bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomass partitioning of C3- and C4-dominated grasslands in response to climatic variability and climate extremes
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman , Li Jianfeng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The rising temperature, altering precipitation, and increasing extreme events under climate warming affect the stability and sustainability of grassland ecosystems. The dynamics of above-ground biomass (AGB), below-ground biomass (BGB), and biomass partitioning (BGB:AGB ratio) of grasslands are of fundamental importance to understand their feedback to climate change. In this study, we used grassland productivity data extracted from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Distributed Active Archive Center, Tennessee, USA, in which the AGB was collected within a 1.0 m × 0.25 m quadrat and the BGB was sampled within the center of the quadrat. Using multiple pairwise tests and Pearson’s correlation analysis, we assessed the variations of grassland productivity and examined the response of single-harvest and annual biomass partitioning of C3- and C4-dominated grasslands to the growing-season and annual climatic variability and climate extremes in seven sites belonging to four ecoregions (i.e. cold steppe, humid temperate, humid savanna, and savanna). The results show that the annual and single-harvest BGB:AGB ratio varied significantly across the plant types and ecoregions. Overall, the C3-dominated grasslands exhibited a higher BGB:AGB ratio than that of C4-dominated grasslands. Growing-season temperatures (GSTs) were found to be the key determinants in explaining the single-harvest BGB:AGB ratio rather than growing-season precipitation. For instance, the single-harvest BGB:AGB ratio of C4-dominated grasslands increased, while that of C3-dominated grasslands decreased with elevated GSTs. The growing-season extreme dry climates significantly increased the single-harvest BGB:AGB ratio of C4 plants by a large reduction of AGB, potentially affecting the ecosystem functioning and stability. The C3-dominated grasslands in the cold steppe ecoregion are at great threat of drought-induced stress, as we observed that growing-season extreme dry climates reduced, albeit insignificantly, both the single-harvest AGB and BGB. This study provides key insights into factors influencing the biomass partitioning of C3- and C4-dominated grasslands and has important implications for assessing the grassland functioning and stability under increasing climate extremes.
Excited Rydberg states in MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructures
Authors: Viner Jacob J S , McDonnell Liam P , Ruiz-Tijerina David A , Rivera Pasqual , Xu Xiaodong , Fal’Ko Vladimir I , Smith David C 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The functional form of Coulomb interactions in the transition metal dichalcogenides (TDMs) and other van der Waals solids is critical to many of their unique properties, e.g. strongly-correlated electron states, superconductivity and emergent ferromagnetism. This paper presents measurements of key excitonic energy levels in MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructures. These measurements are obtained from resonance Raman experiments on specific Raman peaks only observed at excited states of the excitons. This data is used to validate a model of the Coulomb potential in these structures which predicts the exciton energies to within ∼5 meV. This model is used to determine the effect of heterostructure formation on the single-particle band gaps of the layers and will have a wide applicability in designing the next generation of more complex TDM structures.
Assessment of a commercial EPID dosimetry system to detect radiotherapy treatment errors
Authors: Doolan Paul , Nikolaou Maria , Ferentinos Konstantinos , Anagnostopoulos Georgios 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
One method for detecting radiotherapy treatment errors is to capture the exit dose using an electronic portal imaging device. In comparison with a baseline integrated image, subsequent fractions can be compared and differences in images suggest a difference in the radiation treatment delivered. The aim of this work was to assess the sensitivity of a commercial software PerFRACTION in detecting such differences, arising from three possible sources: (i) changes in the radiation beam or EPID position; (ii) changes in the patient position; and (iii) changes in the patient anatomy. By systematically introducing errors, PerFRACTION was shown to be very sensitive to changes in the radiation beam. Variation in the beam output could be detected within 0.3%, field size within 0.4 mm, collimator rotation within 0.3° and MLC positioning could be verified to within 0.1 mm. EPID misalignment could be detected within 0.3 mm. PerFRACTION was able to detect the mispositioning of an anthropomorphic phantom by 3 mm with static beams, however there was a relative dependency between the patient geometry and the direction of the shift. VMAT beams were less sensitive to patient misalignments, with a shift of 10 mm only detectable once a strict criterion of 1% dose difference was applied. In another simulated scenario PerFRACTION was also able to detect a weight loss equivalent to a 5 mm change in patient separation in VMAT plans and 10 mm in conformal plans. This work showed that the PerFRACTION software could be relied upon to detect potential radiotherapy treatment errors, arising from a variety of sources.
The impact of additional payments on functional decline among long-term care health facility residents in Japan
Authors: Jin Xueying , Tamiya Nanako , Uda Kazuaki , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Additional payment approach has been one of the most important incentives in long-term care (LTC) systems for the past 20 years in Japan.

