bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter Alters Cholinergic Tone and Synaptic Plasticity in DYT1 Dystonia
Authors: Tassone Annalisa , Martella Giuseppina , Meringolo Maria , Vanni Valentina , Sciamanna Giuseppe , Ponterio Giulia , Imbriani Paola , Bonsi Paola , Pisani Antonio 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundAcetylcholine‐mediated transmission plays a central role in the impairment of corticostriatal synaptic activity and plasticity in multiple DYT1 mouse models. However, the nature of such alteration remains unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of the present work was to characterize the mechanistic basis of cholinergic dysfunction in DYT1 dystonia to identify potential targets for pharmacological intervention.MethodsWe utilized electrophysiology recordings, immunohistochemistry, enzymatic activity assays, and Western blotting techniques to analyze in detail the cholinergic machinery in the dorsal striatum of the Tor1a+/− mouse model of DYT1 dystonia.ResultsWe found a significant increase in the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) protein level, the protein responsible for loading acetylcholine (ACh) from the cytosol into synaptic vesicles, which indicates an altered cholinergic tone. Accordingly, in Tor1a+/− mice we measured a robust elevation in basal ACh content coupled to a compensatory enhancement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity. Moreover, pharmacological activation of dopamine D2 receptors, which is expected to reduce ACh levels, caused an abnormal elevation in its content, as compared to controls. Patch‐clamp recordings revealed a reduced effect of AChE inhibitors on cholinergic interneuron excitability, whereas muscarinic autoreceptor function was preserved. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that blockade of VAChT could restore corticostriatal long‐term synaptic plasticity deficits. Vesamicol, a selective VAChT inhibitor, rescued a normal expression of synaptic plasticity.ConclusionsOverall, our findings indicate that VAChT is a key player in the alterations of striatal plasticity and a novel target to normalize cholinergic dysfunction observed in DYT1 dystonia. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Multi‐band bandpass filter based on direct‐connected T‐shaped stub‐loaded resonator
Authors: Wu Jia‐Kang , Liang Jun‐Ge , Wang Xiao , Kim Nam‐Young , Gu Xiaofeng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we proposed an optimized structure, named direct‐connected T‐shaped stub‐loaded resonator (DC‐TSSLR), which generates nine high‐performance resonant modes (RMs) while the conventional works only produces two RMs (odd‐ and even‐mode) with the similar structure. Based on this method, a triple‐band nine‐RM bandpass filter (BPF) is realized with fractional bandwidths (FBW) of 65%, 42%, and 31%, the insertion losses (IL) of 0.11 dB, 0.21 dB, and 0.37 dB and the return losses (RL) of 42.9 dB, 44.5 dB, and 42.9 dB, respectively. In addition, this scheme was further developed into a modularized design for multi‐mode filter design. As example, by cascading another DC‐TSSLR, a dual‐wideband BPF with eight RMs is realized with the FBW of 55% and 38%, the IL of 0.15 dB and 0.4 dB and the RLs of 16.2 dB and 21.7 dB, respectively. The proposed method offers a modularized‐design scheme for multiband BPF design as well as the reference for RMs modulation.
Modeling viscous damping in actuated breast tissue to provide diagnostic insight for breast cancer: A proof‐of‐concept analysis
Authors: Fitzjohn Jessica L. , Zhou Cong , Chase J. Geoffrey , Ormsby Zane , Haggers Marcus 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study develops a viscous damping model (VDM) based on Rayleigh Damping (RD) with potential use in low cost, non‐invasive breast cancer diagnostics using Digital Image Elasto Tomography (DIET).MethodsA clinical trial involving 13 subjects, each with a tumor in one breast, resulted in 13 cancerous and 13 healthy breasts. Displacement data following actuator induced steady state vibration in the breast tissue were captured using the DIET system. Over 14 000 reference points on the breast surface were split into four segments and viscous damping constant calculated for each reference point. The VDM was fit to median‐filtered data for each breast segment and VDM coefficients compared within each breast. One model coefficient, relating to stiffness, was hypothesized to differ in breast segments containing a tumor. Comparison of “” coefficients in different breast segments using percentage tolerances provided an unbiased, generalizable diagnostic method. Bootstrapping with replacement was used to upsample the data and create smooth receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 12 breast segmentation configurations were used to demonstrate the robustness of the method.ResultsFitting the VDM to median‐filtered data gave consistent results for one VDM coefficient (“”) across all breasts. The second VDM coefficient (“”) showed diagnostic potential with breast segments having consistent coefficients in healthy breasts. In cancerous breasts “” coefficients were found to be statistically different in segments containing and adjacent to the tumor compared with the segment furthest from the tumor with p < 0.02 using the Student t‐Test. Large discrepancies in “” coefficients were found to be indicative of a tumor with a 14.5% tolerance resulting in sensitivity and specificity of 76.9%. The optimal breast configuration resulted in an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.81 with sensitivity and specificity at 77% and 72%, respectively.ConclusionThis VDM method enables a computationally simple diagnostic technique using DIET for comfortable breast screening for women of all ages. Regular screening potential allows for tolerance alteration based on age, prior subject‐specific results, and other risk factors to manage false positives, reducing psychological harm while optimizing early detection for successful treatment and decreased mortality.
