bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coloclyster of Red Peony Root Granules Alleviates Moderately Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yang Fangyong , Qi Xiuzhong , Du Yiqi , Chen Yan , Wang Meitang , Huang Haitao , Zhu Dezeng , Yue Xiaoqiang , Wang Lina
Published: July 2020

The red peony root derived from Paeonia lactiflora has been applied to treat human inflammatory diseases. To investigate its therapeutic potential in treating moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP), which has been rarely studied, this study was designed as a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial. A total of 60 MSAP patients were enrolled and randomly divided into an experimental (n = 30) group and a control group (n = 30), who received a coloclyster of 15 g of red peony root or placebo granules dissolved in 150 mL of water, respectively. The patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The results showed that the experimental group had a shorter remission time of fever (p < 0.05) and abdominal pain (p < 0.01) and faster resumption of self‐defecation (p < 0.01) than did the control group. In addition, the coloclyster of red peony root decreased the modified Balthazar CT score as well as the serum interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels to a greater extent than did the placebo coloclyster (p < 0.05). The remission times for the normalization of white blood cells and percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the experimental group were also significantly shorter than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a coloclyster of red peony root could help alleviate the clinical symptoms and shorten the course of MSAP by possibly attenuating systematic inflammation. This trial is registered with 14004664.
Application of the Upper‐Bench CD Method in Super Large‐Span and Shallow Tunnel: A Case Study of Letuan Tunnel
Authors: Chen Jianxun , Xu Zilong , Luo Yanbin , Song Jiakang , Liu Weiwei , Dong Fangfang
Published: July 2020

In order to keep pace with fast urbanization and explosive growth of highway traffic volume in China, more and more super large‐span tunnels are constructed or will be constructed in the coming years. It is of great significance to employ a suitable construction method for ensuring construction safety when tunnelling in a complicated geological environment. Based on the reconstruction and expansion project of Binlai in China, this paper aims at studying deformation behaviors and mechanical properties of super large‐span and shallow tunnel constructed using the upper‐bench CD method. The study results showed that the crown settlement of the pilot tunnel was larger than that of the rear guide tunnel, and the deformation of rock mass tended to be stable after 60 days of excavation. The structural stress changed greatly in the construction stage, the stress distribution of steel rib was mainly under compression, and the maximum compressive stress of shotcrete appeared at the tunnel vault. The supporting structure was always kept in a safe state, and its safety factor was higher than 1.5. However, the upper‐bench CD method has poor performance in controlling surface subsidence and horizontal convergence. The study of this paper provides a new construction method and useful reference for similar super large‐span tunnels.
Ossiculoplasty for Malleus Bar with Incudostapedial Disconnection and Fused Incudomalleolar Joint
Authors: Kanazawa Yuji , Matsuura Hitomi , Aiso Natsumi , Nakai Masako
Published: July 2020

Malleus bar is an abnormal bony connection between the malleus handle and the posterior wall of the tympanic cavity. We report a patient with a malleus bar and another malformation of the ossicles. An 11-year-old boy presented with hearing impairment since early childhood. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a malleus bar with an incudostapedial disconnection in the right ear. At tympanoplasty, the malleus bar was first identified and removed. A fused malleus-incus, not visible on the preoperative CT, was found intraoperatively. Therefore, the fused malleus-incus was removed; then, the ossicular chain was reconstructed, resulting in an improved postoperative hearing level. On preoperative CT, the disconnected incudostapedial joint had been identified, whereas the fused malleus-incus had not. Given the variations in the malleus bar anomaly of the middle ear, the surgical procedure for ossiculoplasty should be adapted intraoperatively based on any findings not visible on the preoperative CT.
Synthesis of Some Novel Fluorinated/Nonfluorinated α-Amino Acids, Bearing 3-Thioxo-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazin-6-yl and Steroidal Moieties, and Evaluation of Their Amylolytic Effects against Some Fungi, Part-II
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Reda M. , Bawazir Wafa A.
Published: July 2020

Some new fluorinated/nonfluorinated α-amino acids bearing 3-thioxo-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazin-6-yl and steroidal moieties have been obtained from condensation of the corresponding amino-triazinones with the steroid (Epiandrosterone). This was followed by the addition of HCN and, finally, acidic hydrolysis. The structure of the targets was established from their elemental analysis and spectral data. The amylolytic activity of the new products was evaluated against some fungi.
Health Assessment of High-Speed Train Running Gear System under Complex Working Conditions Based on Data-Driven Model
Authors: Cheng Chao , Liu Ming , Zhang Bangcheng , Yin Xiaojing , Fu Caixin , Teng Wanxiu
Published: July 2020

