bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an online calculator to predict early recurrence and long‐term survival in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Xu Shuai , Zhang Xiu‐Ping , Zhao Guo‐Dong , Zhao Zhi‐Ming , Gao Yuan‐Xing , Hu Ming‐Gen , Tan Xiang‐Long , Liu Rong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDistal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) is a malignancy associated with a short survival time. In this study, we aimed to create an online nomogram calculator to predict early recurrence and long‐term survival in patients with DCC after pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsA total of 486 patients with DCC were included. An online nomogram calculator was developed and validated in training, internal validation and external validation cohorts, respectively.ResultsOf the 486 patients who met the inclusion criteria, we allocated 240, 120, and 126 patients to the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative CA19‐9, maximum tumor diameter, perineural invasion, and tumor differentiation were significant risk factors for early recurrence in patients with DCC. Incorporating these four factors, the nomogram achieved good AUC values of 0.788, 0.771, and 0.723 for predicting early recurrence in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. Notably, this nomogram also had good power to predict overall survival. The discrimination ability of the nomogram was evaluated by dividing the predicted probabilities of early recurrence and survival into two risk groups in the training cohort (low risk ≤ 132; high risk > 132; P < .001). Time‐dependent ROC and decision curve analysis further revealed that the nomogram provided higher diagnostic capacity and superior net benefit compared to other staging systems.ConclusionThis study developed and validated a web‐based nomogram calculator that was capable of predicting early recurrence and long‐term prognosis in patients with DCC after pancreaticoduodenectomy with high degrees of stability and accuracy.
3‐Pyrazolyl‐oxindoles as efficient nucleophiles for construction of 3,3′‐diheterocycle substituted oxindoles using chitosan as reusable catalyst in water
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Qing‐He , Li Yue , Wu Ming‐Shu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA facile, one‐pot, environmentally benign and chitosan‐catalyzed protocol for the construction of a novel 3,3′‐diheterocycle substituted oxindole framework by three‐component reaction between 3‐pyrazolyl‐oxindoles, salicylaldehydes, and malononitrile in water is reported. This protocol provides several advantages including readily available starting materials, a simple operation, without the need of purification by column chromatography, reusable catalyst.
Warming amplification with both altitude and latitude in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Qixiang , Fan Xiaohui , Wang Mengben 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMany studies have examined elevation‐dependent warming in mountain regions of the world, yet little attempt has been undertaken to examine the relationship of the observed warming with both altitude and latitude on a regional scale. Here, based on the mean temperature series (1961–2015) of 105 stations in the Tibetan Plateau, the signals of warming amplification with these two factors are quantified using four groups of methods. The results, highly consistent for the different methods, confirm that the warming for the Tibetan Plateau is not only elevation‐dependent, but also latitude‐dependent, and the magnitude of altitudinal amplification trend is two orders of magnitude larger than that of latitudinal amplification trend on the annual and seasonal scales over the period 1961–2015. The annual warming is amplified by 0.066°C 10 year−1·km−1 of altitude and 0.016 × 10−2°C 10 year−1·km−1 of latitude (or 0.018°C 10 year−1·degree−1 of latitude), with the highest altitudinal (latitudinal) amplification in winter (autumn), followed by autumn (winter) and the lowest in spring and summer. Meanwhile, the estimates of altitude and latitude components of the regional warming shows that the contribution of latitude to the regional warming is larger than that of altitude on the annual scale and for all seasons excepting summer, due primarily to the much larger range of latitude than the range of altitude covered by all the stations used. Moreover, analysis of the number of snow cover days demonstrates that the snow albedo feedback has played a significant role in enhancing the warming in the Tibetan Plateau during the recent sub‐period 1996–2015, due to the decrease of snow cover days in the spring, autumn and winter seasons. These results highlight an integrated picture of Tibetan Plateau warming amplification, and a clear snow albedo feedback effect on the regional amplification, allowing better investigation of impacts and mechanisms.
