bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary tumour PSMA intensity is an independent prognostic biomarker for biochemical recurrence-free survival following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Roberts Matthew J. , Morton Andrew , Papa Nathan , Franklin Anthony , Raveenthiran Sheliyan , Yaxley William J. , Coughlin Geoffrey , Gianduzzo Troy , Kua Boon , McEwan Louise , Wong David , Delahunt Brett , Egevad Lars , Samaratunga Hemamali , Brown Nicholas , Parkinson Robert , Emmett Louise , Yaxley John W. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Purpose
The prognostic value of PSMA intensity on PSMA PET/CT due to underlying biology and subsequent clinical implications is an emerging topic of interest. We sought to investigate whether primary tumour PSMA PET intensity contributes to pre- and post-operative prediction of oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study of 848 men who underwent all of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), transperineal prostate biopsy, and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to radical prostatectomy. PSMA intensity, quantified as maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), and other clinical variables were considered relative to post-operative biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results
After a median follow-up of 41 months, 219 events occurred; the estimated 3-year BRFS was 79% and the 5-year BRFS was 70%. Increasing PSMA intensity was associated with less favourable BRFS overall (Log rank p < 0.001), and within subgroups of Gleason score category (Log rank p < 0.03). PSMA intensity was significantly associated with shorter time to biochemical recurrence, after adjusting for pre-operative (HR per 5-unit SUVmax increase = 1.15) and post-operative (HR per 5-unit SUVmax increase = 1.10) parameters.

Conclusion
These results in a large series of patients confirm PSMA intensity to be a novel, independent prognostic factor for BRFS.
Accelerating the development of biological nitrification inhibition as a viable nitrous oxide mitigation strategy in grazed livestock systems
Authors: de Klein Cecile A. M. , Bowatte Saman , Simon Priscila L. , Arango Jacobo , Cardenas Laura M. , Chadwick David R. , Pijlman Jeroen , Rees Robert M. , Richards Karl G. , Subbarao Guntur V. , Whitehead David 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis position paper summarizes the current understanding of biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) to identify research needs for accelerating the development of BNI as a N2O mitigation strategy for grazed livestock systems. We propose that the initial research focus should be on the systematic screening of agronomically desirable plants for their BNI potency and N2O reduction potential. This requires the development of in situ screening methods that can be combined with reliable N2O emission measurements and microbial and metabolomic analyses to confirm the selective inhibition of nitrification. As BNI-induced reductions in N2O emissions can occur by directly inhibiting nitrification, or via indirect effects on other N transformations, it is also important to measure gross N transformation rates to disentangle these direct and indirect effects. However, an equally important challenge will be to discern the apparent influence of soil N fertility status on the release of BNIs, particularly for more intensively managed grazing systems.
Are Cut-off Lows simulated better in CMIP6 compared to CMIP5?
Authors: Pinheiro Henri , Ambrizzi Tercio , Hodges Kevin , Gan Manoel , Andrade Kelen , Garcia Jose 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis is the first study to show the global Cut-off Low (COL) activity in 46 models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and Phase 6 (CMIP6). The COL historical simulations for the period 1979–2005 obtained from the CMIP5 and CMIP6 models and their ensembles are compared with the ERA5 reanalysis using an objective feature-tracking algorithm. The results show that the CMIP6 models simulate the spatial distribution of COLs more realistically than the CMIP5 models. Some improvements include reduced equatorward bias and underestimation over regions of high COL density. Reduced biases in CMIP6 are mainly attributed to the improved representation of the zonal wind due to the poleward shift of the subtropical jet streams. The CMIP5 models systematically underestimate the COL intensity as measured by the T42 vorticity at 250 hPa. In CMIP6, the intensity is still underestimated in summer, but overestimated in winter in part due to increased westerlies. The overestimation is enhanced by the finer spatial resolution models that identify more of the strong systems compared to coarser resolution models. Other aspects of COLs such as their temporal and lifetime distributions are modestly improved in CMIP6 compared to CMIP5. Finally, the predictive skill of climate models is evaluated using five variables and the Taylor diagram. We find that 15 out of the 20 (75%) best coupled models belong to CMIP6, and this highlights the overall improvement compared to its predecessor CMIP5. Despite this, the use of the multi-model ensemble average seems to be better in simulating COLs than individual models.
Gefühlt steif … und objektiv?
Authors: Dieterich A. V. , Haueise A. , Gizzi L. 
Published: March 2022

