bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasal Dorsum Reduction Simultaneous to Orthognathic Surgery: A Proof-of-Concept Report
Authors: Foraster Joan Birbe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis report describes a technique to reduce nasal dorsum excess simultaneously to orthognathic surgery (OS) through a Le Fort I osteotomy. It avoids the need to change from endonasal intubation to intraoral intubation. It also eliminates the need to open the dorsum, preserving the integrity of the triangular cartilages at the nasal dorsum keystone area, avoiding iatrogenic nasal dorsum deformities. A sample of five patients referred for OS who also sought improvement of their nasal aesthetics was selected to implement the technique. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of simultaneous OS and nasal dorsum reduction. The following measurements were used to evaluate the procedure: patient satisfaction with a visual analog scale, photographic assessment, additional operative time, and complications related to the procedure. The average patient age was 23 years (range: 19–32 years). Three patients were women and two were men. In all patients, a high degree of patient satisfaction was observed with the aesthetic result of the nose and OS. No undesirable side effects or surgical complications occurred in any case. Total surgery time was increased by an average of 25 minutes. Nasal dorsum reduction through a Le Fort I approach during OS is a reliable and effective method to reduce nasal dorsum excess in patients seeking simultaneous OS and rhinoplasty.
Outcomes of Transsphenoidal Surgery in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Voznyak Oleksandr , Lytvynenko Andrii , Maydannyk Oleg , Ilyuk Roman , Zinkevych Yaroslav , Hryniv Nazarii 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGrowth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (PA) make up 15 to 20% of total amount of hormonally active adenomas. In addition to acromegaly and gigantism, these tumors cause deep metabolic disturbances. Its systemic impact leads to increased mortality ratio of 1.32 compared with general population. Surgical removal remains the priority treatment option in controlling acromegaly and provides endocrinologic remission in up to 72% patients. A total of 92 patients were included in the study. All surgeries were performed via microscopic transsphenoidal approach (TSA) by the senior author in our institution between December 2009 and October 2019. Only patients who were followed-up with 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), GH, and insulin-like growth factor I (IFG-I) measurements preoperatively, 1 week, and every 6 months postoperatively were analyzed. Based on standard preoperative 1.5-T MR imaging with contrast enhancement, the adenomas were identified and distributed according to the size and KNOSP classification. The efficacy depends on KNOSP grade, which is directly correlated with invasiveness to cavernous sinus (CS). Grades 3 and 4 are unfavorable factors influencing prognosis. Excluding grade 0 adenomas, as the surgery was not difficult with the excellent outcomes, we reached 75% (36 out of 48) remission in grade 1 to 2 groups. In contrast, only 17% (2 out of 12) had successful outcomes after surgery alone. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the efficiency of TS surgery in patients with confirmed GH-secreting PA.
Design of an edge tapered 915 MHz/TM021 microwave plasma reactor by numerical analysis
Authors: Yan Xinsheng , Zhao Lianmin , Xu Weiye , Chen Longwei , Jia Hua , Liu Fukun 
Published: March 2021

Microwave plasma reactor is often of particular interest due to their wide range of industrial applications, especially in high-end manufacturing. However, there exist problems of unstable plasma and small discharge area in conventional microwave reactors at 2.45 GHz. An edge tapered 915 MHz/TM021 microwave reactor evolved from reactors at 2.45 GHz is presented to improve the strength, area, and uniformity of microwave field for plasma applications. An electromagnetic model of a microwave reactor with the new coupling antenna composed of a tapered platform and a coaxial inner conductor is simulated. The simulation results show that the electric field strength in the new reactor with a size optimized coupling structure is more concentrated compared to similar reactors. A 2D axisymmetric hydrogen plasma discharge model based on self-consistent fluid simulation of this new reactor is presented. The obtained results show that this kind of model can lead to a better understanding of the physical processes occurring in these kinds of microwave reactors.
Simulating the effect of Ar+ energy implantation on the strain propagation in AlGaN
Authors: Cabaço J S , Faye D ND , Araújo J P , Alves E , Magalhães S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, high quality AlGaN layers, grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition, on a commercial c-sapphire substrate, were implanted at a fluence of