High fat diet causes inferior vertebral structure and function without disc degeneration in RAGE‐KO mice
Authors: D'Erminio Danielle N. , Krishnamoorthy Divya , Lai Alon , Hoy Robert C. , Natelson Devorah M. , Poeran Jashvant , Torres Andrew , Laudier Damien M. , Nasser Philip , Vashishth Deepak , Illien‐Jünger Svenja , Iatridis James C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBack pain and spinal pathologies are associated with obesity in juveniles and adults, yet studies identifying causal relationships are lacking and none investigate sex differences. This study determined if high fat (HF) diet causes structural and functional changes to vertebrae and intervertebral discs (IVDs); if these changes are modulated in mice with systematic ablation for the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE‐KO); and if these changes are sex‐dependent. Wild‐type (WT) and RAGE‐KO mice were fed a low fat (LF) or HF diet for 12 weeks starting at 6 weeks, representing the juvenile population. HF diet led to weight/fat gain, glucose intolerance, and increased cytokine levels (IL‐5, MIG, and RANTES); with less fat gain in RAGE‐KO females. Most importantly, HF diet reduced vertebral trabecular bone volume fraction and compressive and shear moduli, without a modifying effect of RAGE‐KO, but with a more pronounced effect in females. HF diet caused reduced cortical area fraction only in WT males. Neither HF diet nor RAGE‐KO affected IVD degeneration grade. Biomechanical properties of coccygeal motion segments were affected by RAGE‐KO but not diet, with some interactions identified. In conclusion, HF diet resulted in inferior vertebral structure and function with some sex differences, no IVD degeneration, and few modifying effects of RAGE‐KO. These structural and functional deficiencies with HF diet provide further evidence that diet can affect spinal structures and may increase the risk for spinal injury and degeneration with aging and additional stressors. Back pain and spinal pathologies are associated with obesity in juveniles and adults, yet studies identifying causal relationships are lacking and none investigate sex differences.
Lignin and organic free radicals in maize (Zea mays L.) seeds in response to aflatoxin B1 contamination: an optical and EPR spectroscopic study
Authors: Bartolić Dragana , Mojović Miloš , Prokopijević Miloš , Djikanović Daniela , Kalauzi Aleksandar , Mutavdžić Dragosav , Baošić Rada , Radotić Ksenija 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most dangerous of the mycotoxins that contaminate cereal seeds naturally. A stress lignin formation is linked with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species causing a change in the redox status and formation of stable organic radicals, constituting the first layer of defense. The relationship between AFB1 and changes in lignin organic free radicals in seeds is not known, nor is the part of the seed that is more targeted. Using optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we investigated AFB1‐induced changes in lignin and organic free radicals in seeds, and whether the inner and outer seed fractions differ in response to increasing AFB1.RESULTSDifferent changes in the content of lignin and free radicals with increasing AFB1 concentrations were observed in the two seed fractions. There was a significant positive linear correlation (R = 0.9923, P = 0.00005) between lignin content and AFB1 concentration in the outer fraction, and no correlation between the lignin content and the AFB1 concentration in the inner fraction. We found a positive correlation between the area of the green spectral emission component (C4) and the AFB1 concentration in the outer fraction.CONCLUSIONSTo the best of our knowledge, the results showed, for the first time, that maize seed fractions respond differently to aflatoxin with regard to their lignin and organic free radical content. Lignin content and (C4) area may be reliable indicators for the screening of lignin changes against AFB1 content in the seeds, and thus for seed protection capacity. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A visual discomfort recognition model based on the fusion of multisource information
Authors: Shi Yunyang , Tu Yan , Wang Lili , Zhang Yin , Gao Xin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn experiment was performed to explore the influence of image attributes (white level, black level, color saturation, and sharpness) on visual discomfort, with measurements of the subjective questionnaire, eye movement, and electrocardiogram. The objective and subjective results showed that these image attributes influenced visual discomfort significantly. A visual discomfort recognition model based on Dempster–Shafer evidence theory was proposed according to the experiment results. With multiple features and weighting coefficients, the model could recognize visual discomfort states well.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham COVID‐19 Collaborative Outcomes Research Enterprise: Developing an institutional learning health system in response to the global pandemic
Authors: Anderson Jami L. , Reamey Rebecca A. , Levitan Emily B. , M. Asif Irfan , S. Aswani Monica , Fletcher Faith E. , G. Hall Allyson , Kennedy Kierstin C. , Long Dustin , Redden David , Tunagur Alia , Wasko Molly , Willig James , Wyatt Matthew , Mugavero Michael J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionAs a local response to the COVID‐19 global pandemic, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) established the UAB COVID‐19 Collaborative Outcomes Research Enterprise (CORE), an institutional learning health system (LHS) to achieve an integrated health services outcomes and research response.MethodsWe developed a network of expertise and capabilities to rapidly develop and deploy an institutional‐level interdisciplinary LHS. Based upon a scoping review of the literature and the Knowledge to Action Framework, we adopted a LHS framework identifying contributors and components necessary to developing a system within and between the university academic and medical centers. We used social network analysis to examine the emergence of informal work patterns and diversified network capabilities based on the LHS framework.ResultsThis experience report details three principal characteristics of the UAB COVID‐19 CORE LHS development: (a) identifying network contributors and components; (b) building the institutional network; and (c) diversifying network capabilities. Contributors and committees were identified from seven components of LHS: (a) collaborative and executive leadership committee, (b) research coordinating committee, (c) oversight and ethics committee, (d) thematic scientific working groups, (e) programmatic working groups, (f) informatics capabilities, and (g) patient advisory groups. Evolving from the topical interests of the initial CORE participants, scientific working groups emerged to support the learning system network. Programmatic working groups were charged with developing a comprehensive and mutually accessible COVID‐19 database.DiscussionOur LHS framework allowed for effective integration of multiple academic and medical centers into a cohesive institutional‐level learning system. Network analysis indicated diversity of institutional disciplines, professional rank, and topical focus pertaining to COVID‐19, with each center leveraging existing institutional responsibilities to minimize gaps in network capabilities.ConclusionIncorporating an adapted LHS framework designed for academic medical centers served as a foundational resource supporting further institutional‐level efforts to develop agile and responsive learning networks.
