bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arterial input function segmentation based on a contour geodesic model for tissue at risk identification in ischemic stroke
Authors: Bal Sukhdeep Singh , Chen Ke , Yang Fan‐Pei Gloria , Peng Giia‐Sheun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposePerfusion parameters such as cerebral blood flow (CBF) and Tmax have been proven to be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis for ischemic stroke. Arterial input function (AIF) is required as an input to estimate perfusion parameters. This makes the AIF selection paradigm of clinical importance.MethodsThis study proposes a new technique to address the problem of AIF selection, based on a variational segmentation model that combines geometric constraint in a distance function. The modified model uses discrete total variation in the distance term and via minimizing energy locates the arterial regions. Matrix analysis is utilized to identify the AIF with maximum peak height within the segmented region.ResultsGroup mean differences indicate that overall the AIF selected by the purposed method has better arterial features of higher peak position (16.7 and 26.1 a.u.) and fast attenuation (1.08 s and 0.9 s) as compared to the other state‐of‐the‐art methods. Utilizing the selected AIF, mean CBF, and Tmax values were estimated higher than the traditional methods. Ischemic regions were precisely located through the perfusion maps.ConclusionsThis AIF segmentation framework worked on perfusion images at levels superior to the current clinical state of the art. Consequently, the perfusion parameters derived from AIF selected by the purposed method were more accurate and reliable. The proposed method could potentially be considered as part of the calculation for perfusion imaging in general.
The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and treatment of arrhythmias
Authors: Armbruster Anastasia L. , Campbell Kristen Bova , Kahanda Milan G. , Cuculich Phillip S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe pathogenesis of arrhythmias is complex and multifactorial. The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) has been explored. However, developing successful pharmacotherapy regimens based on those pathways has proven more of a challenge. This narrative review provides an overview of five common arrhythmias impacted by inflammation, including atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, cardiac sarcoidosis, and QT prolongation, and the potential role for anti‐inflammatory therapy in their management. We identified arrhythmias and arrhythmogenic disease states with the most evidence linking pathogenesis to inflammation and conducted comprehensive searches of United States National Library of Medicine MEDLINE® and PubMed databases. Although a variety of agents have been studied for the management of AF, primarily in an effort to reduce postoperative AF following cardiac surgery, no standard anti‐inflammatory agents are used in clinical practice at this time. Although inflammation following myocardial infarction may contribute to the development of VA, there is no clear benefit with the use of anti‐inflammatory agents at this time. Similarly, although inflammation is clearly linked to the development of arrhythmias in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, data demonstrating a benefit with anti‐inflammatory agents are limited. Cardiac sarcoidosis, an infiltrative disease eliciting an immune response, is primarily treated by immunosuppressive therapy and steroids, despite a lack of primary literature to support such regimens. In this case, anti‐inflammatory agents are frequently used in clinical practice. The pathophysiology of arrhythmias is complex, and inflammation likely plays a role in both onset and duration, however, for most arrhythmias the role of pharmacotherapy targeting inflammation remains unclear.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of patient‐reported outcomes following nerve transfer surgery for brachial plexus injury
Authors: Haldane Chloe , Frost Geoffrey , Ogalo Emmanuel , Bristol Sean , Doherty Christopher , Berger Michael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the effect of nerve transfer surgery for brachial plexus injury (BPI) on patient‐reported outcomes.Literature SurveyMEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched and screened in duplicate for relevant studies on September 25, 2019 and repeated June 24, 2020.MethodologyThe patient population included male and female patients who received nerve transfer surgery for BPI. Further inclusion criteria were: (1) all levels of evidence; (2) published in English; (3) conducted in humans; and (4) report of patient‐reported outcome. Two reviewers independently abstracted data regarding injury type, surgical technique, surgical timing, follow‐up duration, strength, and patient‐reported outcome measures. Quality was assessed in duplicate using the Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies criteria.SynthesisTwenty‐one studies involving 464 participants were included in analyses. The mean age ± SD was 32.4 ± 1.8 (range: 5–77) and 89.2% of included participants were male. The mean time to surgery was 5.6 ± 0.6 months and the mean follow‐up time was 48.1 ± 8.4 months. The