1
×

10

14

A

r

+

⋅

c

m

−
2

. Implantation was performed for energies between 25 and 250 keV to explore the strain field created with increasing penetration of the implanted ions. Perpendicular to the sample surface deformation was determined through simulations of the

2
θ
−
ω

scans of the allowed (0002), (0004) and (0006) AlGaN reflections. According to the simulations, the peak attributed to the implanted region is well defined using a small number of layers with specific thickness, deformation, and static Debye–Waller factors. Although similar ion end of range, calculated via Monte Carlo simulations of ions in matter, of around 240–250 nm for 200 keV implanted normal to the sample surface and 250 keV at 38°, the strain distribution in depth turns out quite different in these samples. According to dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction simulations, the argon ions penetrate deeper on the former, which might be related to channeling effects, while maximum damage is observed in the latter. Damage accumulation is suggested to be a complex mechanism, where damage maximum and damage extension play equivalent important roles.
Simultaneous Quantitative Detection of IL-6 and PCT Using SERS magnetic immunoassay with sandwich structure
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Ma Li , Hu Cunming , Liu Tingwei , Sun Shijiao , Liu Xinghui , Guan Ming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection. The mortality rate is as high as 30%−50%. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the mortality of patients with sepsis. Therefore, we have developed a SERS-based magnetic immunoassay method that uses the principle of sandwich method to quantitatively detect Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Procalcitonin (PCT). In this article, two different Raman reporter molecules are embedded in the middle of the Au@Ag shell and coupled with the tracer antibody to form a SERS immunoprobe. Biotin was coupled with capture antibody to form a sandwich structure when participating in the immune response. Streptavidin and biotin systems have extremely high binding affinity. The sandwich structure is quickly captured by SA magnetic beads and then applied with a magnetic field to enrich the magnetic beads. Finally, simultaneous quantitative detection is achieved by the intensity of the two Raman reporter characteristic peaks on the solution magnetic beads. IL-6 and PCT showed a good relationship between 0−1000 pg ml−1 and 0−20 ng ml−1, respectively, and the limits of detection were 0.54 pg ml−1 and 0.042 ng ml−1, respectively. The recovery rate was between 89.8% and 104.2%, both intra-assay and inter-assay CV were ≤20%. No cross-reaction with C-reactive protein (100 μg ml−1), showing good specificity. This method provides a new technical reference for the clinical detection of sepsis biomarkers.
Statistical limitations in ion imaging
Authors: Collins-Fekete Charles-Antoine , Dikaios Nikolaos , Bär Esther , Evans Philip M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, we investigated the capacity of various ion beams available for radiotherapy to produce high quality relative stopping power map acquired from energy-loss measurements. The image quality metrics chosen to compare the different ions were signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a function of dose and spatial resolution. Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations were performed for: hydrogen, helium, lithium, boron and carbon ion beams crossing a 20 cm diameter water phantom to determine SNR and spatial resolution. It has been found that protons possess a significantly larger SNR when compared with other ions at a fixed range (up to 36% higher than helium) due to the proton nuclear stability and low dose per primary. However, it also yields the lowest spatial resolution against all other ions, with a resolution lowered by a factor 4 compared to that of carbon imaging, for a beam with the same initial range. When comparing for a fixed spatial resolution of 10 lp cm−1, carbon ions produce the highest image quality metrics with proton ions producing the lowest. In conclusion, it has been found that no ion can maximize all image quality metrics simultaneously and that a choice must be made between spatial resolution, SNR, and dose.
Nonlocal generalized quantum measurements of bipartite spin products without maximal entanglement
Authors: Vidil P , Edamatsu K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Measuring a nonlocal observable on a space-like separated quantum system is a resource-hungry and experimentally challenging task. Several theoretical measurement schemes have already been proposed to increase its feasibility, using a shared maximally-entangled ancilla. We present a new approach to this problem, using the language of generalized quantum measurements, to show that it is actually possible to measure a nonlocal spin product observable without necessarily requiring a maximally-entangled ancilla. This approach opens the door to more economical arbitrary-strength nonlocal measurements, with applications ranging from nonlocal weak values to possible new tests of Bell inequalities. The relation between measurement strength and the amount of ancillary entanglement needed is made explicit, bringing a new perspective on the links that tie quantum nonlocality, entanglement and information transmission together.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Gastrointestinal Biopsies in a Surgical Pathology Laboratory
Authors: Gordon Ilyssa O , Sherman Jodi D , Leapman Michael , Overcash Michael , Thiel Cassandra L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Given adverse health effects of climate change and contributions of the US health care sector to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environmentally sustainable delivery of care is needed. We applied life cycle assessment to quantify GHGs associated with processing a gastrointestinal biopsy in order to identify emissions hotspots and guide mitigation strategies.

