. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Trials to test disease-modifying treatments for frontotemporal dementia are eagerly awaited and sensitive instruments to assess potential treatment effects are increasingly urgent, yet lacking thus far. We aimed to identify gene-specific instruments assessing clinical onset and disease progression by comparing cognitive functioning between bvFTD patients across genetic mutations.

Methods
We examined differences in 7 cognitive domains between bvFTD patients with GRN (n = 20), MAPT (n = 29) or C9orf72 (n = 31) mutations, and non-carriers (n = 24), and described longitudinal (M = 22.6 months, SD = 16.6) data in a subsample (n = 27).

Results
Patients showed overall cognitive impairment, except memory recall, working memory and visuoconstruction. GRN patients performed lower on executive function (mean difference − 2.1; 95%CI − 4.1 to − 0.5) compared to MAPT and lower on attention compared to MAPT (mean difference − 2.5; 95%CI − 4.7 to − 0.3) and C9orf72 (mean difference − 2.4; 95%CI − 4.5 to − 0.3). Only MAPT patients were impaired on delayed recall (mean difference − 1.4; 95%CI − 2.1 to − 0.7). GRN patients declined rapidly on attention and memory, MAPT declined in confrontation naming, whereas C9orf72 patients were globally impaired but remained relatively stable over time on all cognitive domains.

Discussion
This study shows gene-specific cognitive profiles in bvFTD, which underlines the value of neuropsychological tests as outcome measures in upcoming trials for genetic bvFTD.
Measurement setup for differential spectral responsivity of solar cells
Authors: Kärhä Petri , Baumgartner Hans , Askola Janne , Kylmänen Kasperi , Oksanen Benjamin , Maham Kinza , Huynh Vo , Ikonen Erkki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe have developed a setup for measuring differential spectral responsivities of unifacial and bifacial solar cells under bias light conditions. The setup uses 30 high-brightness LEDs for generating a quasi-monochromatic light source covering the wavelength range 290–1300 nm. Halogen lamps are used to generate bias-lighting conditions up to the irradiance level of 1000 W/m2. The setup has been fully characterized for spectral irradiances and spatial uniformities of all light sources. Validation measurements carried out using a reference cell of 2 × 2 cm2 area from Fraunhofer ISE demonstrated an agreement better than 2% over the wavelength range of 425–940 nm, with an expanded uncertainty of 2.6%. In the UV and IR regions, the discrepancies are higher but still within estimated uncertainties. The setup is also tested in measuring spectral responsivities of large 15 × 15 cm2 bifacial solar cells. The associated problems are discussed.