Objective
To estimate the effect of additional payments on functional decline in long-term care health facility (LTCHF) residents of Japan.

Design
A 24-month retrospective cohort study.

Setting and subjects
Residents aged ≥65 years who were newly admitted to LTCHFs in the 2014 fiscal year.

Methods
National LTC claims data were linked to the survey of institutions and establishments for LTC. Competing risk regression was performed with functional decline as the primary outcome, and additional payments as exposure, controlling for individual and facility characteristics. The level of LTC needs certified in the LTC insurance system was applied as a proxy of functional ability. Death, hospitalisation, discharge to home and transfer to other LTC facilities were treated as competing events. Individual- and facility-level additional payments were presented as binary variables: being reimbursed or not during the follow-up period.

Results
At baseline, 146,311 residents from 3,724 LTCHFs were included. The vast majority of additional payments were associated with a lower risk of functional decline at follow-up. At the individual level, additional payment for pre/post admission instructions had the strongest association with a lower risk of functional decline. Despite this, only 8% of residents were reimbursed for this additional payment. At the facility level, residents in LTCHFs with additional payments for support for home-life resumption and nutritional management were associated with a decreased risk of functional decline.

Conclusions
The results of our study may be of particular interest to policymakers in monitoring and evaluating additional payment approaches and provide insight into improving quality of care.
SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Tumor Diagnosed on Adrenal Sampling
Authors: Ashour Salam , Reynolds Jordan P , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , McKenney Jesse K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objectives
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor has distinct clinicopathologic features. We describe our experience with primary diagnosis on adrenal sampling.

Methods
We collected six SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors diagnosed on adrenal sampling. Immunostains for SMARCA4, SF-1, inhibin, calretinin, S-100 protein, EMA, and TTF-1 were performed. A control group of 63 primary adrenocortical tumors was also immunostained.

Results
Patients included four men and two women (aged 52-77 years). Five had unilateral adrenal masses and one bilateral (range, 2.4-9.6 cm). Five had pulmonary masses, and one had a midline mediastinal mass. All cases had a monotonous epithelioid appearance and variable rhabdoid morphology. Immunophenotypically, all six cases had loss of nuclear SMARCA4 expression and no staining for SF-1, inhibin, calretinin, or S-100 protein. Variable EMA immunoreactivity was present in four of six cases and focal nuclear TTF-1 expression in one of six. All 63 adrenocortical neoplasms had retained nuclear SMARCA4 expression.

