bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Properties of Modified Poly(butylene terephthalate) with Two‐Step Chain Extension
Authors: Li Xun , Xia Min , Qiu Di , Long Ren , Huang Zihan , Li Jie , Long Shijun , Li Xuefeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHigh‐viscosity, low‐crosslinked poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) from organic chain extenders and inorganic particles are prepared. PBT modification adopted from multifunctional, commercially available chain extension containing nine epoxy groups (ADR9) occurs in the first‐step chain extension; hydroxyl addition modified dioxazoline (BOZ) serves as the second step. Anion stratiform inorganic hydrotalcite (HT) is used to adjust the crystallization behavior and damp‐heat aging properties of PBT. The reaction between the chain extender and PBT end‐groups such as carboxyl (–COOH) and hydroxyl (–OH) enhances the interfacial bonding between the PBT matrix and dispersed HT phases. With a fraction of chain extenders in the PBT matrix, the chain‐extended PBT exhibits higher mechanical properties, intrinsic viscosity, average molecular weight, and melt viscosity than those of unmodified PBT. Damp‐heat aging resistance measurements show correlation with initial carboxyl content in the resin. Reducing the concentration of carboxyl end‐groups in the resin is shown to increase hydrolytic stability. The modified PBT resin can be used in optical fiber communication cable industry for its high level of damp‐heat aging resistance as well as good mechanic properties.
Light‐Associated Surface Wrinkling‐Based Metrology for the Photosoftening Characterization in Azobenzene‐Polymer Supramolecular Complexes
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Han Xue , Ji Haipeng , Lu Conghua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs an intriguing characteristic of azobenzene‐containing materials (azo‐materials), photoinduced changes in mechanical properties (e.g., photosoftening) have stimulated many efforts both theoretically and experimentally. Here a simple yet powerful tool (i.e., a light‐associated surface wrinkling‐based method) to study the photosoftening effect in azobenzene‐polymer (azo‐polymer) supramolecular complexes is reported. The photo‐induced modulus decrease of supramolecular complex films is deduced by analyzing the change of critical wrinkle wavelength of strain‐induced surface wrinkling, in the case of varying experiment parameters. In particular, thanks to the facile modular tunability of the supramolecular system, the photosoftening effect has been systematically investigated as a function of azo‐moiety content and the molecular weight of the host polymer. Notably, a photosoftening coefficient that is related to the chemical composition/structure of azo‐polymers is introduced, and a simple formula that can quantify the connection of the photosoftening with external irradiation conditions and internal chemical factors of azo‐polymers is derived for the first time. The obtained results are of great importance not only to enhance understanding of the photosoftening mechanism, but also to thoroughly apply it in diverse smart fields.
Multidimensional Apathy: The Utility of the Dimensional Apathy Scale in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Atkins Kelly J. , Andrews Sophie C. , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Stout Julie C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundApathy is a disorder of motivation common to Huntington's disease (HD). Recent conceptual frameworks suggest that apathy is not unitary but consists of discrete subtypes (“dimensions”). Which of the proposed dimensions are preferentially affected in HD, and how these dimensions evolve with disease progression is unknown.ObjectivesThe Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS) separates apathy into Executive, Initiation and Emotional subscales. Using the DAS, we aimed to: 1) Determine the apathy subtypes prevalent in HD; 2) Compare the DAS against a unitary measure of apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale, AES); 3) Assess the reliability of self‐ and observer‐ratings; and 4) Determine the relationship between the DAS, and disease burden, total functional capacity (TFC) and the AES.MethodFifty pre‐manifest, 51 manifest‐HD, 87 controls, and 50 HD‐observers completed the DAS, AES, and TFC.ResultsManifest‐HD participants had the highest levels of apathy across all dimensions (30.4% on Executive subscale, 34.8% on Initiation subscale, and 15.2% on Emotional subscale), relative to pre‐manifest and control participants. Self‐ and observer‐ratings on the DAS did not differ. Hierarchical regressions across the entire gene‐expanded sample showed that scores on the Initiation subscale correlated with AES scores; higher Executive subscale scores were related to higher disease burden; and Emotional subscale scores with lower total functional capacity.ConclusionsIn this first study of the DAS in HD, manifest‐HD participants were more apathetic than pre‐manifest and control participants across all apathy subtypes. The DAS may be a useful tool for measuring different aspects of apathy in people with HD.