Towards a Functional Atraumatic Self‐Shaping Cochlear Implant
Authors: Bautista‐Salinas Daniel , Abdelaziz Mohamed E. M. K. , Temelkuran Burak , Yeatman Eric M. , Huins Charlie T. , Rodriguez y Baena Ferdinando 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCochlear implants (CIs) have been shown to improve hearing in patients suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. CIs deliver electrical pulses to the hearing nerve via an electrode array that is carefully inserted in the scala tympani in a complex surgical procedure. However, current CIs can cause trauma during insertion, threatening hearing preservation. Existing pre‐curved CIs use external mechanisms to be inserted. In this work, a pre‐curved CI is proposed that curls into the cochlea under the influence of body temperature. By comparison to existing CIs, the proposed device can be smaller and easily inserted. The implant material is implemented in COMSOL to simulate its behavior, and an analytical study is conducted to verify the material model. Two additional studies are carried out to assess the implant recovery forces and their ability to recover shape even with embedded metal. Numerical modeling and experimental tests suggest that the CI recovery forces are below the rupture threshold. The recovery study in a functional self‐shaping CI shows that the device will still be able to curl in the cochlea. This implant concept has thus shown potential to be eventually used in clinical practice and improve hearing outcomes seen at present.
Gamma Radiation Induced Contraction of Alkyne Modified Polymer Hydrogels
Authors: Brevé Tobias G. , Liu Huanhuan , Denkova Antonia G. , Eelkema Rienk 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGamma radiation triggered secondary crosslinking of dextran hydrogels leads to macroscopic hydrogel contraction. The authors use stable polymer hydrogels, prepared through azide‐alkyne crosslinking, containing surplus alkyne groups. γ‐irradiation of these gels leads to more alkyne crosslinking, enabling controlled increase of crosslink density, which in turn leads to an increase of hydrogel stiffness and macroscopic hydrogel contraction. Gel contraction scales linearly with the applied radiation dose. The same mechanism is applied to achieve γ‐radiation triggered release of the small molecule cargo, akin to wringing out a sponge. γ‐irradiation of touching hydrogel objects leads to gel fusion and the formation of a self‐supporting gel connection, demonstrating the reactivity of the excess alkyne groups. They envision applications in gel gluing and the construction of complex gel architectures, as well as in responsive materials for controlled release.
A comparison study of water diffusion in unidirectional and 2D woven carbon/epoxy composites
Authors: Almudaihesh Faisel , Holford Karen , Pullin Rhys , Eaton Mark 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe use of CFRP composites is significantly increasing in the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries, particularly in safety critical primary structures. This work presents a newly developed experimental approach to investigate the directional diffusion of water in CFRP composites with the use of Fick's law. The approach is used to study the effect of fiber architecture on directional diffusion rates, with a particular focus on the role of fiber waviness in the diffusion process. A comparison of water diffusion is made in three different fiber architectures: Unidirectional (UD), plain weave, and twill weave. The specimens were fully immersed in 90°C purified water until their maximum moisture saturation was achieved, with some specimens being selectively exposed from the edges only to obtain the directional diffusion coefficients. The water penetration process into the CFRP structure initiate from the micro‐cracks and defects. The experimental work of this study shows sharp mass increases within the first stage followed by an equilibrium stage where saturation is present. The interfacial region is found to be a critical parameter where detachment of the interfacial fiber/matrix bonding is observed further demonstrating the potential effect of different fiber architecture in this region. UD fiber architecture showed ~20% higher diffusion coefficient in the Dx,y direction compared with plain and twill woven architectures. The weave patterns in 2D woven fiber architectures are therefore believed to play a key role on the moisture ingress mechanism and subsequently contributed in slowing down the capillary process in the interfacial region. This has implications for materials development and selection for CFRP composites used in moist environments.
