bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer‐aided diagnosis in the era of deep learning
Authors: Chan Heang‐Ping , Hadjiiski Lubomir M. , Samala Ravi K.
Published: May 2020

Computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) has been a major field of research for the past few decades. CAD uses machine learning methods to analyze imaging and/or nonimaging patient data and makes assessment of the patient's condition, which can then be used to assist clinicians in their decision‐making process. The recent success of the deep learning technology in machine learning spurs new research and development efforts to improve CAD performance and to develop CAD for many other complex clinical tasks. In this paper, we discuss the potential and challenges in developing CAD tools using deep learning technology or artificial intelligence (AI) in general, the pitfalls and lessons learned from CAD in screening mammography and considerations needed for future implementation of CAD or AI in clinical use. It is hoped that the past experiences and the deep learning technology will lead to successful advancement and lasting growth in this new era of CAD, thereby enabling CAD to deliver intelligent aids to improve health care.
Head and neck cancer patient images for determining auto‐segmentation accuracy in T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging through expert manual segmentations
Authors: Cardenas Carlos E. , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Yang Jinzhong , Gooding Mark , Veeraraghavan Harini , Kalpathy‐Cramer Jayashree , Ng Sweet Ping , Ding Yao , Wang Jihong , Lai Stephen Y. , Fuller Clifton D. , Sharp Greg
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in radiotherapy treatment planning has rapidly increased due to its ability to evaluate patient’s anatomy without the use of ionizing radiation and due to its high soft tissue contrast. For these reasons, MRI has become the modality of choice for longitudinal and adaptive treatment studies. Automatic segmentation could offer many benefits for these studies. In this work, we describe a T2‐weighted MRI dataset of head and neck cancer patients that can be used to evaluate the accuracy of head and neck normal tissue auto‐segmentation systems through comparisons to available expert manual segmentations.

Acquisition and validation methods

T2‐weighted MRI images were acquired for 55 head and neck cancer patients. These scans were collected after radiotherapy computed tomography (CT) simulation scans using a thermoplastic mask to replicate patient treatment position. All scans were acquired on a single 1.5 T Siemens MAGNETOM Aera MRI with two large four‐channel flex phased‐array coils. The scans covered the region encompassing the nasopharynx region cranially and supraclavicular lymph node region caudally, when possible, in the superior–inferior direction. Manual contours were created for the left/right submandibular gland, left/right parotids, left/right lymph node level II, and left/right lymph node level III. These contours underwent quality assurance to ensure adherence to predefined guidelines, and were corrected if edits were necessary.

Data format and usage notes

The T2‐weighted images and RTSTRUCT files are available in DICOM format. The regions of interest are named based on AAPM’s Task Group 263 nomenclature recommendations (Glnd_Submand_L, Glnd_Submand_R, LN_Neck_II_L, Parotid_L, Parotid_R, LN_Neck_II_R, LN_Neck_III_L, LN_Neck_III_R). This dataset is available on The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) by the National Cancer Institute under the collection “AAPM RT‐MAC Grand Challenge 2019” (https://doi.org/10.7937/tcia.2019.bcfjqfqb).

Potential applications

This dataset provides head and neck patient MRI scans to evaluate auto‐segmentation systems on T2‐weighted images. Additional anatomies could be provided at a later time to enhance the existing library of contours.
Introduction to machine and deep learning for medical physicists
Authors: Cui Sunan , Tseng Huan‐Hsin , Pakela Julia , Ten Haken Randall K. , El Naqa Issam
Published: May 2020

