bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CT hepatic arterial perfusion index does not allow stratification of the degree of esophageal varices and bleeding risk in cirrhotic patients in Child–Pugh classes A and B
Authors: Peisen Felix , Ekert Kaspar , Bitzer Michael , Bösmüller Hans , Fritz Jan , Horger Marius 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate if the hepatic arterial perfusion index (HPI) in liver parenchyma of cirrhotic patients can serve as a surrogate parameter for stratifying the degree of esophageal varices and related bleeding risks.

Methods
CT image data of sixty-six patients (59 men; mean age 68 years ± 10 years) with liver cirrhosis (Child–Pugh class A (35/66, 53%), B (25/66, 38%), and C (6/66, 9%) who underwent perfusion CT (PCT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening between April 2010 and January 2019 were retrospectively identified. HPI, a parameter calculated by a commercially available CT liver perfusion analysis software that is based on the double maximum slope model, using time attenuation curve to determine perfusion, was correlated with the degree of esophageal varices diagnosed at endoscopy and the number of bleeding events.

Results
Eta correlation coefficient for HPI/presence of esophageal varices was very weak (0.083). Spearman-Rho for HPI/grading of esophageal varices was very weak (0.037 (p = 0.804)). Kendall-Tau-b for HPI/grading of esophageal varices was very weak (0.027 (p = 0.807)). ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc-tests showed no significant difference of HPI between different grades of esophageal varices (F (3, 62) = 1.676, p = 0.186). Eta correlation coefficient for HPI/bleeding event was very weak (0.126).

Conclusion
The stratification of the degree of esophageal varices and the related bleeding risk by correlation with the HPI as a surrogate parameter for portal venous hypertension was not possible for patients with liver cirrhosis in Child–Pugh class A and B.

Graphic abstract
Das FH-defiziente Nierenzellkarzinom erweitert das Spektrum der papillären Tumoren in der Niere
Authors: Rupp N. , Moch H. 
Published: August 2021

ZusammenfassungDas Fumarat-Hydratase(FH)-defiziente Nierenzellkarzinom (NZK) ist eine distinkte Entität, welche eine biallelische Inaktivierung des FH-Gens zeigt, die konsekutiv mit einem Expressions- bzw. Funktionsverlust des FH-Proteins einhergeht. Diese Alteration führt zu einer Akkumulation des Onkometaboliten Fumarat im Citratzyklus und vielfältigen Störungen des Zellhaushaltes und der DNA-Prozessierung. Das FH-defiziente NZK zeigt häufig ein morphologisch überlappendes Spektrum mit papillären NZK (Typ 2), wobei typischerweise ein Wechsel verschiedener Wachstumsmuster inkl. tubulozystischer, kribriformer und/oder solider Differenzierung zu beobachten ist. Eine typische, jedoch nicht spezifische morphologische Eigenschaft sind die prominenten eosinophilen, Viruseinschlußkörperchen-artigen Nukleolen mit perinukleolärem Halo. Der immunhistochemische Verlust der FH-Expression untermauert die Diagnose, kann in seltenen Fällen jedoch erhalten sein. Zumeist zeigen FH-defiziente NZK ein sehr aggressives biologisches Verhalten mit oftmalig primärer Metastasierung bei Diagnosestellung. Die initiale Beschreibung erfolgte als NZK in Assoziation mit dem Hereditären-Leiomyomatose-und-Nierenzellkarzinom(HLRCC)-Syndrom, welches zusätzlich kutane und uterine Leiomyome umfasst. Aktuelle Daten zeigen jedoch auch einen steigenden Anteil an sporadischen Fällen, sodass eine Unterscheidung (hereditär vs. sporadisch) angemessen erscheint. Bisher sind wenige, aber vielversprechende Daten bezüglich wirksamer systemischer therapeutischer Optionen beschrieben. Zusammenfassend ist eine korrekte Diagnose aufgrund des typischerweise biologisch aggressiven Verhaltens, gegebenenfalls vom Standard abweichender therapeutischer Optionen und möglichem Indikator einer hereditären Erkrankung von großer Bedeutung.
Multiple genome viewer (MGV): a new tool for visualization and comparison of multiple annotated genomes
Authors: Richardson Joel E. , Baldarelli Richard M. , Bult Carol J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe assembled and annotated genomes for 16 inbred mouse strains (Lilue et al., Nat Genet 50:1574–1583, 2018) and two wild-derived strains (CAROLI/EiJ and PAHARI/EiJ) (Thybert et al., Genome Res 28:448–459, 2018) are valuable resources for mouse genetics and comparative genomics. We developed the multiple genome viewer (MGV; http://www.informatics.jax.org/mgv) to support visualization, exploration, and comparison of genome annotations within and across these genomes. MGV displays chromosomal regions of user-selected genomes as horizontal tracks. Equivalent features across the genome tracks are highlighted using vertical ‘swim lane’ connectors. Navigation across the genomes is synchronized as a researcher uses the scroll and zoom functions. Researchers can generate custom sets of genes and other genome features to be displayed in MGV by entering genome coordinates, function, phenotype, disease, and/or pathway terms. MGV was developed to be genome agnostic and can be used to display homologous features across genomes of different organisms.
Comprehensive characterization of endometriosis patients and disease patterns in a large clinical cohort
Authors: Blum Simon , Fasching Peter A. , Hildebrandt Thomas , Lermann Johannes , Heindl Felix , Born Tilman , Lubrich Hannah , Antoniadis Sophia , Becker Karina , Fahlbusch Christine , Heusinger Katharina , Burghaus Stefanie , Beckmann Matthias W. , Hein Alexander 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
In many diseases, it is possible to classify a heterogeneous group into subgroups relative to tumor biology, genetic variations, or clinical and pathological features. No such classification is available for endometriosis. In our retrospective case–case analysis we defined subgroups of endometriosis patients relative to the type and location of the endometriosis lesion and relative to basic patient characteristics.

