bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phantom-based correction for standardization of myocardial native T1 and extracellular volume fraction in healthy subjects at 3-Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Suh Young Joo , Kim Pan Ki , Park Jinho , Park Eun-Ah , Jung Jung Im , Choi Byoung Wook 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the effect of the phantom-based correction method for standardizing myocardial native T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in healthy subjects.

Methods
Seventy-one healthy asymptomatic adult (≥ 20 years) volunteers of five different age groups (34 men and 37 women, 45.5 ± 15.5 years) were prospectively enrolled in three academic hospitals. Cardiac MRI including Modified Look - Locker Inversion recovery T1 mapping sequence was performed using a 3-Tesla system with a different type of scanner for each hospital. Native T1 and ECV were measured in the short-axis T1 map and analyzed for mean values of the 16 entire segments. The myocardial T1 value of each subject was corrected based on the site-specific equation derived from the T1 Mapping and ECV Standardization phantom. The global native T1 and ECV were compared between institutions before and after phantom-based correction, and the variation in native T1 and ECV among institutions was assessed using a coefficient of variation (CoV).

Results
The global native T1 value significantly differed between the institutions (1198.7 ± 32.1 ms, institution A; 1217.7 ± 39.9 ms, institution B; 1232.7 ± 31.1 ms, institution C; p = 0.002), but the mean ECV did not (26.6–27.5%, p = 0.355). After phantom-based correction, the global native T1 and ECV were 1289.7 ± 32.4 ms and 25.0 ± 2.7%, respectively, and CoV for native T1 between the three institutions decreased from 3.0 to 2.5%. The corrected native T1 value did not significantly differ between institutions (1284.5 ± 31.5 ms, institution A; 1296.5 ± 39.1 ms, institution B; 1291.3 ± 29.3 ms, institution C; p = 0.440), and neither did the ECV (24.4–25.9%, p = 0.078).

Conclusions
The phantom-based correction method can provide standardized reference T1 values in healthy subjects.

Key Points
• After phantom-based correction, the global native T1 of 16 entire myocardial segments on 3-T cardiac MRI is 1289.4 ± 32.4 ms, and the extracellular volume fraction was 25.0 ± 2.7% for healthy subjects.
• After phantom - based correction was applied, the differences in the global native T1 among institutions became insignificant, and the CoV also decreased from 3.0 to 2.5%.
The impact of anastomotic leak on long-term oncological outcomes after low anterior resection for mid-low rectal cancer: extended follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bao Quoc Riccardo , Pellino Gianluca , Spolverato Gaya , Restivo Angelo , Deidda Simona , Capelli Giulia , Ruffolo Cesare , Bianco Francesco , Cuicchi Dajana , Jovine Elio , Lombardi Raffaele , Belluco Claudio , Amato Antonio , La Torre Filippo , Asteria Corrado , Infantino Aldo , Contardo Tania , Del Bianco Paola , Delrio Paolo , Pucciarelli Salvatore 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The impact of anastomotic leaks (AL) on oncological outcomes after low anterior resection for mid-low rectal cancer is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local and distant recurrence in patients with AL following low anterior resection.

Methods
This is an extension of a multicentre RCT (NCT01110798). Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test were used to estimate and compare the 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS and DFS, and local and distant recurrence in patients with and without AL. Predictors of OS and DFS were evaluated using the Cox regression analysis as secondary aim.

Results
Follow-up was available for 311 patients. Of them, 252 (81.0%) underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 138 (44.3%) adjuvant therapy. AL occurred in 63 (20.3%) patients. At a mean follow-up of 69.5 ± 31.9 months, 23 (7.4%) patients experienced local recurrence and 49 (15.8%) distant recurrence. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS and DFS were 89.2%, 85.3%, and 70.2%; and 80.7%, 75.1%, and 63.5% in patients with AL, and 88.9%, 79.8% and 72.3%; and 83.7, 74.2 and 62.8%, respectively in patients without (p = 0.89 and p = 0.84, respectively). At multivariable analysis, AL was not an independent predictor of OS (HR 0.65, 95%CI 0.34–1.28) and DFS (HR 0.70, 95%CI 0.39–1.25), whereas positive circumferential resection margins and pathological stage impaired both.