Recent years have witnessed tremendous growth in the application of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques in medical physics. Embracing the current big data era, medical physicists equipped with these state‐of‐the‐art tools should be able to solve pressing problems in modern radiation oncology. Here, a review of the basic aspects involved in ML/DL model building, including data processing, model training, and validation for medical physics applications is presented and discussed. Machine learning can be categorized based on the underlying task into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or reinforcement learning; each of these categories has its own input/output dataset characteristics and aims to solve different classes of problems in medical physics ranging from automation of processes to predictive analytics. It is recognized that data size requirements may vary depending on the specific medical physics application and the nature of the algorithms applied. Data processing, which is a crucial step for model stability and precision, should be performed before training the model. Deep learning as a subset of ML is able to learn multilevel representations from raw input data, eliminating the necessity for hand crafted features in classical ML. It can be thought of as an extension of the classical linear models but with multilayer (deep) structures and nonlinear activation functions. The logic of going “deeper" is related to learning complex data structures and its realization has been aided by recent advancements in parallel computing architectures and the development of more robust optimization methods for efficient training of these algorithms. Model validation is an essential part of ML/DL model building. Without it, the model being developed cannot be easily trusted to generalize to unseen data. Whenever applying ML/DL, one should keep in mind, according to Amara’s law, that humans may tend to overestimate the ability of a technology in the short term and underestimate its capability in the long term. To establish ML/DL role into standard clinical workflow, models considering balance between accuracy and interpretability should be developed. Machine learning/DL algorithms have potential in numerous radiation oncology applications, including automatizing mundane procedures, improving efficiency and safety of auto‐contouring, treatment planning, quality assurance, motion management, and outcome predictions. Medical physicists have been at the frontiers of technology translation into medicine and they ought to be prepared to embrace the inevitable role of ML/DL in the practice of radiation oncology and lead its clinical implementation.
Dynamic brittle fracture with eigenerosion enhanced material point method
Authors: Zhang Kun , Shen Shui‐Long , Zhou Annan
Published: May 2020

This article proposes an approach to resolve the dynamic fracture of brittle materials by incorporating eigenerosion into the material point method (MPM) framework. The eigenerosion approach links the crack propagation to energy conservation based on the variational theory of fracture mechanics. This idea closely resembles the conventional treatment for the phase‐field method. The major difference is that the effective energy release rate of each particle that controls the crack propagation is only calculated within its neighborhood domain for the eigenerosion approach. Because evaluation of the material's fracture behavior can be decoupled from the governing equations as a separate solution step, the eigenerosion scheme allows straightforward implementation into any standard MPM solver with minor modifications. In addition, a phantom‐node method is employed to handle the preexisting crack. With these settings, the proposed model can capture complex fracture behaviors. Several representative benchmark tests demonstrate the efficiency and validity of the proposed model.
Effect of VEGFC on lymph flow and inflammation‐induced alveolar bone loss
Authors: Wang Hua , Chen Yuyi , Li Wenlei , Sun Lian , Chen Hongyu , Yang Qiudong , Zhang Hang , Zhang Weibing , Yuan Hua , Zhang Hengwei , Xing Lianping , Sun Wen
Published: May 2020

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis and the immunological response to inflammation. The effects of lymphatic drainage dysfunction on periodontitis have not been well studied. Here we show that lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor 1 (LYVE1)+/podoplanin (PDPN)+ lymphatic vessels (LVs) are increased in the periodontal tissues, with accumulation close to the alveolar bone surface, in two murine periodontitis models: rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐associated periodontitis and ligature‐induced periodontitis. Further, PDPN+/alpha‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA)− lymphatic capillaries are increased, whereas PDPN+/αSMA+ collecting LVs are decreased significantly in the inflamed periodontal tissues. Both mouse models of periodontitis have delayed lymph flow in periodontal tissues, increased TRAP‐positive osteoclasts, and significant alveolar bone loss. Importantly, the local administration of adeno‐associated virus for vascular endothelial growth factor C, the major growth factor that promotes lymphangiogenesis, increases the area and number of PDPN+/αSMA+ collecting LVs, promotes local lymphatic drainage, and reduces alveolar bone loss in both models of periodontitis. Lastly, LYVE1+/αSMA− lymphatic capillaries are increased, whereas LYVE1+/αSMA+ collecting LVs are decreased significantly in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis compared with those of clinically healthy controls. Thus, our findings reveal an important role of local lymphatic drainage in periodontal inflammation‐mediated alveolar bone loss. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular subtyping reveals immune alterations in IDH wild‐type lower‐grade diffuse glioma
Authors: Wu Fan , Li Guan‐Zhang , Liu Han‐Jie , Zhao Zheng , Chai Rui‐Chao , Liu Yu‐Qing , Jiang Hao‐Yu , Zhai You , Feng Yue‐Mei , Li Ren‐Peng , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild‐type diffuse lower‐grade glioma (LGG) is usually associated with poor outcome, but there have been disputes over its clinical outcome and classification. We present here a robust gene expression‐based molecular classification of IDH wild‐type diffuse LGG into two subtypes with distinct biological and clinical features. A discovery cohort of 49 IDH wild‐type diffuse LGGs from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) was subjected to clustering and function analysis. Seventy‐three tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to validate our findings. Consensus clustering of transcriptional data uncovered concordant classification of two robust and prognostically significant subtypes of IDH wild‐type LGG. Subtype 1, associated with poorer outcomes, was characterized by significantly higher immune and cytolytic scores, M2 macrophages, and up‐regulation of immune exhaustion markers, while Subtype 2, which had elevated lymphocytes and plasma cells, showed relatively favorable survival. Somatic alteration analysis revealed that Subtype 1 showed more frequently deleted regions, such as the locus of CDKN2A/CDKN2B, DMRTA1, C9orf53, and MTAP. Furthermore, we developed and validated a five‐gene signature for better application of this acquired stratification. Our data demonstrate the biological and prognostic heterogeneity within IDH wild‐type diffuse LGGs and deepen our molecular understandi‐g of this tumor entity. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Malignant melanotic Xp11 neoplasms exhibit a clinicopathologic spectrum and gene expression profiling akin to alveolar soft part sarcoma: a proposal for reclassification
Authors: Wang Xiao‐tong , Fang Ru , Zhang Ru‐song , Ye Sheng‐bing , Li Rui , Wang Xuan , Pan Rui , Liu Chong , Chen Jie‐yu , Zhao Ming , Teng Xiao‐dong , Yu Wen‐juan , Li Yu‐jun , Wang Feng‐hua , Zhang Jian‐guo , Yang Qi‐chang , Zhang Yong‐sheng , Lu Zhen‐feng , Ma Heng‐hui , Zhou Xiao‐jun , Xia Qiu‐yuan , Rao Qiu
Published: May 2020