Technical Note: End‐to‐end verification of an MR‐Linac using a dynamic motion phantom
Authors: Liu Xuechun , Li Chengqiang , Zhu Jian , Gong Guanzhong , Sun Hongqiang , Li Xu , Sun Mengdi , Zhang Zicheng , Li Baosheng , Yin Yong , Li Zhenjiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeMR‐Linac integrates an MRI scanner and a linear accelerator to provide adaptive radiation treatment. Superior tissue contrast and real‐time imaging can give the clinicians confidence to reduce the margins of the planning target volume (PTV). The purpose of this study was to verify the dosimetric accuracy of an MR‐Linac system in treating a moving target and assess the error with different motion patterns and adaptation methods.MethodsWe performed an end‐to‐end test for Elekta Unity (Elekta) using the 4D Dynamic Thorax Phantom (CIRS MRgRT 008Z), comparing the measured and planned dose. The moving phantom had four measurement locations in the tumor, liver, kidney, and spinal cord regions with a PTW30013 ion chamber. For seven different motion patterns, we first acquired simulation CT using a slow‐scanning protocol, based on which we generated reference plans. The treatment technique was the standard intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). We tested both adaptation workflows: the Adapt‐to‐Position (ATP) and the Adapt‐to‐Shape (ATS). The three‐dimensional (3D) distribution was measured using a diode array phantom (Sun Nuclear Inc.) to check the dose distribution accuracy as part of the routine QA process. We also performed end‐to‐end tests on a conventional Linac. Finally, we used SPSS Statistics 22.0 (Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for data analysis.ResultsAll pretreatment reference plans and delivered plans had excellent QA results with a better than 95% passing rate of relative gamma analysis (2%/2 mm criteria). The adaptive planning for MR‐Linac produced quality plans. The measured dose in the target agreed with the calculated dose.ConclusionsThe adaptive treatment on the MR‐Linac system investigated met the expected performance with tumor motions. The outline of the target could be visualized and accurately contoured on the 3D MR for online planning. Under different motion patterns, the difference between the measured and calculated dose was acceptable clinically.