It is very important for the normal operation of high-speed trains to assess the health status of the running gear system. In actual working conditions, many unknown interferences and random noises occur during the monitoring process, which cause difficulties in providing an accurate health status assessment of the running gear system. In this paper, a new data-driven model based on a slow feature analysis-support tensor machine (SFA-STM) is proposed to solve the problem of unknown interference and random noise by removing the slow feature with the fastest instantaneous change. First, the relationship between various statuses of the running gear system is analyzed carefully. To remove the random noise and unknown interferences in the running gear systems under complex working conditions and to extract more accurate data features, the SFA method is used to extract the slowest feature to reflect the general trend of system changes in data monitoring of running gear systems of high-speed trains. Second, slowness data were constructed in a tensor form to achieve an accurate health status assessment using the STM. Finally, actual monitoring data from a running gear system from a high-speed train was used as an example to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the model, and it was compared with traditional models. The maximum sum of squared resist (SSR) value was reduced by 16 points, indicating that the SFA-STM method has the higher assessment accuracy.
Nonlinear Optics with Near-Infrared Excitation Enable Real-Time Quantitative Diagnosis of Human Cervical Cancers
Authors: Matsui Takahiro , Tamoto Ryo , Iwasa Akio , Mimura Masafumi , Taniguchi Seiji , Hasegawa Tetsuo , Sudo Takao , Mizuno Hiroki , Kikuta Junichi , Onoyama Ichiro , Okugawa Kaoru , Shiomi Mayu , Matsuzaki Shinya , Morii Eiichi , Kimura Tadashi , Kato Kiyoko , Kiyota Yasujiro , Ishii Masaru
Published: July 2020

Histopathologic analysis through biopsy has been one of the most useful methods for the assessment of malignant neoplasms. However, some aspects of the analysis such as invasiveness, evaluation range, and turnaround time from biopsy to report could be improved. Here, we report a novel method for visualizing human cervical tissue three-dimensionally, without biopsy, fixation, or staining, and with sufficient quality for histologic diagnosis. Near-infrared excitation and nonlinear optics were employed to visualize unstained human epithelial tissues of the cervix uteri by constructing images with third-harmonic generation (THG) and second-harmonic generation (SHG). THG images enabled evaluation of nuclear morphology in a quantitative manner with six parameters after image analysis using deep learning. It was also possible to quantitatively assess intraepithelial fibrotic changes based on SHG images and another deep learning analysis. Using each analytical procedure alone, normal and cancerous tissue were classified quantitatively with an AUC ≥0.92. Moreover, a combinatory analysis of THG and SHG images with a machine learning algorithm allowed accurate classification of three-dimensional image files of normal tissue, intraepithelial neoplasia, and invasive carcinoma with a weighted kappa coefficient of 0.86. Our method enables real-time noninvasive diagnosis of cervical lesions, thus constituting a potential tool to dramatically change early detection.

Significance:

This study proposes a novel method for diagnosing cancer using nonlinear optics, which enables visualization of histologic features of living tissues without the need for any biopsy or staining dye.
Intraductal Transplantation Models of Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Reveal Progressive Transition of Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Miyabayashi Koji , Baker Lindsey A. , Deschênes Astrid , Traub Benno , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Plenker Dennis , Alagesan Brinda , Belleau Pascal , Li Siran , Kendall Jude , Jang Gun Ho , Kawaguchi Risa Karakida , Somerville Tim D.D. , Tiriac Hervé , Hwang Chang-Il , Burkhart Richard A. , Roberts Nicholas J. , Wood Laura D. , Hruban Ralph H. , Gillis Jesse , Krasnitz Alexander , Vakoc Christopher R. , Wigler Michael , Notta Faiyaz , Gallinger Steven , Park Youngkyu , Tuveson David A.
Published: July 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal common malignancy, with little improvement in patient outcomes over the past decades. Recently, subtypes of pancreatic cancer with different prognoses have been elaborated; however, the inability to model these subtypes has precluded mechanistic investigation of their origins. Here, we present a xenotransplantation model of PDAC in which neoplasms originate from patient-derived organoids injected directly into murine pancreatic ducts. Our model enables distinction of the two main PDAC subtypes: intraepithelial neoplasms from this model progress in an indolent or invasive manner representing the classical or basal-like subtypes of PDAC, respectively. Parameters that influence PDAC subtype specification in this intraductal model include cell plasticity and hyperactivation of the RAS pathway. Finally, through intratumoral dissection and the direct manipulation of RAS gene dosage, we identify a suite of RAS-regulated secreted and membrane-bound proteins that may represent potential candidates for therapeutic intervention in patients with PDAC.

Significance:

Accurate modeling of the molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer is crucial to facilitate the generation of effective therapies. We report the development of an intraductal organoid transplantation model of pancreatic cancer that models the progressive switching of subtypes, and identify stochastic and RAS-driven mechanisms that determine subtype specification.

