bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Decision in Cardiogenic Shock: Is It a Justified Strategy?
Authors: Zeriouh Mohamed , Mohite Prashant , Rai Binu , Sabashnikov Anton , Fatullayev Javid , Saez Diana Garcia , Zych Bartrlomiej , Ghodsizad Ali , Rahmanian Parwis , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Wahlers Thorsten , Simon Andre R. , Popov Aran F. , Koch Achim 
Published: May 2016

Purpose Low cardiac output syndrome is associated with significant mortality. In patients with refractory low cardiac output left ventricular assist devices (VAD) are used to re-establish cardiac output and to prevent death. However, long-term LVAD implantation in these is complicated by a high rate of right heart failure and mortality. Therefore, our strategy is to implant a short-term VAD (left or biventricular) as a bridge to decission. Methods We retrospectively analysed data from 66 patients who received a short-term LVAD support prior to implantation of a long-term LVAD or HTx between 2003 and 2014. We performed short-term LVAD (CentriMag; Thoratec) implantation via median sternotomy with percutaneous cannulas. Patients were included regardless of perioperative status and severity of heart failure. Patients suffering postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, receiving isolated RVAD as well as posttransplant patients were excluded from this study. Results Mean duration of support in the survivor group was 35 ± 25 days versus 25 ± 25 days in the nonsurvivor group (n.s.), range from 1 to 109 days. The overall survival on support was 40 (60%) patients. In the survivor group 12 patients could be successfully weaned from the system, 12 patients received a heart transplant and in 16 a long-term VAD was implanted. In the nonsurvivor group the rate of pre-operative extracorporeal life support, the rate of postoperative renal failure and multiorgan failure was significantly higher. Conclusions Thanks to its capacity for full ventricular support, short-term univentricular or biventricular LevotronixCentriMag VAD currently represents an ideal solution for bridge-to-decision.
The Design of a Modular Voluntary Opening Prosthetic Hand: Ongoing Research and Preliminary Results
Authors: El-Sheikh Mogeeb A. , Taher Mona F. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction This work presents the mechanical design of an artificial hand in order to address the need for a commercially feasible prosthetic hand. Methods The hand has 3 compliant fingers and a thumb attached to a reconfigurable palm. The fingers and palm are a novel design, which is based on the natural arches of the hand. The design is modular, minimizing the number of parts and reducing assembly time. Results This hand and the expandable socket are designed for transradial amputees. It has 9 degrees of freedom (DOFs), 2 of them for the reconfigurable palm. The kinematics and adequate excursion for the fingers and palm are illustrated by finite element method (FEM). Conclusions The study implements the mechanical parts by using rapid prototyping to assess preliminary results.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Metastatic Or Locally Recurrent Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Sun Yongchen , Wang Ji , Shen Xudong , Chen Lei , Zhuang Zhixiang 
Published: May 2016

Background and Aims Increasing evidence suggests that elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with poor survival in many malignant tumors. However, the prognostic value of CRP in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains uncertain. This study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of serum CRP as a biomarker of long-term survival in patients with AGC. Methods The serum CRP levels of AGC patients were analyzed for clinicopathological significance. Data were collected retrospectively for 244 patients treated between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2013. The prognostic effect of serum CRP levels was evaluated. Results The baseline CRP level before chemotherapy was significantly associated with overall survival. The median survival was 351 days for patients with CRP ≥10 mg/L and 370 days for patients with CRP c10 mg/L (p = 0.033). Cox analysis revealed CRP to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. In the 93 patients whose baseline CRP was ≥10 mg/L, a cutoff point of 22% for the CRP declining rate provided optimum sensitivity and specificity for 1-year survival based on ROC curves. A CRP declining rate >22% was found to predict longer overall survival (410 days versus 299 days; p = 0.001). Conclusions Elevated serum CRP baseline levels before chemotherapy were associated with reduced overall survival in patients with AGC. The CRP declining rate was also associated with overall survival. The CRP baseline concentration before chemotherapy and CRP declining rate after chemotherapy may be used as novel, widely available and real-time independent prognostic and predictive markers of AGC.
Body Mass Index and Clinical Benefit of Fulvestrant in Postmenopausal Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Gevorgyan Arpine , Bregni Giacomo , Galli Giulia , Ganzinelli Monica , Martinetti Antonia , Lo Vullo Salvatore , Mariani Luigi , Festinese Fabrizio , Sottotetti Elisa , de Braud Filippo , Di Cosimo Serena 
Published: May 2016