The classification of the distinct group of mesenchymal neoplasms, first described as ‘Xp11 translocation perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa)’ and for which the term ‘melanotic Xp11 neoplasm’ or ‘Xp11 neoplasm with melanocytic differentiation’ has recently been proposed, remains challenging and controversial. We collected 27 melanotic Xp11 neoplasms, the largest series to date, for a comprehensive evaluation. Fourteen of the cases, together with eight alveolar soft part sarcomas (ASPS), nine conventional PEComas and a control group of seven normal tissues were submitted to RNA sequencing. Follow‐up available in 22 patients showed 5‐year overall survival and 5‐year disease‐free survival of 47.6 and 35.7%, respectively, which were similar to ASPS and significantly worse than conventional PEComa. Univariate analysis of location (occurring in the kidney versus not kidney), infiltrative growth pattern, nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic activity ≥2/50 high‐power fields (HPF), necrosis and lymphovascular invasion were found to be associated with overall survival and/or disease‐free survival. Multivariate analysis identified that location was the only factor found to independently correlate with disease‐free survival. More importantly, RNA sequencing‐based clustering analysis segregated melanotic Xp11 neoplasm and ASPS from other tumors, including conventional PEComa and Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma, and formed a compact cluster representative of the largely similar expression signature. Here we clearly define the true biologic nature of melanotic Xp11 neoplasms which are distinctive malignant mesenchymal tumors, rather than simply PEComa variants with occasionally unpredictable behavior. Meanwhile, melanotic Xp11 neoplasm and ASPS more likely represent phenotypic variants of the same entity, which is distinct from conventional PEComa and Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma. Based on these important findings, melanotic Xp11 neoplasm might be reclassified into a distinctive entity together with ASPS, independent from PEComa, in future revisions of the current WHO categories of tumors of soft tissue and bone for the improved reclassification. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The early pattern of human corpus callosum development: A transvaginal 3D neurosonographic study
Authors: Birnbaum Roee , Barzilay Ran , Brusilov Michael , Wolman Igal , Malinger Gustavo
Published: May 2020

Objective

To provide an in‐vivo description of early corpus callosum (CC) development.

Methods

We reviewed 3D US volumes acquired transvaginally (TVUS) through the anterior fontanelle, between 14 to 17 weeks. The following landmarks were recognized: tela‐choroidea (TC), foramina of Moro, early CC and the evolving cavum septi pellucidi. The following measurements were taken: total, anterior and posterior sections, and height of the CC (referenced to the anterior TC border). All measurements were correlated to both the gestational age and the transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD).

Results

Eighty nine volumes were included in the study (mean 15.1 weeks ± 0.84, TCD range, 13.1‐18.4 mm) with high inter and intra observer correlation of the measurements. We found high correlation between CC length and height, and TCD. The anterior segment of the CC appear earlier than the posterior one, and growth continues bi‐directionally. Initially, the posterior elongation is significantly larger than the anterior one. Association of all CC measurements with TCD remained significant when co‐varying for maternal age and fetal sex.