ZusammenfassungFast jeder kennt „verspannte“ Muskulatur, aber was sind physiologisch betrachtet Muskelverspannungen? Aktivierte Muskeln, die nicht entspannen können? Steifere oder härtere Muskeln? In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird aktuelle wissenschaftliche Evidenz zur Aktivität und Steifigkeit verspannter Nackenmuskeln präsentiert und die dabei angewandten Messmethoden werden mit ihren Limitationen vorgestellt. Diese Limitationen verdeutlichen die Begrenztheit des aktuellen Stands wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse und den weiteren Forschungsbedarf. Abschließend wird ein aktuelles drittmittelgefördertes Forschungsprojekt zur Messung von Muskelverspannungen vorgestellt.
Implant-based dental rehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients after maxillofacial reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula flap: the effect on health-related quality of life
Authors: Lodders Johannes N. , van Baar Gustaaf J. C. , Vergeer Marije R. , Jansen Femke , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Forouzanfar Tymour , Leusink Frank K. J. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of implant-based dental rehabilitation (IDR) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients after reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula flap (FFF).

Methods
Eligible patients were identified by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of patients treated in Amsterdam UMC-VUmc. HRQoL data were used from OncoQuest, a hospital-based system to collect patient-reported outcome measures in routine care. Data were used of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N 35 before FFF reconstruction (T0) and after completing IDR (T1). Data were statistically analysed with the chi-square test, independent samples t test and linear mixed models.

Results
Out of 96 patients with maxillofacial FFF reconstruction between January 2006 and October 2017, 57 patients (19 with and 38 without IDR) had HRQoL data at T0 and T1. In the cross-sectional analysis, patients with IDR scored significantly better at T0 and T1 on several EORTC domains compared to the patients without IDR. Weight loss was significantly different in the within-subject analysis between T0 and T1 for patients with IDR (p = 0.011). However, there were no significant differences in the mean changes of all the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 scores between the defined timepoints for patients with IDR compared to those without.

Conclusions
In this study, no differences were found in the course of HRQoL in HNC patients who had undergone IDR after maxillofacial FFF reconstruction, compared to those who had not. Patients should be preoperatively informed to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of IDR.
Comprehensive analysis of cytokine adsorption properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane material
Authors: Kishikawa Tatsuya , Fujieda Hiroaki , Sakaguchi Hirokazu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn acute kidney injury caused by sepsis (septic AKI), excessive production of inflammatory mediators is believed to be involved in deterioration of the disease. Renal replacement therapy using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane hemofilter improves the pathological condition of septic AKI by adsorbing and removing inflammatory cytokines. However, the adsorption properties of the PMMA membrane are unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the adsorption of 48 different cytokines in human plasma to PMMA and polysulfone (PS) membranes. Seventy-nine percent (38/48) of the cytokines were adsorbed more efficiently to the PMMA membrane than the PS membrane, which indicates that the PMMA membrane has high cytokine adsorption ability. The adsorption rate tended to be higher for the cytokines with lower molecular weight, and there was a significant correlation between the molecular weight of the cytokines and the adsorption rates. Electron microscopy showed that the PMMA hollow fiber membrane had a uniform internal structure from the inner to the outer layers of the membrane and had nano-pores inside the membrane that may have contributed to the adsorption of proteins with a specific molecular weight range. The clinical efficacy of a PMMA membrane hemofilter with cytokine adsorption properties against septic AKI needs further investigation including the evaluation of filtration performance of the hemofilters.
Comprehensive telemedicine solution for remote monitoring of Parkinson’s disease patients with orthostatic hypotension during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Polverino Paola , Ajčević Miloš , Catalan Mauro , Bertolotti Claudio , Furlanis Giovanni , Marsich Alessandro , Buoite Stella Alex , Accardo Agostino , Manganotti Paolo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) represents a frequent but under-recognized phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease (PD). During COVID-19 pandemic, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become pivotal in the management of chronic diseases like PD, not only to assess motor impairment, but also for vital signs monitoring. This pilot study aimed to propose a real-time remote home-monitoring system and protocol for PD patients with OH.

Methods
Vital parameters were acquired by wireless devices and transmitted to an ICT platform, providing data and smart notifications to the healthcare provider through an interactive web portal. Eight patients with idiopathic PD and OH underwent 5-day monitoring. Data about OH episodes, therapeutic interventions, impact on daily activities, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed.

Results
The proposed solution allowed the identification of 65 OH episodes and subsequent medical interventions. Thirty-five episodes were asymptomatic, especially in the postprandial and in the afternoon recordings. Systolic-blood-pressure (SBP) and diastolic-blood-pressure (DBP) were significantly lower in symptomatic episodes, while the pressure drops resulted significantly higher in presence of symptoms. High usability and patient satisfaction scores were observed.