The association of lncRNA SNPs and SNPs‐environment interactions based on GWAS with HBV‐related HCC risk and progression
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Guiyan , Lin Zhifeng , Lin Ziqiang , Tian NaNa , Lin Xinqi , Tan Jianyi , Huang Baoying , Ji Xiaohui , Pi Lucheng , Yu Xinfa , Liu Li , Gao Yanhui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an essential role in hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV‐related HCC) occurrence and development. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may affect HBV‐related HCC susceptibility by altering the function of lncRNA. However, the relationship between lncRNA SNPs and HBV‐related HCC occurrence and development is still unclear.MethodsIn the present study, based on HBV‐related HCC genome‐wide association studies, eight potentially functional SNPs from two lncRNAs were predicted using a set of bioinformatics strategies. In 643 HBV‐related HCC patients, 549 CHB carriers, and 553 HBV natural clearance subjects from Southern Chinese, we evaluated associations between SNPs and HBV‐related HCC occurrence or development with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) under credible genetic models.ResultsIn HBV‐related HCC patients, rs9908998 was found to significantly increase the risk of lymphatic metastasis under recessive model (Adjusted OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.20–3.17). Lnc‐RP11‐150O12.3 rs2275959, rs1008547, and rs11776545 with cancer family history may show significant multiplicative and additive interactions on HBV‐related HCC susceptibility (all pAdjusted < .05). The associations of rs2275959, rs1008547, and rs11776545 with distant metastasis of HBV‐related HCC patients were observed in additive model (Adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06–1.97 for rs2275959; Adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06–1.98 for rs1008547; Adjusted OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.03–1.91 for rs11776545).ConclusionTaken together, lnc‐ACACA‐1 rs9908998, lnc‐RP11‐150O12.3 rs2275959, rs1008547, and rs11776545 might be predictors for HBV‐related HCC risk or prognosis.
Vanishing white matter: Eukaryotic initiation factor 2B model and the impact of missense mutations
Authors: Slynko Inna , Nguyen Stephanie , Hamilton Eline M. C. , Wisse Lisanne E. , de Esch Iwan J. P. , de Graaf Chris , Bruning John B. , Proud Christopher G. , Abbink Truus E. M. , van der Knaap Marjo S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundVanishing white matter (VWM) is a leukodystrophy, caused by recessive mutations in eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B)‐subunit genes (EIF2B1–EIF2B5); 80% are missense mutations. Clinical severity is highly variable, with a strong, unexplained genotype–phenotype correlation.Materials and MethodsWith information from a recent natural history study, we severity‐graded 97 missense mutations. Using in silico modeling, we created a new human eIF2B model structure, onto which we mapped the missense mutations. Mutated residues were assessed for location in subunits, eIF2B complex, and functional domains, and for information on biochemical activity.ResultsOver 50% of mutations have (ultra‐)severe phenotypic effects. About 60% affect the ε‐subunit, containing the catalytic domain, mostly with (ultra‐)severe effects. About 55% affect subunit cores, with variable clinical severity. About 36% affect subunit interfaces, mostly with severe effects. Very few mutations occur on the external eIf2B surface, perhaps because they have minor functional effects and are tolerated. One external surface mutation affects eIF2B‐substrate interaction and is associated with ultra‐severe phenotype.ConclusionMutations that lead to (ultra‐)severe disease mostly affect amino acids with pivotal roles in complex formation and function of eIF2B. Therapies for VWM are emerging and reliable mutation‐based phenotype prediction is required for propensity score matching for trials and in the future for individualized therapy decisions.
Isobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with autism in a girl without an alternative genetic diagnosis by trio whole exome sequencing: A case report
Authors: Eleftheriadou Maria , Medici‐ van den Herik Evita , Stuurman Kyra , van Bever Yolande , Hellebrekers Debby M. E. I. , van Slegtenhorst Marjon , Ruijter George , Barakat Tahsin Stefan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundIsobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (IBD) is a mitochondrial enzyme catalysing the third step in the degradation of the essential branched‐chain amino acid valine and is encoded by ACAD8. ACAD8 mutations lead to isobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (IBDD), which is identified by increased C4‐acylcarnitine levels. Affected individuals are either asymptomatic or display a variety of symptoms during infancy, including speech delay, cognitive impairment, failure to thrive, hypotonia, and emesis.MethodsHere, we review all previously published IBDD patients and describe a girl diagnosed with IBDD who was presenting with autism as the main disease feature.ResultsTo assess whether a phenotype‐genotype correlation exists that could explain the development or absence of clinical symptoms in IBDD, we compared CADD scores, in silico mutation predictions, LoF tolerance scores and C4‐acylcarnitine levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Statistical analysis of these parameters did not establish significant differences amongst both groups.ConclusionAs in our proband, trio whole exome sequencing did not establish an alternative secondary genetic diagnosis for autism, and reported long‐term follow‐up of IBDD patients is limited, it is possible that autism spectrum disorders could be one of the disease‐associated features. Further long‐term follow‐up is suggested in order to delineate the full clinical spectrum associated with IBDD.
Improving efficiency of training a virtual treatment planner network via knowledge‐guided deep reinforcement learning for intelligent automatic treatment planning of radiotherapy
Authors: Shen Chenyang , Chen Liyuan , Gonzalez Yesenia , Jia Xun 
Published: January 2021

PurposeWe previously proposed an intelligent automatic treatment planning framework for radiotherapy, in which a virtual treatment planner network (VTPN) is built using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to operate a treatment planning system (TPS) by adjusting treatment planning parameters in it to generate high‐quality plans. We demonstrated the potential feasibility of this idea in prostate cancer intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Despite the success, the process to train a VTPN via the standard DRL approach with an ϵ‐greedy algorithm was time‐consuming. The required training time was expected to grow with the complexity of the treatment planning problem, preventing the development of VTPN for more complicated but clinically relevant scenarios. In this study, we proposed a novel knowledge‐guided DRL (KgDRL) approach that incorporated knowledge from human planners to guide the training process to improve the efficiency of training a VTPN.MethodUsing prostate cancer IMRT as a test bed, we first summarized a number of rules in the actions of adjusting treatment planning parameters of our in‐house TPS. During the training process of VTPN, in addition to randomly navigating the large state‐action space, as in the standard DRL approach using the ϵ‐greedy algorithm, we also sampled actions defined by the rules. The priority of sampling actions from rules decreased over the training process to encourage VTPN to explore new policy on parameter adjustment that were not covered by the rules. To test this idea, we trained a VTPN using KgDRL and compared its performance with another VTPN trained using the standard DRL approach. Both networks were trained using 10 training patient cases and five additional cases for validation, while another 59 cases were employed for the evaluation purpose.ResultsIt was found that both VTPNs trained via KgDRL and standard DRL spontaneously learned how to operate the in‐house TPS to generate high‐quality plans, achieving plan quality scores of 8.82 (±0.29) and 8.43 (±0.48), respectively. Both VTPNs outperformed treatment planning purely based on the rules, which had a plan score of 7.81 (±1.59). VTPN trained with eight episodes using KgDRL was able to perform similar to that trained using DRL with 100 epochs. The training time was reduced from more than a week to ~13 hrs.ConclusionThe proposed KgDRL framework was effective in accelerating the training process of a VTPN by incorporating human knowledge, which will facilitate the development of VTPN for more complicated treatment planning scenarios.