Conclusions
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor may present in the adrenal gland, and this series likely represents metastases from thoracic primaries. Because of the frequent absence of lineage marker expression, knowledge of the characteristic clinical presentation, the rhabdoid morphology, and the typical immunophenotype (loss of SMARCA4/BRG1) allow for appropriate distinction from adrenocortical carcinoma.
Review of Quantitative Imaging for Objective Assessment of Fat Grafting Outcomes in Breast Surgery
Authors: Sampathkumar Urmila , Nowroozilarki Zhale , Bordes Mary Catherine , Reece Gregory P , Hanson Summer E , Markey Mia K , Merchant Fatima A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive review of the use of quantitative measurements based on breast images to assess fat retention, breast aesthetics, and fat necrosis after autologous fat grafting. Breast volume measured from MRI and 3-dimensional surface images is widely used as a measure of fat retention. Breast aesthetics are assessed from a combination of anthropometric (distance and contour) measurements on breast surface images. Examination of radiologic images (ultrasonography, mammography, and MRI) is utilized to assess fat necrosis. The article discusses implementation guidelines for objective outcome assessment to support robust quantification and enable investigations of fat grafting efficacy.
Level of Evidence: 4
Assessing Clinical Outcomes in Autologous Fat Grafting: A Current Literature Review
Authors: Moak Teri N , Ebersole Trina G , Tandon Damini , Tenenbaum Marissa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Autologous fat grafting, first described in the 1890s, has since undergone many modifications to optimize safety and efficacy. These changes have resulted in the technique that we now consider standard of care, one that is applied to reconstruction and cosmetic enhancement of the breast and the face both independently and in conjunction with surgical treatment. There is a growing body of evidence that this application has positive outcomes for patient satisfaction, surgeon satisfaction, and overall aesthetic appearance. This article summarizes the body of literature regarding these outcomes, reviews complications of fat grafting in the face and breast, and discusses controversies including radiologic imaging changes and longevity of grafting.
Level of Evidence: 4
Males benefit personally from family life: evidence from a wild burying beetle population
Authors: Keppner Eva M , Steiger Sandra 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Family life in animals is often considered as beneficial for offspring but costly for parents. However, parents might also profit from remaining aggregated within a family unit, especially if a nutrient-rich resource is used for reproduction. We aimed to reveal the potential personal benefits of breeding within a family environment for male Nicrophorus vespilloides, a species of burying beetles that use small vertebrate cadavers to raise their larvae. We previously hypothesized that males obtain an advantage from remaining with their family, because they themselves can feed from the cadaver. This, in turn, enables them to produce more sex pheromone, thereby making them more attractive to females after leaving their brood. However, whether such personal benefits arise under natural conditions is currently unclear because we have no knowledge of the nutritional condition of wild beetles. If carrion is abundant anyways, feeding from a vertebrate cadaver during breeding might not have a noticeable positive effect on the males’ body condition. In the current study, we caught wild males with a natural feeding history and compared their body mass and attractiveness before and after participating in family life. We show that wild males gain weight during breeding and attract more and larger females afterwards. Our study suggests that access to a highly nutrient-rich meal can be a driver of the evolution of family life and eventually biparental care. Males benefit indirectly from defending the resource and offspring against competitors and benefit personally by a higher chance of mating again after breeding.
Distinct effect of prenatal and postnatal brain expression across 20 brain disorders and anthropometric social traits: a systematic study of spatiotemporal modularity
Authors: Jia Peilin , Manuel Astrid M , Fernandes Brisa S , Dai Yulin , Zhao Zhongming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDifferent spatiotemporal abnormalities have been implicated in different neuropsychiatric disorders and anthropometric social traits, yet an investigation in the temporal network modularity with brain tissue transcriptomics has been lacking. We developed a supervised network approach to investigate the genome-wide association study (GWAS) results in the spatial and temporal contexts and demonstrated it in 20 brain disorders and anthropometric social traits. BrainSpan transcriptome profiles were used to discover significant modules enriched with trait susceptibility genes in a developmental stage-stratified manner. We investigated whether, and in which developmental stages, GWAS-implicated genes are coordinately expressed in brain transcriptome. We identified significant network modules for each disorder and trait at different developmental stages, providing a systematic view of network modularity at specific developmental stages for a myriad of brain disorders and traits. Specifically, we observed a strong pattern of the fetal origin for most psychiatric disorders and traits [such as schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder and neuroticism], whereas increased co-expression activities of genes were more strongly associated with neurological diseases [such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] and anthropometric traits (such as college completion, education and subjective well-being) in postnatal brains. Further analyses revealed enriched cell types and functional features that were supported and corroborated prior knowledge in specific brain disorders, such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis in AD, myelin sheath in multiple sclerosis and regulation of synaptic plasticity in both college completion and education. Our study provides a landscape view of the spatiotemporal features in a myriad of brain-related disorders and traits.
Family Rank: a graphical domain knowledge informed feature ranking algorithm
Authors: Saul Michelle , Dinu Valentin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Motivation
When designing prediction models built with many features and relatively small sample sizes, feature selection methods often overfit training data, leading to selection of irrelevant features. One way to potentially mitigate overfitting is to incorporate domain knowledge during feature selection. Here, a feature ranking algorithm called ‘Family Rank’ is presented in which features are ranked based on a combination of graphical domain knowledge and feature scores computed from empirical data.

Results
A simulated dataset is used to demonstrate a scenario in which family rank outperforms other state-of-the-art graph based ranking algorithms, decreasing the sample size needed to detect true predictors by 2- to 3-fold. An example from oncology is then used to explore a real-world application of family rank.

Availability and implementation
An implementation of Family Rank is freely available at https://cran.r-project.org/package=FamilyRank.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
HEPARIN AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL COATING ON BIODEGRADABLE URETERAL STENTS: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BRAIDSTENT®-H
Authors: E de la Cruz Conty J , Budía Alba A , Sanz Migueláñez J L , Galán Llopis J A , Fernández Aparicio T , Sánchez Margallo F M , Soria Gálvez F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of heparin to inhibit the development of early bacteriuria as a coating for biodegradable ureteral stents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The BraidStent®-H biodegradable stent, whose heparin coating is incorporated by dip coating, was chosen for this study. Twenty-four swine were randomly divided into two groups: 12 animals underwent unilateral placement of the BraidStent®-H and 12 were fitted with a standard double-j stent (DJS). Bacteriuria is comparatively analyzed over time by consecutive urine sampling at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours. In addition, the concentration of heparin released in vitro in artificial urine at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 92 and 120 hours is determined via ELISA.