Conclusions

imaging the fetal CC is feasible from 14 weeks by TVUS, by following the suggested insonation approach. The early CC develops bi‐directionally, and the posterior elongation is more significant than the anterior one.
DrawAlignR: An Interactive Tool for Across Run Chromatogram Alignment Visualization
Authors: Gupta Shubham , Sing Justin , Mahmoodi Arshia , Röst Hannes
Published: May 2020

Multi‐run alignment is widely used in proteomics to establish analyte correspondence across runs. Generally alignment algorithms return a cumulative score, which may not be easily interpretable for each peptide. Here a novel and interactive tool for cross‐run chromatogram alignment visualization (DrawAlignR) of data‐independent acquisition (DIA) data is presented. Furthermore, a novel C++ based implementation of raw chromatogram alignment which is 35 times faster than the previously published algorithm is developed. This not only enables users to plot alignment interactively by DrawAlignR, but also allows other software platforms to use the algorithm. DrawAlignR is an open‐source web application using R Shiny that can be hosted using the source‐code available at https://github.com/Roestlab/DrawAlignR
Clinical Application of Mass Spectrometry‐Based Proteomics in Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis
Authors: Gasparri Roberto , Sedda Giulia , Noberini Roberta , Bonaldi Tiziana , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: May 2020

The current knowledge on proteomic biomarker analysis for the early diagnosis of lung cancer is summarized, underlining the diversity among the results and the current interest in translating research results into clinical practice. A MEDLINE/PubMed literature search to retrieve all the papers published in the last 10 years is performed. Proteomics studies on lung cancer have gathered evidence on the potential role of biomarkers in early diagnosis. Although promising, none of them have proved to be sufficiently reliable to achieve validation. Future research should evolve toward a multipanel analysis of proteins, considering the possibility that individual biomarkers might not be specific enough to diagnose lung cancer, but could be related to oncological conditions.
Structure dynamics reveal key residues essential for the sense of 1‐dodecanol by Cydia pomonella pheromone binding protein 2 (CpomPBP2)
Authors: Tian Zhen , Li Yue , Zhou Tong , Ye Xuan , Li Ruichi , Liu Jiyuan
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Cydia pomonella, a worldwide quarantine fruit pest, causes great damage to fruit production every year. Sex pheromone‐mediated control of C. pomonella has been widely used. As an indispensable ingredient of commercial sex attractants, 1‐dodecanol (Dod) works to synergize the effect of codlemone in attracting male moths of C. pomonella. The interactions between Dod and its transporter protein, C. pomonella pheromone‐binding protein 2 (CpomPBP2), provide inspiration for chemical optimizations to improve the synergistic effects of Dod.

RESULTS

In this research, molecular simulations and biological verifications were used in combination to uncover key residues in CpomPBP2 essential for sensing Dod. After performing 150 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the C1–C12 chain of Dod was found to be locked by the van der Waals energy contributed by the hydrophobic residues Phe12, Leu68, and Ile113, whereas the ‐OH part of Dod was anchored by the H‐bond derived from Glu98 and the salt‐bridge derived from Arg109. Because of the importance of these two electrostatic interactions, Glu98 and Arg109 were further verified as key residues in determining the binding affinity between Dod and CpomPBP2. In addition, interactions unfavorable to the binding of Dod were described.

CONCLUSION

The research detailed the discovery of key residues involved in CpomPBP2–Dod interactions. Our results provide guidance and caution for the prospective discovery, optimization, and design of novel chemicals with a similar or stronger synergistic effect to codlemone in controlling C. pomonella.
Nanogranular Cadmium Sulfoselenide Thin Films Grown by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction Method for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Bhat Tejasvinee S. , Mali Sawanta S. , Patil Jyoti V. , Killedar Shirish T. , Desai Trishala R. , Patil Ashwinee N. , Hong Chang Kook , Dongale Tukaram D. , Patil Pramod S.
Published: May 2020

