bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing digital replantation versus revision amputation patient reported outcomes for traumatic digital amputations of the hand: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stone Nicholas , Shah Ajay , Chin Brian , McKinnon Victoria , McRae Matthew 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeAdults with traumatic digital amputation (TDA) of the hand may be managed with replantation or revision amputation. To date, there is no systematic review evaluating patient reported outcomes (PROs) comparing replantation versus revision amputation.MethodsThree databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed) were systematically searched in duplicate from inception until June 13, 2019 using Covidence software. Studies comparing replantation versus revision amputation outcomes were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using Methodologic Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Data were pooled in a random‐effects meta‐analysis model using Revman software. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE).ResultsOf 4350 studies identified, 12 retrospective cohort studies met inclusion criteria and compared TDA outcomes for replantation (n = 717; 82.9% male; mean age 40.3) versus revision amputation (n = 1046; 79.8% male; mean age 41.7). The overall replantation survival rate was 85.3%. The average MINORS score was 57% (13.75/24). Replantation of the thumb had a superior Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) score (+11.88, 95% CI [7.78–15.99], I2 = 21%) compared with revision amputation. Replantation of single non‐thumb digits had a superior MHQ score (+5.31, 95% CI [3.10–7.51], I2 = 67%) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score (−5.16, 95% CI [−8.27 to −2.06], I2 = 0%) compared with revision amputation. Most patients in the meta‐analysis were from Asian populations (87.9%).ConclusionThere is low‐quality evidence that thumb replantation achieves superior PROs compared with revision amputation, which may be clinically important. Replantation of single non‐thumb digits also yielded superior PROs, which is likely not clinically important and based on very low‐quality evidence. Future studies with populations outside Asia are required to determine if PROs vary based on cultural differences toward digital amputation.
High‐power, continuous‐wave optical parametric oscillator based on MgO:sPPLT crystal
Authors: Deng Lihua , Yu Yongji , Chang Aolei , Chen Jiansheng , Wang Peng , Tan Huiming , Wu Xiaodong , Yao Wenming , Gao Jing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA high power, high‐conversion‐efficiency, and tunable continuous‐wave external cavity pump singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO) was proposed in this article. This OPO was based on multi‐grating MgO‐doped stoichiometric periodically poled LiTaO3 (MgO:sPPLT) and pumped with 532 nm continuous wave fiber laser. The MgO:sPPLT‐OPO could provide near‐infrared radiation across 821–879 nm in the signal and 1352–1515 nm in the idler within four grating periods of 8.3–8.6 μm. When the pump power was 5.4 W, the maximum pump‐to‐signal conversion efficiency could reach 57.5% at 821 nm. The output power extended to 5.9 W in each period when the pump power reaches 13.6 W.
Quantification of lung water density with UTE Yarnball MRI
Authors: Meadus William Quinn , Stobbe Robert W. , Grenier Justin G. , Beaulieu Christian , Thompson Richard B. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeAn efficient Yarnball ultrashort‐TE k‐space trajectory, in combination with an optimized pulse sequence design and automated image‐processing approach, is proposed for fast and quantitative imaging of water density in the lung parenchyma.MethodsThree‐dimensional Yarnball k‐space trajectories (TE = 0.07 ms) were designed at 3 T for breath‐hold and free‐breathing navigator acquisitions targeting the lung parenchyma (full torso spatial coverage) with minimal T1 and weighting. A composite of all solid tissues surrounding the lungs (muscle, liver, heart, blood pool) was used for user‐independent lung water density signal referencing and B1‐inhomogeneity correction needed for the calculation of relative lung water density images. Sponge phantom experiments were used to validate absolute water density quantification, and relative lung water density was evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers.ResultsPhantom experiments showed excellent agreement between sponge wet weight and imaging‐derived water density. Breath‐hold (13 seconds) and free‐breathing (~2 minutes) Yarnball acquisitions in volunteers (2.5‐mm isotropic resolution) had negligible artifacts and good lung parenchyma SNR (>10). Whole‐lung average relative lung water density values with fully automated analysis were 28.2 ± 1.9% and 28.6 ± 1.8% for breath‐hold and free‐breathing acquisitions, respectively, with good test–retest reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86 and 0.95, respectively).ConclusionsQuantitative lung water density imaging with an optimized Yarnball k‐space acquisition approach is possible in a breath‐hold or short free‐breathing study with automated signal referencing and segmentation.
