bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duration of deafness impacts auditory performance after cochlear implantation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Bernhard Nikolai , Gauger Ulrich , Romo Ventura Eugenia , Uecker Florian C. , Olze Heidi , Knopke Steffen , Hänsel Toni , Coordes Annekatrin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveHearing loss is a highly disabling condition. Cochlear implantation is an established remedy if conventional hearing aids have failed to alleviate the level of disability. Unfortunately, cochlear implant (CI) performance varies dramatically. This study aims to examine the effects of duration of deafness (DoD) prior to cochlear implantation and the postoperative duration of implant experience with resulting hearing performance in postlingually deaf patients.MethodsA systematic literature review and two meta‐analyses were conducted using the search terms cochlear implant AND duration deafness. Included studies evaluate the correlation between the DoD and auditory performance after cochlear implantation using monosyllabic and sentence tests. Correlation coefficients were determined using Pearson's correlation and Spearman rho.ResultsA total of 36 studies were identified and included data on cochlear implantations following postlingual deafness and postoperative speech testing of hearing outcomes for 1802 patients. The mean age ranged from 44 to 68 years with a DoD of 0.1 to 77 years. Cochlear implant use varied from 3 months to 14 years of age. Speech perception, which was assessed by sentence and monosyllabic word perception, was negatively correlated with DoD. Subgroup analyses revealed worse outcomes for longer DoD and shorter postoperative follow‐up.ConclusionDoD is one of the most important factors to predict speech perception after cochlear implantation in postlingually deaf patients. The meta‐analyses revealed a negative correlation between length of auditory deprivation and postoperative sentence and monosyllabic speech perception. Longer DoD seems to lead to worse CI performance, whereas more experience with CI mitigates the effect.
Persistence of bioconvection‐induced mixed layers in a stratified lake
Authors: Sepúlveda Steiner Oscar , Bouffard Damien , Wüest Alfred 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn situ observations of biophysical interactions in natural waters typically focus on physical mechanisms influencing biological activity. Yet, biological activity can also drive physical processes in aquatic environments. A community of photoautotrophic, motile and heavy bacteria—Chromatium okenii, which requires light, sulfide, and anoxic conditions to perform anoxygenic photosynthesis, accumulates below the chemocline of the meromictic Lake Cadagno (Switzerland). Upward vertical migration drives bioconvection, which modifies the physical environment of the bacteria‐populated water to create a deep and homogeneous mixed layer of up to 1 m thickness. Continuous convection within the mixed layer and diapycnal diffusivity from its adjacent stratified surroundings determine ecologically relevant gradients. The daytime vertical migration that induce convective instabilities is well‐established. It consists in bacteria swimming upward towards light and accumulating at the upper part of the anoxic layer, leading to a locally‐unstable density excess. However, nocturnal activity has not yet been analyzed. An intensive 48‐h survey was conducted in August 2018 using standard and microstructure profilers, as well as a moored high‐resolution current meter coupled with temperature and turbidity sensors deployed across the mixed layer depth. This survey revealed a persistent mixed layer also during nighttime hours. Using a mixed layer shape model, vertical velocity observations and turbulent dissipation estimates, we conclude that photoautotrophic bacteria continue their vertical migration at night. This nocturnal activity thereby drives “dark bioconvection” and maintains the subsurface mixed bacterial layer in Lake Cadagno throughout the diel cycle.
On a class of automorphisms in H2 which resemble the property of preserving volume
Authors: Prezelj Jasna , Vlacci Fabio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe give a possible extension of definition of shears and overshears in the case of two non commutative (quaternionic) variables in relation with the associated vector fields and flows. We define the divergence operator and determine the vector fields with divergence. Given the non‐existence of quaternionic volume form on H2, we define automorphisms with volume to be time‐one maps of vector fields with divergence and volume preserving automorphisms to be time‐one maps of vector fields with divergence 0. To these two classes the Andersen–Lempert theory applies. Finally, we exhibit an example of a quaternionic automorphism, which is not in the closure of the set of finite compositions of volume preserving quaternionic shears even though its restriction to the complex subspace is in the closure of the set of finite compositions of complex shears.