Methods
The biopsy process at a large academic pathology laboratory was grouped into steps. Each supply and reagent was catalogued and postuse treatment noted. Energy consumption was estimated for capital equipment. Two common scenarios were considered: 1 case with 1 specimen jar (scenario 1) and 1 case with 3 specimen jars (scenario 2).

Results
Scenario 1 generated 0.29 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents (kg CO2e), whereas scenario 2 resulted in 0.79 kg CO2e—equivalent to 0.7 and 2.0 miles driven, respectively. The largest proportion of GHGs (36%) in either scenario came from the tissue processor step. The second largest contributor (19%) was case accessioning, mostly attributable to production of single-use disposable jars.

Conclusions
Applied to more than 20 million biopsies performed in the US annually, emissions from biopsy processing is equivalent to yearly GHG emissions from 1,200 passenger cars. Mitigation strategies may include modification of surveillance guidelines to include the number of specimen jars.
Detecting m6A methylation regions from Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Sequencing
Authors: Guo Zhenxing , Shafik Andrew M , Jin Peng , Wu Zhijin , Wu Hao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMotivationThe post-transcriptional epigenetic modification on mRNA is an emerging field to study the gene regulatory mechanism and their association with diseases. Recently developed high-throughput sequencing technology named Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (MeRIP-seq) enables one to profile mRNA epigenetic modification transcriptome wide. A few computational methods are available to identify transcriptome-wide mRNA modification, but they are either limited by over-simplified model ignoring the biological variance across replicates or suffer from low accuracy and efficiency.ResultsIn this work, we develop a novel statistical method, based on an empirical Bayesian hierarchical model, to identify mRNA epigenetic modification regions from MeRIP-seq data. Our method accounts for various sources of variations in the data through rigorous modeling and applies shrinkage estimation by borrowing information from transcriptome-wide data to stabilize the parameter estimation. Simulation and real data analyses demonstrate that our method is more accurate, robust and efficient than the existing peak calling methods.Availability and implementationOur method TRES is implemented as an R package and is freely available on Github at https://github.com/ZhenxingGuo0015/TRES.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Segregation of functional networks is associated with cognitive resilience in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ewers Michael , Luan Ying , Frontzkowski Lukas , Neitzel Julia , Rubinski Anna , Dichgans Martin , Hassenstab Jason , Gordon Brian A , Chhatwal Jasmeer P , Levin Johannes , Schofield Peter , Benzinger Tammie L S , Morris John C , Goate Alison , Karch Celeste M , Fagan Anne M , McDade Eric , Allegri Ricardo , Berman Sarah , Chui Helena , Cruchaga Carlos , Farlow Marty , Graff-Radford Neill , Jucker Mathias , Lee Jae-Hong , Martins Ralph N , Mori Hiroshi , Perrin Richard , Xiong Chengjie , Rossor Martin , Fox Nick C , O’Connor Antoinette , Salloway Stephen , Danek Adrian , Buerger Katharina , Bateman Randall J , Habeck Christian , Stern Yaakov , Franzmeier Nicolai ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cognitive resilience is an important modulating factor of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, but the functional brain mechanisms that support cognitive resilience remain elusive. Given previous findings in normal ageing, we tested the hypothesis that higher segregation of the brain’s connectome into distinct functional networks represents a functional mechanism underlying cognitive resilience in Alzheimer’s disease. Using resting-state functional MRI, we assessed both resting-state functional MRI global system segregation, i.e. the balance of between-network to within-network connectivity, and the alternate index of modularity Q as predictors of cognitive resilience. We performed all analyses in two independent samples for validation: (i) 108 individuals with autosomal dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease and 71 non-carrier controls; and (ii) 156 amyloid-PET-positive subjects across the spectrum of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease and 184 amyloid-negative controls. In the autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease sample, disease severity was assessed by