Use of isotonic contrast solution in the artificial urinary sphincter does not impact device longevity
Authors: Inouye Brian M. , Boysen William R. , Barton Gregory J. , Peterson Andrew C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsThe artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), the gold standard for treatment of male stress urinary incontinence, can be filled with normal saline (NS) or isotonic contrast solution. Surgeons have voiced concerns about the impact on device malfunction and longevity, but no studies address this issue. We used industry data to identify differences in outcomes between NS and contrast‐filled AUS.MethodsOur analysis included all men patients in the industry who maintained the AUS database (Boston Scientific) from 2001 to 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: AUS filled with NS or contrast. Patient demographics and device characteristics were compared. Device survival was defined as time to the need for reoperation. We compared device survival between AUS filled with NS versus contrast using a Kaplan–Meier curve adjusted for age, cuff size, and pressure regulating balloon (PRB) size.ResultsA total of 39,363 patients were included. 34,674 (88.1%) devices were filled with NS. The reoperation rate overall was 24.5%, with no difference between groups. The mean time to reoperation overall was 3 years (±3.0). After adjustment for age, cuff size, and PRB size, Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a similar time to reoperation between the two groups.ConclusionThe use of contrast in the AUS does not appear to change rates of the device malfunction, fluid loss, or need for reoperation. Since filling the device with contrast does not appear inferior to saline in terms of longevity, we feel this should be considered a safe tool for the implanting surgeon.
High prevalence of lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Chao Tze‐Chen , Yang Stephen S.‐D. , Chang Shang‐Jen , Tsai Li‐Ping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsTo report the first noninvasive urodynamic screening of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children, adolescents, and young adults with Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS).MethodsWe recruited 37 PWS patients with/without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from our hospital. Uroflowmetry was performed in 36 patients. In addition, 20 patients underwent postvoid residual urine (PVR) measurement by transabdominal ultrasound. LUTD is defined as abnormal uroflow patterns, low peak flow rate (Qmax), or elevated PVR by age. Videourodynamic study (VUDS) was performed in selected cases.ResultsMean and median age of the patients were 17.7 ± 7.8 years and 16 years. Male to female ratio was 15/22. Two patients were excluded from the following analysis because of voided volume less than or equal to 50 ml. Of the remaining 34 uroflowmetry examination, normal voiding pattern (bell shape) was observed in 22 (64.7%) patients. Abnormal uroflowmetry pattern were obstructive in 6 (17.6%), staccato in 3 (8.8%), intermittent in 2 (5.8%), tower in 1 (2.9%), and plateau in 0 patients. Ten (29.4%) patients had a Qmax less than 15 ml/s. Of 20 patients undergoing PVR tests 10 (50%) had elevated PVR by age ( > 6% of estimated bladder volume). In all, 17/34 (50.0%) PWS patients had at least one abnormality of the noninvasive tests. Of the three cases undergoing VUDS all showed detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.ConclusionsHalf of PWS patients with/without LUTS had LUTD. Noninvasive study such as uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine by ultrasound is recommended to all patients with PWS.
Submodeling in wear predictive finite element models with multipoint contacts
Authors: Curreli Cristina , Viceconti Marco , Di Puccio Francesca 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe application of the submodeling technique to finite element (FE) wear analyses has been recently proposed as an efficient solution to reduce the computational cost of the simulations and provide accurate numerical results. However, the method was validated only on single point contact cases. The present study proposes a generalization of the wear submodeling procedure that can be used to speed up FE wear simulations with multipoint contacts. The modified global–local procedure is applied and evaluated on a double contact pin on plate wear test using three‐dimensional models developed in Ansys® mechanical APDL. Three different model geometries with different curvature radii at the contact regions were considered in order to replicate possible critical scenarios. Results suggest that an additional wear simulation step where the global model is used to simulate the first wear cycles is needed to correctly transfer the boundary conditions to the local models. The new proposed strategy demonstrates the possibility to extend the method to more general FE wear simulations by significantly reducing their computational cost.