Preparation of Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects with Embedded β‐Ketoester Functional Groups by Photoinitiated RAFT Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Huang Jiayuan , Liu Dongdong , Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Tan Jianbo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHerein, a photoinitiated reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of 2‐(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (AEMA) in ethanol/water at room temperature for in situ preparation of β‐ketoester‐functionalized block copolymer nano‐objects is reported. AEMA is also copolymerized with isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) to improve the colloidal stability of PIBOMA‐based block copolymer nano‐objects prepared by photoinitiated RAFT dispersion polymerization at low temperatures. A series of P(IBOMA‐stat‐AEMA)‐based block copolymer nano‐objects are prepared by changing reaction parameters. Finally, lanthanide‐doped block copolymer nano‐objects with luminescent and magnetic properties are also prepared based on the complexation of various lanthanide ions with the β‐ketoester group. It is expected that the current study will provide a facile platform for the in situ preparation of β‐ketoester‐functionalized block copolymer nano‐objects with different morphologies for specific applications.
Reappearance of Symptoms after GPi‐DBS Discontinuation in Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Honkanen Emma A. , Korpela Jaana , Pekkonen Eero , Kaasinen Valtteri , Reich Martin M. , Joutsa Juho 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundDeep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus interna (GPi‐DBS) is a highly efficacious treatment for cervical dystonia. Typically, the treatment response is delayed, appearing and increasing even months after implantation. However, it is not known how fast the symptoms reappear and whether there is a long‐term therapeutic effect after the stimulation is discontinued.ObjectivesTo study symptom reappearance after switching GPi‐DBS off in cervical dystonia.MethodsTwelve patients with bilateral GPi‐DBS were included in the study. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) was evaluated during the study with DBS stimulation on, after switching the stimulation off and 2 days after the stimulation was switched off. Presurgical symptom severity and best postsurgical response were extracted from the hospital records.ResultsAt the time of the investigation, GPi‐DBS was associated with 67 (SD 39)% symptom improvement of presurgical symptoms severity (P = 0.001). Symptom improvement decreased to 27 (53)% (P = 0.046) (n = 12) acutely after switching the stimulation off and was further reduced to 4 (56)% 2 days after discontinuation (P = 0.01) (n = 11), reaching the presurgical level (P = 0.42). In descriptive analyses, older age was associated with faster worsening of symptoms (P < 0.05). Presurgical symptoms severity, stimulation parameters or magnitude of treatment response did not predict symptom worsening. All but one patient tolerated 2 days DBS switched off.ConclusionsThe results provide novel information about the time frame and severity of symptom worsening after discontinuing GPi‐DBS in cervical dystonia. Symptoms partially reappear immediately after discontinuing GPi‐DBS and full presurgical symptom severity is reached within 2 days.
Long Term High Protein Diet Feeding Alters the Microbiome and Increases Intestinal Permeability, Systemic Inflammation and Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Snelson Matthew , Clarke Rachel Elise , Nguyen Tuong‐Vi , Penfold Sally Anne , Forbes Josephine Maree , Tan Sih Min , Coughlan Melinda Therese 
Published: February 2021

ScopeThis study evaluates the effects of a chronic high protein diet (HPD) on kidney injury, intestinal permeability and gut microbiota perturbations in a mouse model.Method and resultsMice are fed a diet containing either 20% or 52% energy from protein for 24 weeks; protein displaced an equivalent amount of wheat starch. The HPD does not alter glycemic control or body weight. The HPD induces kidney injury as evidenced by increase in albuminuria, urinary kidney injury molecule‐1, blood urea nitrogen, urinary isoprostanes and renal cortical NF‐κB p65 gene expression. HPD decreases intestinal occludin gene expression, increases plasma endotoxin and plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, indicating intestinal leakiness and systemic inflammation. Cecal microbial analysis reveals that HPD feeding does not alter alpha diversity; however, it does alter beta diversity, indicating an altered microbial community structure with HPD feeding. Predicted metagenome pathway analysis demonstrates a reduction in branched‐chain amino acid synthesis and an increase of the urea cycle with consumption of a HPD.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that long term HPD consumption in mice causes albuminuria, systemic inflammation, increase in gastrointestinal permeability and is associated with gut microbiome remodeling with an increase in the urea cycle pathway, which may contribute to renal injury.