most used patient‐reported outcome was the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), where scores variably improved postoperatively, although the degree of disability remained high. Return to work was reported in five studies, with 66.0% of participants returning to work. Patient satisfaction was assessed in four studies with an overall satisfaction proportion of 64.0%. Pain was assessed in 12 studies using various measures. In studies reporting pain intensity postoperatively, 29.3% of patients were “pain‐free” or had “no pain.”ConclusionsPatient‐reported outcomes following nerve transfer for BPI are infrequently reported in the literature. Although patient‐reported outcomes demonstrate variable postoperative improvement, there is evidence of ongoing limitations and postoperative DASH scores report a high degree of ongoing disability. Future studies with greater reporting as well as validation of patient‐reported outcomes within BPI are warranted.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol) bottlebrush networks via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Clarke Brandon R. , Tew Gregory N. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHerein it is reported how the overlap concentration (C*) can be used to overcome crosslinking due to diol impurities in commercial poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), allowing for the synthesize of bottlebrush polymers with good control over molecular weight. Additionally, PEG‐based bottlebrush networks are synthesized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization, attaining high conversions with minimal sol fractions (<2%). The crystallinity and mechanical properties of these networks are then further altered by solvent swelling with phosphate buffer solution and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate/dichloromethane cosolvents. The syntheses reported here highlight the potential of the bottlebrush network architecture for use in the rational design of new materials.
Improving aging resistance of PIM‐1 thin films by nano‐TiO2 filler used for robust solvent permeation
Authors: Huang Zhaolai , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Mengxiao , Feng Weilin , Fang Chuanjie , Zhu Liping 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPolymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are promising materials for membrane separation because their special rigid and contorted structures contribute to high permeability. However, their chain rearrangement to fill excessive free volume makes the permeability stability a tough challenge. In this work, we report on a new use of rutile nano‐TiO2 to mitigate the physical aging of PIM‐1 (a typical PIM) nanofilms for stable permeability by mixing matrix. It was shown that the PIM‐1 membrane incorporated with nano‐TiO2 displayed remarkably higher aging resistance with a lower swelling degree in long‐term ethanol soaking, having more stable ethanol permeance with only a 5% decrease after 35 days, lower than 25% of the pure one. The mechanism of anti‐aging was revealed by molecular simulation, thermal, tensile mechanical, and dynamic mechanical analysis. It was found that nano‐TiO2 had good compatibility with PIM‐1 due to strong coordination interaction, making its uniform dispersion in polymer. Additional solvent permeation channels were also created to increase solvent permeance without compromising solute rejection. Due to the reliable interaction of nano‐TiO2, which makes particles serve as physical crosslinking points, the movement of PIM‐1 chains was limited partially to mitigate aging, enabling PIM‐1‐based membranes to have robust solvent permeation.
Self‐assembled monolayers for interface engineering in polymer solar cells
Authors: Hu Jie , Fu Weifei , Yang Xi , Chen Hongzheng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPolymer solar cell (PSC) has been developed vastly in the past decade due to the advantages of low cost, lightweight, mechanical flexibility, versatility of chemical design and synthesis, semitransparency, and solution processing. The performance and lifetime of PSCs are highly dependent on the properties of both active materials and their interfaces. The combination of the versatility of organic chemistry and the multitude of well‐understood ligand–metal interactions allows self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organic molecules to direct control over the electronic and chemical properties at the inorganic–organic interfaces. Thus, SAMs are an attractive pathway to reconcile interfaces with tunable interface properties in PSCs. Hence, this review describes the application of SAMs in PSCs at different interfaces. First, SAMs as alternatives of traditional transporting materials to reduce the barrier at indium tin oxide (ITO)/active layer interface due to the ability of tuning work function of ITO electrode are discussed. Second, the modifications of metal oxide by SAMs to control the electrical contacts at transporting layer/active layer interface are described. Third, tailoring the properties of the donor/acceptor interface by SAMs to improve the performance of PSCs are summarized. Finally, perspectives and challenges are pointed out for developing highly stable and high‐performance PSCs by applying SAMs.