See related commentary by Pickering and Morton, p. 1448.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1426
The Meningioma Enhancer Landscape Delineates Novel Subgroups and Drives Druggable Dependencies
Authors: Prager Briana C. , Vasudevan Harish N. , Dixit Deobrat , Bernatchez Jean A. , Wu Qiulian , Wallace Lisa C. , Bhargava Shruti , Lee Derrick , King Bradley H. , Morton Andrew R. , Gimple Ryan C. , Pekmezci Melike , Zhu Zhe , Siqueira-Neto Jair L. , Wang Xiuxing , Xie Qi , Chen Clark , Barnett Gene H. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Mack Stephen C. , Chavez Lukas , Perry Arie , Raleigh David R. , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: July 2020

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor with current classification offering limited therapeutic guidance. Here, we interrogated meningioma enhancer landscapes from 33 tumors to stratify patients based upon prognosis and identify novel meningioma-specific dependencies. Enhancers robustly stratified meningiomas into three biologically distinct groups (adipogenesis/cholesterol, mesodermal, and neural crest) distinguished by distinct hormonal lineage transcriptional regulators. Meningioma landscapes clustered with intrinsic brain tumors and hormonally responsive systemic cancers with meningioma subgroups, reflecting progesterone or androgen hormonal signaling. Enhancer classification identified a subset of tumors with poor prognosis, irrespective of histologic grading. Superenhancer signatures predicted drug dependencies with superior in vitro efficacy to treatment based upon the NF2 genomic profile. Inhibition of DUSP1, a novel and druggable meningioma target, impaired tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, epigenetic landscapes empower meningioma classification and identification of novel therapies.

Significance:

Enhancer landscapes inform prognostic classification of aggressive meningiomas, identifying tumors at high risk of recurrence, and reveal previously unknown therapeutic targets. Druggable dependencies discovered through epigenetic profiling potentially guide treatment of intractable meningiomas.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1611
The Expected 30-Year Benefits of Early Versus Delayed Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease by Lipid Lowering
Authors: Pencina Michael J. , Pencina Karol M. , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Catapano Alberico L. , Thanassoulis George , Sniderman Allan D.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Lipid-lowering recommendations for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease rely principally on estimated 10-year risk. We sought to determine the optimal time for initiation of lipid lowering in younger adults as a function of expected 30-year benefit.

Methods:

Data from 3148 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009–2016) participants, age 30 to 59 years, not eligible for lipid-lowering treatment recommendation under the most recent US guidelines, were analyzed. We estimated the absolute and relative impact of lipid lowering as a function of age, age at initiation, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level on the expected rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease over the succeeding 30 years. We modeled expected risk reductions based on shorter-term effects observed in statin trials (model A) and longer-term benefits based on Mendelian randomization studies (model B).

Results:

In both models, potential reductions in predicted 30-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk were greater with older age and higher non–HDL-C level. Immediate initiation of lipid lowering (ie, treatment for 30 years) in 40- to 49-year-old patients with non–HDL-C ≥160 mg/dL would be expected to reduce their average predicted 30-year risk of 17.1% to 11.6% (model A; absolute risk reduction [ARR], 5.5%) or 6.5% (model B; ARR 10.6%). Delaying lipid lowering by 10 years (treatment for 20 years) would result in residual 30-year risk of 12.7% (A; ARR 4.4) or 9.9% (B; ARR 7.2%) and delaying by 20 years (treatment for 10 years) would lead to expected mean residual risk of 14.6% (A; ARR 2.6%) or 13.9% (B; ARR 3.2%). The slope of the achieved ARR as a function of delay in treatment was also higher with older age and higher non–HDL-C level.

Conclusions:

Substantial reduction in expected atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in the next 30 years is achievable by intensive lipid lowering in individuals in their 40s and 50s with non–HDL-C ≥160 mg/dL. For many, the question of when to start lipid lowering might be more relevant than whether to start lipid lowering.
Spillover Impacts on Education from Employment Guarantees
Authors: Adukia Anjali
Published: July 2020

Programs that provide lower-skill employment are a popular anti-poverty strategy in developing countries, with India's employment guarantee program (MGNREGA) employing adults in 23 percent of Indian households. MGNREGA has reduced rural poverty, but some have raised concerns that guaranteeing lower-skill (or uncredentialed) employment opportunities may discourage investment in human capital and long-run income growth. Using large-scale administrative data and household survey data, I estimate precise spillover impacts on education that reject substantive declines in children's education from the government's rollout of MGNREGA. Further, I estimate these small negative impacts are inexpensive to counteract, particularly compared with MGNREGA expenditures on rural employment and poverty alleviation.
Failed Negotiations and the Dark Side of Ripeness: Insights from Egypt
Authors: Matesan Ioana Emy
Published: July 2020