Dynamic cardiac PET motion correction using 3D normalized gradient fields in patients and phantom simulations
Authors: Nye Jonathon A. , Piccinelli Marina , Hwang Doyeon , David Cooke Charles , Paeng Jin Chul , Lee Joo Myung , Cho Sang‐Geon , Folks Russell , Bom Hee‐Seung , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Garcia Ernest V. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis work expands on the implementation of three‐dimensional (3D) normalized gradient fields to correct for whole‐body motion and cardiac creep in [N‐13]‐ammonia patient studies and evaluates its accuracy using a dynamic phantom simulation model.MethodsA full rigid‐body algorithm was developed using 3D normalized gradient fields including a multi‐resolution step and sampling off the voxel grid to reduce interpolation artifacts. Optimization was performed using a weighted similarity metric that accounts for opposing gradients between images of blood pool and perfused tissue without the need for segmentation. Forty‐three retrospective dynamic [N‐13]‐ammonia PET/CT rest/adenosine‐stress patient studies were motion corrected and the mean motion parameters plotted at each frame time point. Motion correction accuracy was assessed using a comprehensive dynamic XCAT simulation incorporating published physiologic parameters of the heart's trajectory following adenosine infusion as well as corrupted attenuation correction commonly observed in clinical studies. Accuracy of the algorithm was assessed objectively by comparing the errors between isosurfaces and centers of mass of the motion corrected XCAT simulations.ResultsIn the patient studies, the overall mean cranial‐to‐caudal translation was 7 mm at stress over the duration of the adenosine infusion. Noninvasive clinical measures of relative flow reserve and myocardial flow reserve were highly correlated with their invasive analogues. Motion correction accuracy assessed with the XCAT simulations showed an error of <1 mm in late perfusion frames that broadened gradually to <3 mm in earlier frames containing blood pool.ConclusionThis work demonstrates that patients undergoing [N‐13]‐ammonia dynamic PET/CT exhibit a large cranial‐to‐caudal translation related to cardiac creep primarily at stress and to a lesser extent at rest, which can be accurately corrected by optimizing their 3D normalized gradient fields. Our approach provides a solution to the challenging condition where the image intensity and its gradients are opposed without the need for segmentation and remains robust in the presence of PET‐CT mismatch.
Denoising of hyperpolarized 13C MR images of the human brain using patch‐based higher‐order singular value decomposition
Authors: Kim Yaewon , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Autry Adam W. , Villanueva‐Meyer Javier , Chang Susan M. , Li Yan , Larson Peder E. Z. , Brender Jeffrey R. , Krishna Murali C. , Xu Duan , Vigneron Daniel B. , Gordon Jeremy W. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo improve hyperpolarized 13C (HP‐13C) MRI by image denoising with a new approach, patch‐based higher‐order singular value decomposition (HOSVD).MethodsThe benefit of using a patch‐based HOSVD method to denoise dynamic HP‐13C MR imaging data was investigated. Image quality and the accuracy of quantitative analyses following denoising were evaluated first using simulated data of [1‐13C]pyruvate and its metabolic product, [1‐13C]lactate, and compared the results to a global HOSVD method. The patch‐based HOSVD method was then applied to healthy volunteer HP [1‐13C]pyruvate EPI studies. Voxel‐wise kinetic modeling was performed on both non‐denoised and denoised data to compare the number of voxels quantifiable based on SNR criteria and fitting error.ResultsSimulation results demonstrated an 8‐fold increase in the calculated SNR of [1‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]lactate with the patch‐based HOSVD denoising. The voxel‐wise quantification of kPL (pyruvate‐to‐lactate conversion rate) showed a 9‐fold decrease in standard errors for the fitted kPL after denoising. The patch‐based denoising performed superior to the global denoising in recovering kPL information. In volunteer data sets, [1‐13C]lactate and [13C]bicarbonate signals became distinguishable from noise across captured time points with over a 5‐fold apparent SNR gain. This resulted in >3‐fold increase in the number of voxels quantifiable for mapping kPB (pyruvate‐to‐bicarbonate conversion rate) and whole brain coverage for mapping kPL.ConclusionsSensitivity enhancement provided by this denoising significantly improved quantification of metabolite dynamics and could benefit future studies by improving image quality, enabling higher spatial resolution, and facilitating the extraction of metabolic information for clinical research.
3D printed step‐gradient composite hydrogels for directed migration and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Motealleh Andisheh , Schulten Alicia , Kehr Nermin S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWith the aid of a 3D printing technique, we create a 3D printed step‐gradient (nano)composite scaffold (GradS). GradS is generated by spatially connecting different (nano)composite hydrogel precursors varying in their concentrations of GelMA, alginate, and functional nanomaterials [DexPMO‐PDL = dexamethasone (Dex)‐ and poly‐d‐lysine (PDL)‐functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO)]. GradS not only allows for improving the viability of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM MSC), but GradS is also applied to direct the migration of hBM MSC toward the higher concentration of GelMA and nanomaterials (NMs) within the 3D gradient porous hydrogel network. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the osteogenic differentiation capacity of hBM MSC is promoted by an increase in the content of GelMA andDexPMO‐PDL; increasing concentrations of GelMA andDexPMO‐PDL within the GradS regulates the migration and subsequent osteogenic differentiation of hBM MSC within the 3D gradient hydrogel network.