Predictors of posttraumatic growth among hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Schwartz Jessica R. , Thomas Emily B. K. , Juckett Mark B. , Costanzo Erin S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivePrior research has shown that cancer survivors often report positive psychological changes from the experience of cancer, or posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, few studies have focused on PTG in cancer patients recovering from hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The present study measured PTG at specific milestones during the year following HCT and investigated psychosocial and treatment‐related factors that may hinder or facilitate PTG.MethodsParticipants (N = 430) completed assessments of PTG, social support, and coping pre‐transplant. Posttraumatic growth was also assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐transplant. Information about treatment regimen and post‐transplant complications was abstracted from medical records. Mixed‐effects linear regression models were used to evaluate the extent to which pre‐transplant social support, coping approaches, treatment intensity, and post‐transplant complications predicted PTG.ResultsCompared to pre‐transplant, PTG scores were significantly higher at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplant. Greater pre‐transplant social support significantly predicted greater PTG across the assessment points. Use of emotional engagement coping strategies also strongly predicted post‐transplant PTG. Conversely, coping styles characterized by emotional avoidance generally were not predictive of PTG. No treatment‐related factors or post‐transplant complications were predictive of PTG.ConclusionsFindings indicate that supportive social relationships and coping by engaging with difficult emotions may facilitate PTG following HCT. Moreover, these factors were more important than medical characteristics in explaining PTG. Findings may guide the development of interventions to enhance positive psychological outcomes after HCT.
Real‐time measurement of axial temperature in a coaxial dielectric barrier discharge reactor and synergistic effect evaluation for in‐plasma catalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Li Xiao‐Song , Li Ye‐Cheng , Wang Li‐Yuan , Liu Jing‐Lin , Zhu Ai‐Min 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDue to serious difficulty in the measurement of catalyst‐bed temperature (Tb) for in‐plasma catalysis (IPC), the evaluation of the IPC synergistic effect is still disputed. Herein, we reported a real‐time measurement of axial temperature (Tax), which is much closer to Tb than wall temperature (Tw), using a thermocouple in a catalyst‐packed coaxial dielectric barrier discharge reactor for the first time. In plasma catalytic CO2 reduction, the effects of discharge power and flow rate on Tax, Tw, and CO2 conversion were examined. On the basis of Tax, compared with the thermal catalytic case, the plasma catalytic case only shows a weak synergistic effect. It was confirmed that the synergistic effect is overestimated if based on Tw (except for the heat‐insulated or quasi‐adiabatic reactors).