This article revisits ripeness theory and examines whether conflicts with armed Islamist groups can also be ripe for negotiation. The article argues that armed Islamist organizations can be willing to negotiate and demobilize, but talks are particularly vulnerable to spoilers and public backlash. To examine these dynamics, the article investigates the case of al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya in Egypt. Relying on a variety of primary and secondary sources, including organizational documents and testimonies by the leaders, the analysis shows that the absence of ripeness can indeed explain some of the failures of negotiations. However, when the conflict was finally ripe, talks broke down because of elite divisions and public backlash. The case reveals that there is a dark side to ripeness: the conditions that lead to a mutually hurting stalemate can also lead to public outrage, elite divisions, and opposition to negotiations.
The Uses and Disuses of Doctoral Degrees in the Social Sciences and the Humanities: The Case of Hungary
Authors: Inzelt Annamária , Csonka László
Published: July 2020

This study offers a contribution to our existing knowledge of the impacts of Hungarian social science and humanities PhDs on the graduates themselves and on their own personal and social environments. We employ new empirical findings—gained from an e-survey and from structured interviews—in an attempt to understand and explain impacts and lacks. Empirical analysis allowed us to identify certain differences in terms of usefulness in several respects, such as the specific sector of employment, mobility or the actual level of impact. The PhD education process and the degree itself have a more positive impact on personal satisfaction and on an individual’s career than on the employing organisation. A PhD degree in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) fields seems to generate more in the way of benefit and impact in the academic field than in non-academic jobs—a difference which reflects on the academic orientation of Hungarian PhD education. All stakeholders need to devote further major efforts into developing the “dual” form of PhD education, so clearly benefitting the whole of the Hungarian economy and society.
Corporate-startup Co-creation for Increased Innovation and Societal Change
Authors: Steiber Annika , Alänge Sverker
Published: July 2020

The emphasis on corporate-startup collaboration has reached a new level in the context of digital transformation of most industries. Co-creation, as one non-equity based model for corporate-startup collaboration is increasingly getting attention among corporations and startups, but also among local governments. However, even if companies, governments, and startups invest in this approach for innovation and societal change, the concept is under-researched. The purpose of this paper is to further examine corporate-startup co-creation by conducting a systematic literature review, as well as present a real case ‘FirstBuild’. The findings were that co-creation as a corporate-startup collaboration model increases in attention. However, there is currently a large knowledge gap in previous research in regards to this phenomenon and more research on corporate-startup co-creation is needed, specifically in regards to metrics and its effects on corporate innovation, startups’ growth, and society.
The Role of Universities in Shaping the Evolution of Silicon Valley’s Ecosystem of Innovation
Authors: Piqué Josep M. , Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina , Etzkowitz Henry
Published: July 2020

Universities play a unique role in ecosystems of innovation. They interact with the other agents of the Triple Helix model, developing their functions in relation to each other and together with industry and government. Grounded in key conceptual frameworks—Triple Helix, Regional Innovation Systems and Entrepreneurial University—we analyze how the leading universities in Silicon Valley (UC Berkeley, Stanford and UC San Francisco) have evolved, adapting to new demands and, in turn, shaping the evolution of Silicon Valley. To do so we use quantitative and qualitative data and examine the changes occurring between 2007 and 2018. A close examination of the data from this period reveals an increased attention to entrepreneurship education and an intensified activity of technology transfer offices. Equally relevant are the increased interactions between universities and investors (business angels, Venture Capital funds and corporate investors), and the improvement of specific infrastructures to incubate and accelerate business ideas.
Modicella albostipitata, a new species of sporocarp-forming fungus from New Zealand (Mortierellaceae: Mortierellomycota)

Authors: COOPER JERRY A. , PARK DUCKCHUL
Published: July 2020

Modicella is an unusual genus within the Mortierellaceae because it forms relatively large terrestrial sporocarps. The two existing described species are rarely encountered. We describe a new species, M. albostipitata, from New Zealand in the southern hemisphere, which is both morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from the described species.
New genera and species of brachypterous members of the tribe Meconematini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Hunan, China
Authors: XIN YARUI , WANG TAO , SHI FUMING
Published: July 2020

In the paper, 2 new genera and 2 new species of Meconematinae in Tettigoniidae are described from southern Hunan, China, i.e. Xiangothaumaspis Xin, Wang & Shi gen. nov., Xiangothaumaspis falcatus Xin, Wang & Shi sp. nov.; Neocosmetura Xin, Wang & Shi gen. nov., Neocosmetura torcha Xin, Wang & Shi sp. nov., and the characteristic photographs are provided.
Rediscovery of the toadlet Brachycephalus bufonoides Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura: Brachycephalidae) with osteological and acoustic descriptions
Authors: FOLLY MANUELLA , AMARAL LUCAS COUTINHO , CARVALHO-E-SILVA SERGIO POTSCH DE , POMBAL JR. JOSÉ P.
Published: July 2020

