bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total white blood cell counts but not HL ratio changes in the transition from post‐juvenile molt to autumn migration in the first‐year Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Authors: Demina Irina , Tsvey Arseny 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTheoretically, seasonal changes in immune functioning in animals are shaped by the trade‐off between a probability of encountering pathogens and availability of resources. We used leukocyte profile (absolute and relative leukocyte counts) as a simple measure of immune system condition to study how it changes during the transition from postjuvenile molt to autumn migration in a free‐living migratory songbird, the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla). We observed the higher white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocyte counts in molting birds compared to migrating individuals, but we did not find differences in heterophils and ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (HL ratio). We suppose that the high number of WBC in molting blackcaps could reflect the heightened ability of their immune system to resists infections. The lower WBC counts in migrants compared to molting birds were mostly due to reduced lymphocyte numbers, thus representing in a downregulation of specific immunity. An absence of heterophil differences between molt and migration might indicate that various components of immunity can change relatively independently (or at different pace). Fat scores had no effect on WBC counts and HL ratio. Therefore, we found no strong evidence for a resource—immune functionality trade‐off during transition from postjuvenile molt to autumn migration in immature Eurasian blackcap. This study is an important step in understanding how immune system in general and leukocyte profile in particular changes in transition between life‐history stages in migratory songbirds.
Mutant KRAS as a prognostic biomarker after hepatectomy for rectal cancer metastases: Does the primary disease site matter?
Authors: Amini Neda , Andreatos Nikolaos , Margonis Georgios Antonios , Buettner Stefan , Wang Jaeyun , Galjart Boris , Wagner Doris , Sasaki Kazunari , Angelou Anastasios , Sun Jinger , Kamphues Carsten , Beer Andrea , Morioka Daisuke , Løes Inger Marie , Antoniou Efstathios , Imai Katsunori , Pikoulis Emmanouil , He Jin , Kaczirek Klaus , Poultsides George , Verhoef Cornelis , Lønning Per Eystein , Endo Itaru , Baba Hideo , Kornprat Peter , NAucejo Federico , Kreis Martin E. , Christopher Wolfgang L. , Weiss Matthew J. , Safar Bashar , Burkhart Richard Andrew 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic implication of mutant KRAS (mKRAS) among patients with primary disease in the rectum remains unknown.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2018, patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases at 10 collaborating international institutions with documented KRAS status were surveyed.ResultsA total of 834 (65.8%) patients with primary colon cancer and 434 (34.2%) patients with primary rectal cancer were included. In patients with primary colon cancer, mKRAS served as a reliable prognostic biomarker of poor overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58, 95% CI 1.28‐1.95) in the multivariable analysis. Although a trend towards significance was noted, mKRAS was not found to be an independent predictor of OS in patients with primary rectal tumors (HR 1.34, 95% CI 0.98‐1.80). For colon cancer, the specific codon impacted in mKRAS appears to reflect underlying disease biology and oncologic outcomes, with codon 13 being associated with particularly poor OS in patients with left‐sided tumors (codon 12, HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.22‐1.99; codon 13, HR 2.10 95% CI 1.43‐3.08;). Stratifying the rectal patient population by codon mutation did not confer prognostic significance following hepatectomy.ConclusionsWhile the left‐sided colonic disease is frequently grouped with rectal disease, our analysis suggests that there exist fundamental biologic differences that drive disparate outcomes. Although there was a trend toward significance of KRAS mutations for patients with primary rectal cancers, it failed to achieve statistical significance.