estimated years from symptom onset. In the sporadic Alzheimer’s sample, disease stage was assessed by temporal lobe tau-PET (i.e. composite across Braak stage I and III regions). In both samples, we tested whether the effect of disease severity on cognition was attenuated at higher levels of functional network segregation. For autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease, we found higher functional MRI-assessed system segregation to be associated with an attenuated effect of estimated years from symptom onset on global cognition (P = 0.007). Similarly, for patients with sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, higher functional MRI-assessed system segregation was associated with less decrement in global cognition (P = 0.001) and episodic memory (P = 0.004) per unit increase of temporal lobe tau-PET. Confirmatory analyses using the alternate index of modularity Q revealed consistent results. In conclusion, higher segregation of functional connections into distinct large-scale networks supports cognitive resilience in Alzheimer’s disease.
EORTC/MSGERC Definitions of Invasive Fungal Diseases: Summary of Activities of the Intensive Care Unit Working Group
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Azoulay Elie , Kullberg Bart-Jan , Ruhnke Markus , Shoham Shmuel , Vazquez Jose , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Calandra Thierry 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The EORTC/MSGERC recently revised and updated the consensus definitions of invasive fungal disease (IFD). These definitions primarily focus on patients with cancer and stem cell or solid-organ transplant patients. They may therefore not be suitable for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. More in detail, while the definition of proven IFD applies to a broad range of hosts, the categories of probable and possible IFD were primarily designed for classical immunocompromised hosts and may therefore not be ideal for other populations. Moreover, the scope of the possible category of IFD has been diminished in the recently revised definitions for classically immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis of IFD in the ICU presents many challenges, which are different for invasive candidiasis and for invasive aspergillosis. The aim of this article is to review progresses made in recent years and difficulties remaining in the development of definitions applicable in the ICU setting.
Engineering and Functional Evaluation of Neutralizing Antibody Fragments Against Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Authors: di Tommaso Anne , Juste Matthieu O , Lakhrif Zineb , Mévélec Marie-Noëlle , Borowczyk Coraline , Hammeni Pierre , Désoubeaux Guillaume , Van Langendonck Nathalie , Debierre-Grockiego Françoise , Aubrey Nicolas , Dimier-Poisson Isabelle 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMaternal-fetal transmission of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites acquired during pregnancy has potentially dramatic consequences for the fetus. Current reference-standard treatments are not specific to the parasite and can induce severe side effects. In order to provide treatments with a higher specificity against toxoplasmosis, we developed antibody fragments—single-chain fragment variable (scFv) and scFv fused with mouse immunoglobulin G2a crystallizable fragment (scFv-Fc)—directed against the major surface protein SAG1. After validating their capacity to inhibit T. gondii proliferation in vitro, the antibody fragments’ biological activity was assessed in vivo using a congenital toxoplasmosis mouse model. Dams were treated by systemic administration of antibody fragments and with prevention of maternal-fetal transmission being used as the parameter of efficacy. We observed that both antibody fragments prevented T. gondii dissemination and protected neonates, with the scFv-Fc format having better efficacy. These data provide a proof of concept for the use of antibody fragments as effective and specific treatment against congenital toxoplasmosis and provide promising leads.
Stress intensity factors for cusp-type crack problem under mechanical and thermal loading