Institutional antecedents of public service motivation: Administrative regime and sector of economy
Authors: Prysmakova Palina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNew findings on public service motivation in the public sector often contradict the previous ones. Such deviations are regularly explained by the uniqueness of the institutional settings of the sample. Yet, only few studies have compared PSM across different institutional environments; even less is known about nonprofit employees. We can only speculate that their institutional antecedents of PSM resemble their public counterparts because of the public benefit orientation of their work. Utilizing a Most Similar Systems Design method to test the institutional propositions on a sample of public and nonprofit employees from two different institutional environments, the present study confirms that (a) PSM variation of public employees across different countries can be explained by a state‐level institutional variation, and (b) for PSM of nonprofit employees, the institutional environment of a country may be irrelevant. The results confirm earlier propositions of the sectoral differences of PSM and urge us to revisit the generalizability of the previous findings of PSM relationships because they can be limited by the similarity of the observed systems.
Tailoring fineness and content of nylon‐6 nanofibers for reinforcing optically transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) composites
Authors: Li Biyun , Wei Shuo , Xuan Hongyun , Xue Ye , Yuan Huihua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNanofibers offer great potential for improving the mechanical performance of optically transparent composites without compromising transparency. To achieve this, the reinforcing nanofibers must be thinner than the low end of the visible light spectrum (400 nm). Herein, a self‐mixing co‐electrospinning approach was employed to prepare electrospun meshes of well‐blended nylon‐6 (PA‐6) nanofibers and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibers, from which composite films containing PA‐6 nanofibers with varied diameters (approximately 100–800 nm) and mass fractions (1–7 wt%) were fabricated by hot‐press molding. When the PA‐6 nanofiber content was less than 5 wt%, the mechanical properties of the PA‐6/PMMA composite remarkably improved compared to those of neat PMMA, without considerably influencing its transparency. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the PA‐6/PMMA composite was clearly improved compared to that of neat PMMA. These results suggest that this material has the potential for wider adoption in applications requiring both transparency and high mechanical properties.
The effect of carbon nanotube addition on the mechanical properties and biological functionality of poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone–hydroxyapatite composites
Authors: Rashidi Elham , Rezaie Hamidreza , Ghassai Hossein 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study examines the effect of functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube (CNTs) dispersion on mechanical properties of poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone–hydroxyapatite–carbon nanotubes (PEEK‐HAP‐CNTs) nanocomposite. The nanocomposites have been fabricated for biomedical applications using a melt processing at 400°C. The results showed that CNTs increase the effective contact area between PEEK and HAP in the nanocomposite. The addition of 0.1 wt% CNTs to the composite led to an elastic modulus and compressive strength improvement for 13% and 31% compared to PEEK‐HAP. The scanning electron microscopy images showed the microstructure of the composites. The results of cell attachment, alkaline phosphatase, spreading, proliferation, and alizarin red tests showed that adding CNT into the composite improved the function of MG‐63 cells. In conclusion, PEEK‐HA‐CNT is more suitable to be used as an implant material than PEEK and PEEK‐HA composites.
First trimester fetal proportion volumetric measurements using a Virtual Reality approach
Authors: Wiertsema Clarissa J. , Erkamp Jan S. , Mulders Annemarie G. M. G. J. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Duijts Liesbeth , Koning Anton H. J. , Gaillard Romy , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo establish feasibility and reproducibility of fetal proportion volumetric measurements, using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound and a Virtual Reality (VR) system.MethodsWithin a population‐based prospective birth cohort, 3D ultrasound datasets of 50 fetuses in the late first trimester were collected by three ultrasonographers in a single research center. V‐scope software was used for volumetric measurements of total fetus, extremities, head‐trunk, head, trunk, thorax, and abdomen. All measurements were performed independently by two researchers. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were analyzed using Bland and Altman methods.ResultsIntraobserver and interobserver analyses of volumetric measurements of total fetus, head‐trunk, head, trunk, thorax and abdomen showed intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.979, coefficients of variation below 7.51% and mean difference below 3.44%. The interobserver limits of agreement were within the ±10% range for volumetric measurements of total fetus, head–trunk, head and trunk. The interobserver limits of agreement for extremities, thorax and abdomen were −26.09% to 4.77%, −14.14% to 10.00% and −14.47% to 8.83%, respectively.ConclusionFirst trimester fetal proportion volumetric measurements using 3D ultrasound and VR are feasible and reproducible, except volumetric measurements of the fetal extremities. These novel volumetric measurements may be used in future research to enable detailed studies on first trimester fetal development and growth.
