bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nomogram predicting the risk of recurrence after curative‐intent resection of primary non‐metastatic gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors: An analysis of the U.S. Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group
Authors: Merath Katiuscha , Bagante Fabio , Beal Eliza W. , Lopez‐Aguiar Alexandra G. , Poultsides George , Makris Eleftherios , Rocha Flavio , Kanji Zaheer , Weber Sharon , Fisher Alexander , Fields Ryan , Krasnick Bradley A. , Idrees Kamran , Smith Paula M. , Cho Cliff , Beems Megan , Schmidt Carl R. , Dillhoff Mary , Maithel Shishir K , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe risk of recurrence after resection of non‐metastatic gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP‐NET) is poorly defined. We developed/validated a nomogram to predict risk of recurrence after curative‐intent resection.MethodsA training set to develop the nomogram and test set for validation were identified. The predictive ability of the nomogram was assessed using c‐indices.ResultsAmong 1477 patients, 673 (46%) were included in the training set and 804 (54%) in y the test set. On multivariable analysis, Ki‐67, tumor size, nodal status, and invasion of adjacent organs were independent predictors of DFS. The risk of death increased by 8% for each percentage increase in the Ki‐67 index (HR 1.08, 95% CI, 1.05‐1.10; P < 0.001). GEP‐NET invading adjacent organs had a HR of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.03‐2.65; P = 0.038), similar to tumors ≥3 cm (HR 1.67, 95% CI, 1.11‐2.51; P = 0.014). Patients with 1‐3 positive nodes and patients with >3 positive nodes had a HR of 1.81 (95% CI, 1.12‐2.87; P = 0.014) and 2.51 (95% CI, 1.50‐4.24; P < 0.001), respectively. The nomogram demonstrated good ability to predict risk of recurrence (c‐index: training set, 0.739; test set, 0.718).ConclusionThe nomogram was able to predict the risk of recurrence and can be easily applied in the clinical setting.
Identification of preoperative factors associated with outcomes following surgical management of intra‐abdominal recurrent or metastatic GIST following neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Roland Christina L. , Bednarski Brian K. , Watson Kelsey , Torres Keila E. , Cormier Janice N. , Wang Wei‐Lien , Lazar Alexander J. , Somaiah Neeta , Hunt Kelly K. , Feig Barry W. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe role of surgical resection in the treatment of patients with metastatic/recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with oncologic outcomes for recurrent/metastatic GIST after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.MethodsWe identified 107 patients with metastatic or recurrent GIST treated with TKIs and surgical resection (2002‐2012). Patients that underwent palliative or incomplete resection were excluded. Complete resection was achieved in 87 patients which comprise the analytic cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for GIST‐specific survival (DSS) and time‐to‐recurrence (TTR).ResultsAt a median follow‐up of 51 months (91 months for survivors), median DSS was 74 months and TTR was 21 months. By univariate analysis, unifocal disease, duration of TKI < 365 days, and no evidence of radiographic progression were associated with improved TTR and DSS. Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that evidence of radiographic progression was associated with shorter DSS (HR 2.53, 95%CI = 1.27‐5.06, P = 0.008) and increased risk of recurrence (HR 3.33, 95%CI = 1.91‐5.82, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with unifocal disease and radiographic evidence of response to TKI therapy may achieve improved oncologic outcomes when complete surgical resection is achieved following treatment with TKI.