Brachycephalus bufonoides was described as a “variety” of B. ephippium based on two specimens which 90 years later was considered full species. Besides its brief original description, nothing else is known for this species. Herein we report the rediscovery of the pumpkin-toadlet Brachycephalus bufonoides from Nova Friburgo, State of Rio de Janeiro, the second most populous area within the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. A detailed osteological description of this species was also provided, including skull, hyolaryngeal skeleton and postcranium skeleton. The laryngeal skeleton of Brachycephalus genus was depicted for the first time. We conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis of Brachycephalus using DNA sequences comprising two fragments of mitochondrial gene (16S). Both analysis with Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony supported the recognition of B. bufonoides as an exclusive lineage, allocated within the B. ephippium species group in B. vertebralis lineage. We improved the diagnosis and variation of the species, including more collected specimens, coloration in vivo and advertisement call description. Compared with its congeners, B. bufonoides has skin on head and dorsum with dermal hyperossification; skull with hyperossification of postorbital crests; a pair of hyperossified bulges about equidistant between postorbital crests; fourth presacral vertebra with transverse process hyperossified, ornamented and sacral diapophyses hyperossified, which can be seen externally (lineage of B. vertebralis sensu Condez et al. 2020); presence of dermal ossification as separated bulges of each vertebrae; general background color orange with different intensities of dark orange blotches on dorsum, including bordering of sacral region; absence of osteoderms and presence of warts on the dorsolateral surface of body; medium body size (SVL of adults: 12.0–14.5 mm for males and 14.7–16.3 mm for females; Table 1); rough dorsum; advertisement calls with 13 to 17 pulses; presence of pulse period modulation; and advertisement calls with notes longer than 0.2 s (0.22 to 0.31 s). Herein an important contribution for the taxonomy and systematics of this genus is provided, including a large amount of novel information for B. bufonoides from different sources (i.e., molecular, morphological variation, bioacoustic), allowing it to be included in future studies of species delimitation and relationships within Brachycephalus. Also, the discovery of this species reiterates the importance of Nova Friburgo for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest biodiversity.
Hemitrygon yemenensis sp. nov., a new species of stingray (Myliobatoidea: Dasyatidae) from the northwestern Indian Ocean
Authors: MOORE ALEC B. M. , LAST PETER R. , NAYLOR GAVIN J.P.
Published: July 2020

A new stingray, Hemitrygon yemenensis sp. nov., is described from old preserved material collected on the Arabian Sea coast of eastern Yemen. Consistent with other members of the genus, H. yemenensis sp. nov. is a small dasyatid (males mature at ~22 cm disc width), but it is the only Hemitrygon known to occur outside the western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans. Hemitrygon yemenensis sp. nov. most closely resembles H. bennetti, but H. yemenensis is separable based on several characters including a longer and more narrowly pointed snout, shorter tail, and a longer disc and head. Hemitrygon yemenensis is unknown to science beyond the two type specimens collected nearly 120 years ago.
Lung Nodule Classification on CT Images Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network Based on Geometric Feature Extraction
Authors: Johnsirani Venkatesan Nikitha , Nam ChoonSung , Ryeol Shin Dong
Published: July 2020

Lung cancer detection in the earlier stage is essential to improve the survival rate of the cancer patient. Computed Tomography [CT] is a first and preferred modality of imaging for detecting cancer with an enhanced rate of diagnosis accuracy owing to its function as a single scan process.
Visual inspections of the CT images are prone to error, as it is more complex to distinguish lung nodules from the background tissues which are subjective to intra and interobserver variability. Hence, computer-aided diagnosis is essential to support radiologists for accurate lung nodule prediction.
To overcome this issue, we propose a deep learning approach for automatic lung cancer detection from a low dose CT images. We also propose image pre-processing using Efficient Adaptive Histogram Equalization based Region of Interest [EAHE-ROI] to enhance the CT scan and to eliminate artefacts
which occur due to noise and variations of the image. The ROI is extracted from CT scans using morphological operators, thus reducing the number of false positives. We chose geometric features as they extract more geometric elements like curves, lines and points of cancer nodules. Our Non-Gaussian
Convolutional Neural Networks [NG-CNN] architecture contains feature extractor and classifier, which has been applied on training, validation and test dataset. Our proposed methodology offers better-classified outcome and effectual cancer detection by outperforming the other competing methods
and gives a test accuracy of 94.97% and AUC 0.896.
Binary and Multiclass Classification of Histopathological Images Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Wang Jiatong , Zhu Tiantian , Liang Shan , Karthiga R. , Narasimhan K. , Elamaran V.
Published: July 2020

