bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glue Embolization of Gastroesophageal Varices during Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Improves Survival Compared to Coil-only Embolization—A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Wolter Karsten , Praktiknjo Michael , Boie Julia , Decker Georges , Nadal Jennifer , Jansen Christian , Keller Wiebke I. Y. , Meyer Carsten , Trebicka Jonel , Attenberger Ulrike , Thomas Daniel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the safety and effectiveness of coil versus glue embolization of gastroesophageal varices during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

Materials and Methods
In this monocentric retrospective study 104 (males: 67 (64%)) patients receiving TIPS with concomitant embolization of GEV and a minimum follow-up of one year (2008—2017) were included. Primary outcome parameter was overall survival (6 week; 1 year). Six-week overall survival was assessed as a surrogate for treatment failure as proposed by the international Baveno working group. Secondary outcome parameters were development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), variceal rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier with log-rank test and adjusted Cox regression analysis.

Results
Indications for TIPS were refractory ascites (n = 33) or variceal bleeding (n = 71). Embolization was performed using glue with or without coils (n = 40) (Group G) or coil-only (n = 64) (Group NG).
Overall survival was significantly better in group G (p = 0.022; HR = -3.333). Six-week survival was significantly lower in group NG (p = 0.014; HR = 6.945).
Rates of development of ACLF were significantly higher in group NG after 6 months (NG = 14; G = 6; p = 0.039; HR = 3.243). Rebleeding rates (NG = 6; G = 3; p = 0.74) and development of HE (NG = 22; G = 15; p = 0.75) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion
Usage of glue in embolization of GEV may improve overall survival, reduce treatment failure and may be preferable over coil embolization alone.
Innate immunity in hepatitis B and D virus infection: consequences for viral persistence, inflammation, and T cell recognition
Authors: Dandri Maura , Bertoletti Antonio , Lütgehetmann Marc 
Published: May 2021

AbstractChronic infections with human hepatitis viruses continue to be a major health burden worldwide. Despite the availability of an effective prophylactic vaccine against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and of antiviral agents efficiently suppressing HBV replication, more than 250 million people are currently chronically infected with this hepatotropic DNA virus, and resolution of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is rarely achieved. Moreover, coinfection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a human RNA satellite virus requiring the envelope proteins of HBV for productive viral spreading, substantially aggravates the disease course of CHB. The molecular mechanisms by which these viruses interact with each other and with the intrinsic innate responses of the hepatocytes are not fully understood. While HBV appears to avoid innate immune recognition, HDV elicits a strong enhancement of innate responses. Notwithstanding, such induction does not hamper HDV replication but contributes to liver inflammation and pathogenesis. Intriguingly, HDV appears to influence the ability of T cells to recognize infected hepatocytes by boosting antigen presentation. This review focuses on current knowledge regarding how these viruses can shape and counteract the intrinsic innate responses of the hepatocytes, thus affecting the immune system and pathogenesis. Understanding the distinct strategies of persistence that HBV and HDV have evolved is central for advancing the development of curative therapies.
The structure of infinitesimal homeostasis in input–output networks
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Huang Zhengyuan , Antoneli Fernando , Golubitsky Martin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHomeostasis refers to a phenomenon whereby the output $$x_o$$

x
o

of a system is approximately constant on variation of an input $${{\mathcal {I}}}$$
I
. Homeostasis occurs frequently in biochemical networks and in other networks of interacting elements where mathematical models are based on differential equations associated to the network. These networks can be abstracted as digraphs $${{\mathcal {G}}}$$
G
with a distinguished input node $$\iota $$
ι
, a different distinguished output node o, and a number of regulatory nodes $$\rho _1,\ldots ,\rho _n$$

ρ
1

,
…
,

ρ
n

. In these models the input–output map $$x_o({{\mathcal {I}}})$$

x
o

(
I
)

is defined by a stable equilibrium $$X_0$$

X
0

at $${{\mathcal {I}}}_0$$

I
0

. Stability implies that there is a stable equilibrium $$X({{\mathcal {I}}})$$

X
(
I
)

for each $${{\mathcal {I}}}$$
I
near $${{\mathcal {I}}}_0$$

I
0

and infinitesimal homeostasis occurs at $${{\mathcal {I}}}_0$$

I
0

when $$(dx_o/d{{\mathcal {I}}})({{\mathcal {I}}}_0) = 0$$

(
d

x
o

/
d
I
)