Conclusions
In the context of modern multimodal rectal cancer treatment, AL does not affect long-term OS, DFS, and local and distant recurrence in patients with mid-low rectal cancer.
Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy for observation of monomer protrusions that emerge during formation of dumbbell-shaped polymer colloids
Authors: Stuckert Rouven , Krumova Marina , Wittemann Alexander 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Anisotropic particles exhibit directional interactions resulting in a rich phase behavior. Considerable efforts have thus been invested in guiding particle synthesis into an anisotropic direction. Dumbbell-shaped polymer particles are one of the most remarkable examples. They result from phase separation during seeded polymerization. The underlying mechanism and thermodynamic principles are understood from its proximal end. Segregation of monomer and seed particle results in a monomer protrusion attached to the seed. Polymerization of the protrusion finally yields particles with two bulb-shaped halves. Little attention has been paid to an investigation of transient states, namely the formation of liquid protrusions grown from monomer-swollen seeds. This study demonstrates that cryogenic transmission electron microscopy is an excellent tool for mapping transient states within colloidal objects. Swelling of polymer particles and formation of liquid protrusions mediated by a surface coating on the seeds is explored for styrene and methyl-methacrylate at different temperatures and monomer-to-seed volume ratios.

Graphical Abstract
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Surgical anatomy of the lingual nerve for palate surgery: where is located and how to avoid it
Authors: Garaycochea Octavio , Baptista Peter , Calvo-Imirizaldu Marta , Terrasa David , Moffa Antonio , Casale Manuele , Alcalde Juan , O’Connor-Reina Carlos , Plaza Guillermo , Fernández Secundino 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To describe the anatomic relationship of the lingual nerve with the lateral oropharyngeal structures.

Methods
An anatomic dissection of the lateral oropharyngeal wall was conducted in eight sides from four fresh-frozen cadaveric heads. Small titanium clips were placed along the lingual nerve and the most anterior and medial border of the medial pterygoid muscle. Radiological reconstructions were employed for optimal visualization; the coronal view was preferred to resemble the surgical position. The distance between the lingual nerve and the medial pterygoid muscle at its upper and lower portion was measured radiologically. The trajectory angle of the lingual nerve with respect to the pterygomandibular raphe was obtained from the intersection between the vector generated between the clips connecting the upper and lower portion of the medial pterygoid muscle with the vector generated from the lingual nerve clips.

Results
The mean distance from the upper portion of the medial pterygoid muscle and superior lingual nerve clips was 10.16 ± 2.18 mm (mean ± standard deviation), and the lower area of the medial pterygoid muscle to the lingual nerve was separated 5.05 ± 1.49 mm. The trajectory angle of the lingual nerve concerning to the vector that describes the upper portion of the most anterior and medial border of the medial pterygoid muscle with its lower part was 43.73º ± 11.29.

Conclusions
The lingual nerve runs lateral to the lateral oropharyngeal wall, from superiorly–inferiorly and laterally–medially, and it is closer to it at its lower third.
Stage I and II Small-Cell Lung Cancer—New Challenge for Surgery
Authors: Doerr Fabian , Stange Sebastian , Michel Maximilian , Schlachtenberger Georg , Menghesha Hruy , Wahlers Thorsten , Hekmat Khosro , Heldwein Matthias B. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The recommended treatment for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) currently is surgery in stage I disease. We wondered about stage II SCLC and present a meta-analysis on mean-survival of patients that underwent surgery for stage I and II compared to controls.

Methods
A systematic literature search was performed on December 01st 2021 in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library. We considered studies published on the effect of surgery in SCLC since 2004 and assessed them using ROBINS-I. We preformed I2-tests, Q-statistics, DerSimonian-Laird tests and Egger-regression. The meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA.

Results
Out of 6826 records, seven studies with a total of 11,241 patients (‘surgery group’: 3911 patients; ‘non-surgery group’: 7330; treatment period: 1984–2015) were included. Heterogeneity between the studies was revealed in absence of any publication bias. Patient characteristics did not differ between the groups (p-value > 0.05). The mean-survival in an analysis of patients in stage I was 36.7 ± 10.8 months for the ‘surgery group’ and 20.3 ± 5.7 months for the ‘non-surgery group’ (p-value = 0.0084). A combined analysis of patients in stage I and II revealed a mean-survival of 32.0 ± 16.7 months for the ‘surgery group’ and 19.1 ± 6.1 months for the ‘non-surgery group’ (p-value = 0.0391). In a separate analysis of stage II, we were able to demonstrate a significant survival benefit after surgery (21.4 ± 3.6 versus 16.2 ± 3.9 months; p-value = 0.0493).