Background and Objective: Breast cancer is fairly common and widespread form of cancer among women. Digital mammogram, thermal images of breast and digital histopathological images serve as a major tool for the diagnosis and grading of cancer. In this paper, a novel attempt has
been proposed using image analysis and machine learning algorithm to develop an automated system for the diagnosis and grading of cancer. Methods: BreaKHis dataset is employed for the present work where images are available with different magnification factor namely 40×, 100×,
200×, 400× and 200× magnification factor is utilized for the present work. Accurate preprocessing steps and precise segmentation of nuclei in histopathology image is a necessary prerequisite for building an automated system. In this work, 103 images from benign and 103 malignant
images are used. Initially color image is reshaped to gray scale format by applying Otsu thresholding, followed by top hat, bottom hat transform in preprocessing stage. The threshold value selected based on Ridler and calvard algorithm, extended minima transform and median filtering is applied
for doing further steps in preprocessing. For segmentation of nuclei distance transform and watershed are used. Finally, for feature extraction, two different methods are explored. Result: In binary classification benign and malignant classification is done with the highest accuracy
rate of 89.7% using ensemble bagged tree classifier. In case of multiclass classification 5-class are taken which are adenosis, fibro adenoma, tubular adenoma, mucinous carcinoma and papillary carcinoma the combination of multiclass classification gives the accuracy of 88.1% using ensemble
subspace discriminant classifier. To the best of author’s knowledge, it is the first made in a novel attempt made for binary and multiclass classification of histopathology images. Conclusion: By using ensemble bagged tree and ensemble subspace discriminant classifiers the proposed
method is efficient and outperform the state of art method in the literature.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Algorithm Based on Principal Component Texture Feature Deep Learning
Authors: Yifang Xu
Published: July 2020

Hyperspectral image classification refers to a key difficulty on the domain of remote sensing image processing. Feature learning is the basis of hyperspectral image classification problems. In addition, how to jointly use the space spectrum information is Also an important issue in
hyperspectral image classification. Recent ages have seen that as further exploration is developing, the method of hyperspectral image cauterization according to deep learning has been rapidly developed. However, existing deep networks often only consider reconstruction performance while ignoring
the task itself. In addition, for improving preciseness of classification, most categorization methods use the fixed-size neighborhood of per hyperspectral pixel as the object of feature extraction, ignoring the identification and difference between the neighborhood pixel and the current pixel.
On the basis of exploration above, our research group put forward with an image classification algorithm based on principal component texture feature deep learning, and achieved good results.
The Use of Abdominal Computed Tomography Imaging Technology in the Treatment of Surgical Acute Abdominal Perforation
Authors: Liu Yong , Su Tuo , Wei Ping , Han Wei , Ji Zhili
Published: July 2020

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the imaging features of abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) in patients with surgical acute abdominal perforation and to improve the diagnostic ability of perforated acute appendicitis (PAA). Method: Patients with suspected
acute appendicitis and abdominal pain are selected as the study objects. According to the surgical records and pathological results, the patients are divided into PAA group and nonperforated acute appendicitis (NPAA) group. All patients are examined by abdominal CT. Postprocessing reconstruction
technology such as multiple planar reconstruction (MPR) algorithm and curved planar reformat (CPR) algorithm are used as assistance to display the appendix, analyze and compare the images, observe the image performance of abdominal CT, and measure the diameter of the appendix. Results:
The incidence of PAA specific signs (i.e. cellulitis around the appendix, abscess around the appendix, enhancement defect of the appendix wall, air accumulation outside the appendix cavity, fecal stone outside the appendix cavity) in PAA group is significantly higher than that in NPAA group
(P < 0.05). Appearance of at least one specific sign for the diagnosis of PAA is 95.65%, the specificity is 92.59%, and the accuracy is 94.00%. The diameter of appendix in PAA group is significantly larger than that in NPAA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the diagnosis
of simple specific signs, the specificity and accuracy of the combination of appendiceal diameter and specific signs in the diagnosis of PAA have been improved. Conclusion: With the help of MPR algorithm and CPR algorithm, abdominal CT imaging technology can accurately identify PAA
and NPAA, which has important diagnostic value.
Therapeutic Images of CT Image Analysis Based on 3D Visualization Technology in Patients with Hepatobiliary Stones
Authors: Cao Jingqin , Zhang Defen , Yue Yanxiao , Zhang Yingchun , Cai Huaizhuang , Zhang Jie , Wang Zuoxiang , Nwi Doree , Williams Agnes
Published: July 2020

Objective: Paper for CT imaging in three-dimensional visualization technology for laparoscopy combined with biliary hard lens therapeutic clinical effect of extrahepatic bile duct stones were evaluated. Methods: Abdominal medical image 3D visualization software for our
hospital CT imaging diagnosis and treatment of bile duct stones in 45 patients of bile duct stones three-dimensional visualization of clinical analysis and preoperative planning, and brought it into the operating room three-dimensional visualization model, guiding the implementation of the
joint 3D laparoscopic biliary lithotripsy targeted hard lens. At the same time, as well as consistency with the actual hepatolithiasis distribution calculation operative 3D model visualization display; The operative time, bleeding, blood transfusion, stone clearance rate, morbidity and mortality
perioperative after review stone recurrence rate was observed. Results: reproducing a three-dimensional patient model visualization liver, intrahepatic vascular anatomy of the liver bile duct stones distributed, real intraoperative and preoperative displayed three-dimensional visualization
model consistent, pre-operative manner consistent with preoperative planning. Operation time (125.9±21.2) minutes, blood loss (38.8±8.5) ml, no massive hemorrhage and blood transfusion; MRCP examination by stone clearance rate was 100%; 2 biliary injury, bile leakage 1 complication
the rate was 6.7%; There were no perioperative deaths. Stone recurrence two cases, the recurrence rate of 4.4%. Conclusion: The three-dimensional visualization techniques may be implemented hepatolithiasis accurate assessment of preoperative, intraoperative guidance of laparoscopic,
endoscopic biliary hard gravel, stone liver resection operation, help to improve stone clearance rate, guarantee operation safety.
The Imaging Performances of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Xin Zhong , Long Xiangdang , Chen Hongtian , Hu Yongjun
Published: July 2020