A bottom‐up, simple, and promising successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is used to synthesize cadmium sulfoselenide (CdSxSe1–x) thin films. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the CdSxSe1–x thin films are studied as a function of bath composition. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study reveals that the CdSxSe1–x films are nanocrystalline in nature having hexagonal crystal structure. The morphology studies show that the films are transformed from nanogranular to interconnected net‐like structures as a function of bath composition. The deposited CdSxSe1–x thin films are tested for photoelectrochemical (PEC) application and CSSe0.4 sample shows the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.55%. Furthermore, Al/CSSe0.4/FTO thin‐film device shows excellent nonvolatile memory properties in the visible light illumination with 10 000 endurance cycles and can retain the data up to 1000 s with good memory window and uniformity in the resistive switching process. It is noteworthy that, the CdSxSe1–x is a versatile and functional material for optoelectronics.
Ankothrips, the most ancient extant thrips genus (Thysanoptera, Melanthripidae)
Authors: Nel Patricia , Schubnel Thomas , Perrichot Vincent , Nel André
Published: May 2020

Two fossil representatives of the extant genus Ankothrips are described from French amber, namely, the Late Cretaceous Ankothrips dupeae sp. nov., from Vendean amber, and the earliest Eocene Ankothrips deploegi sp. nov., from Oise amber. We discuss the differences between the middle Eocene Baltic amber genus Archankothrips and Ankothrips, concluding that the two genera are extremely similar with only one significant difference in male specimens. The disjunctive distribution of the extant species along with the presence of one Late Cretaceous species strongly suggest an Early Cretaceous origin for Ankothrips. The genus is therefore very ancient and has had a remarkable morphological stability for the last 94 million years. This situation is unique among the Cretaceous thrips, and rare among insects (only c. 3% of the genera in the well‐documented mid‐Cretaceous Burmese amber are still extant). We propose some hypotheses that could explain the stability of Ankothrips through time.
Eigenfrequency constrained topology optimization of finite strain hyperelastic structures
Authors: Dalklint Anna , Wallin Mathias , Tortorelli Daniel A.
Published: May 2020

This paper incorporates hyperelastic materials, nonlinear kinematics, and preloads in eigenfrequency constrained density–based topology optimization. The formulation allows for initial finite deformations and subsequent small harmonic oscillations. The optimization problem is solved by the method of moving asymptotes, and the gradients are calculated using the adjoint method. Both simple and degenerate eigenfrequencies are considered in the sensitivity analysis. A well-posed topology optimization problem is formulated by filtering the volume fraction field. Numerical issues associated with excessive distortion and spurious eigenmodes in void regions are reduced by removing low volume fraction elements. The optimization objective is to maximize stiffness subject to a lower bound on the fundamental eigenfrequency. Numerical examples show that the eigenfrequencies drastically change with the load magnitude, and that the optimization is able to produce designs with the desired fundamental eigenfrequency.
A multi-fidelity RBF surrogate-based optimization framework for computationally expensive multi-modal problems with application to capacity planning of manufacturing systems
Authors: Yi Jin , Shen Yichi , Shoemaker Christine A.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a multi-fidelity RBF (radial basis function) surrogate-based optimization framework (MRSO) for computationally expensive multi-modal optimization problems when multi-fidelity (high-fidelity (HF) and low-fidelity (LF)) models are available. The HF model is expensive and accurate while the LF model is cheaper to compute but less accurate. To exploit the correlation between the LF and HF models and improve algorithm efficiency, in MRSO, we first apply the DYCORS (dynamic coordinate search algorithm using response surface) algorithm to search on the LF model and then employ a potential area detection procedure to identify the promising points from the LF model. The promising points serve as the initial start points when we further search for the optimal solution based on the HF model. The performance of MRSO is compared with 6 other surrogate-based optimization methods (4 are using a single-fidelity surrogate and the rest 2 are using multi-fidelity surrogates). The comparisons are conducted on a multi-fidelity optimization test suite containing 10 problems with 10 and 30 dimensions. Besides the benchmark functions, we also apply the proposed algorithm to a practical and computationally expensive capacity planning problem in manufacturing systems which involves discrete event simulations. The experimental results demonstrate that MRSO outperforms all the compared methods.
Autoantibodies against cytokines: phenocopies of primary immunodeficiencies?
Authors: Ku Chen-Lung , Chi Chih-Yu , von Bernuth Horst , Doffinger Rainer
Published: May 2020