Purpose Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer and has been linked to increased risk of recurrence and death in breast cancer patients. Little is known about the predictive value of obesity. As endocrine therapy is widely used for breast cancer treatment worldwide, we aimed at correlating baseline body mass index (BMI) with clinical benefit derived from fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Methods We analyzed consecutive patients treated with fulvestrant in our center between January 2009 and March 2015. Patients were categorized as normal (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). The antitumor activity of fulvestrant was evaluated in terms of the clinical benefit rate (CBR). Results Seventy-five consecutive patients matched the eligibility criteria for analysis. Fulvestrant was administered as first-line therapy in 4 (5%) cases, as second line in 27 (36%) and as third line and beyond in 44 (59%) cases. According to BMI, 44 (59%) patients were classified as normal weight, 19 (25%) as overweight, and 12 (16%) as obese. No difference in estrogen receptor expression was found in relation to BMI. CBR was 53% overall, but rose to 70.5% in normal-weight patients and dropped to 31.6% and 25% in overweight and obese patients, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusions Increased BMI has a negative influence on treatment outcome. Even with the limitation of the relatively small sample size, it appears that patients of normal weight are 2.5-fold more likely to benefit from fulvestrant as overweight and obese patients.
The Clinicopathological Significance of Jagged1 and DLL4 in Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Luo Yuan , Yang Zhu-lin , Wang Chunwei , Miao Xiongying , Liu Zhiyu , Li Daiqiang , Zou Qiong , Li Jinghe , Liang Lufeng , Zeng Guixiang , Chen Senlin 
Published: May 2016

Purpose Gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are highly aggressive gastrointestinal cancers with high mortality. Biological markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy of GBCs have not been established. Methods The protein expression of Jagged1 and DLL4 in 80 adenocarcinomas (AC) and 46 squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas (SC/ASCs) was measured using immunohistochemistry. Results Positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression in both SC/ASC and AC was significantly associated with poor differentiation, large tumor size, invasion, metastasis, and low surgical curability. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression was significantly associated with mean survival of SC/ASC and AC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression, as well as poor differentiation, large tumor size, high TNM stage, invasion, lymph node metastasis, and low surgical curability are independent poor prognostic factors in both SC/ASC and AC patients. Conclusions Positive Jagged1 and DLL4 expression is closely correlated with severe clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in patients with SC/ASC and patients with AC.
Mundo como depósito - uma abordagem heideggeriana
Authors: Veiga Itamar Soares , Cesco Marcelo Lucas 
Published: May 2016