Dietary Alpha‐Ketoglutarate Promotes Epithelial Metabolic Transition and Protects against DSS‐Induced Colitis
Authors: Tian Qiyu , Bravo Iniguez Alejandro , Sun Qi , Wang Hongbin , Du Min , Zhu Mei‐Jun 
Published: February 2021

ScopeAs a natural compound in foods, alpha‐ketoglutarate (aKG) is one of the key metabolites maintaining energy homeostasis. This study examines the beneficial effects of dietary aKG against the development of experimental colitis and further explores the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods and ResultsEight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice receive drinking water with or without 1% aKG for 4 weeks. At week 3, colitis is induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days followed by 7 days recovery. Dietary aKG supplementation decreases DSS‐induced body weight loss, gross bleeding, fecal consistency score, and disease activity index. In agreement, aKG supplementation restores DSS‐associated colon shortening, ameliorated mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration into colonic tissue, which are associated with suppressed gut inflammation and Wnt signaling, and improved epithelial structure. Consistently, aKG supplementation enhances M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and strengthens intestinal barrier function. Additionally, aKG supplementation elevates colonic aKG levels while decreasing 2‐hydroxyglutarate levels, which increases oxidative instead of glycolytic metabolism.ConclusionaKG supplementation protects against epithelial damage and ameliorates DSS‐induced colitis, which are associated with suppressed inflammation, Wnt signaling pathway, and glycolysis. Intake of foods enriched with aKG or aKG supplementation can be an alternative approach for the prevention or treatment of colitis that are common in Western societies.
A Novel Isoallergen Dau c 1.0401 in Carrot: Stability, Allergenicity, and Comparison with Other Isoallergens
Authors: Jacob Thessa , Wangorsch Andrea , Vogel Lothar , Reuter Andreas , Mahler Vera , Wöhrl Birgitta M. 
Published: February 2021

ScopeAround 25% of food allergic persons in Central Europe suffer from carrot allergy caused by the major carrot allergen Dau c 1. Three different isoallergens, Dau c 1.01, Dau c 1.02 and Dau c 1.03 are identified. However, information about the qualitative and quantitative composition of natural (n)Dau c 1 is scarce.Methods and ResultsThe new carrot allergen Dau c 1.0401 is identified on the mRNA and protein level by RT‐PCR and mass spectrometry. It displays only around 60% sequence identity to the other known Dau c 1 isoallergens. NMR and CD‐spectra are typical for a well‐folded protein containing both α‐helices and β‐strands. It showed a poor refolding capacity after incubation at 95 °C. IgE‐binding is impaired in immunoblots, whereas in inhibition assays IgE binding to soluble Dau c 1.0401 is detected and it clearly provoked a response in mediator release assays.ConclusionDau c 1.0401 is a new isoallergen which contributes to the allergenicity of carrots. The absence of immunoreactivity in immobilized assays indicates that IgE binding is impaired when the protein is blotted on a solid phase. Altogether, the results point out that its allergenicity can be reduced upon carrot processing.
Effects of High Intakes of Fructose and Galactose, with or without Added Fructooligosaccharides, on Metabolic Factors, Inflammation, and Gut Integrity in a Rat Model
Authors: Mhd Omar Nor Adila , Frank Jan , Kruger Johanita , Dal Bello Federica , Medana Claudio , Collino Massimo , Zamaratskaia Galia , Michaelsson Karl , Wolk Alicja , Landberg Rikard 
Published: February 2021

ScopeA high fructose and galactose intake show adverse metabolic effects in animal models and in humans, but it is yet unknown if addition of fermentable dietary fiber can mitigate such effects. This study investigate the effects of high intakes of fructose and galactose, with/without added fructooligosaccharides (FOS), on metabolic factors, inflammation, and gut integrity markers in rats.Methods and ResultsRats (n= 6/group) receive different carbohydrates at isocaloric conditions for 12 weeks as follows: 1) starch (control), 2) fructose, 3) galactose, 4) starch + FOS (FOS control), 5) fructose + FOS, and 6) galactose + FOS, together with a high amount of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐6 PUFA) in all diets except for in 7) starch + olive oil (negative control). The rats fed the galactose and galactose + FOS diets exhibit lower body weight than other groups. High‐galactose diets has more pronounced effects on metabolic factors and gut permeability than high‐fructose diets. High‐fructose diets show less pronounced effect on these selected markers. No differences in inflammatory markers are detected for any of the diets.ConclusionsThe results suggest potential adverse effects of high galactose and fructose on metabolic factors and gut integrity markers, but not on inflammation. However, several mechanisms are at play, and general net effects are difficult to determine conclusively for the conditions tested.