(

I
0

)

=
0

. We show that there is an $$(n+1)\times (n+1)$$

(
n
+
1
)
×
(
n
+
1
)

homeostasis matrix$$H({{\mathcal {I}}})$$

H
(
I
)

for which $$dx_o/d{{\mathcal {I}}}= 0$$

d

x
o

/
d
I
=
0

if and only if $$\det (H) = 0$$

det
(
H
)
=
0

. We note that the entries in H are linearized couplings and $$\det (H)$$

det
(
H
)

is a homogeneous polynomial of degree $$n+1$$

n
+
1

in these entries. We use combinatorial matrix theory to factor the polynomial $$\det (H)$$

det
(
H
)

and thereby determine a menu of different types of possible homeostasis associated with each digraph $${{\mathcal {G}}}$$
G
. Specifically, we prove that each factor corresponds to a subnetwork of $${{\mathcal {G}}}$$
G
. The factors divide into two combinatorially defined classes: structural and appendage. Structural factors correspond to feedforward motifs and appendage factors correspond to feedback motifs. Finally, we discover an algorithm for determining the homeostasis subnetwork motif corresponding to each factor of $$\det (H)$$

det
(
H
)

without performing numerical simulations on model equations. The algorithm allows us to classify low degree factors of $$\det (H)$$

det
(
H
)

. There are two types of degree 1 homeostasis (negative feedback loops and kinetic or Haldane motifs) and there are two types of degree 2 homeostasis (feedforward loops and a degree two appendage motif).
Whole-body MRI versus an [18F]FDG-PET/CT-based reference standard for early response assessment and restaging of paediatric Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Spijkers Suzanne , Littooij Annemieke S. , Kwee Thomas C. , Tolboom Nelleke , Beishuizen Auke , Bruin Marrie C. A. , Enríquez Goya , Sábado Constantino , Miller Elka , Granata Claudio , de Lange Charlotte , Verzegnassi Federico , de Keizer Bart , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To compare WB-MRI with an [18F]FDG-PET/CT-based reference for early response assessment and restaging in children with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL).

Methods
Fifty-one children (ages 10–17) with HL were included in this prospective, multicentre study. All participants underwent WB-MRI and [18F]FDG-PET/CT at early response assessment. Thirteen of the 51 patients also underwent both WB-MRI and [18F]FDG-PET/CT at restaging. Two radiologists independently evaluated all WB-MR images in two separate readings: without and with DWI. The [18F]FDG-PET/CT examinations were evaluated by a nuclear medicine physician. An expert panel assessed all discrepancies between WB-MRI and [18F]FDG-PET/CT to derive the [18F]FDG-PET/CT-based reference standard. Inter-observer agreement for WB-MRI was calculated using kappa statistics. Concordance, PPV, NPV, sensitivity and specificity for a correct assessment of the response between WB-MRI and the reference standard were calculated for both nodal and extra-nodal disease presence and total response evaluation.

Results
Inter-observer agreement of WB-MRI including DWI between both readers was moderate (κ 0.46–0.60). For early response assessment, WB-MRI DWI agreed with the reference standard in 33/51 patients (65%, 95% CI 51–77%) versus 15/51 (29%, 95% CI 19–43%) for WB-MRI without DWI. For restaging, WB-MRI including DWI agreed with the reference standard in 9/13 patients (69%, 95% CI 42–87%) versus 5/13 patients (38%, 95% CI 18–64%) for WB-MRI without DWI.

Conclusions
The addition of DWI to the WB-MRI protocol in early response assessment and restaging of paediatric HL improved agreement with the [18F]FDG-PET/CT-based reference standard. However, WB-MRI remained discordant in 30% of the patients compared to standard imaging for assessing residual disease presence.