ALBI versus Child‐Pugh grading systems for liver function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Na Seong K. , Yim Sun Y. , Suh Sang J. , Jung Young K. , Kim Ji H. , Seo Yeon S. , Yim Hyung J. , Yeon Jong E. , Byun Kwan S. , Um Soon H. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe prognostic performance of the albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as an objective method of assessing liver function was investigated.MethodsData from 2099 patients with HCC in Korea were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The discriminative performance of ALBI grade was compared with Child‐Pugh (C‐P) grade for different stages or treatments.ResultsThe median follow up duration was 16.2 months (range: 1.0‐124.9). The median survival times were 49.7 months for C‐P grade A (65.8%), 12.4 months for C‐P grade B (25.5%), and 4.2 months for C‐P grade C (8.6%) (P < 0.001). The median survival times were 84.2 months for ALBI grade 1 (32.8%), 25.5 months for ALBI grade 2 (53.5%), and 7.7 months for ALBI grade 3 (13.7%) (P < 0.001). In early UICC stages, ALBI grade showed better discriminative performance than C‐P grade. In curative treatments, ALBI grade also showed better discriminative performance than C‐P grade (Harrell's C: 0.624 (C‐P grade) vs 0.667 [ALBI grade]).ConclusionsALBI grade provided better prognostic performance in survival analysis and better distribution of the grades than C‐P grade in HCC, suggesting that ALBI grade could be a good alternative grading system for liver function in patients with HCC.
Neutrophil: Lymphocyte ratio as a method of predicting complications following hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: McCluney Simon J. , Giakoustidis Alexandros , Segler Angela , Bissel Juliane , Valente Roberto , Hutchins Robert R. , Abraham Ajit T. , Bhattacharya Satyajit , Kocher Hemant M. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesApproximately 30‐50% of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastasis for which liver resection is the only hope for potential cure. However, hepatic resection is associated with considerable morbidity. The aim was to detect early complications by utilising the neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing hepatic resection at a single institution between 2008 and 2016. Baseline demographics and complications within 30 days following surgery were recorded, with blood tests measured until day 7. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann Whitney and ROC analysis.ResultsOne hundred eighty‐eight operations were included. 47.3% had an associated complication, of which 31.46% were major. The median NLR was 6.31 across the cohort, 5.44 for uncomplicated procedures, 7.0 for complications and 10.65 in major complications. Median NLR was the best parameter for detecting major complications versus minor complications (AUC 0.74) as opposed to lymphocytes (AUC 0.65), neutrophils (AUC 0.60), and CRP (AUC 0.60). The diagnostic ability of NLR increased further when predicting major complications versus an uncomplicated recovery (AUC 0.78), and it was the only significant parameter in the early post‐operative period on days 2, 3, and 4 (AUC 0.70, 0.72, and 0.75).ConclusionsThe NLR may have a role in predicting complications following hepatic resection for CLM, and with earlier detection, potentially improving outcomes.
Perioperative outcomes and survival following neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) versus intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chapman Brandon C. , Gleisner Ana , Rigg Devin , Meguid Cheryl , Goodman Karyn , Brauer Brian , Gajdos Csaba , Schulick Richard D. , Edil Barish H. , McCarter Martin D. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesTo compare outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with those receiving intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.MethodsWe analyzed patients receiving neoadjuvant SBRT for borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) (2012‐2016). Differences in baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared.ResultsSeventy‐five (82.4%) patients received SBRT and 16 (17.6%) received IMRT. There were no differences in surgical resection rates in the SBRT (n = 38, 50.7%) and IMRT (n = 11, 68.8%) groups (P = 0.188). Among resected patients, there was no difference in postoperative outcomes or pathologic outcomes including lymph node status, margin status, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, or pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment (P > 0.05). Among all patients, median PFS and OS were 9.9 and 23.5 months in the SBRT group, respectively, and 15.3 and 21.8 months in the IMRT group, respectively (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no difference in PFS or OS between groups when stratified by BRPC, LAPC, and surgically resected patients (P > 0.05).ConclusionsIn the neoadjuvant setting, SBRT and IMRT appear to have similar rates of resection, perioperative outcomes, and survival outcomes, but additional studies with increased sample size and longer follow up are needed.
Macroscopic Adhesion of Thermoreversible ABC Triblock Copolymer‐Based Hydrogels Via Boronic Acid–Sugar Complexation
Authors: Tamate Ryota , Takahashi Kotomi , Ueki Takeshi , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Yoshida Ryo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTwo complementary thermoreversible ABC triblock copolymers containing either phenylboronic acids with low pKa values or galactosyl groups in the hydrophilic B blocks are synthesized by sequential reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and subsequent modification of the functional groups. Both ABC triblock copolymers undergo reversible sol‐to‐gel transitions upon temperature change and form physically cross‐linked hydrogels under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the spontaneous adhesion of these thermoreversible hydrogels via the formation of boronic esters between the phenylboronic acid and galactosyl groups under physiological conditions is realized for the first time.