Automated contour propagation of the prostate from pCT to CBCT images via deep unsupervised learning
Authors: Liang Xiaokun , Bibault Jean‐Emmanuel , Leroy Thomas , Escande Alexandre , Zhao Wei , Chen Yizheng , Buyyounouski Mark K. , Hancock Steven L. , Bagshaw Hilary , Xing Lei 
Published: February 2021

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a deep unsupervised learning (DUL) framework based on a regional deformable model for automated prostate contour propagation from planning computed tomography (pCT) to cone‐beam CT (CBCT).MethodsWe introduce a DUL model to map the prostate contour from pCT to on‐treatment CBCT. The DUL framework used a regional deformable model via narrow‐band mapping to augment the conventional strategy. Two hundred and fifty‐one anonymized CBCT images from prostate cancer patients were retrospectively selected and divided into three sets: 180 were used for training, 12 for validation, and 59 for testing. The testing dataset was divided into two groups. Group 1 contained 50 CBCT volumes, with one physician‐generated prostate contour on CBCT image. Group 2 contained nine CBCT images, each including prostate contours delineated by four independent physicians and a consensus contour generated using the STAPLE method. Results were compared between the proposed DUL and physician‐generated contours through the Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs), the Hausdorff distances, and the distances of the center‐of‐mass.ResultsThe average DSCs between DUL‐based prostate contours and reference contours for test data in group 1 and group 2 consensus were 0.83 ± 0.04, and 0.85 ± 0.04, respectively. Correspondingly, the mean center‐of‐mass distances were 3.52 mm ± 1.15 mm, and 2.98 mm ± 1.42 mm, respectively.ConclusionsThis novel DUL technique can automatically propagate the contour of the prostate from pCT to CBCT. The proposed method shows that highly accurate contour propagation for CBCT‐guided adaptive radiotherapy is achievable via the deep learning technique.
Rapid, ‐insensitive, dual‐band quasi‐adiabatic saturation transfer with optimal control for complete quantification of myocardial ATP flux
Authors: Miller Jack J. , Valkovič Ladislav , Kerr Matthew , Timm Kerstin N. , Watson William D. , Lau Justin Y. C. , Tyler Andrew , Rodgers Christopher , Bottomley Paul A. , Heather Lisa C. , Tyler Damian J. 
Published: February 2021

PurposePhosphorus saturation‐transfer experiments can quantify metabolic fluxes noninvasively. Typically, the forward flux through the creatine kinase reaction is investigated by observing the decrease in phosphocreatine (PCr) after saturation of γ‐ATP. The quantification of total ATP utilization is currently underexplored, as it requires simultaneous saturation of inorganic phosphate () and PCr. This is challenging, as currently available saturation pulses reduce the already‐low γ‐ATP signal present.MethodsUsing a hybrid optimal‐control and Shinnar‐Le Roux method, a quasi‐adiabatic RF pulse was designed for the dual saturation of PCr and to enable determination of total ATP utilization. The pulses were evaluated in Bloch equation simulations, compared with a conventional hard‐cosine DANTE saturation sequence, before being applied to perfused rat hearts at 11.7 T.ResultsThe quasi‐adiabatic pulse was insensitive to a >2.5‐fold variation in , producing equivalent saturation with a 53% reduction in delivered pulse power and a 33‐fold reduction in spillover at the minimum effective . This enabled the complete quantification of the synthesis and degradation fluxes for ATP in 30‐45 minutes in the perfused rat heart. While the net synthesis flux (4.24 ± 0.8 mM/s, SEM) was not significantly different from degradation flux (6.88 ± 2 mM/s, P = .06) and both measures are consistent with prior work, nonlinear error analysis highlights uncertainties in the Pi‐to‐ATP measurement that may explain a trend suggesting a possible imbalance.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates a novel quasi‐adiabatic dual‐saturation RF pulse with significantly improved performance that can be used to measure ATP turnover in the heart in vivo.