Key Points
• Inter-observer agreement of WB-MRI including DWI between both readers was moderate for (early) response assessment of paediatric Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• The addition of DWI to the WB-MRI protocol in early response assessment and restaging of paediatric Hodgkin’s lymphoma improved agreement with the [18F]FDG-PET/CT-based reference standard.
• WB-MRI including DWI agreed with the reference standard in respectively 65% and 69% of the patients for early response assessment and restaging.
Altered oligodendroglia and astroglia in chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: Chancellor K. Blake , Chancellor Sarah E. , Duke-Cohan Joseph E. , Huber Bertrand R. , Stein Thor D. , Alvarez Victor E. , Okaty Benjamin W. , Dymecki Susan M. , McKee Ann C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractChronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive tauopathy found in contact sport athletes, military veterans, and others exposed to repetitive head impacts. White matter rarefaction and axonal loss have been reported in CTE but have not been characterized on a molecular or cellular level. Here, we present RNA sequencing profiles of cell nuclei from postmortem dorsolateral frontal white matter from eight individuals with neuropathologically confirmed CTE and eight age- and sex-matched controls. Analyzing these profiles using unbiased clustering approaches, we identified eighteen transcriptomically distinct cell groups (clusters), reflecting cell types and/or cell states, of which a subset showed differences between CTE and control tissue. Independent in situ methods applied on tissue sections adjacent to that used in the single-nucleus RNA-seq work yielded similar findings. Oligodendrocytes were found to be most severely affected in the CTE white matter samples; they were diminished in number and altered in relative proportions across subtype clusters. Further, the CTE-enriched oligodendrocyte population showed greater abundance of transcripts relevant to iron metabolism and cellular stress response. CTE tissue also demonstrated excessive iron accumulation histologically. In astrocytes, total cell numbers were indistinguishable between CTE and control samples, but transcripts associated with neuroinflammation were elevated in the CTE astrocyte groups compared to controls. These results demonstrate specific molecular and cellular differences in CTE oligodendrocytes and astrocytes and suggest that white matter alterations are a critical aspect of CTE neurodegeneration.
Association of ocular blood flow and contrast sensitivity in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Kuerten David , Fuest Matthias , Walter Peter , Mazinani Babac , Plange Niklas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship of ocular blood flow (via arteriovenous passage time, AVP) and contrast sensitivity (CS) in healthy as well as normal tension glaucoma (NTG) subjects.DesignMono-center comparative prospective trialMethodsTwenty-five NTG patients without medication and 25 healthy test participants were recruited. AVP as a measure of retinal blood flow was recorded via fluorescein angiography after CS measurement using digital image analysis. Association of AVP and CS at 4 spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree, cpd) was explored with correlation analysis.ResultsSignificant differences regarding AVP, visual field defect, intraocular pressure, and CS measurement were recorded in-between the control group and NTG patients. In NTG patients, AVP was significantly correlated to CS at all investigated cpd (3 cpd: r =  − 0.432,p< 0.03; 6 cpd: r =  − 0.629,p< 0.0005; 12 cpd: r =  − 0.535,p< 0.005; and 18 cpd: r =  − 0.58,p< 0.001), whereas no significant correlations were found in the control group. Visual acuity was significantly correlated to CS at 6, 12, and 18 cpd in NTG patients (r =  − 0.68,p< 0.002; r =  − 0.54,p< .02, and r =  − 0.88,p< 0.0001 respectively), however not in healthy control patients. Age, visual field defect MD, and PSD were not significantly correlated to CS in in the NTG group. MD and PSD were significantly correlated to CS at 3 cpd in healthy eyes (r = 0.55,p< 0.02; r =  − 0.47,p< 0.03).ConclusionRetinal blood flow alterations show a relationship with contrast sensitivity loss in NTG patients. This might reflect a disease-related link between retinal blood flow and visual function. This association was not recorded in healthy volunteers.
Dekarbonisierungsszenarien für das industrielle Energiesystem in Österreich