Orthotopic Versus Allotopic Implantation: Comparison of Radiological and Pathological Characteristics
Authors: Cai YeYu , Chen TaiLi , Liu JiaYi , Peng ShuHui , Liu Huan , Lv Min , Ding ZhuYuan , Zhou ZiYi , Li Lan , Zeng Shan , Xiao EnHua 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIn experimental animal models, implantation location might influence the heterogeneity and overall development of the tumor, leading to an interpretation bias.PurposeTo investigate the effects of implantation location in experimental tumor model using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological findings.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsForty‐five breast cancer‐bearing mice underwent orthotopic (N = 15) and heterotopic (intrahepatic [N = 15] and subcutaneous [N = 15]) implantation.Field Strength/SequenceSequences including: T1‐weighted turbo spin echo sequence, T2‐weighted blade sequence, diffusion‐weighted imaging, pre‐ and post‐contrast T1 mapping, multi‐echo T2 mapping at 3.0 T.AssessmentMRI was performed at 7, 14, and 21 days after implantation. Native T1, post‐contrast T1, T2, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of tumors, the tumor volume and necrosis volume within tumor were obtained. Lymphocyte cells from H&E staining, Ki67‐positive, and CD31‐positive cells from immunohistochemistry were determined.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance and Spearman's rank correlation were performed.Pvalue <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe tumor volume (intrahepatic vs. orthotopic vs. subcutaneous: 587.50 ± 77.62 mm3vs. 814.00 ± 43.85 mm3vs. 956.13 ± 119.22 mm3), necrosis volume within tumor (89.10 ± 26.60 mm3vs. 292.41 ± 57.92 mm3vs. 179.91 ± 31.73 mm3, respectively), ADC at day 21 (543.41 ± 42.28 vs. 542.92 ± 99.67 vs. 369.83 ± 42.90, respectively), and post‐contrast T1 at all timepoints (day 7: 442.00 ± 11.52 vs. 435.00 ± 22.90 vs. 394.33 ± 29.95; day 14: 459.00 ± 26.11 vs. 436.83 ± 26.01 vs. 377.00 ± 27.83; day 21: 463.50 ± 23.49 vs. 458.00 ± 34.28 vs. 375.00 ± 30.55) were significantly different between three groups. Necrosis volumes of subcutaneous and intrahepatic tumors were significantly lower than those of orthotopic tumors. The CD31‐positive rate in the intrahepatic implantation was significantly higher than in orthotopic and subcutaneous groups. Necrosis volume (r = −0.71), ADC (r = −0.85), and post‐contrast T1 (r = −0.75) were strongly correlated with vascular invasion index.Data ConclusionOrthotopic and heterotopic tumors have their unique growth kinetics, necrosis volume, and vascular invasion. Non‐invasive MR quantitative parameters, including ADC and post‐contrast T1, may reflect vascular invasion in mice.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 3
The role of Tibetan summer low clouds in the simulation of the East Asian summer monsoon rain belt
Authors: Guo Zhun , Zhou Tianjun , Wang Minghuai , Yang Ben , Wu Bo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt has been challenging to simulate the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) using general circulation models. By evaluating the cloud layers unified by binormals (CLUBB) model and its revised version in the version‐5 Community Atmosphere Model, we find that EASM simulations benefit from improving the reproduction of low clouds over the Tibetan Plateau. When a cloud‐top radiative cooling scheme (RAD) is coupled with CLUBB, it significantly improves the resulting EASM rain belt and western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) simulations compared to the default simulations without RAD; in these default simulations, the low‐level southwesterlies, WPSH ridge, and EASM rain belt are displaced northward. The moisture budget analyses indicate that the improvements in EASM simulations are mainly contributed to by the improved presentation of low‐level stationary eddy meridional flow convergence over East Asia; this convergence shifts northward during the default model runs. Because the RAD scheme enables the model to better represent the subgrid radiation–turbulence interaction, the model produces stronger turbulent fluxes and lower clouds but reduces incoming solar radiation over the Tibetan Plateau. It thus shifts the Tibetan High southward, ultimately resulting in an improved simulation of the low‐level southwesterlies. These improvements in CLUBB_RAD highlight the importance of improving the representation of low clouds when simulating EASM rainfall.
Teduglutide in short bowel syndrome patients: A way back to normal life?