Conclusion
Our meta-analysis shows a significant survival benefit after surgery not only in the recommended stage I but also in stage II SCLC. Our data suggests that both stages should be considered for surgery of early SCLC.
Comparison between MACSprep™ forensic sperm microbead kit and Erase Sperm Isolation kit for the enrichment of sperm fractions recovered from sexual assault samples
Authors: Grosjean Frederic , Favre Marylou , Castella Vincent 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSexual assault samples often contain mixtures of cells coming from at least two donors. Ideally, one would need to separate the cells into two cellular fractions: one consisting of the alleged aggressor’s spermatozoa (the sperm fraction) and the other containing the victim’s epithelial cells (the non-sperm fraction). This separation increases the probability of obtaining the alleged offender’s autosomal DNA profile. However, spermatozoa are often collected along with an excess of biological material originating from the victim, and with unfavorable male:female biological material ratios, the absence of separation could result in the PCR amplification of the victim’s DNA profile only. Several approaches are available to enrich/purify the spermatozoa present on sexual assault samples. In this paper, we compare a new method, the MACSprep™ Forensic Sperm MicroBead Kit (MACSprep, based on microbeads conjugated with antibodies bound to spermatozoa and their retention within a magnetic column) with the Erase Sperm Isolation Kit (Erase, a standard differential lysis separation procedure combined with a specific removal of free DNA) routinely used in our lab. The performance of both kits was tested using sets of vaginal and buccal swabs loaded with different dilutions of sperm, or azoospermic semen, representing a total of 120 independent samples. For the samples containing undiluted sperm, an average recovery of 58% was observed for the MACSprep’s sperm fractions and 43% for Erase’s. Significantly better recovery of azoospermic semen was observed in MACSprep’s non-sperm fractions (~ 85%) compared to Erase (~ 28%). Erase performed significantly better than MACSprep in terms of recovery for diluted sperm samples (1:10 to 1:800 sperm dilutions) in the presence of vaginal cells, while the purities of the achieved sperm fractions were in favor of MACSprep for the highest sperm dilutions tested. Similar trends were observed with buccal swabs loaded with 1:200 sperm dilutions. Increased sperm dilutions on vaginal swabs resulted in higher variability in the male material recovered, whatever the separation method used. Both methods were easy to perform and resulted in male DNA extracts ready to use in less than 2 h. Both kits showed their specificities in terms of recovery efficiency and purity of the sperm fractions. Ideally, additional experiments should be performed in different laboratories, using workflow and chemistries different than ours, to better define the peculiarities observed with MACSprep for high dilutions. Improving the recovery of MACSprep for diluted samples, in addition to its better purity observed in the experiments performed, could make it a method of choice for laboratory workflow, despite MACSprep’s current price per sample being about twice the price of Erase’s.
Chronological development of in-patient oncology in times of COVID-19: a retrospective analysis of hospitalized oncology and COVID-19 patients of a German University Hospital
Authors: Griewing Sebastian , Wagner Uwe , Lingenfelder Michael , Fischer Rebecca , Kalder Matthias 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this study is to examine the chronological development of hospitalized oncology and COVID-19 patients, and compare effects on oncology sub-disciplines for pre-pandemic (2017–19) and pandemic (2020–21) years in the setting of a German university maximum care provider.

Methods
Data were retrospectively retrieved from the hospital performance controlling system for patient collectives with oncological main (nOnco) and COVID-19 secondary diagnosis (nCOVID-19). Data analysis is based on descriptive statistical assessment.

Results
The oncology patient collective (nOnco = 27,919) shows a decrease of hospitalized patients for the whole pandemic (− 4% for 2020 and − 2,5% for 2021 to 2019). The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients increases from first to second pandemic year by + 106.71% (nCOVID-19 = 868). Maximum decline in monthly hospitalized oncology patients amounts to − 19% (May 2020) during the first and − 21% (December 2020) during the second lockdown. Relative monthly hospitalization levels of oncology patients reverted to pre-pandemic levels from February 2021 onwards.