Authors: Chen F M , Chao C K , Chiu C C , Noda N A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The general solutions of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) for a cusp-type crack problem under remote uniform mechanical and thermal loads are presented in this work. According to the complex variable theory and the method of conformal mapping, a symmetric airfoil crack is mapped onto a unit circle, and both the temperature and stress potentials are used to solve the relevant boundary-value problems. By introducing the auxiliary function and applying the analytical continuation theorem, the SIFs at the cusp-type crack tip can be analytically determined. The obtained SIF results are dependent on the geometric configurations of the cusp-type crack components and the magnitudes of the mechanical and thermal loads. For some combinations of combined loads, the SIF is maximized, and the system has a high risk of damage.
Plant SWEETs: from sugar transport to plant–pathogen interaction and more unexpected physiological roles
Authors: Breia Richard , Conde Artur , Badim Hélder , Fortes Ana Margarida , Gerós Hernâni , Granell Antonio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) have important roles in numerous physiological mechanisms where sugar efflux is critical, including phloem loading, nectar secretion, seed nutrient filling, among other less expected functions. They mediate low affinity and high capacity transport, and in angiosperms this family is composed by 20 paralogs on average. As SWEETs facilitate the efflux of sugars, they are highly susceptible to hijacking by pathogens, making them central players in plant–pathogen interaction. For instance, several species from the Xanthomonas genus are able to upregulate the transcription of SWEET transporters in rice (Oryza sativa), upon the secretion of transcription-activator-like effectors. Other pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea or Erysiphe necator, are also capable of increasing SWEET expression. However, the opposite behavior has been observed in some cases, as overexpression of the tonoplast AtSWEET2 during Pythium irregulare infection restricted sugar availability to the pathogen, rendering plants more resistant. Therefore, a clear-cut role for SWEET transporters during plant–pathogen interactions has so far been difficult to define, as the metabolic signatures and their regulatory nodes, which decide the susceptibility or resistance responses, remain poorly understood. This fuels the still ongoing scientific question: what roles can SWEETs play during plant–pathogen interaction? Likewise, the roles of SWEET transporters in response to abiotic stresses are little understood. Here, in addition to their relevance in biotic stress, we also provide a small glimpse of SWEETs importance during plant abiotic stress, and briefly debate their importance in the particular case of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) due to its socioeconomic impact.
Retinal microcirculation abnormalities in patients with systemic sclerosis: an explorative optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Carnevali Adriano , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Gatti Valentina , Battaglia Caterina , Randazzo Giorgio , Yu Angeli Christy , Pellegrini Marco , Ferragina Francesco , Toro Mario Damiano , Bruno Caterina , Scorcia Vincenzo , Ursini Francesco 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate subclinical and clinical abnormalities in retinal and choroidal vascular plexuses in patients with SSc by means of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods
A total of 20 consecutive SSc patients were recruited and compared with 20 healthy subjects. Quantitative analysis of vessel density (VD), choriocapillaris plexus flow index (CCP-FI) and choroidal vascularity index were performed on OCT-A images in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and CCP for all patients. Images were further reviewed by two independent readers for the assessment of qualitative abnormalities, including tortuosity, rarefaction areas, megacapillaries and macular-foveal capillaries.

Results
The DCP-VD in the whole scan and in the perifoveal, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal regions was significantly lower in the SSc group. The CCP-FI was significantly higher in SSc patients. When comparing SSc patients with and without digital ulcers, significantly decreased SCP-VD was demonstrated in the whole, perifoveal, superior, inferior, temporal and nasal regions. No difference in any of the OCT-A parameters was observed when comparing patients with and without interstitial lung disease. Qualitative analysis of OCT-A revealed at least one abnormality in 95% of patients.

Conclusion
We showed the ability of OCT-A to disclose early ocular vascular abnormalities in patients with SSc. Our results may represent a hypothesis-generating basis for exploring the potential role of OCT-A in diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis stratification in SSc.