Effect of contrast agent administration on water equivalent diameter in CT
Authors: Viggiano Benjamin , Rose Sean , Szczykutowicz Timothy P. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeWater equivalent diameter (WED) is the preferred surrogate for patient size in computed tomography (CT). It is better than geometric size surrogates and patient weight/height/BMI/age because it correlates the best with x‐ray attenuation. The administration of oral/IV contrast agents increases a patient’s attenuation and should therefore increase WED. Here we study the clinically relevant effect of oral and IV contrast agent on WED.MethodsWe pulled 1703 routine adult abdominal/pelvis cases acquired at 100, 120, and 140 kV from our PACS under retrospective IRB approval. One hundred and forty cases cases had no oral or IV contrast (NONCON), 285 had just IV contrast (IV), 107 had just oral contrast (ORAL), and 1171 had both oral and IV contrast (BOTH). For each case, we measured the water equivalent and effective diameter (ED) from axial CT images. We plotted the WED versus the ED for each class of contrast. We used a linear regression model and omnibus F‐test to determine if significant differences between WED distributions existed between the contrast groups for each kV. We then performed a post hoc analysis to determine if any significant differences existed in pairwise comparisons of the different contrast groups. Bonferroni correction was used to account for multiple comparisons.ResultsWe found statistically significant changes at 100 and 120 kV with a maximum change of 2.1 mm. We measured a ~25 mm spread (i.e., prediction interval) of WEDs within all four contrast groups.ConclusionsWhile our sample size was large enough to detect statistically significant differences between some of the contrast groups, the differences were clinically irrelevant when one considers that the change in size‐specific dose estimate (SSDE) caused by our observations is roughly 1%.
Meiotic synapsis of homeologous chromosomes and mismatch repair protein detection in the parthenogenetic rock lizard Darevskia unisexualis
Authors: Spangenberg Victor , Arakelyan Marine , Galoyan Eduard , Martirosyan Irena , Bogomazova Alexandra , Martynova Elena , de Bello Cioffi Marcelo , Liehr Thomas , Al‐Rikabi Ahmed , Osipov Fedor , Petrosyan Varos , Kolomiets Oxana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParthenogenetic species of Caucasian rock lizards of the genus Darevksia are important evidence for reticulate evolution and speciation by hybridization in vertebrates. Female‐only lineages formed through interspecific hybridization have been discovered in many groups. Nevertheless, critical mechanisms of oogenesis and specifics of meiosis that provide long‐term stability of parthenogenetic species are still unknown. Here we report cytogenetic characteristics of somatic karyotypes and meiotic prophase I nuclei in the diploid parthenogenetic species Darevskia unisexualis from the new population “Keti” in Armenia which contains an odd number of chromosomes 2n = 37, instead of the usual 2n = 38. We revealed 36 acrocentric chromosomes and a single metacentric autosomal chromosome, resulting from Robertsonian translocation. Comparative genomic hybridization revealed that chromosome fusion occurred between two chromosomes inherited from the maternal species, similar to another parthenogenetic species D. rostombekowi. To trace the chromosome behaviour in meiosis, we performed an immunocytochemical study of primary oocytes' spread nuclei and studied chromosome synapsis during meiotic prophase I in D. unisexualis based on analysis of synaptonemal complexes (SCs). We found meiotic SC‐trivalent composed of one metacentric and two acrocentric chromosomes. We confirmed that the SC was assembled between homeologous chromosomes inherited from two parental species. Immunostaining of the pachytene and diplotene nuclei revealed a mismatch repair protein MLH1 loaded to all autosomal SC bivalents. Possible mechanisms of meiotic recombination between homeologous chromosomes are discussed.
Comparison of 13C MRI of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and lactate with the corresponding mass spectrometry images in a murine lymphoma model
Authors: Fala Maria , Somai Vencel , Dannhorn Andreas , Hamm Gregory , Gibson Katherine , Couturier Dominique‐Laurent , Hesketh Richard , Wright Alan J. , Takats Zoltan , Bunch Josephine , Barry Simon T. , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Brindle Kevin M. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo compare carbon‐13 (13C) MRSI of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate metabolism in a murine tumor model with mass spectrometric (MS) imaging of the corresponding tumor sections in order to cross validate these metabolic imaging techniques and to investigate the effects of pyruvate delivery and tumor lactate concentration on lactate labeling.Methods[1‐13C]lactate images were obtained from tumor‐bearing mice, following injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate, using a single‐shot 3D 13C spectroscopic imaging sequence in vivo and using desorption electrospray ionization MS imaging of the corresponding rapidly frozen tumor sections ex vivo. The images were coregistered, and levels of association were determined by means of Spearman rank correlation and Cohen kappa coefficients as well as linear mixed models. The correlation between [1‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]lactate in the MRS images and between [12C] and [1‐13C]lactate in the MS images were determined by means of Pearson correlation coefficients.Results[1‐13C]lactate images generated by MS imaging were significantly correlated with the corresponding MRS images. The correlation coefficient between [1‐13C]lactate and [1‐13C]pyruvate in the MRS images was higher than between [1‐13C]lactate and [12C]lactate in the MS images.ConclusionThe inhomogeneous distribution of labeled lactate observed in the MRS images was confirmed by MS imaging of the corresponding tumor sections. The images acquired using both techniques show that the rate of 13C label exchange between the injected pyruvate and endogenous tumor lactate pool is more correlated with the rate of pyruvate delivery to the tumor cells and is less affected by the endogenous lactate concentration.