Conclusion
The results confirm a decline in hospitalized oncology patients for the entire pandemic in the setting of a maximum care provider. Imposed lockdown and contact restrictions, rising COVID-19 case numbers, as well as discovery of new virus variants have a negative impact on hospitalized treated oncological patients.
Risk of recurrence after local resection of T1 rectal cancer: a meta-analysis with meta-regression
Authors: Dekkers Nik , Dang Hao , van der Kraan Jolein , le Cessie Saskia , Oldenburg Philip P. , Schoones Jan W. , Langers Alexandra M. J. , van Leerdam Monique E. , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Backes Yara , Levic Katarina , Meining Alexander , Saracco Giorgio M. , Holman Fabian A. , Peeters Koen C. M. J. , Moons Leon M. G. , Doornebosch Pascal G. , Hardwick James C. H. , Boonstra Jurjen J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundT1 rectal cancer (RC) patients are increasingly being treated by local resection alone but uniform surveillance strategies thereafter are lacking. To determine whether different local resection techniques influence the risk of recurrence and cancer-related mortality, a meta-analysis was performed.MethodsA systematic search was conducted for T1RC patients treated with local surgical resection. The primary outcome was the risk of RC recurrence and RC-related mortality. Pooled estimates were calculated using mixed-effect logistic regression. We also systematically searched and evaluated endoscopically treated T1RC patients in a similar manner.ResultsIn 2585 unique T1RC patients (86 studies) undergoing local surgical resection, the overall pooled cumulative incidence of recurrence was 9.1% (302 events, 95% CI 7.3–11.4%;I2 = 68.3%). In meta-regression, the recurrence risk was associated with histological risk status (p < 0.005; low-risk 6.6%, 95% CI 4.4–9.7% vs. high-risk 28.2%, 95% CI 19–39.7%) and local surgical resection technique (p < 0.005; TEM/TAMIS 7.7%, 95% CI 5.3–11.0% vs. other local surgical excisions 10.8%, 95% CI 6.7–16.8%). In 641 unique T1RC patients treated with flexible endoscopic excision (16 studies), the risk of recurrence (7.7%, 95% CI 5.2–11.2%), cancer-related mortality (2.3%, 95% CI 1.1–4.9), and cancer-related mortality among patients with recurrence (30.0%, 95% CI 14.7–49.4%) were comparable to outcomes after TEM/TAMIS (risk of recurrence 7.7%, 95% CI 5.3–11.0%, cancer-related mortality 2.8%, 95% CI 1.2–6.2% and among patients with recurrence 35.6%, 95% CI 21.9–51.2%).ConclusionsPatients with T1 rectal cancer may have a significantly lower recurrence risk after TEM/TAMIS compared to other local surgical resection techniques. After TEM/TAMIS and endoscopic resection the recurrence risk, cancer-related mortality and cancer-related mortality among patients with recurrence were comparable. Recurrence was mainly dependent on histological risk status.Graphical abstract
Development of Cotton Fabrics via EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Prepared by γ-Irradiation for Waterproof and Fire Retardant Applications
Authors: Elbarbary Ahmed M. , Elhady M. A. , Gad Yasser H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDevelopment of cotton fabric (CF) properties using nanocomposites via coating method was of considerable interest for wide applications. This article aims at developing CF properties by coating treatment using ethylene–vinyl-acetate (EVA), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles and γ-irradiation widely used in waterproof and flame retardant applications. EVA-based nanocomposites, EVA/SiO2, EVA/Al2O3, and EVA/SiO2/Al2O3, were synthesized by γ-irradiation and the highest gel content of 81.2–95.3% was achieved at 30 kGy. The physicochemical properties of EVA-based nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DSC and SEM techniques. Usage of irradiated EVA and EVA-based nanocomposites for treatment of CF by coating technique was successfully achieved. This technique provides a simple and versatile method leading to excellent uniform and smooth surface morphology without aggregation. The weight gain, mechanical properties, thermal properties, water vapor permeability and flame-retardant properties of the modified CF were evaluated. Moreover, compared with control CF, the resistivity of water absorptivity and hydrophobic property and the thermal stability were gained. The flame retardant properties of CF samples were performed using limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning flame tests. LOI percentages of CF/EVA/SiO2, CF/EVA/Al2O3 and CF/EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 increased to 25.3, 27.5, and 29.3%, respectively. Untreated CF ignited and burned rapidly after 5 s. Meanwhile, the treated CF hold flame resistance properties and the burning time prolonged to 25 s. The results of the treated CF providing revealed hydrophobic and protective capability of the fabrics from being destroyed by burning, and support their further use in waterproof and flame retardant applications of fabrics.
Increased Leverage of Transprecision Computing for Machine Vision Applications at the Edge
Authors: Minhas Umar Ibrahim , Lee JunKyu , Mukhanov Lev , Karakonstantis Georgios , Vandierendonck Hans , Woods Roger 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe practical deployment of machine vision presents particular challenges for resource constrained edge devices. With a clear need to execute multiple tasks with variable workloads, there is a need for a robust approach that can dynamically adapt at runtime and which can maintain the maximum quality of service (QoS) within the available resource constraints. A lightweight approach that monitors the runtime workload constraints and leverages accuracy-throughput trade-offs on a graphics processing unit (GPU), is presented. It includes optimisation techniques that identify the configurations for each task in terms of optimal accuracy, energy and memory and management of the transparent switching between configurations. Using a neural network architecture search that statically generates a range of implementations that target a resource-precision trade-off, we explore the detection of the optimal parameters for the required QoS under specific memory and energy constraints. For an accuracy loss of 1%, we demonstrate that a $$1.6\times$$