A Critical Evaluation of In Vitro Hesperidin 2S Bioavailability in a Model Combining Luminal (Microbial) Digestion and Caco‐2 Cell Absorption in Comparison to a Randomized Controlled Human Trial
Authors: Van Rymenant Evelien , Salden Bouke , Voorspoels Stefan , Jacobs Griet , Noten Bart , Pitart Judit , Possemiers Sam , Smagghe Guy , Grootaert Charlotte , Van Camp John 
Published: February 2018

ScopeBioavailability strongly determines polyphenol bioactivity, and is strongly influenced by food matrix, enzymatic and microbial degradation, and gastrointestinal absorption. To avoid human trials for pre‐screening of polyphenol bioavailability, studies have focused on in vitro model development. Nevertheless, their predictive value for bioavailability can be questioned.Method and resultsWe used the orange flavonoid hesperidin 2S to validate a model combining digestion in the simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME) and Caco‐2 cell transport, with a human intervention study. In vitro, hesperidin was resistant to degradation in the stomach and small intestine, but was rapidly deconjugated on reaching the proximal colon. Extensive and colon‐region‐specific degradation to smaller phenolics was observed. Hydrocaffeic and dihydroisoferulic acid accumulated in proximal, and hydroferulic acid in distal colon. Caco‐2 transport was the highest for dihydroisoferulic acid. In humans, plasma and urine hesperetin‐glucuronide levels increased significantly, whereas the impact on small phenolics was limited.ConclusionsIn the combined in vitro model, smaller phenolics strongly accumulated, whereas in humans, hesperetin conjugates were the main bioavailable compounds. Future in vitro model development should focus on simulating faster polyphenol absorption and elimination of smaller phenolics to improve their predictive value of in vivo polyphenol bioavailability.
Theoretical and experimental determination of scaling factors in electron dosimetry for 3D‐printed polylactic acid
Authors: Diamantopoulos Stefanos , Kantemiris Ioannis , Patatoukas Georgios , Dilvoi Maria , Efstathopoulos Efstathios , Kouloulias Vassilis , Platoni Kalliopi 
Published: February 2018

PurposePlastic phantoms are commonly used in daily routine for dosimetric tasks in radiation therapy. Although water is the reference medium according to the dosimetric protocols, measurements with nonwater phantoms are easier to be performed. To succeed absorbed dose determination, certain scaling factors have to be applied to the acquired measurements. Taking into account the increased availability of three‐dimensional (3D) printing, we attempted to obtain scaling factors for polylactic acid (PLA), a commonly used thermoplastic material for 3D printing.MethodsMeasurements were performed with a custom‐made phantom from PLA material, which was designed and constructed using 3D printing technology. Depth and fluence scaling factors were obtained within the range of 6 to 20 MeV. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to verify the measured results.ResultsExperimental and Monte Carlo (MC) values showed a good agreement, especially in lower energies. Mean value of depth scaling factor (cpl) over the whole range of energies was 0.946, while mean fluence scaling factor (hpl) was found to be 1.050. For energies below 10 MeV, the corresponding mean values for cpl and hpl were 0.946 and 1.054, respectively.ConclusionsPLA phantoms could be constructed and used for electron beam nonreference measurements, reproducing even more complex geometries, from simple quality assurance devices to geometrically complicated anthropomorphic phantoms.