Conclusion
The proposed home-monitoring system and protocol have proved to provide useful information and to allow prompt interventions in the management of PD patients with OH during COVID-19 pandemic.
The potential of point clouds for the analysis of rock kinematics in large slope instabilities: examples from the Swiss Alps: Brinzauls, Pizzo Cengalo and Spitze Stei
Authors: Kenner Robert , Gischig Valentin , Gojcic Zan , Quéau Yvain , Kienholz Christian , Figi Daniel , Thöny Reto , Bonanomi Yves 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLidar measurements and UAV photogrammetry provide high-resolution point clouds well suited for the investigation of slope deformations. Today, however, the information contained in these point clouds is rarely fully exploited. This study shows three examples of large-scale slope instabilities located in Switzerland, which are actively monitored for reasons of hazard prevention. We used point clouds acquired by terrestrial laser scanning to (1) identify differences in kinematic behaviour of individual rock compartments; (2) highlight active shear planes within the moving rock mass; (3) define the kinematic process driving the slope displacements; (4) model basal sliding planes based on the 3D surface movements of rock slides; (5) calculate exact displacement angles, (6) provide estimates on destabilised rock volumes. This information has significantly contributed to the process understanding and has thus supported decision-making in hazard management.
Environmentally relevant concentration of caffeine—effect on activity and circadian rhythm in wild perch
Authors: Cerveny Daniel , Cisar Petr , Brodin Tomas , McCallum Erin S. , Fick Jerker 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe studied the ecological consequences of widespread caffeine contamination by conducting an experiment focused on changes in the behavioral traits of wild perch (Perca fluviatilis) after waterborne exposure to 10 μg L−1 of caffeine. We monitored fish swimming performance during both light and dark conditions to study the effect of caffeine on fish activity and circadian rhythm, using a novel three-dimensional tracking system that enabled positioning even in complete darkness. All individuals underwent three behavioral trials—before exposure, after 24 h of exposure, and after 5 days of exposure. We did not observe any effect of the given caffeine concentration on fish activity under light or dark conditions. Regardless of caffeine exposure, fish swimming performance was significantly affected by both the light-dark conditions and repeating of behavioral trials. Individuals in both treatments swam significantly more during the light condition and their activity increased with time as follows: before exposure < after 24 h of exposure < after 5 days of exposure. We confirmed that the three-dimensional automated tracking system based on infrared sensors was highly effective for conducting behavioral experiments under completely dark conditions.
Sustainable lifestyles: towards a relational approach
Authors: Böhme Jessica , Walsh Zack , Wamsler Christine 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe concept of sustainable lifestyles is said to have reached the limits of its usefulness. As commonly understood, it impedes an effective response to our increasingly complex world, and the associated societal challenges. In this context, the emerging paradigm of relationality might offer a way forward to renew our current understanding and approach. We explore this possibility in this study. First, we systematize if, and how, the current dominant social paradigm represents a barrier to sustainable lifestyles. Second, we analyze how a relational approach could help to overcome these barriers. On the basis of our findings, we develop a Relational Lifestyle Framework (RLF). Our aim is to advance the current knowledge by illustrating how sustainable lifestyles are a manifestation of identified patterns of thinking, being, and acting that are embedded in today’s “socioecological” realities. The RLF revitalizes the field of sustainable lifestyle change, as it offers a new understanding for further reflection, and provides new directions for policy and transformation research.
Over-optimistic evaluation and reporting of novel cluster algorithms: an illustrative study
Authors: Ullmann Theresa , Beer Anna , Hünemörder Maximilian , Seidl Thomas , Boulesteix Anne-Laure 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWhen researchers publish new cluster algorithms, they usually demonstrate the strengths of their novel approaches by comparing the algorithms’ performance with existing competitors. However, such studies are likely to be optimistically biased towards the new algorithms, as the authors have a vested interest in presenting their method as favorably as possible in order to increase their chances of getting published. Therefore, the superior performance of newly introduced cluster algorithms is over-optimistic and might not be confirmed in independent benchmark studies performed by neutral and unbiased authors. This problem is known among many researchers, but so far, the different mechanisms leading to over-optimism in cluster algorithm evaluation have never been systematically studied and discussed. Researchers are thus often not aware of the full extent of the problem. We present an illustrative study to illuminate the mechanisms by which authors—consciously or unconsciously—paint their cluster algorithm’s performance in an over-optimistic light. Using the recently published cluster algorithm Rock as an example, we demonstrate how optimization of the used datasets or data characteristics, of the algorithm’s parameters and of the choice of the competing cluster algorithms leads to Rock’s performance appearing better than it actually is. Our study is thus a cautionary tale that illustrates how easy it can be for researchers to claim apparent “superiority” of a new cluster algorithm. This illuminates the vital importance of strategies for avoiding the problems of over-optimism (such as, e.g., neutral benchmark studies), which we also discuss in the article.
Democracy of Breath and Fire: Irigarayan Meditations