Methods
From June 2013 to July 2017, a total of 1576 patients with endometriosis diagnosed at surgery were included in this study. The patients’ history and clinical data were documented using a web-based remote data entry system. To build subgroups, all possible combinations of endometriosis locations/types (peritoneal; ovarian endometriosis; deeply infiltrating endometriosis; adenomyosis) were used. Due to the variation in group sizes, they were combined into five substantial larger groups.

Results
Age, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were identified as characteristics that significantly differed between the five patient groups that were defined. No significant differences were noted in relation to body mass index, length of menstrual cycle, age at menarche, reason for presentation, or educational level.

Conclusion
This study describes basic patient characteristics in relation to common clinical subgroups in a large clinical cohort of endometriosis patients. Epidemiological information about different clinical groups may be helpful in identifying groups with specific clinical courses, potentially suggesting novel approaches to early detection and to surgical and systemic treatment.
Use of Thiols in the Treatment of COVID-19: Current Evidence
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Rogliani Paola , Salvi Sundeep Santosh , Ora Josuel , Matera Maria Gabriella 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThere is a possible role for oxidative stress, a state characterized by an altered balance between the production of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the genesis of which is quite complex. Excessive oxidative stress could be responsible for the alveolar damage, thrombosis, and red blood cell dysregulation observed in COVID-19. Apparently, deficiency of glutathione (GSH), a low-molecular-weight thiol that is the most important non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule and has the potential to keep the cytokine storm in check, is a plausible explanation for the severe manifestations and death in COVID-19 patients. Thiol drugs, which are considered mucolytic, also possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They exhibit antibacterial activity against a variety of medically important bacteria and may be an effective strategy against influenza virus infection. The importance of oxidative stress during COVID-19 and the various pharmacological characteristics of thiol-based drugs suggest a possible role of thiols in the treatment of COVID-19. Oral and intravenous GSH, as well as GSH precursors such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or drugs containing the thiol moiety (erdosteine) may represent a novel therapeutic approach to block NF-kB and address the cytokine storm syndrome and respiratory distress observed in COVID-19 pneumonia patients
Surgical management of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis (EPS) in children: international case series and literature review
Authors: Sharma Videha , Moinuddin Zia , Summers Angela , Shenoy Mohan , Plant Nicholas , Vranic Semir , Prytula Agnieszka , Zvizdic Zlatan , Karava Vasiliki , Printza Nikoleta , Vlot John , van Dellen David , Augustine Titus 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis (EPS) is a rare phenomenon in paediatric patients with kidney failure treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study highlights clinical challenges in the management of EPS, with particular emphasis on peri-operative considerations and surgical technique.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of all paediatric patients with EPS treated at the Manchester Centre for Transplantation.