Association between female urinary urgency and aponeurotic ptosis: Results from a community‐based cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Ozaki Yusuke , Okamoto Teppei , Miura Yuuki , Iida Keiichiro , Uemura Nozomi , Sugimura Yoshikuni , Hatakeyama Shingo , Urushidate Satoshi , Ohyama Chikara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationship between urinary urgency (UU) and aponeurotic ptosis (AP) in a health promotion project.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study analyzed 658 women in Aomori, Japan. The presence of UU was evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. The distance from the light reflex on the cornea to the upper eyelid (margin reflex distance‐1 [MRD‐1]) was measured. AP was defined as MRD‐1 of less than 2.0 mm. The daily salt intake amount was estimated using the dietary questionnaire. Daily salt intake was defined as excessive if it was 10 g/day or higher. Independent factors of UU and AP were analyzed via multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsThe number of women with UU and AP was 193 and 65, respectively. Similar background differences were observed in age, cardiovascular disease history, renal function, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and daily salt intake between participants with UU and those with AP. Participants with UU had a higher prevalence of AP (19% vs. 6.2%) than those without. Moreover, more than 50% of the women with AP experienced UU. Multivariable logistic analysis on UU showed that age (≥65 years), diabetes mellitus, daily salt intake (≥10 g/day), and AP (odds ratio, 2.07, p = .014) were independent factors. Multivariable analysis on AP revealed that age (≥65 years), hypertension, daily salt intake (≥10 g/day), and UU were independent factors.ConclusionsAP was an independent indicator of UU, in addition to excessive daily salt intake. Women with AP may tend to intake excessive salt and experience UU.
Cutaneous melanoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Lopez Almaraz Ricardo , Reguerre Yves , Cesen Maja , Bergamaschi Luca , Indini Alice , Schneider Dominik T. , Godzinski Jan , Bien Ewa , Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Eigentler Thomas K. , Chiaravalli Stefano , Krawczyk Malgorzata A. , Pappo Alberto , Orbach Daniel , Bisogno Gianni , Brecht Ines B. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCutaneous melanoma is rare in children and, like other very rare pediatric tumors, it suffers from a shortage of knowledge and clinical expertise. The clinical management of pediatric melanoma is often challenging. Its clinical and pathological diagnosis may be difficult, and there is no standard treatment. In the absence of specific treatment guidelines, young patients are generally treated following the same principle as for adults, but concern remains about their access to clinical trials and new drugs, which have been shown to dramatically change the natural history of advanced melanoma. This paper presents the internationally recognized recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with cutaneous melanoma, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) within the EU‐funded project called PARTNER (Paediatric Rare Tumours Network ‐ European Registry). Main recommendations for melanoma are to discuss pediatric patients in multidisciplinary teams that include both pediatric oncologists and specialists in adult melanoma; to enroll patients in prospective trials, if available; to collect data in national–international databases; and to develop an effective international collaboration between pediatric and adult melanoma groups in order to facilitate the transfer of potentially effective new agents from the adult to the pediatric setting.
Facing the challenges of very rare tumors of pediatric age: The European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) background, goals, and achievements
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Schneider Dominik T. , Bisogno Gianni , Reguerre Yves , Godzinski Jan , Bien Ewa , Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Cecchetto Giovanni , Brennan Bernadette , Roganovic Jelena , Ben‐Ami Tal , Virgone Calogero , Farinha Nuno Reis , Mancini Serena , Orbach Daniel , Brecht Ines B. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIt has become increasingly clear in recent years that we need to develop ad hoc strategies to combat very rare tumors (VRT) of pediatric age. In 2008, several schemes being run in different countries were pooled together to create the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) project: a cooperative study group that aimed to promote research in the relatively uncharted territory of rare tumors of pediatric age. EXPeRT members were able to activate different levels of cooperation to achieve their goals, and to obtain dedicated funding by participating in EU‐financed projects. Their experiences emphasize the merits of networking, seeking new partnerships, joining forces, and pooling resources to extend the reach of research efforts, and ultimately improve the quality of patient care. Between 2018 and 2021, the EXPeRT has been active in establishing the Pediatric Rare Tumors Network ‐ European Registry (PARTNER). This project had the main purposes of building a European common registry of pediatric VRT, but also the major task of developing diagnostic and treatment guidelines for VRT (or at least part of them). These clinical recommendations are the subject of a series of papers on Pediatric Blood and Cancer.