Authors: Škof Lenart 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this article, we are arguing for a possibility of a new elemental politics as based on breath and fire and gesturing beyond the modes and principles of ontology of violence, power struggles and war in philosophy and political philosophy. We first discuss the task of today’s political philosophy as a need to enkindle the humanity towards a new alliance in creativity and belonging. We propose a new, elemental approach, based on the revitalization of air/breath and fire and present Luce Irigaray’s thought as a key intervention of this kind within the contemporary political thought. The second part brings an analysis of texts by Ernst Jünger and Alain Badiou on soldiers and war as examples of an unfortunate philosophical adventure. The third part is our proposal for another genealogy of human beings as breathers and igniters within the new peaceful and mindful culture of democracy, providing us with a possibility of a new ethico-political order, as based on the elemental constellations of silence, breath and fire. Finally, the idea of a quiet democracy is established, as a place of inner horizontal calm being gathered and cultivated in us by fire, and as a place for beings of this Earth to breathe and to share the air within a new elemental-spiritual conspiracy of love. Towards the conclusion, this essay also is a hommage to Luce Irigaray’s approaches to ancient Indian religious and philosophical thinking.
Teachers’ guidance of students’ focus toward lesson objectives: how does a competent teacher make decisions in the key interactions?
Authors: Hino Keiko , Funahashi Yuka 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper we describe how a teacher makes decisions during interaction with students in order to guide their focus towards the lesson’s objectives that the teacher has in mind. In particular, in the paper we examine how a mathematics teacher’s knowledge connects with the teacher’s noticing skill and interactive action. We present the case of a competent Japanese teacher, Mr. T, during a series of nine lessons on comparing fractions in a fifth-grade classroom. We first look at how Mr. T structured the lessons and interactions to help the students shift their focus from the procedural aspects to the quantitative aspects, when generating their explanations concerning how to compare fractions. Then, we analyze how Mr. T interpreted the students’ responses and made decisions about his interactive actions in the two lessons. The results show that Mr. T structured the entire lessons by repeatedly eliciting students’ ideas and focusing on the object of examination. Detailed analysis of three vignettes shows Mr. T’s constant reference to the lesson objectives when attending to and interpreting the students’ thinking both in verbal and written form. Furthermore, he strove to adjust his initial decisions according to the students’ reactions. These processes of noticing the students’ mathematical thinking were made possible by his extensive content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge; in particular, his knowledge of figural representation had a significant influence on his decision-making.
Finite Element Models of Osteocytes and Their Load-Induced Activation
Authors: Smit Theodoor H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurpose of ReviewOsteocytes are the conductors of bone adaptation and remodelling. Buried inside the calcified matrix, they sense mechanical cues and signal osteoclasts in case of low activity, and osteoblasts when stresses are high. How do osteocytes detect mechanical stress? What physical signal do they perceive? Finite element analysis is a useful tool to address these questions as it allows calculating stresses, strains and fluid flow where they cannot be measured. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the capabilities and challenges of finite element models of bone, in particular the osteocytes and load-induced activation mechanisms.Recent FindingsHigh-resolution imaging and increased computational power allow ever more detailed modelling of osteocytes, either in isolation or embedded within the mineralised matrix. Over the years, homogeneous models of bone and osteocytes got replaced by heterogeneous and microstructural models, including, e.g. the lacuno-canalicular network and the cytoskeleton.SummaryThe lacuno-canalicular network induces strain amplifications and the osteocyte protrusions seem to be stimulated much more than the cell body, both by strain and fluid flow. More realistic cell geometries, like minute constrictions of the canaliculi, increase this effect. Microstructural osteocyte models describe the transduction of external stimuli to the nucleus. Supracellular multiscale models (e.g. of a tunnelling osteon) allow to study differential loading of osteocytes and to distinguish between strain and fluid flow as the pivotal stimulatory cue. In the future, the finite element models may be enhanced by including chemical transport and intercellular communication between osteocytes, osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
Standards of Conducts for Biostatisticians and Stem Cell Researchers: A Call for Self-formulated Aspirational Ethics Over Built-in Prohibitive Ethics
Authors: Sato Keiko , Suzuki Mika 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe proposed the Standards of Conducts to provide a general framework that will serve as the basis for guiding each biostatistician and stem cell researcher to formulate their personal standards, rather than as rules with which they are required to comply. Given the responsibility and characteristics of their work, they are expected to maintain independence and work autonomously as professionals. Each of the Standards of Conducts comprises a preamble, mission and values to uphold, Standards of Conducts (10 items), and background. When one internalizes “self-formulated” standards, to make excuses for oneself would be akin to a self-betrayal; responsible actions can be anticipated. If one begins and continues to consider “who I am and what do I work for,” this will become their inner energy, and a source of motivation and pride to inspire oneself. In addition, this aspirational style might help citizens to recognize the autonomous stance of the professional body and that they share the same values.