Authors: Nagovnak Peter , Kienberger Thomas , Geyer Roman , Hainoun Ali 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungEin Überblick über die gewählten Szenarien für die Dekarbonisierung des industriellen Energiesystems und deren Grundlage in bestehender Fachliteratur wird präsentiert. Im Anschluss wird die Methodik der Modellierung dargelegt und aufgezeigt, welche Alleinstellungsmerkmale die Szenarienerarbeitung u. a. in Bezug auf Stakeholderintegration und Bilanzgrenzen aufweist. Es wird zudem gezeigt, welche Handlungsempfehlungen aus den Ergebnissen ableitbar sein werden.
Non-intrusive load monitoring algorithm based on household electricity use habits
Authors: Yin Bo , Li Zhenhuan , Xu Jiali , Li Lin , Yang Xinghai , Du Zehua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe construction of smart grid is an important part of improving the utilization rate of electric energy. As an important way for the construction of smart grid, non-intrusive load decomposition methods have been extensively studied. In this type of method, limited by transmission cost and network bandwidth, low-frequency data has been widely used in practical applications. However, the accuracy of device identification in this case faces challenges. Due to the relatively single characteristics of low-frequency data, it is difficult to express the operating status of complex electrical appliances, resulting in low decomposition performance. In this paper, a non-intrusive load is proposed based on household electrical habits by studying the relationship between household electricity consumption habits and load status decomposition method. The Gaussian mixture model and time information are used to model the probability distribution of the electrical appliance state. This probability distribution is then used as the observation probability distribution of the factor hidden Markov model. In such a way, the BH-FHMM model is proposed. Finally, load decomposition is carried out through the load decomposition process of the FHMM model. In order to verify the performance of the proposed method, an experimental comparison is conducted based on the REDD data set. According to the results, a significant improvement in equipment recognition accuracy is obtained.
Climate warming drives divergence of montane butterfly communities in Southern Italy
Authors: Santorufo Lucia , Ienco Annamaria , Scalercio Stefano 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBecause of climate change, many insect species are shifting their altitudinal and latitudinal ranges, including Mediterranean butterflies, particularly in mountainous regions. In this study, we evaluated changes in butterfly communities over time, sampled in 1975, 2004, and 2012, in relation to their altitude and two indices representing the climate envelopes of species within a given community: CTI (Community Temperature Index) and CPI (Community Precipitation Index). The study took place in a protected area where we found strong changes in community compositions over the 37-year study period. There was no vertical stratification of communities in 1975, but became significantly so in 2004 and 2012. Likewise, CTI and CPI were correlated with altitude only in 2004 and 2012. Over time, CTI increased at lower altitudes, indicating an increase in species associated with higher temperatures, and was stable or decreased at higher altitudes. CPI showed opposing trends, decreasing at lower altitude of communities and increasing in higher altitude communities. This resulted in asymmetric changes along the altitudinal gradient. The highest elevations (>1900 m) shifted towards butterfly species that are more associated with colder, wetter habitats, and lower elevations shifted towards species more associated with hotter, drier habitats. In conclusion, changes in butterfly communities were consistent with expectations from observed changes of temperatures and precipitations at low altitudes and mid-altitudes, but not at the highest altitudes. This counter-intuitive result may be due to land-use changes following creation of a national park in 1993 that encompassed the sample sites, but we lack the data to test this hypothesis.
The cost-effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: exploring the Italian National Health System perspective and different patient risk groups
Authors: Lorenzoni V. , Barbieri G. , Saia F. , Meucci F. , Martinelli G. L. , Cerillo A. G. , Berti S. , Candolfi P. , Turchetti G. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Italy, considering patient groups with different surgical risk.