Objective: To compare the imaging performances of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thereby explore their values and significances in clinical practices of diagnosing extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods:
A total of 56 patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were included as research objects. All the patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination, enhanced MRI examination, and multi-slice helical CT (MSCT) examination. The major contents of analysis and observation included
the location of the lesion, the range, the features of blood flow signal, the echoes of lesions at various phases, the enhancement levels, and the morphology. Then, the tabu search algorithm was applied to reconstruct the images, thereby completing the construction of the image objective function.
Results: In terms of histopathological typing, 9 papillary adenocarcinomas, 22 invasive adenocarcinomas, and 25 poorly-to-moderate differentiated adenocarcinomas were found. In terms of ultrasound results, 27 lesions were isoechoic, 23 lesions were hypoechoic, and 6 lesions were hyperechoic.
In terms of MRI results, 66% of the patients had hyperechoic lesions during the arterial phase, and 55.1% of the patients had isoechoic lesions during the portal phase. During the delay phase, 30.3% of the patients had isoechoic lesions, and 58.9% of the patients had hyperechoic lesions. Conclusion:
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, CT, and MRI had magnificent values and significance in the clinical diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which could be widely applied in the diagnosis and treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, the contrast-enhanced ultrasound and
CT could be used as an effective supplementary basis for enhanced MRI diagnosis. These three diagnostic methods had respective advantages and could be used in combination.
Medical Visits From Birth to 6 Months Predict Child Maltreatment Diagnoses Up to Age 5
Authors: Negriff Sonya , DiGangi Mercie J. , Sharp Adam L. , Wu Jun
Published: July 2020

Electronic health record data for pediatric members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California were used to identify key variables (ie, the number of emergency department visits and the number of providers) available in early infancy (0-6 months) placing children at higher risk of a maltreatment diagnosis in the first 5 years of life. The analytic sample included 96 462 children age 0 to 5 years born from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2018. Poisson regression showed that children with ≥2 emergency department visits from birth to 6 months were at twice the risk of a maltreatment diagnosis before age 2 and 5 years compared with those children with no emergency department visits. Children with more continuity of primary care providers (0-5 providers) in the first 6 months of life were at lower risk of a maltreatment diagnosis at 2 years and 5 years than those children who saw multiple providers (6+). Information about medical utilization in early infancy may help physicians and other medical providers identify children at higher risk of maltreatment and prevent future incidents.
Puppy love in the time of Corona: Dog ownership protects against loneliness for those living alone during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Oliva Jessica Lee , Johnston Kim Louise
Published: July 2020

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many countries enforcing a ‘lockdown’, whereby people are instructed to stay at home.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to capture the experience of such a lockdown in Australians living alone, with and without a dog or a cat.

Method:

Three hundred and eighty-four participants completed an online survey evaluating their levels of loneliness, mindfulness and mood. For participants who owned a dog or a cat, a measure of dog/cat interactions was also administered as well as two open-ended questions about how being a pet owner affected their experience of COVID-19 and how COVID-19 affected their pet.

Results:

Contrary to expectations, cat owners were found to be less mindful than non-owners and pet interactions did not account for levels of loneliness or levels of mindfulness. In line with our expectations, however, stress and depression positively predicted loneliness, while mindfulness and being a dog owner were protective against it. Insights from qualitative responses suggest that this might be due to the fact that dogs encourage a routine which involves getting out of the house and walking, which itself offers opportunities to socialise with other people doing the same thing.

Conclusion:

These findings add to the emerging literature on mental well-being during a lockdown and the unique role that pets play in their owners’ experiences.
How religious women students of social work in Israel experience academe
Authors: Allassad Alhuzail Nuzha , Ranz Rebecca
Published: July 2020

Although the values of pluralism and diversity are enshrined in social work’s Code of Ethics, the literature indicates that religious students will experience hostility within social work schools. This qualitative study explores how religious Jewish and Arab-Muslim social work students in Israel experience the secular academic context, in light of the profession’s values. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted over a 6-month period, starting in January 2018, with third-year women students of social work at the country’s largest public college – a microcosm of Israeli society in terms of ethnic, religious, and national affiliation. The participants were 20 women (10 Jewish and 10 Arab-Muslim) who self-identify as religious, in a secular academic setting. Analysis of the findings yields a broad and varied picture: the main themes include the initial encounter with the physical, social, and intellectual college environment; questioning whether academe is really liberal; and the feeling of being outsiders. These findings, which contribute to an understanding of the social and educational needs of the student who is the ‘other’, are relevant to social work educators worldwide. The other is everywhere.
Self-inflicted injuries: Three case reports
Authors: Chhabra Harvinder Singh , Kumar Ashwini , Kaur Navdeep
Published: July 2020