Results
Four patients were included with a median duration of 78 months on PD. All patients had recurrent peritonitis (> 3 episodes), and all had symptoms within three months of a change of dialysis modality from PD to haemodialysis or transplant. In Manchester, care was delivered by a multi-disciplinary team, including surgeons delivering the adult EPS surgical service with a particular focus on nutritional optimisation, sepsis control, and wound management. The surgery involved laparotomy, lavage, and enterolysis of the small bowel + / − stoma formation, depending on intra-abdominal contamination. Two patients had a formal stoma, which were reversed at three and six months, respectively. Two patients underwent primary closure of the abdomen, whereas two patients had re-look procedures at 48 h with secondary closure. One patient had a post-operative wound infection, which was managed medically. One patient’s stoma became detached, leading to an intra-abdominal collection requiring re-laparotomy. The median length of stay was 25 days, and patients were discharged once enteral feeding was established. All patients remained free of recurrence with normal gut function and currently two out of four have functioning transplants.

Conclusions
This series demonstrates 100% survival and parenteral feed independence following EPS surgery. Post-operative morbidity was common; however, with individualised experience-based decision-making and relevant additional interventions, patients made full recoveries. Health and development post-surgery continued, allowing the potential for transplantation.

Graphical abstract
A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information
On center of mass and foliations by constant spacetime mean curvature surfaces for isolated systems in General Relativity
Authors: Cederbaum Carla , Sakovich Anna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe propose a new foliation of asymptotically Euclidean initial data sets by 2-spheres of constant spacetime mean curvature (STCMC). The leaves of the foliation have the STCMC-property regardless of the initial data set in which the foliation is constructed which asserts that there is a plethora of STCMC 2-spheres in a neighborhood of spatial infinity of any asymptotically flat spacetime. The STCMC-foliation can be understood as a equivariant relativistic generalization of the CMC-foliation suggested by Huisken and Yau (Invent Math 124:281–311, 1996). We show that a unique STCMC-foliation exists near infinity of any asymptotically Euclidean initial data set with non-vanishing energy which allows for the definition of a new notion of total center of mass for isolated systems. This STCMC-center of mass transforms equivariantly under the asymptotic Poincaré group of the ambient spacetime and in particular evolves under the Einstein evolution equations like a point particle in Special Relativity. The new definition also remedies subtle deficiencies in the CMC-approach to defining the total center of mass suggested by Huisken and Yau (Invent Math 124:281–311, 1996) which were described by Cederbaum and Nerz (Ann Henri Poincaré 16:1609–1631, 2015).
Revisiting Kalundu Mound, Zambia: Implications for the Timing of Social and Subsistence Transitions in Iron Age Southern Africa
Authors: Goldstein S. T. , Crowther A. , Henry E. R. , Janzen A. , Katongo M. , Brown S. , Farr J. , Le Moyne C. , Picin A. , Richter K. K. , Boivin N. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNovel trajectories of food production, urbanism, and inter-regional trade fueled the emergence of numerous complex Iron Age polities in central and southern Africa. Renewed research and re-dating efforts in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and along the Swahili Coast are transforming models for how inter-regional interaction spheres contributed to these patterns. While societies in present-day Zambia played an important role in the trade of copper, ivory, gold, and other resources between central and southern Africa, little is known about lifeways during the rise of social complexity in this region. This paper reports the results of re-excavation at Kalundu Mound on the Batoka Plateau of southern Zambia, one of the iconic mound sites of the Iron Age “Kalomo Culture.” New radiocarbon dates were combined with the original dates in a series of Bayesian models, indicating that previous chronologies for the site are not reliable and that the mound site likely developed rapidly from AD 1190 to 1410. Archaeobotanical, zooarchaeological, and paleo-proteomic analyses of excavated materials suggests a broad subsistence base combining wild and domesticated species, including the first reported evidence for finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in the region. Considering these findings, it is necessary to re-evaluate the temporal context of the Kalomo site-group, and to also systematically reinvestigate the systems of exchange and subsistence that supported Later Iron Age complexity.
Probability elicitation using geostatistics in hydrocarbon exploration