Protein signatures to distinguish aggressive from indolent prostate cancer
Authors: Garcia‐Marques Fernando , Liu Shiqin , Totten Sarah M. , Bermudez Abel , Tanimoto Cheylene , Hsu En‐Chi , Nolley Rosalie , Hembree Amy , Stoyanova Tanya , Brooks James D. , Pitteri Sharon J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundDistinguishing men with aggressive from indolent prostate cancer is critical to decisions in the management of clinically localized prostate cancer. Molecular signatures of aggressive disease could help men overcome this major clinical challenge by reducing unnecessary treatment and allowing more appropriate treatment of aggressive disease.MethodsWe performed a mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis of normal and malignant prostate tissues from 22 men who underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer samples included Grade Groups (3–5), with 8 patients experiencing recurrence and 14 without evidence of recurrence with a mean of 6.8 years of follow‐up. To better understand the biological pathways underlying prostate cancer aggressiveness, we performed a systems biology analysis and gene enrichment analysis. Proteins that distinguished recurrent from nonrecurrent cancer were chosen for validation by immunohistochemical analysis on tissue microarrays containing samples from a larger cohort of patients with recurrent and nonrecurrent prostate cancer.ResultsIn all, 24,037 unique peptides (false discovery rate < 1%) corresponding to 3,313 distinct proteins were identified with absolute abundance ranges spanning seven orders of magnitude. Of these proteins, 115 showed significantly (p < 0.01) different levels in tissues from recurrent versus nonrecurrent cancers. Analysis of all differentially expressed proteins in recurrent and nonrecurrent cases identified several protein networks, most prominently one in which approximately 24% of the proteins in the network were regulated by the YY1 transcription factor (adjusted p < 0.001). Strong immunohistochemical staining levels of three differentially expressed proteins, POSTN, CALR, and CTSD, on a tissue microarray validated their association with shorter patient survival.ConclusionsThe protein signatures identified could improve understanding of the molecular drivers of aggressive prostate cancer and be used as candidate prognostic biomarkers.
Delivery of antisense oligonucleotides for splice‐correction of androgen receptor pre‐mRNA in castration‐resistant prostate cancer models using cell‐penetrating peptides
Authors: Luna Velez Maria V. , Paulino da Silva Filho Omar , Verhaegh Gerald W. , van Hooij Onno , El Boujnouni Najoua , Brock Roland , Schalken Jack A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a promising approach for delivering antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) as they form nanosized complexes through noncovalent interactions that show efficient cellular uptake. Previously, we have designed an AON system to correct splicing of the androgen receptor (AR) pre‐mRNA, thereby preventing the generation of the splice variant AR‐V7 mRNA. AON‐mediated knockdown of AR‐V7 resulted in inhibition of androgen‐independent cell proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the CPP‐mediated delivery of this AON into castration‐resistant prostate cancer cell line models 22Rv1, DuCaP (dura mater cancer of the prostate), and VCaP (vertebral cancer of the prostate).MethodsNanoparticles (polyplexes) of AONs and CPPs were formed through rapid mixing. The impact of the peptide carrier, the formulation parameters, and cell incubation conditions on cellular uptake of fluorescently labeled AONs were assessed through flow cytometry. The cytotoxic activity of these formulations was measured using the CellTiter‐Glo cell viability assay. The effectivity of CPP‐mediated delivery of the splice‐correcting AON‐intronic splicing enhancer (ISE) targeting the ISE in the castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)‐derived 22Rv1, DuCaP, and VCaP cells was determined by measuring levels of AR‐V7 mRNA normalized to those of the human heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3). Western blot analysis was used to confirm AR‐V7 downregulation at a protein level. The cellular distribution of fluorescently labeled AON delivered by a CPP or a transfection reagent was determined through confocal laser scanning microscopy.ResultsThe amphipathic and stearylated CPP PepFect 14 (PF14) showed higher uptake efficiency than arginine‐rich CPPs. Through adjustment of formulation parameters, concentration and incubation time, an optimal balance between carrier‐associated toxicity and delivery efficiency was found with a formulation consisting of an amino/phosphate ratio of 3, 0.35 μM AON concentration and 30 min incubation time of the cells with polyplexes. Cellular delivery of AON‐ISE directed against AR pre‐mRNA achieved significant downregulation of AR‐V7 by 50%, 37%, and 59% for 22Rv1, DuCaP, and VCaP cells, respectively, and reduced androgen‐independent cell proliferation of DuCaP and VCaP cells.ConclusionsThis proof‐of‐principle study constitutes the basis for further development of CPP‐mediated delivery of AONs for targeted therapy in prostate cancer.