PreQual: An automated pipeline for integrated preprocessing and quality assurance of diffusion weighted MRI images
Authors: Cai Leon Y. , Yang Qi , Hansen Colin B. , Nath Vishwesh , Ramadass Karthik , Johnson Graham W. , Conrad Benjamin N. , Boyd Brian D. , Begnoche John P. , Beason‐Held Lori L. , Shafer Andrea T. , Resnick Susan M. , Taylor Warren D. , Price Gavin R. , Morgan Victoria L. , Rogers Baxter P. , Schilling Kurt G. , Landman Bennett A. 
Published: February 2021

PurposeDiffusion weighted MRI imaging (DWI) is often subject to low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) and artifacts. Recent work has produced software tools that can correct individual problems, but these tools have not been combined with each other and with quality assurance (QA). A single integrated pipeline is proposed to perform DWI preprocessing with a spectrum of tools and produce an intuitive QA document.MethodsThe proposed pipeline, built around the FSL, MRTrix3, and ANTs software packages, performs DWI denoising; inter‐scan intensity normalization; susceptibility‐, eddy current‐, and motion‐induced artifact correction; and slice‐wise signal drop‐out imputation. To perform QA on the raw and preprocessed data and each preprocessing operation, the pipeline documents qualitative visualizations, quantitative plots, gradient verifications, and tensor goodness‐of‐fit and fractional anisotropy analyses.ResultsRaw DWI data were preprocessed and quality checked with the proposed pipeline and demonstrated improved SNRs; physiologic intensity ratios; corrected susceptibility‐, eddy current‐, and motion‐induced artifacts; imputed signal‐lost slices; and improved tensor fits. The pipeline identified incorrect gradient configurations and file‐type conversion errors and was shown to be effective on externally available datasets.ConclusionsThe proposed pipeline is a single integrated pipeline that combines established diffusion preprocessing tools from major MRI‐focused software packages with intuitive QA.
Effect of brain normalization methods on the construction of functional connectomes from resting‐state functional MRI in patients with gliomas
Authors: Chen Henry Szu‐Meng , Kumar Vinodh A. , Johnson Jason M. , Chen Melissa M. , Noll Kyle R. , Hou Ping , Prabhu Sujit S. , Schomer Donald F. , Liu Ho‐Ling 
Published: February 2021

PurposeSpatial normalization is an essential step in resting‐state functional MRI connectomic analysis with atlas‐based parcellation, but brain lesions can confound it. Cost‐function masking (CFM) is a popular compensation approach, but may not benefit modern normalization methods. This study compared three normalization methods with and without CFM and determined their impact on connectomic measures in patients with glioma.MethodsFifty patients with glioma were included. T1‐weighted images were normalized using three different methods in SPM12, with and without CFM, which were then overlaid on the ICBM152 template and scored by two neuroradiologists. The Dice coefficient of gray‐matter correspondence was also calculated. Normalized resting‐state functional MRI data were parcellated using the AAL90 atlas to construct an individual connectivity matrix and calculate connectomic measures. The R2 among the different normalization methods was calculated for the connectivity matrices and connectomic measures.ResultsThe older method (Original) performed significantly worse than the modern methods (Default and DARTEL; P < .005 in observer ranking). The use of CFM did not significantly improve the normalization results. The Original method had lower correlation with the Default and DARTEL methods (R2 = 0.71‐0.74) than Default with DARTEL (R2 = 0.96) in the connectivity matrix. The clustering coefficient appears to be the most, and modularity the least, sensitive connectomic measures to normalization performance.ConclusionThe spatial normalization method can have an impact on resting‐state functional MRI connectome and connectomic measures derived using atlas‐based brain parcellation. In patients with glioma, this study demonstrated that Default and DARTEL performed better than the Original method, and that CFM made no significant difference.