Authors: Morosov André Luís , Bratvold Reidar Brumer 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe exploratory phase of a hydrocarbon field is a period when decision-supporting information is scarce while the drilling stakes are high. Each new prospect drilled brings more knowledge about the area and might reveal reserves, hence choosing such prospect is essential for value creation. Drilling decisions must be made under uncertainty as the available geological information is limited and probability elicitation from geoscience experts is key in this process. This work proposes a novel use of geostatistics to help experts elicit geological probabilities more objectively, especially useful during the exploratory phase. The approach is simpler, more consistent with geologic knowledge, more comfortable for geoscientists to use and, more comprehensive for decision-makers to follow when compared to traditional methods. It is also flexible by working with any amount and type of information available. The workflow takes as input conceptual models describing the geology and uses geostatistics to generate spatial variability of geological properties in the vicinity of potential drilling prospects. The output is stochastic realizations which are processed into a joint probability distribution (JPD) containing all conditional probabilities of the process. Input models are interactively changed until the JPD satisfactory represents the expert’s beliefs. A 2D, yet realistic, implementation of the workflow is used as a proof of concept, demonstrating that even simple modeling might suffice for decision-making support. Derivative versions of the JPD are created and their effect on the decision process of selecting the drilling sequence is assessed. The findings from the method application suggest ways to define the input parameters by observing how they affect the JPD and the decision process.
Evaluation of water structures in cotton cloth by fractal analysis with broadband dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Yagihara Shin , Saito Hironobu , Sugimoto Hironori , Kawaguchi Tsubasa , Fukuzaki Minoru , Igarashi Takako , Hoshi Masato , Nakamura Koichi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBroadband dielectric spectroscopy measurements were performed on naturally dried cotton cloth, and a recently developed analytical technique for fractal analysis of water structures was applied to obtain existential states and locations of water molecules in the material. Three relaxation processes observed in GHz, MHz, and kHz frequency regions were attributed to dynamic behaviors of hydrogen bonding networks (HBNs) of water and interacting molecules, polymer chains with interacting ion and water molecules, and ions restricted on the interfaces of larger structures, respectively. Water molecules were heterogeneously distributed in the cotton cloth, and the HBNs remained as a broad GHz frequency process. Fractal analysis suggested that water molecules distributed in the material were characterized by a small value (0.55) of the Cole–Cole relaxation time distribution parameter, indicating spatial distribution of HBN fragments with various sizes in cotton cloth. This result was also supported by the T2 relaxation time obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance for naturally dried cotton yarn. Comparing previous results of dielectric relaxation measurements and fractal analysis with the τ–β diagram for various aqueous systems, the results determined that water molecules cannot exist inside cellulose microfibrils. The fractal analysis employed in this work can be applied to dynamic water structures in any material. The presented analytical technique with a universal τ–β diagram is expected to be an effective tool to clarify water structure detail even for heterogeneous hydrations of the low water content substances.
Graphical abstract
HM-EIICT: Fairness-aware link prediction in complex networks using community information
Authors: Saxena Akrati , Fletcher George , Pechenizkiy Mykola 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe evolution of online social networks is highly dependent on the recommended links. Most of the existing works focus on predicting intra-community links efficiently. However, it is equally important to predict inter-community links with high accuracy for diversifying a network. In this work, we propose a link prediction method, called HM-EIICT, that considers both the similarity of nodes and their community information to predict both kinds of links, intra-community links as well as inter-community links, with higher accuracy. The proposed framework is built on the concept that the connection likelihood between two given nodes differs for inter-community and intra-community node-pairs. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated using link prediction accuracy and network modularity reduction. The results are studied on real-world networks and show the effectiveness of the proposed method as compared to the baselines. The experiments suggest that the inter-community links can be predicted with a higher accuracy using community information extracted from the network topology, and the proposed framework outperforms several measures especially proposed for community-based link prediction. The paper is concluded with open research directions.
Characterising the linear viscoelastic behaviour of an injection moulding grade polypropylene polymer
Authors: Gebrehiwot Silas Z. , Espinosa-Leal Leonardo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe linear viscoelastic behaviour of an injection moulding grade polypropylene is studied using theoretical and computational methods. Polypropylene has a variety of engineering applications as a component. However, it commonly exhibits viscoelastic deformations. This paper analyses the creep and recovery responses of the BJ368MO polypropylene copolymer using the Burgers and generalised Maxwell models. Within the linear viscoelastic regime, an experimental creep strain at $20\ \text{MPa}$
20