resumo: Este artigo tem como foco a influência e o domínio da tecnologia no nosso mundo atual. Através de um acompanhamento da reflexão de Heidegger sobre a técnica, buscamos responder a seguinte questão: o mundo, tomado como subsistência, é ele próprio o resultado de uma visão de mundo? Para alcançar uma resposta, primeiramente interrogamos os delineamentos de mundos, a partir do tema das visões de mundo. Encontramos, assim, o tema da postura humana enquanto elemento principal. Em segundo lugar, acompanhamos a crítica de Heidegger à ciência moderna e à técnica, na qual constatamos uma ambiguidade fundamental na postura da Serenidade (Gelassenheit). Diante desse contexto, a resposta para o questionamento principal é afirmativa: o mundo enquanto subsistência é o resultado de uma visão de mundo. Contudo, uma inevitável participação do homem na atividade de “armazenamento”, conduz a uma esperança de reversão no processo de dominação da técnica.abstract: This article focuses on the influence and dominance of technique in our world today. By an incursion in Heidegger’s reflection on technique, we seek to answer the following question: is the world itself, taken as subsistence, the result of a worldview? To reach an answer, first, we question the outlining of worlds from the matter of worldviews. We find thus the theme of human posture as the main element. Secondly, we follow Heidegger’s critique of modern science and technique, where we see a fundamental ambiguity in the position of Serenity (Gelassenheit). In this context, the answer to the main question is affirmative: the world as subsistence is the result of a worldview. However, an inevitable human participation in the activity of “storage” leads to a hope of reversing technique’s domination process.
Q-switched mode-locked and azimuthally polarized Nd:GdVO4 laser with semiconductor saturable absorber mirror
Authors: Hong Kun-Guei , Hung Bi-Jin , Lin Shih-Ting , Wei Ming-Dar 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
A Q-switched mode-locked Nd:GdVO4 laser with azimuthal polarization was generated using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. On the basis of the birefringence of the laser crystal inducing different equivalent lengths for ordinary and extraordinary rays, beams were azimuthally polarized around the edge of a stable cavity region. At a pump power of 9 W, the repetition rate and width for the Q-switched envelope were 318 kHz and 0.91 µs, and the mode-locked pulse repetition rate and pulse width were 455 MHz and 65 ps, respectively. The degree of polarization was controllable up to 95.4 ± 1.4%.
Exciton–exciton scattering in perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystal
Authors: Kunugita Hideyuki , Kiyota Yuki , Udagawa Yosuke , Takeoka Yuko , Nakamura Yuiga , Sano Junro , Matsushita Tomonori , Kondo Takashi , Ema Kazuhiro 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
We have measured photoluminescence spectra in CH3NH3PbBr3 at low temperatures and found a nonlinear emission at the lower energy side of the exciton resonance. Considering that this signal shows a rapid decay, we have assigned it as originating from the exciton–exciton inelastic scattering process called P-emission. The energy difference between this P-emission and the free exciton resonance is 20–30 meV, which is consistent with recent studies of the exciton binding energy.
Metal-catalyzed electroless etching and nanoimprinting silicon nanowire-based solar cells: Silicon nanowire defect reduction and efficiency enhancement by two-step H2 annealing
Authors: Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Nakajima Kiyomi , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Fukata Naoki 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The effects of H2 annealing on material properties including defects of silicon nanowire (SiNW) surface and Si film layer for solar cell application were investigated. Single-junction solar cells consisting of n-SiNWs and chemical vapor deposition grown p-Si matrix were demonstrated using two-step H2 annealing. n-SiNWs formed by two different methods of metal-catalyzed electroless etching and nanoimprinting followed by the Bosch process were compared. Two-step H2 annealing at 900 °C for 10 min after both n-SiNW formations and subsequent p-Si matrix deposition effectively improved SiNW surface and p-Si crystallinity, resulting in higher solar cell efficiency.
Metal–insulator transition of valence-controlled VO2 thin film prepared by RF magnetron sputtering using oxygen radical
Authors: Suetsugu Takaaki , Shimazu Yuichi , Tsuchiya Takashi , Kobayashi Masaki , Minohara Makoto , Sakai Enju , Horiba Koji , Kumigashira Hiroshi , Higuchi Tohru 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
We have prepared b-axis-oriented VO2 thin films by RF magnetron sputtering using oxygen radicals as the reactive gas. The VO2 thin films consist of a mixed-valence V3+/V4+ state formed by oxygen vacancies. The V3+ ratio strongly depends on the film thickness and the oxygen partial pressure of the radical gun during deposition. The lattice constant of the b-axis increases and the metal–insulator transition (MIT) temperature decreases with decreasing V3+ ratio, although the VO2 thin films with a high V3+ ratio of 42% do not exhibit MIT. The bandwidths and spectral weights of V 3d a1g and

bands at around the Fermi level, which correspond to the insulating phase at 300 K, are smaller in the VO2 thin films with a low V3+ ratio. These results indicate that the control of the mixed-valence V3+/V4+ state is important for the MIT of b-axis-oriented VO2 thin films.
Synchronous scan-projection lithography on overall circumference of fine pipes with a diameter of 2 mm
Authors: Horiuchi Toshiyuki , Furuhata Takahiro , Muro Hideyuki 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The scan-projection exposure of small-diameter pipe surfaces was investigated using a newly developed prototype exposure system. It is necessary to secure a very large depth of focus for printing thick resist patterns on round pipe surfaces with a roughness larger than that of semiconductor wafers. For this reason, a camera lens with a low numerical aperture of 0.089 was used as a projection lens, and the momentary exposure area was limited by a narrow slit with a width of 800 µm. Thus, patterns on a flat reticle were replicated on a pipe surface by linearly moving the reticle and rotating the pipe synchronously. By using a reticle with inclined line-and-space patterns, helical patterns with a width of 30 µm were successfully replicated on stainless-steel pipes with an outer diameter of 2 mm and coated with a 10-µm-thick negative resist. The patterns replicated at the start and stop edges were smoothly stitched seamlessly.
Cord Blood Serum Levels of IL-31 and CCL17, Cutaneous Markers, and Development of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: D’Erme Angelo Massimiliano , Fidanzi Cristian , Bevilacqua Matteo , Bieber Thomas , Tuoni Cristina , Paolicchi Aldo , Franzini Maria , Morganti Riccardo , Papadia Francesca , Janowska Agata , Dini Valentina , Romanelli Marco 
Published: September 2024

ImportanceAtopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and itching. Currently, there is no reliable method for identifying which newborns might have an increased risk of developing AD.ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of serological biomarkers, such as CCL17/thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, CCL18, CCL22, CCL27, IL-31, and thymus stromal lymphopoietin, with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration rate and the development of AD in infants.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis observational prospective study included 40 consecutive full-term newborns from a single university hospital in Pisa, Italy. The cutaneous markers of infants were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months of age, while the biomarkers from the 10-mL sample of cord blood taken at birth were measured after delivery. Data were collected from March to December 2018 and analyzed from January to April 2019.Main Outcomes and MeasuresLevel of serological biomarkers associated with TEWL and hydration rate, as well as the emergence of AD during the first 12 months of life.ResultsAll 40 included infants (27 male [68%]) completed the study. At 6 months, 16 infants presented symptoms and signs of AD (AD group) and 24 did not (non-AD group). Infants with AD signs had statistically significant anterior cubital fossa TEWL values at 1, 6, and 12 months of age compared to those without AD signs. No statistically significant correlations were observed between the TEWL measured at the anterior part of knee and hydration rate at the anterior cubital fossa at first month in the 2 groups. With regard to the blood biomarkers, at birth those in the AD group vs the non-AD group had statistically significant higher levels of CCL17/thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (median [IQR], 716 [509-951] pg/mL vs 419 [24-566] pg/mL; P = .003) and IL-31 (median [IQR], 212 [114-409] pg/mL vs 97 [52-277] pg/mL; P = .04); in contrast, no statistically significant serum level differences were registered for thymus stromal lymphopoietin (median [IQR], 105 [66-295] pg/mL vs 88 [43-187] pg/mL), CCL18 (median [IQR], 1236 [1115-1605] pg/mL vs 1255 [1188-1677] pg/mL), CCL22 (median [IQR], 1032 [936-1454] pg/mL vs 1096 [932-1536] pg/mL), and CCL27 (median [IQR], 172 [122-251] pg/mL vs 120 [90-265] pg/mL).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this observational study, the analysis of TEWL at the anterior cubital fossa area occurred prior to and correlated with the clinical signs of AD. Quantification of cytokines indicated that assessing cord blood serum levels of CCL17 and IL-31 could offer new perspectives in identifying newborns who might be susceptible to AD. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.
Identifying adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors that efficiently target high grade glioma cells, for in vitro monitoring of temporal cell responses
Authors: Sarker Farhana A. , Chen Yuyan , Westhaus Adrian , Lisowski Leszek , O'Neill Geraldine M. 
Published: September 2024

To improve the translation of preclinical cancer research data to successful clinical effect, there is an increasing focus on the use of primary patient‐derived cancer cells with limited growth in culture to reduce genetic and phenotype drift. However, these primary lines are less amenable to standardly used methods of exogenous DNA introduction. Adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors display tropism for a wide range of human tissues, avidly infect primary cells and have a good safety profile. In the present study, we therefore used a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) barcoded AAV screening method to assess transduction capability of a panel of 36 AAVs in primary cell lines representing high‐grade glioma (HGG) brain tumours including glioblastoma (GBM) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)/diffuse midline glioma (DMG). As proof of principle, we created a reporter construct to analyse activity of the transcriptional co‐activators yes‐associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ). Transcriptional activation was monitored by promoter‐driven expression of the Timer fluorescent tag, a protein that fluoresces green immediately after transcription and transitions to red fluorescence over time. As expected, attempts to express the reporter in primary HGG cells from plasmid expression vectors were unsuccessful. Using the top candidate from the AAV screen, we demonstrate successful AAV‐mediated transduction of HGG cells with the YAP/TAZ dynamic activity reporter. In summary, the NGS‐screening approach facilitated screening of many potential AAVs, identifying vectors that can be used to study the biology of primary HGG cells.
Biophysical Approach to Understand Life and Cancer
Authors: Aykan Nuri Faruk 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFrom the perspective of biology, the characteristics of life can be categorized as cellular organizations, homeostasis, metabolism, growth, reproduction and heredity, response to stimuli and adaptation to the environment. From the perspective of physics, living organisms are highly ordered, complex, thermodynamically open systems; they are in non‐equilibrium phase. According to the second law of thermodynamics, every system in the universe is going to the disorder spontaneously. Maximum entropy signifies a thermodynamic equilibrium which means the death. Today, cancer is a major global health problem and despite the explosive development of our knowledge about the carcinogenesis the “war on cancer” has not yet been won.AimsTo examine life and cancer together based on current biophysical approach and to shed light on new paradigms.Materials & MethodsA systematic literature search for publications on a thermodynamic approach to understand life and cancer was conducted in PubMed without language restrictions. The reference lists of identified studies were also used as additional knowledge.ResultsLiving organisms exchange entropy and they gain information from the external environment. Information can be stored as memory. Life is a category of emergence like art composed from correct modules. On the contrary, cancer is the emergence of a disease formed by incorrect modules. Cancer is a chaotic disease at least for a limited period and cannot arise from healthy functional tissue units. Chaos of the lower level may be associated with the entropy increase of upper level.ConclusionsBiologic chaos control is possible.