1.6
×

higher frame processing rate can be achieved on GPU with further improvements possible at further relaxed accuracy. In order to further improve the switching between configurations, we enhance the proposed mechanism by employing central processing units (CPUs) for offloading some of the executed frames, which helps to improve the frame rate by further 0.9%.
A multi-agent description of the influence of higher education on social stratification
Authors: Dimarco Giacomo , Toscani Giuseppe , Zanella Mattia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe introduce and discuss a system of one-dimensional kinetic equations describing the influence of higher education in the social stratification of a multi-agent society. The system is obtained by coupling a model for knowledge formation with a kinetic description of the social climbing in which the parameters characterizing the elementary interactions leading to the formation of a social elite are assumed to depend on the degree of knowledge/education of the agents. In addition, we discuss the case in which the education level of an individual is function of the position occupied in the social ranking. With this last assumption, we obtain a fully coupled model in which knowledge and social status influence each other. In the last part, we provide several numerical experiments highlighting the role of education in reducing social inequalities and in promoting social mobility.
A general framework for solving differential equations
Authors: Brugnano Luigi , Iavernaro Felice 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRecently, the efficient numerical solution of Hamiltonian problems has been tackled by defining the class of energy-conserving Runge-Kutta methods namedHamiltonian Boundary Value Methods (HBVMs). Their derivation relies on the expansion of the vector field along a suitable orthonormal basis. Interestingly, this approach can be extended to cope with more general differential problems. In this paper we sketch this fact, by considering some relevant examples.
Die These der räumlichen Polarisierung in der neuen Klassengesellschaft. Ein empirischer Beitrag zur sozialen Spaltung von „Stadt und Land“
Authors: Konietzka Dirk , Martynovych Yevgeniy 
Published: June 2022

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag befasst sich mit der u. a. von Andreas Reckwitz formulierten These, dass die deutsche Sozialstruktur zunehmend durch eine räumliche Polarisierung geprägt wird. Empirisch untersucht werden auf der Basis des Mikrozensus erstens Veränderungen der sozioökonomischen Zusammensetzung von Metropolen und kleinstädtischen/ländlichen Orten sowie zweitens Veränderungen der Wohnstandorte unterschiedlicher sozioökonomischer Klassen zwischen 1996 und 2018. Die These, dass die „neue“ postindustrielle Mittelklasse sich zunehmend in den Metropolen konzentriert, während die „alte“ Mittelklasse und prekäre Soziallagen immer mehr im kleinstädtischen und ländlichen Raum zurückbleiben, wird nicht bestätigt, jedoch zeigen sich teilweise zunehmende räumliche Disparitäten.