Resourcing, annotating, and analysing synthetic peptides of SARS‐CoV‐2 for immunopeptidomics and other immunological studies
Authors: Li Chen , Revote Jerico , Ramarathinam Sri H. , Chung Shan Zou , Croft Nathan P. , Scull Katherine E. , Huang Ziyi , Ayala Rochelle , Braun Asolina , Mifsud Nicole A. , Illing Patricia T. , Faridi Pouya , Purcell Anthony W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 has caused a significant ongoing pandemic worldwide. A number of studies have examined the T cell mediated immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2, identifying potential T cell epitopes derived from the SARS‐CoV‐2 proteome. Such studies will aid in identifying targets for vaccination and immune monitoring. In this study, we applied tandem mass spectrometry and proteomic techniques to a library of ∼40,000 synthetic peptides, in order to generate a large dataset of SARS‐CoV‐2 derived peptide MS/MS spectra. On this basis, we built an online knowledgebase, termed virusMS (https://virusms.erc.monash.edu/), to document, annotate and analyse these synthetic peptides and their spectral information. VirusMS incorporates a user‐friendly interface to facilitate searching, browsing and downloading the database content. Detailed annotations of the peptides, including experimental information, peptide modifications, predicted peptide‐HLA (human leukocyte antigen) binding affinities, and peptide MS/MS spectral data, are provided in virusMS.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for pulmonary oligometastases as an initial metastasis‐directed therapy: patterns of relapse and predictive factors for early mortality
Authors: Yamamoto Takaya , Niibe Yuzuru , Aoki Masahiko , Onishi Hiroshi , Yamada Kazunari , Shintani Takashi , Yamashita Hideomi , Kobayashi Mitsuru , Oh Ryoong‐Jin , Jingu Keiichi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the early mortality rates and patterns of relapse after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as an initial metastasis‐directed therapy.MethodsPatients with pulmonary oligometastases initially treated with SBRT were included in this retrospective multicenter study. SBRT was performed between 2004 and 2015, and the primary lesion was controlled at the time of SBRT. Multivariate logistic regression was used for early mortality analyses.ResultsA total of 720 patients with 793 oligometastatic tumors for whom the median follow‐up period was 24.6 months were enrolled. The median overall survival period was 53.2 months. The 90‐, 180‐, and 360‐day mortality rates were 1.1% (8 deaths), 2.4% (17 deaths), and 10.8% (71 deaths), respectively. During follow up, 422 patients relapsed. Over 329 patients had single‐site relapse, the most frequent site was the lung in 176; 49 had local failure; and 42 had lymph node metastases. The maximum tumor diameter was significantly related to 90‐day mortality. Maximum tumor diameter, biological effective dose, and performance status were significantly related to 180‐day mortality, whereas maximum tumor diameter, performance status, and pathology were significantly related to 360‐day mortality.ConclusionOur results showed good survival outcomes and low rates of early mortality after SBRT. The patterns of relapse and factors affecting early mortality were revealed.