Triple Helicene Cage: Three‐Dimensional π‐Conjugated Chiral Cage with Six [5]Helicene Units
Authors: Matsushima Tomoya , Kikkawa Shoko , Azumaya Isao , Watanabe Soichiro 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA three‐dimensional π‐conjugated chiral cage with six [5]helicene units (a triple helicene cage) was synthesized for the first time. Taking advantage of the Yamamoto coupling reaction, the triflate‐substituted triple [5]helicene, a strained and preorganized precursor, was dimerized to afford the target compound. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the unique structural features of the triple helicene cage: a cage‐shaped rigid structure with outer helical grooves and an inner chiral cavity. All‐P and all‐M enantiomers were separated successfully by HPLC over a chiral column and their chiroptical properties were characterized by circular dichroism spectra.
Prenatal diagnosis of anomalous origin of pulmonary artery
Authors: Li Xuelei , Mu Zhongping , Li Xu , Weng Zongjie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAnomalous origin of the pulmonary arteries is a rare congenital pulmonary vascular malformation that includes unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA), anomalous origin of unilateral pulmonary artery (AOPA), and left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS).MethodsWe analyze 15 cases of fetal pulmonary artery abnormalities from 2011 to 2017, detected via prenatal ultrasound at our center.ResultsThe 15 cases include UAPA (5), AOPA (6), and LPAS (4). Of the UAPA cases, 2 had pulmonary atresia and 3 had pulmonary artery stenosis. In 5 cases, the descending aorta issued collateral vessels to the left lung. Of the AOPA cases, 2 had left pulmonary artery abnormalities originating in the ascending aorta and 4 showed right pulmonary artery abnormalities originating in the ascending aorta. Of the LPAS cases, 2 were type IA, 1 was type IIA, and 1 was type IIB. Two of the LPAS were associated with right lung dysplasia.ConclusionAbnormal origin of the pulmonary artery has a characteristic ultrasonographic appearance. The branch of the pulmonary artery cross section can provide important clues to the diagnosis of abnormal pulmonary artery origin. Pulmonary artery abnormalities are often associated with pulmonary atresia or stenosis.
Soluble polybenzimidazoles with intrinsic porosity: Synthesis, structure, properties and processability
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Chatterjee Shyambo , Sharma Pragati , Chakrabarty Suman , Avadhani Chilukuri V. , Sivaram Swaminathan 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTWe have explored two novel comonomers, namely, 4,16‐dicarboxyl[2.2]paracyclophane and 5,5′,6,6′‐tetraamino‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl‐1,1′‐spirobi[indane], for the synthesis of co‐polybenzimidazoles (co‐PBIs) with intrinsic porosity. Both these monomers possess twisted structures that can lead to “awkward” macromolecular shapes that cannot pack efficiently. The consequences of introducing these two monomers on the structure and properties of PBIs are reported. The random copolymers synthesized are amorphous and possess glass transition temperatures (Tgs) greater than 400 °C.Tgdecreases with increasing comonomer content indicating an increase in fractional free volume. The copolymers have low surface area. TEM and BET measurements show evidence of mesopore formation. The copolymers show significant carbon dioxide adsorption. Single chain molecular dynamics simulation of 24‐mer repeat units shows intramolecular void spaces arising as a result of distorted polymer chain with reduced conformational mobility. These studies define a new synthetic strategy for “bottoms‐up” synthesis of PBIs with intrinsic porosity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2018,56, 1046–1057
A TRAMP‐derived orthotopic prostate syngeneic (TOPS) cancer model for investigating anti‐tumor treatments
Authors: Lardizabal Justin , Ding Jun , Delwar Zahid , Rennie Paul S. , Jia William 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundPatients with advanced prostate cancer have limited curative options, therefore new treatments are needed. Mouse models play a pivotal role in the discovery and development of new treatments. In the present study, a TRAMP‐derived Orthotopic Prostate Syngeneic (TOPS) mouse model was developed and found to provide a consistent means of monitoring tumor and metastatic responses to novel treatments.MethodsThe mouse TOPS model was generated using luciferase transduced TRAMP‐C2 prostate cancer cells that were orthotopically injected into Bl6 mice by ultrasound guidance. Tumor growth and development was monitored using ultrasound and bioluminescence imaging.ResultsTumors and metastases were consistently established and increases in tumor size correlated with increases in bioluminescence. In addition, when mice with an established tumor were castrated, tumor progression mirrored clinical progression. We further treated the TOPS model with an oncolytic Herpes Simplex virus and showed that we were able to monitor the therapeutic effect of the orthotopic tumor after virus treatment through IVIS imaging system.ConclusionWe have developed a powerful animal model to advance the current selection of effective treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