Comparison of four 31P single‐voxel MRS sequences in the human brain at 9.4 T
Authors: Dorst Johanna , Ruhm Loreen , Avdievich Nikolai , Bogner Wolfgang , Henning Anke 
Published: January 2021

PurposeIn this study, different single‐voxel localization sequences were implemented and systematically compared for the first time for phosphorous MRS (31P‐MRS) in the human brain at 9.4 T.MethodsTwo multishot sequences, image‐selected in vivo spectroscopy (ISIS) and a conventional slice‐selective excitation combined with localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (semiLASER) variant of the spin‐echo full intensity–acquired localized spectroscopy (SPECIAL‐semiLASER), and two single‐shot sequences, semiLASER and stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM), were implemented and optimized for 31P‐MRS in the human brain at 9.4 T. Pulses and coil setup were optimized, localization accuracy was tested in phantom experiments, and absolute SNR of the sequences was compared in vivo. The SNR per unit time (SNR/t) was derived and compared for all four sequences and verified experimentally for ISIS in two different voxel sizes (3 × 3 × 3 cm3, 5 × 5 × 5 cm3, 10‐minute measurement time). Metabolite signals obtained with ISIS were quantified. The possible spectral quality in vivo acquired in clinically feasible time (3:30 minutes, 3 × 3 × 3 cm3) was explored for two different coil setups.ResultsAll evaluated sequences performed with good localization accuracy in phantom experiments and provided well‐resolved spectra in vivo. However, ISIS has the lowest chemical shift displacement error, the best localization accuracy, the highest SNR/t for most metabolites, provides metabolite concentrations comparable to literature values, and is the only one of the sequences that allows for the detection of the whole 31P spectrum, including β–adenosine triphosphate, with the used setup. The SNR/t of STEAM is comparable to the SNR/t of ISIS. The semiLASER and SPECIAL‐semiLASER sequences provide good results for metabolites with long T2.ConclusionAt 9.4 T, high‐quality single‐voxel localized 31P‐MRS can be performed in the human brain with different localization methods, each with inherent characteristics suitable for different research issues.
Goal setting practices used within anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation: An exploration of physiotherapists understanding, training and experiences
Authors: Alexanders Jenny , Perry John , Douglas Caroline 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common injury that occurs in both the sporting and non‐sporting population. Goal setting is said to be an effective psychological tool within ACL rehabilitation and is commonly used by physiotherapists. To date, literature surrounding goal setting practices is under analysed in relation to qualitative research.PurposeThe central aim of this study was to explore UK physiotherapists understanding, experiences and training towards goal setting practices used in ACL rehabilitation and whether they are effective.MethodSemi‐structured interviews involving 24 participants across three specific areas including: National Health Service, elite sport and academia were conducted using an inductive approach. Data analysis included thematic analysis with triangulation and a comprehensive multi‐staged analysis process to enhance trustworthiness, whilst respecting ethical considerations.Results/DiscussionParticipants from all three areas of practice tended to use the same approach which was SMART goals. All participants lacked any theoretical understanding of goals but would welcome further training in the field. Participants were missing important aspects of setting goals such as not addressing expectations and underutilising feedback.ConclusionThese findings suggest that a call for more psychological training is clearly warranted in both the physiotherapy curriculum and within post graduate CPD training. Creating a specialist interest group (e.g. physiotherapists interested in psychology) may help share good psychological practices and overall enhance understanding in this field.