Authors: Harpain Felix , Schlager Lukas , Hütterer Elisabeth , Dawoud Christopher , Kirchnawy Sabine , Stift Judith , Krotka Pavla , Stift Anton 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe glucagon‐like peptide 2 analogue teduglutide is an effective drug for the treatment of short bowel syndrome patients with intestinal failure (SBS‐IF). This intestinotrophic peptide improves intestinal capacity for fluid and nutrient absorption through induction of mucosal growth and reduction of gastrointestinal motility. Clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of teduglutide in reducing the need for parenteral support (PS). This study describes an SBS‐IF patient population receiving teduglutide therapy in a specialized medical care setting.MethodA retrospective analysis was performed using data of patients experiencing nonmalignant SBS‐IF. They were treated with teduglutide in a multidisciplinary SBS‐IF program at a single university medical center between June 2016 and June 2020.ResultsThirteen patients under teduglutide treatment were included in the final analysis. Mean small bowel length was 82 ± 31 cm, with 77% of patients having their colon in continuity. Over a median follow‐up of 107 weeks, all patients (13 of 13, 100%) responded to the therapy with a clinically significant reduction of PS volume. Mean PS reduction increased with therapy duration and ranged from −82.5% at week 24 (n = 13) to −100% in patients (n = 5) who were treated for 144 weeks. Enteral autonomy was achieved in 12 of 13 (92%) patients. Teduglutide therapy improved stool frequency and consistency, changed dietary habits, and reduced disease‐associated sleep disruptions.ConclusionIntegrating SBS‐IF patients treated with teduglutide in a proactive and tight‐meshed patient care program significantly improves the clinical outcome, leading to an increased proportion of patients reaching enteral autonomy.
Multicentre external validation of the GES score for predicting HCC risk in Japanese HCV patients who achieved SVR following DAAs
Authors: Abe Kazumichi , Fujita Masashi , Hayashi Manabu , Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa , Mikhail Nabiel , Soliman Reham , Shiha Gamal 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA simple score combining clinical and biochemical parameters (general evaluation score (GES)) has shown value in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication in Egyptian patients with HCV genotype 4. We aimed to apply the GES to predict HCC risk in Japanese HCV patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) following direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). This multicentre retrospective cohort study included 187 HCV patients without a history of HCC treatment who achieved SVR. The GES was calculated using pre‐ and post‐treatment data. The median age of the patients was 66 years; 49% were male, 89% had cirrhosis and 69% had HCV genotype 1. During the mean 36‐month follow‐up, 19 (10.2%) developed HCC. Regarding the pretreatment scores, 75 (40.1%), 58 (31.0%) and 54 (28.9%) patients had low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk scores, respectively. The 4‐year cumulative incidence (CumI) was 1.64% in the low‐risk group, 2.82% in the intermediate‐risk group and 6.88% in the high‐risk group (log‐rank P = .029). In patients with cirrhosis, 60 (36.1%), 57 (34.3%) and 49 (29.5%) had low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk scores respectively. The 4‐year CumI was 0.98% in the low‐risk group, 2.86% in the intermediate‐risk group and 6.67% in the high‐risk group (log‐rank P = .02). The GES calculated with pretreatment data was more useful than that calculated with post‐treatment data (Harrell's C statistic: 0.670 vs 0.587). This tool incorporates changes over time to estimate variations in HCC risk and could help identify low‐risk patients for whom HCC surveillance can be discontinued.
Significantly Enhanced Visible‐Light H2 Evolution of Polyfluorene Polyelectrolyte by Anionic Polyelectrolyte Doping
Authors: Deng Yue , Zeng Chao , Yang Xiaoman , Liu Zhonglin , Dai Chunhui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this work, a simple but efficient strategy is proposed to boost the H2 production activities of polyfluorene polyelectrolyte (PFN‐Br) through doping an anionic polyelectrolyte based on Förster resonance energy transfer strategy for the first time. In this artificial photosystem, cationic PFN‐Br is used as the energy donor and a 3,4‐dithia‐7H‐cyclopenta[a]pentalene‐based polyelectrolyte (PCP‐2F‐Li) is employed as the energy acceptor. The photoexcited fluorescence of PFN‐Br is completely quenched when the energy donor/acceptor ratio of [PFN‐Br]/[PCP‐2F‐Li] = 10:1. Moreover, the addition of a low concentration of PCP‐2F‐Li enables greater charge transport rate of polyelectrolyte blends than that of PFN‐Br. As a result, compared to single PFN‐Br (549 µmol h−1 g−1) and PCP‐2F‐Li (125 µmol h−1 g−1), the polyelectrolyte blends show a significantly higher H2 evolution rate of 1346 µmol h−1 g−1, which is mainly ascribed to the reduced energy loss through fluorescence and increased photoinduced charge transport during the photocatalytic process. This work highlights the rational construction of binary polymer blends as efficient method to increase photocatalytic activity of conjugated polyelectrolytes and this also provides a new opportunity for the design of multicomponent polyelectrolyte based photocatalysts.