The ability of Ex2Box4+ to interact with guests containing π‐electron‐rich and π‐electron‐poor moieties
Authors: Nagurniak Glaucio R. , Caramori Giovanni F. , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Parreira Renato L. T. , da Silva Éder H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe ability of ExBox4+ as a host, able to trap guests containing both π‐electron rich (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons‐PAHs) and π‐electron poor (quinoid‐ and nitro‐PAHs) moieties was investigated to shed light on the main factors that control the host–guest (HG) interaction. The nature of the HG interactions was elucidated by energy decomposition (EDA‐NOCV), noncovalent interaction (NCI), and magnetic response analyses. EDA‐NOCV reveals that dispersion contributions are the most significant to sustain the HG interaction, while electrostatic and orbital contributions are very tiny. In fact, no significant covalent character in the HG interactions was observed. The obtained results point strictly to NCIs, modulated by dispersion contributions. Regardless of whether the guests contain π‐electron‐rich or π‐electron‐poor moieties, and no significant charge‐transfer was observed. All in all, HG interactions between guests 3‐14 and host 2 are predominantly modulated by π‐π stacking.
Direct Imaging of Space‐Charge Accumulation and Work Function Characteristics of Functional Organic Interfaces
Authors: Siles Pablo F. , Devarajulu Mirunalini , Zhu Feng , Schmidt Oliver G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe tailoring of organic systems is crucial to further extend the efficiency of charge transfer mechanisms and represents a cornerstone for molecular device technologies. However, this demands control of electrical properties and understanding of the physics behind organic interfaces. Here, a quantitative spatial overview of work function characteristics for phthalocyanine architectures on Au substrates is provided via kelvin probe microscopy. While macroscopic investigations are very informative, the current approach offers a nanoscale spatial rendering of electrical characteristics which is not possible to attain via conventional techniques. Interface dipole is observed due to the formation of charge accumulation layers in thin F16CuPc, F16CoPc, and MnPc films, displaying work functions of 5.7, 6.1, and 5.0 eV, respectively. The imaging and quantification of interface locations with significant surface potential and work function response (<0.33 eV for material thickness <1 nm) show also a dependency on the crystalline state of the organic systems. The work function mapping suggests space‐charge carrier regions of about 4 nm at the organic interface. This reveals rich spatial electric parameters and ambipolar characteristics that may drive electrical performance at device scales, opening a realm of possibilities toward the development of functional organic architectures and its applications.
Layer‐by‐Layer Decoupling of Twisted Graphene Sheets Epitaxially Grown on a Metal Substrate
Authors: Simon Sabina , Voloshina Elena , Tesch Julia , Förschner Felix , Enenkel Vivien , Herbig Charlotte , Knispel Timo , Tries Alexander , Kröger Jörg , Dedkov Yuriy , Fonin Mikhail 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe electronic properties of graphene can be efficiently altered upon interaction with the underlying substrate resulting in a dramatic change of charge carrier behavior. Here, the evolution of the local electronic properties of epitaxial graphene on a metal upon the controlled formation of multilayers, which are produced by intercalation of atomic carbon in graphene/Ir(111), is investigated. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and Landau‐level spectroscopy, it is shown that for a monolayer and bilayers with small‐angle rotations, Landau levels are fully suppressed, indicating that the metal–graphene interaction is largely confined to the first graphene layer. Bilayers with large twist angles as well as twisted trilayers demonstrate a sequence of pronounced Landau levels characteristic for a free‐standing graphene monolayer pointing toward an effective decoupling of the top layer from the metal substrate. These findings give evidence for the controlled preparation of epitaxial graphene multilayers with a different degree of decoupling, which represent an ideal platform for future electronic and spintronic applications.