Hydrogen Bond Shielding Effect for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Tianjiang , Zheng Shibing , Nian Qingshun , Tao Zhanliang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractManganese oxides are highly desirable for the cathode of rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) owing to their low cost and high abundance. However, the terrible structure stability of manganese oxide limits its practical application. Here, it is demonstrated that the hydrogen‐bond shielding effect can improve the electrochemical performance of manganese oxide. Briefly, (NH4)0.125MnO2 (NHMO) is prepared by introducing NH4+ into the tunnel structure of α‐MnO2. The robust hydrogen bonds between N‐H and host O atoms can stabilize the lattice structure of α‐MnO2 and suppress the dissolution of Mn element. More importantly, it can also accelerate ions mobility kinetics by weakening the electrostatic interaction of host O atoms. Thus, the fabricated Zn||NHMO battery possesses impressive cycling life (99.5% of capacity retention over 10 000 cycles) and rate capability (109 mA h g–1 of discharge capacity at 6000 mA g–1). Comprehensive analyses reveal the essences of interfacial charge and bulk ions transfer. This finding opens new opportunities for the development of high‐performance AZIBs.
Estimation of strengths of hybrid FR‐SCC by using deep‐learning and support vector regression models
Authors: Kina Ceren , Turk Kazim , Tanyildizi Harun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this work, to estimate the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strength of self‐compacting concrete (SCC) having single fiber and binary, ternary, and quaternary fiber hybridization, the deep‐learning (DL) and support vector regression (SVR) models were devised. The fiber content and coarse aggregate/total aggregate ratio (CA/TA) were the variables for 24 designed mixtures. Four different fibers, which were a macro steel fiber, two types of micro steel fibers with different aspect ratio, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber, were used in SCC mixtures. The specimens of each mixture were tested to measure the engineering properties for 7, 28, and 90 days. The amount of cement, fly ash, fine aggregate, CA, high‐range water‐reducing admixture, water, macro steel fiber, PVA fiber, two types of micro steel fibers, and curing time were selected as input layers while the output layers were strength results. The experimental results were compared with the estimation results. The engineering properties were estimated using the SVR model with 95.25%, 87.81%, and 93.89% accuracy, respectively. Furthermore, the DL model estimated compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength with 99.27%, 98.59%, and 99.15% accuracy, respectively. It was found that the DL estimated the engineering properties of hybrid fiber–reinforced SCC with higher accuracy than SVR.
Fibroblastic reticular cells and type 3 innate lymphoid cells in Peyer’s patches: Target cell candidates for inulooligosaccharides in hochuekkito formula containing Atractylodis rhizoma
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Hosaka Haruna , Nakamura Yuki , Mawaribuchi Shuuji , Nagai Takayuki , Endo Mari , Ito Naoki , Kiyohara Hiroaki 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimInulooligosaccharides in a Kampo formula, hochuekkito, have been shown to participate in the regulation of the pulmonary immune system. Difference in chain length distribution of the oligosaccharides strongly affects their immunopharmacological activities. This phenomenon cannot be explained by bifidogenic activity and/or short‐chain fatty acids produced by intestinal microflora from the oligosaccharides. Effects of intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharides, which have a similar chain length distribution as the oligosaccharides obtained from hochuekkito containing Atractylodis rhizoma, were analyzed on immunocompetent cells in Peyer’s patches.MethodsEffect of intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharide preparation (degree of polymerization (d.p.) 3–15) on mRNA expression of genes of markers and functional molecules of stromal cells and type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in Peyer’s patches was analyzed.ResultsOral administration of intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharide preparation significantly up‐regulated expression of mRNAs of genes of not only marker molecules of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) and ILC3 but also immunological factors for positive and negative regulatory functions of FRC in addition to genes of auto‐immune regulator (AIRE), DEAF‐1 transcription factor, and some AIRE‐dependent tissue‐related antigens (TRA).ConclusionFRC and ILC3 are suggested to be target cell candidates in Peyer’s patches for inulooligosaccharides in hochuekkito formula containing Atractylodis rhizoma.