MPa
is used to determine the rheological constants of the models. These constants (springs and dashpots) are determined using a nonlinear least-squares curve fitting of the experimental creep. Then they are used to predict the creep and recovery responses of the polymer at three different stresses, $10\ \text{MPa}$
10

MPa
, $12.5\ \text{MPa}$
12.5

MPa
and $15\ \text{MPa}$
15

MPa
. The experiments are made using tensile specimens designed according to the ASTM D638-14standard. The theoretical evaluations are made using the creep and recovery equations derived from their constitutive. Whereas COMSOL Multiphysics software is used during the finite element (FE) analyses. The results of the theoretical and FE calculations are verified using creep and recovery experiments. Based on the validation analyses, both viscoelastic models showed lower deviations from the experimental results when a computational approach is used. In addition, the viscoelastic models are compared by evaluating the residuals of the creep and recovery strain predictions. The theoretical analyses showed better predictions at $12.5\ \text{MPa}$
12.5

MPa
and $15\ \text{MPa}$
15

MPa
stresses when the generalised Maxwell model is used. However, the improvements are attributed to the recovery predictions. When FE is used, the Burgers model showed lower mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) in all creep and recovery predictions. The model has a minimum of 6.37% error at the $10\ \text{MPa}$
10

MPa
stress and a maximum of 8.23% error at the $15\ \text{MPa}$
15

MPa
. By comparison, the generalised Maxwell model showed a minimum of 9.24% error at $12.5\ \text{MPa}$
12.5

MPa
and a maximum of 12.8% error at $15\ \text{MPa}$
15

MPa
stresses. The novelty of this paper is on predicting the creep and recovery behaviour of the polymer using the FE and theoretical approaches in the linear viscoelastic regime. The findings suggest that the FE analyses using the Burgers viscoelastic material model provide better predictions, with all calculated errors falling below 10%.
Only the brave: improving self-rationing efficiency among discouraged Swiss SMEs
Authors: Wernli Reto , Dietrich Andreas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe conduct a survey among 1922 Swiss SMEs to analyze their access to bank loans. Credit-constrained SMEs are six times more likely to be discouraged than rejected. The most dominant reasons for being discouraged are too high collateral requirements, cumbersome application procedure, and the expectation of being turned down. Through a unique feature in the Swiss banking market, we also find new evidence for the importance of a strong firm–bank relationship. We challenge the assumption that discouraged borrowers are very similar to rejected borrowers. Our results indicate that the group of discouraged borrowers is more similar to the denied borrowers than to the group of approved borrowers, but only with respect to firm characteristics. For variables describing business development and firm–bank relationship, discouraged SMEs have less in common with credit-constrained firms than with their unconstrained counterparts. Even with a conservative prediction, about 60% of the discouraged firms would have obtained a bank loan if they had applied for one. The self-rationing mechanism observed is thus rather inefficient, and banks and policy makers should think about how to foster SMEs’ courage to apply for the bank loans they need.