Ten‐Minute Synthesis of Highly Conductive Polymer Nanosheets on Ice Surfaces: Role of Ice Crystallinity
Authors: Kim Kyoungwook , Kim Bomi , Kim Kitae , Park Moon Jeong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractConducting polymers have been studied widely over the past decades for use as organic electrode materials owing to their high electrical conductivity and low‐cost synthesis. Among the various synthesis methods reported, the recently established ice‐assisted approach for developing conducting polymer nanosheets is regarded as an advanced technology that allows for easy fabrication in an eco‐friendly manner. However, the role of the crystallinity of the underlying ice surface in determining the physicochemical properties of the conducting polymers remains unclear. Here, the electronic properties and packing structures of polyaniline (PANI) nanosheets formed on ice surfaces are studied by controlling the ice crystallinity. Intriguingly, the crystallinity of the PANI nanosheets resembles that of the ice surfaces, in that the anisotropic growth of the PANI crystals with a face‐on orientation occurs preferentially on high‐crystalline ice surfaces. In addition, it is found that the development of highly crystalline PANI nanosheets results in efficient charge transport, owing to polaron delocalization in PANI with extended chain conformations and the improvement in the degree of backbone ordering because of the preorganized aniline moieties on the ice surface.
Understanding the Self‐Healing Mechanism of Polyurethane Elastomer Based on Hydrogen Bonding Interactions through Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Chen Xianling , Shen Zhihua , Jia Huan , Gao Yangyang , Zhang Meng , Luo Yanlong , Luo Zhenyang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe healing behavior of polyurethane (PU) elastomer is studied based on microcrack models by molecular dynamics simulation. It is found that PU elastomer has a self‐healing capacity at 25, 50, and 70 °C when the molar ratio of polypropylene carbonate polyol (PPC), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine is 1:2:1. While the molar ratio of PPC, HDI, and 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine is 1:1.33:0.33 or 2:3:1, the PU is never healed at 25, 50, and 70 °C. With the temperature rising, the self‐healing rate is the fastest when the temperature is at 70 °C. Besides, the self‐healing mechanism of PU elastomer is analyzed. It is found that the hydrogen bonds of Type 6 which are produced by urea groups and ester groups, Type 1 which are produced by urea groups and urea groups, and Type 2 which are produced by urea groups and urethane groups have made a great effect on self‐healing behavior. Dynamic exchange is visually observed between different hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the strength, type, number of different types, and existence time of hydrogen bonds are elaborated. This study deepens the understanding of the mechanism about healing based on hydrogen bonding interactions.
Kinetic Monte Carlo Tool for Kinetic Modeling of Linear Step‐Growth Polymerization: Insight into Recycling of Polyurethanes
Authors: Coile Matthew W. , Harmon Rebecca E. , Wang Guanhua , SriBala Gorugantu , Broadbelt Linda J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA kinetic Monte Carlo model of polyurethane polymerization which explicitly tracks the polymer sequences is developed and shared. This model is benchmarked against theoretical and experimental polyurethane data and used to investigate the effect on oligomer distributions of unequal reactivity of the first and second isocyanate to react. The reverse reactions using thermodynamic consistency are then added to the framework, and analogous to the addition polymerization concept of ceiling temperature, equilibrium chain length distributions at various temperatures are calculated. For a mixture of three monomers AA, BB, and CC, where BB and CC do not react with one another, are present in stoichiometric proportions, and have different enthalpies of reaction with AA, an odd‐even effect emerges. Odd length chains are more likely than even length chains for temperatures at which BB and CC have significantly different equilibrium conversions. The concept of ceiling temperature that is typically cited for addition polymers is extended here to provide a measure of conditions under which depolymerization for recycling is favored.