Knockout of c‐Cbl slows EGFR endocytic trafficking and enhances EGFR signaling despite incompletely blocking receptor ubiquitylation
Authors: Crotchett Brandon L. M. , Ceresa Brian P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEpidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity is necessary and sufficient for corneal epithelial homeostasis. However, the addition of exogenous Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) does not reliably restore the corneal epithelium when wounded. This is likely due to high levels of endogenous EGF in tear fluid as well as desensitization of the EGFR following ligand stimulation. We hypothesize that preventing receptor downregulation is an alternative mechanism to enhance EGFR signaling and promote the restoration of compromised corneas. Ligand‐dependent EGFR ubiquitylation is associated with the targeted degradation of the receptor. In this manuscript, we determine whether knockout of c‐Cbl, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitylates the EGFR, is sufficient to prolong EGFR phosphorylation and sustain signaling. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we generated immortalized human corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells lacking c‐Cbl. Knockout (KO) cells expressed the other E3 ligases at the same levels as the control cells, indicating other E3 ligases were not up‐regulated. As compared to the control cells, EGF‐stimulated EGFR ubiquitylation was reduced in KO cells, but not completely abolished. Similarly, EGF:EGFR trafficking was slowed, with a 35% decrease in the rate of endocytosis and a twofold increase in the receptor half‐life. This resulted in a twofold increase in the magnitude of EGFR phosphorylation, with no change in duration. Conversely, Mitogen Activating Protein Kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation did not increase in magnitude but was sustained for 2–3 h as compared to control cells. We propose antagonizing c‐Cbl will partially alter receptor ubiquitylation and endocytic trafficking but this is sufficient to enhance downstream signaling.
Evaluation of muscle lipid extraction and non‐lethal fin tissue use for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope analyses in adult salmonids
Authors: Larocque Sarah M. , Fisk Aaron T. , Johnson Timothy B. 
Published: April 2021

RationaleChemical lipid extraction or using alternative tissues such as fish fin as opposed to muscle may alter isotopic ratios and influence interpretations of δ13C, δ15N, and previously unassessed δ34S values in stable isotope analyses (SIA). Our objectives were to determine if lipid extraction alters these isotope ratios in muscle, if lipid normalization models can be used for lipid‐rich salmonids, and if fin isotope ratios are comparable with those of muscle in adult salmonids.MethodsIn six adult salmonid species (n = 106) collected from Lake Ontario, we compared three isotope ratios in lipid‐extracted (LE) muscle with bulk muscle, and LE muscle with fin tissue, with paired t‐tests and linear regressions. We compared differences between δ13C values in LE and bulk muscle with predicted values from lipid normalization models and the log‐linear model of best fit and determined model efficiency.ResultsThe δ15N values in LE muscle increased (<1‰) relative to bulk muscle for most salmonids, with relationships nearing 1:1. There were either no differences or strong 1:1 relationships in δ34S values between species‐specific bulk and LE muscle. One lipid normalization model had greater model efficiency (97%) than the model of best fit (94%). Fin had higher δ13C values than LE muscle while δ15N trends varied (<1‰); however, both isotope ratios had either no or weak linear relationships with fin and LE muscle within species. The δ34S values in fin were similar to those in LE muscle and had strong 1:1 relationships across species.ConclusionsWe recommend using the lipid normalization model to adjust for δ13C values in lipid‐rich muscle (C:N >3.4). LE muscle could be used without δ15N or δ34S adjustments, but the minimal increase in δ15N values may affect SIA interpretation. With high unexplained variability among adult species in fin‐muscle δ13C and δ15N relationships, species‐specific fin‐muscle adjustments are warranted. No fin‐muscle tissue adjustment would be required for δ34S values.
Do crude oil futures still fuel portfolio performance?
Authors: Vinzelberg Anja , Auer Benjamin R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMotivated by significant changes in the dynamics of crude oil markets, we revisit the question of whether crude oil futures are a valuable addition to typical stock and bond portfolios. To answer this question, we use a mean‐variance framework with established heuristic and classic weighting schemes and, in addition, derive optimal asset weights based on forward‐looking estimates of expected returns (via univariate forecast combinations and multivariate LASSO regressions) and covariances (via DCC‐GARCH and GO‐GARCH models). We find that crude oil futures tend to be of limited benefit for investors. In recent data, their optimal weights are very low and they typically do not enhance out‐of‐sample portfolio performance. These findings hold in a variety of robustness checks with respect to different datasets, estimation windows, regression specifications, GARCH models, and transaction costs.