RESULTS
BraidStent®-H generates a significantly lower bacteriuria rate than a DJS at 6 and 12 hours. Heparin coating shows a significant delaying effect on the onset of bacteriuria, reaching 100% of the animals at 48 hours, compared to the DJS, which takes place at 6 hours. ELISA results reveal the presence of heparin in urine for a total of 72 hours. The coating does not affect the degradation of the device, which is completed at 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS
Heparin evidences an effective inhibition of early bacteriuria, showing its potential as an antibacterial coating for biodegradable ureteral stents. Future studies should focus on the development of long-term heparin coatings for biodegradable materials.
INTERVENTIONAL PULMONARY ASSISTANCE (iLA) AS A BRIDGE TO LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Burgos Frías N , Córdoba Peláez M , Sánchez Calle A , Campo Cañaveral J L , Martínez López D , Serrano-Fiz García S , Varela Ugarte A , Burgos Lázaro R J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
According to the “International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation” (ISHLT), between 1 and 4% of patients awaiting a lung transplant will need some type of respiratory assistance as a bridge to transplantation. The objective of this study is to analyze the results of patients assisted with the iLA “Interventional Lung Assist” system (Novalung®).

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The iLA respiratory assistance system (Novalung®) has been used in 12 patients as a bridge to lung transplantation (three chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, five obliterative bronchiolitis, two pulmonary fibrosis, one chest trauma, one pulmonary leiomyomatosis). The gasometric parameters that indicated the assistance were: PaO2: 76.1 ± 29; PaCO2: 110.6 ± 49; pH: 7.12 ± 0.1. The patients were anticoagulated with intravenous sodium heparin (aPTT 160-180 seconds).

RESULTS
Six hours after the start of respiratory assistance, the gasometric parameters were: PaO2: 89 ± 17 (p &gt; 0.05); PaCO2: 54.6 ± 5 (p &lt; 0.05); pH 7.34 ± 0.1 (p &lt; 0.05). The mean time of attendance was 16.8 ± 8 (4-28) days. Of the total number of patients attended: one died during the care and the remaining 11 were transplanted, of which 8 survived the lung transplant.

CONCLUSIONS
Respiratory assistance using iLA (Novalung®) has proven to be an effective method as a bridge to lung transplantation. It allows to improve lung function and avoid mechanical ventilation. It is indicated in patients with nonpermissive hypercapnia to avoid mechanical ventilation. In mechanically ventilated patients, iLA assistance improves ventilator tidal volume, FiO2 and PEEP.
BIOMECHANICS OF A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR FLEXOR TENDON TENORRAPHY OF THE HAND
Authors: García Cabeza S , Lara Guerrero M , Salinas Ramila F , Martínez Magide G J , Carnero López S , Martín Muñiz C , Pérez Arias A , Camporro Fernández D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The present study compares ultimate tensile strength, gap strength (2, 4, 6 mm), distortion time and breaking time in a new flexor tendon suture, to a conventional technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The flexor digitorum profundus tendons of 40 porcine forelimbs were repaired. The biomechanical analysis was carried out in a universal testing machine applying a constant speed. Tenotomy gap, the force applied and the rupture point were analysed.

RESULTS
The ultimate tensile strength, and 4 and 6 mm gap strength were significantly higher with the new technique compared with the conventional 4-strand cruciate technique.

CONCLUSIONS
The new technique is a higher provider of repair strength during early active mobilization when compared with the conventional 4-strand cruciate technique. These findings suggest that this new suture can be considered a biomechanically favourable technique for the repair of flexor tendon lacerations.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY IN RESECABLE ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Authors: Andres Imaz A , Martí Gelonch l , Echeveste Varela A , Ariño Hervas I , Eizaguirre Letamendia E , Asensio Gallego J I , Murgoitio Lazcano F J , Enríquez Navascués J M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
In localized oesophageal cancer (EC), a correct clinical tumor staging is essential in order to offer an optimal treatment, although often challenging. The aim of this work is to assess the accuracy of the diagnostic tests by comparing them with the pathological staging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Retrospective observational study of patients who underwent oesophagectomy for cancer in a referral hospital between January 2003 and September 2019. Those patients who received neoadjuvant treatment were excluded in order to avoid bias from dowstaging effects. The preoperative stage cT and cN as well as the combination of both (cTNM) were compared with the pathological stage of the surgical specimen (pT, pN, pTNM), considered the gold standard. Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were evaluated for cT and cN, while Positron emission tomography (PET/CT) only for cN. Furthermore, the pT stage was correlated with the tumor length described in the oesophagogram (EG).

RESULTS
Among the 63 patients included, the clinical staging was correct in 16 cases (global accuracy 25.4%), it was overstaged in 21 (33.2%) and understaged in 26 (41.3%). For cT staging, the accuracy of EUS was higher than that of CT (46.6% and 34.9% respectively), specially for early stages. EG tumor length correlated with pT stage (p &lt; 0.05). For cN staging, PET/CT had the highest sensitivity (50.0%) and NPV (75.0%).

CONCLUSIONS
Despite the multiple diagnostic tools used, the global accuracy of clinical staging in localized EC is still a challenge, with the therapeutic and prognostic implications that this entails.