Eccentric free muscular perforator flaps in the proximal lateral leg for hand and foot reconstruction
Authors: Yen Yu‐Hsiu , Lo Shih‐Lun , Liu Shih‐Pi , Pu Chi‐Ming 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to introduce our modifications by using eccentrically located muscular perforators to shorten the distance between the recipient vessels and the flap pedicle for overcoming the “short pedicle” drawback of the proximal lateral leg perforator (PLLP) flap.Patients and methodsA retrospective review of 12 cases undergoing free PLLP flap for hand and foot regions reconstruction during 2010 and 2019. The mean age was 43.3 years. Most defects resulted from burn and trauma injuries. The dimensions of defects ranged from 8 × 1.5 cm2 to 12 × 6.5 cm2. Muscular perforators were designed eccentrically 1–3 cm away from the central point of the flap to shorten the distance between the recipient vessels and the pedicle. The flap was designed to be 0.5–1 cm larger than the defect.ResultsThe flap size ranged from 9 × 2 cm2 to 15 × 6 cm2. All pedicles were long enough to ensure an appropriate anastomosis without tension. The post‐operative course in all cases was uneventful. All flaps survived without complications. Primary repair of the donor sites was performed in all patients. Donor leg function was not hampered by flap harvesting. All patients were satisfied with the scar after at least 1 year of follow‐up.ConclusionBased on our experience, selection of the eccentric locations of the musculo‐cutaneous perforators were effective methods to overcome the short pedicle length of this flap type. Using our modifications, thin PLLP flaps can be used in foot and hand reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity and a high success rate.
Recovering SWI‐filtered phase data using deep learning
Authors: Kames Christian , Doucette Jonathan , Birkl Christoph , Rauscher Alexander 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo develop a deep neural network to recover filtered phase from clinical MR phase images to enable the computation of QSMs.MethodsEighteen deep learning networks were trained to recover combinations of 13 SWI phase‐filtering pipelines. SWI‐filtered data were computed offline from five multiorientation, multiecho MRI scans yielding 132 3D volumes (118/7/7 training/validation/testing). Two experiments were conducted to show the efficacy of the networks. First, using QSM processing, local fields were computed from the raw phase and subsequently filtered using the SWI‐filtering pipelines. The networks were then trained to invert the filtering operation. Second, the trained networks were fine‐tuned to recover unfiltered local fields from filtered local fields computed by applying QSM processing to the SWI‐filtered phase. Susceptibility maps were computed from the recovered fields and compared with gold standard multiple orientation sampling reconstructions.ResultsSusceptibility maps computed from the raw phase using standard QSM processing have a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.732 ± 0.095. Susceptibility maps computed from the recovered phase obtained NRMSEs of 0.725 ± 0.095. The network trained using all 13 processing methods generalized well, obtaining NRMSEs of 0.725 ± 0.89 on filters it has not seen, while matching the reconstruction accuracy of networks trained to recover a single filter.ConclusionIt is feasible to recover SWI‐filtered phase using deep learning. QSM can be computed from the recovered phase from SWI acquisition with comparable accuracy to standard QSM processing.
Automatic segmentation of peripheral arteries and veins in ferumoxytol‐enhanced MR angiography
Authors: Ghodrati Vahid , Rivenson Yair , Prosper Ashley , de Haan Kevin , Ali Fadil , Yoshida Takegawa , Bedayat Arash , Nguyen Kim‐Lien , Finn J. Paul , Hu Peng 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo automate the segmentation of the peripheral arteries and veins in the lower extremities based on ferumoxytol‐enhanced MR angiography (FE‐MRA).MethodsOur automated pipeline has 2 sequential stages. In the first stage, we used a 3D U‐Net with local attention gates, which was trained based on a combination of the Focal Tversky loss with region mutual loss under a deep supervision mechanism to segment the vasculature from the high‐resolution FE‐MRA datasets. In the second stage, we used time‐resolved images to separate the arteries from the veins. Because the ultimate segmentation quality of the arteries and veins relies on the performance of the first stage, we thoroughly evaluated the different aspects of the segmentation network and compared its performance in blood vessel segmentation with currently accepted state‐of‐the‐art networks, including Volumetric‐Net, DeepVesselNet‐FCN, and Uception.ResultsWe achieved a competitive F1 = 0.8087 and recall = 0.8410 for blood vessel segmentation compared with F1 = (0.7604, 0.7573, 0.7651) and recall = (0.7791, 0.7570, 0.7774) obtained with Volumetric‐Net, DeepVesselNet‐FCN, and Uception. For the artery and vein separation stage, we achieved F1 = (0.8274/0.7863) in the calf region, which is the most challenging region in peripheral arteries and veins segmentation.ConclusionOur pipeline is capable of fully automatic vessel segmentation based on FE‐MRA without need for human interaction in <4 min. This method improves upon manual segmentation by radiologists, which routinely takes several hours.