Open surgery for in utero repair of spina bifida: Microneurosurgery versus standard technique – A systematic review
Authors: Molina‐Giraldo Saulo , Zapata Salcedo Roberto , Rojas Arias José Luis , Acuña Osorio Edgar , Pinto Quiñones Martha Lucia , Restrepo Hector Fabio , Cruz‐Martinez Rogelio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground/objectivesPrenatal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair has been shown to improve neurological outcomes. It has been suggested that decreases in the hysterotomy diameter during surgery can improve perinatal outcomes without altering neurologic outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe and compare the main maternal and fetal outcomes of fetuses undergoing open surgery for MMC repair, through the different modifications (standard‐classical, mini‐hysterotomy, and microneurosurgery).Data sourceMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid, SciELO, LILACS, PROSPERO.ResultsFrom a total of 112 studies, seven case series were selected including 399 fetuses with open fetal surgery, five studies using the classical technique (n = 181), one with mini‐hysterotomy (n = 176), and one with the microneurosurgery technique (n = 42). The mini‐hysterotomy and microneurosurgery techniques presented a lower risk of preterm delivery (21.4% and 30%, respectively) compared to the classic technique (47.3%), premature rupture of membranes (78%, 62%, and 72.5 %, respectively), oligohydramnios (0% and 72.5%, respectively), dehiscence of hysterotomy, maintaining the same frequency of Chiari reversion (78%, 62%, and 72.5%, respectively), postnatal correction requirement (0%, 4.8%, and 5.8%, respectively), and lower frequency of requirement for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (13.0%, 7.5%, and 29.1%, respectively).ConclusionThe least invasive techniques (minihysterotomy‐microneurosurgery) are possible and reproduceable, as they are associated with better maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Transparent backsheets for bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules: Material characterization and accelerated laboratory testing
Authors: Smith Soshana , Perry LaKesha , Watson Stephanie , Moffitt Stephanie L. , Shen Shih‐Jia , Mitterhofer Stefan , Sung Li‐Piin , Jacobs Deborah , Gu Xiaohong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractInterest in bifacial modules has rapidly increased over the past decade due to their ability to generate more power than conventional monofacial photovoltaic (PV) technology as they can absorb sunlight from both sides of the module. Compared to the traditional glass/glass bifacial modules, glass/backsheet modules show many advantages including lighter weight, high light transmittance, and high corrosion resistance. However, research on the weatherability and long‐term reliability of transparent backsheet materials and their usage in bifacial modules under service environments is lacking. In this study, accelerated weather testing using the NIST SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure) was conducted to investigate the durability of three fluoropolymer‐based transparent backsheets and their laminated coupon counterparts. The transparent backsheets were exposed at 75°C/50% relative humidity (RH), while the coupons were exposed at 65°C/50% RH, both subjected to UV irradiance of approximately 140 W/m2 for up to 2000 h. Results indicate that a fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA)‐based transparent backsheet (CB3) exhibited substantial chemical, optical, thermal, and mechanical changes and ultimate cracking after 1200 h (≈600 MJ/m2). The other two backsheets, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF)/PET/FEVE‐based (CB1) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/PET/FEVE‐based (CB2) backsheets, showed no obvious signs of cracking up to 2000 h of UV exposure (≈1000 MJ/m2). For all three backsheets, the PET core layer demonstrated the greatest material property changes after UV exposure indicating that this layer is the most susceptible to UV degradation. Results indicate that the application of transparent backsheets for bifacial modules is promising. However, proper design of the layers of the backsheets for increasing the stability of PET core layer under UV exposure is critical. This study will provide a scientific basis for material choice and product development for a more reliable bifacial PV technology.
Proteomics of ZIKV infected amniotic fluids of microcephalic fetuses reveals extracellular matrix and immune system dysregulation
Authors: Sosa‐Acosta Patricia , Melani Rafael D. , Quiñones‐Vega Mauricio , Melo Adriana , Garcez Patrícia P. , Nogueira Fábio C.S. , Domont Gilberto B. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDuring pregnancy, the vertical transmission of the Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause some disorders in the fetus, called Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Several efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanism of the CZS. However, the study of CZS pathogenesis through infected human samples is scarce. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to identify and understand the biological processes affected by CZS development. We analyzed by a shotgun proteomic approach the amniotic fluid of pregnant women infected with Zika carrying microcephalic (MC+) or non‐microcephalic (Z+) fetuses compared to Zika negative controls (CTR). Several groups of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were dysregulated in the Z+and MC+patients, triggering an opposite dysregulation. The down‐regulation of the ECM proteins in the MC+groups can be another factor that contributes to CZS. On the contrary, the Z+group could be developing a neuroprotective response through ECM proteins up‐regulation. The neutrophil degranulation process was disrupted in the Z+and MC+groups, where the MC+groups showed a complex dysregulation. These results suggest that the microcephalic phenotypes are modulated by a down‐regulation of the ECM and the impairment of the innate immune system processes.