The means by which people self-harm are diverse and so are the motives that drive them. They are intended for personal gain which may be psychological, legal or material. Fabricated injuries may be self-inflicted or permitted by others. We present three cases of fabricated injuries over the shoulder and upper limbs both alleging assault with a firearm. In all the cases meticulous examination elicited suspicion on how these were caused. Meticulous examination is essential to differentiate true from false accusations so that no innocent person is punished.
Exploring the Social Networks of Bereaved Spouses: Phenomenological Case Studies
Authors: Morrigan Brigid , Keesing Sharon , Breen Lauren J.
Published: July 2020

Bereavement is a significant stressor that can affect and be affected by social support, yet there is little known about the social networks of bereaved individuals. We conducted an in-depth qualitative examination of the social networks of bereaved spouses through an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Five participants were interviewed about their social networks prior to and following bereavement. Participants described considerable changes in their social networks. They reported connecting with others who had experienced similar stressors, including via online support groups for widows/widowers, as a key strategy for re-engagement with their social worlds. The death of a spouse can precipitate the dramatic reorganization of social networks to incorporate and adapt to this crisis. Findings offer guidance for service providers to support bereaved spouses to harness existing social networks to optimize received support.
Tailoring Health-promoting Programs for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Teng Hsiu-Lan , Yen Miaofen , Fetzer Susan , Sung Junne-Ming , Hung Shih-Yuan
Published: July 2020

Research on dietary and lifestyle modifications to decrease cardiovascular risk and slow disease progression has been limited to patients in the later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies on the effectiveness of stage-of-change-tailored interventions on lifestyle modifications for individuals with early stage CKD are limited. Using random assignment, 60 patients with early stage CKD who received up to six tailored intervention visits over 30 months were compared to 60 usual care patients on physical indicators, lifestyle behaviors, and quality of life. Tailored interventions were consistent with the trans-theoretical Model of Change. Waist circumference, nutrition, and stress management improved over time in the intervention group. There was no difference or change in quality of life. To promote a healthier lifestyle, findings suggest that clinicians working with patients with CKD should consider patients’ readiness to change their behaviors as well as implementation strategies tailored for different processes of change.
Effectual thinking and music education: One view of creative adaptation in an underserved urban middle school
Authors: Hanson Josef
Published: July 2020

This descriptive case study superimposed Effectuation Theory onto the experiences of an American music educator and the challenges and opportunities facing him in an economically disadvantaged teaching context. Luke Guerra, the primary participant, possessed 11 years of teaching experience in an underserved urban middle school. His military experience, lack of canonical content knowledge, social activism, and exclusive use of popular music set him apart from conventional music educators. Data collection comprised semi-structured interviews with the participant and his colleagues, direct observation and documentation of the participant’s teaching, logging of researcher memos, and analysis of artifacts and participant reflections. Four themes emerged from inductive analysis that suggested the salience of Effectuation Theory: (a) teaching ethos informed by unique personal circumstances; (b) embracing uncertainty; (c) socially conscious, student-centered teaching and learning; and (d) collaboration. Rather than allowing the limitations of his teaching context and knowledge gaps to exert control over his program, Luke created an alternative future by leveraging his means and limitations into a vision around which others could rally and invest. Luke’s story and its connections to the principles of Effectuation may provide transferable benefits to music educators working in teaching contexts hindered by uncertainty.
Reflective Parking Lots for Microscale Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Authors: Sen Sushobhan , Fernandèz Juan Pablo Ricardo Mendèz-Ruiz , Roesler Jeffery
Published: July 2020

Paved surfaces, especially parking lots, occupy a significant proportion of the horizontal surface area in cities. The low albedo of many of these parking lots contribute to the urban heat island (UHI) and affect the local microclimate around them. The albedo of six parking lots in Champaign-Urbana, U.S., was measured using a ground-based albedometer and was found to vary between 0.18 and 0.28, with a statistically significant variation in albedo at different points within each parking lot. The numerical model ENVI-met was then employed to model the microclimate around one of these lots to examine the potential of increasing its albedo to mitigate UHI. The higher albedo decreased the air temperature over the parking lot by about 1°C. Furthermore, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which combines the effects of air temperature, reflected radiation, wind speed, clothing, metabolism, and humidity, demonstrated that increasing the albedo of the parking lot could improve overall pedestrian thermal comfort and even eliminate it during several hours of the day, and thus mitigate the UHI effect.