Methods
A Markov model with a 1-month cycle length, comprising eight different health states, defined by the New York Heart Association functional classes (NYHA I–IV), with and without stroke plus death, was used to estimate the CE of TAVI for intermediate-, high-risk and inoperable patients considering surgical aortic valve replacement or medical treatment as comparators according to the patient group. The Italian National Health System perspective and 15-year time horizon were considered. In the base-case analysis, effectiveness data were retrieved from published efficacy data and total direct costs (euros) were estimated from national tariffs. A scenario analysis considering a micro-costing approach to estimate procedural costs was also considered. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was expressed both in terms of costs per life years gained (LYG) and costs per quality adjusted life years (QALY). All outcomes and costs were discounted at 3% per annum. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to assess robustness of results.

Results
Over a 15-year time horizon, the higher acquisition costs for TAVI were partially offset in all risk groups because of its effectiveness and safety profile. ICERs were €8338/QALY, €11,209/QALY and €10,133/QALY, respectively, for intermediate-, high-risk and inoperable patients. ICER values were slightly higher in the scenario analysis. PSA suggested consistency of results.

Conclusions
TAVI would be considered cost-effective at frequently cited willingness-to-pay thresholds; further studies could clarify the CE of TAVI in real-life scenarios.
A Test of Two Methods for Waste Rock Drainage Quality Prediction: Aqua Regia Extraction and Single-addition Net-acid Generation Test Leachate Analysis
Authors: Karlsson Teemu , Alakangas Lena , Kauppila Päivi , Räisänen Marja Liisa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe mobility of contaminants from mine waste can be assessed using different extraction methods. Aqua regia (AR) extraction is the most commonly used method in Finland. Another method is the analysis of leachate from net acid generation (NAG) tests, which is primarily designed for acid production potential assessment. We investigated the performance of single-addition NAG test leachate analysis and AR extraction in drainage quality prediction, using waste rock and drainage water samples from several Finnish waste rock sites. Our objective was to improve interpretation of the AR and single-addition NAG test leachate analysis results in drainage quality prediction. The AR extraction effectively reflected elements that occurred in elevated concentrations in drainage water, though it over-predicted Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, and Ni in some circumneutral drainages, and Cr in general. The single-addition NAG test leachate analysis also performed well in assessing the mobility of contaminants including Al and Cr at acid mine drainage sites. As the contaminants tend to precipitate in neutral NAG test solution, the usability of the method in neutral mine drainage cases should be further investigated. Furthermore, the conclusions presented in this study are limited to waste rock samples collected from the surface of piles; future work will examine waste rock history, dump cores, drainage quality changes, etc. in more detail.
Linking remote sensing parameters to CO2 assimilation rates at a leaf scale
Authors: Hikosaka Kouki , Tsujimoto Katsuto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSolar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) are expected to be useful for remote sensing of photosynthetic activity at various spatial scales. This review discusses how chlorophyll fluorescence and PRI are related to the CO2assimilation rate at a leaf scale. Light energy absorbed by photosystem II chlorophylls is allocated to photochemistry, fluorescence, and heat dissipation evaluated as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). PRI is correlated with NPQ because it reflects the composition of xanthophylls, which are involved in heat dissipation. Assuming that NPQ is uniquely related to the photochemical efficiency (quantum yield of photochemistry), photochemical efficiencies can be assessed from either chlorophyll fluorescence or PRI. However, this assumption may not be held under some conditions such as low temperatures and photoinhibitory environments. Even in such cases, photosynthesis may be estimated more accurately if both chlorophyll fluorescence and PRI are determined simultaneously. To convert from photochemical efficiency to CO2assimilation, environmental responses in stomatal conductance also need to be considered. Models linking chlorophyll fluorescence and PRI with CO2assimilation rates will contribute to understanding and future prediction of the global carbon cycle.
The Type-Token Distinction and Four Problems with Propertarian IP Justifications
Authors: Gamrot Wojciech 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPropertarian justifications of intellectual property postulate the appropriation of various entities, often called patterns, designs, or technologies. These must be immaterial and should not be confused with material structures that embody them. Hence two classes of objects are distinguished. It is convenient to refer to them as types and tokens. The type must involve a condition defining which material structures should be considered its tokens. For an IP regime to be economically meaningful one must necessarily appropriate types in a way which restricts access to wide classes of similar, non-identical material structures. Therefore, type conditions must be general. They must define, with a margin of tolerance, only certain aspects of the structure, leaving others unspecified. Consequently, the relationship between such types and tokens is of many-to-many variety. The recognition of these facts leads to four problems in justifying intellectual property on propertarian grounds. The first problem is to demonstrate possession of the type in the pre-legal situation. The second one is to explain, why boundaries of an appropriated type should be placed in a particular location. The third problem is to avoid claim deadlocks resulting from conflicts of rights generated by separate overlapping types. The fourth problem is to justify why ownership of the type should entail the control over other separate entities—that is tokens. In the propertarian framework grounded in the pre-legal state of nature, satisfactory solutions do not seem to have been proposed for any of these four problems.