Pancreatoblastoma in children: EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations
Authors: Bien Ewa , Roganovic Jelena , Krawczyk Malgorzata A. , Godzinski Jan , Orbach Daniel , Cecchetto Giovanni , Barthlen Winfred , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie , Ferrari Andrea , Weldon Christopher B. , Brecht Ines B. , Schneider Dominik T. , Bisogno Gianni , Kolenova Alexandra , Ben‐Ami Tal , Martinova Kata , Virgone Calogero , Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Kachanov Denis , Reguerre Yves 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPancreatoblastoma (PBL) is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm that affects typically young children. Signs related to advanced upper‐abdominal tumor accompanied by elevated serum α‐fetoprotein levels in a young child suggest PBL, however histopathological confirmation is mandatory. The mainstay of the treatment is a complete surgical resection. Unresectable and/or metastatic PBL may become amenable to complete delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This manuscript presents the international consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children with PBL, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) within the EU‐funded PARTNER (Paediatric Rare Tumors Network – European Registry) project.
Efficient reinforcement of epoxy resin with amine‐rich rigid short‐chain grafted graphene oxide
Authors: Shen Lu , Zhang Xueqin , Lei Yanzhou , Liang Mei , Chen Yang , Chen Wenbin , Zou Huawei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFor improving the mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP), it is an effective strategy to utilize surface‐modified graphene oxide (GO) as a reinforcement. However, there is nearly no report on surface modification using rigid short‐chain grafted GO, especially with multiple reactive sites. In this work, a novel surface functionalization of GO with an amine‐rich rigid short‐chain was successfully prepared and applied as a filler for EP with simultaneously high toughness and mechanical strength. Superior toughness and mechanical strength of the resultant epoxy nanocomposite can be obtained by grafting amine‐rich rigid short‐chain onto GO (DHN‐GO) owing to the enhanced interface binding ability with the EP and the optimized dispersibility in the matrix. Compared with the pure EP, the epoxy nanocomposites at an extremely low loading (0.75 wt‰) of DHN‐GO showed excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and bending strength are increased by 28%, 37%, and 29%, respectively. This work is expected to provide more inspiration for the preparation of GO/EP composites with high toughness and mechanical strength.
Carbon nanotubes interaction with amorphous and semi‐crystalline domains of polypropylene in melt‐mixed composites: Influence of multiwall carbon nanotubes agglomerate and their modifications
Authors: Banerjee Joyita , Samajdar Rajarshi , Kummara Sreenivas , Panwar Ajay S. , Mukhopadhyay Kingsuk , Saxena Arvind K. , Bhattacharyya Arup R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites were prepared by melt‐mixing with two types of MWCNTs of varying agglomerate size. Agglomerate dominated dispersion was observed in the PP matrix, wherein N‐MWCNTs exhibit a finer dispersion as compared to D‐MWCNTs. Further, MWCNTs were encapsulated by Li‐salt of 6‐amino caproic acid in various proportions along with PP‐g‐maleic anhydride in order to achieve finer MWCNTs dispersion. Thermogravimetric analysis exhibited an increase in onset of degradation temperature and higher residual weight (%) at 500 °C of PP with increased MWCNTs concentration, which suggests the formation of a thicker “interphase.” Glass transition temperature of the PP phase was increased monotonically as a function of unmodified MWCNTs concentration, which suggests a strong interfacial interaction between PP and MWCNTs. An extensive analysis was carried out with modified MWCNTs based PP composites. Moreover, MWCNTs act as a strong hetero‐nucleating agent manifesting in smaller spherulite size of PP, wherein bulk crystallization temperature is increased to ~130 °C of the PP phase at 5 wt% MWCNTs content. The influence of unmodified and modified MWCNTs on the interaction between the PP chains and MWCNTs in the amorphous phase as well as in the crystalline domains are analyzed in PP/MWCNTs composites.