Anti-cytokine autoantibodies may cause immunodeficiency and have been recently recognized as ‘autoimmune phenocopies of primary immunodeficiencies’ and are found in particular, but not exclusively in adult patients. By blocking the cytokine’s biological function, patients with anti-cytokine autoantibodies may present with a similar clinical phenotype as the related inborn genetic disorders. So far, autoantibodies to interferon (IFN)-γ, GM-CSF, to a group of TH-17 cytokines and to IL-6 have been found to be causative or closely associated with susceptibility to infection. This review compares infectious diseases associated with anti-cytokine autoantibodies with primary immunodeficiencies affecting similar cytokines or related pathways.
Leaf area and pubescence drive sedimentation on leaf surfaces during flooding
Authors: Kretz Lena , Seele Carolin , van der Plas Fons , Weigelt Alexandra , Wirth Christian
Published: May 2020

Worldwide, stream water is increasingly loaded with sediments and nutrients, due to processes such as accelerated soil erosion and overfertilization caused by agricultural intensification. This leads to increases in eutrophication and silting up of bottom sediments. Floodplains can play an important role in mitigating these problems, by removing sediment from rivers via water filtration and retention. Fine sediment is accumulated on the soil in between plants as well as on plant surfaces. However, it is still poorly understood how plant species facilitate leaf surface sedimentation via their leaf traits. In a flume experiment, we investigated to what extent the leaf traits (area, length, perimeter, pinnation, pubescence, surface roughness, flexibility and wettability) influence leaf surface sedimentation. We exposed leaves of 30 plant species to an artificial flood, and measured the fine sediment load the leaves captured after 24 h. Our results show that leaf traits overall explain 65% of the variation of fine sedimentation on leaves. Especially adaxial pubescence and leaf area strongly drove sedimentation. Hairy leaves accumulate more sediment per leaf area, presumably, because hairs create a buffer zone of reduced flow velocity which enhances sedimentation between the hairs. Additionally, for leaves with no or few hairs, sedimentation decreased with increasing leaf area, because most likely the more turbulent boundary layer of larger leaves allows less sediment to settle. Our results provide a first understanding of how plants can be selected based on their leaf traits for maximizing the sediment retention on floodplains, thereby providing a key ecosystem service.
Anxiety, depression and psychosocial needs are the most frequent concerns reported by patients: preliminary results of a comparative explorative analysis of two hospital-based palliative care teams in Germany and Japan
Authors: van Oorschot Birgitt , Ishii Koji , Kusomoto Yuko , Overbeck Lea , Zetzl Theresa , Roch Carmen , Mettenleiter Andreas , Ozawa Hiroko , Flentje Michael
Published: May 2020

In the partnership between the medical departments of Würzburg University, Germany, and Nagasaki University, Japan, palliative care is a relevant topic. The aim of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of the hospital-based palliative care teams in Würzburg (PCT-W) and Nagasaki (PCT-N). Survey of staff composition and retrospective analysis of PCT patient charts in both PCTs were conducted. Patients self-assessed their symptoms in PCT-W and in Radiation Oncology Würzburg (RO-W). The (negative) quality indicator ‘percentage of deceased hospitalised patients with PCT contact for less than 3 days before death’ (Earle in Int J Qual Health Care 17(6):505–509, 2005) was analysed. Both PCTs follow a multidisciplinary team approach. PCT-N saw 410 cancer patients versus 853 patients for PCT-W (22.8% non-cancer patients). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status at first contact with PCT-N was 3 or 4 in 39.3% of patients versus 79.0% for PCT-W. PCT-N was engaged in co-management longer than PCT-W (mean 20.7 days, range 1–102 versus mean 4.9 days, range 1–48). The most frequent patient-reported psychological symptom was anxiety (family anxiety: 98.3% PCT-W and 88.7% RO-W, anxiety 97.9% PCT-W and 85.9% RO-W), followed by depression (98.2% PCT-W and 80.3% RO-W). In 14 of the 148 deceased patients, PCT-N contact was initiated less than 3 days before death (9.4%) versus 121 of the 729 deceased PCT-W patients (16.6%). Psychological needs are highly relevant in both Germany and Japan, with more than 85% anxiety and depression in patients in the Japanese IPOS validation study (Sakurai in Jpn J Clin Oncol 49(3):257–262, 2019). This should be taken into account when implementing PCTs.
A Comparison of the ASEBA Adult Self Report (ASR) and the Brief Problem Monitor (BPM/18-59)
Authors: de Vries Lianne P. , van de Weijer Margot P. , Ligthart Lannie , Willemsen Gonneke , Dolan Conor V. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Baselmans Bart M. L. , Bartels Meike
Published: May 2020

The adult self report (ASR) is a well-validated instrument with multiple scales relating to adult psychopathology. Recently, an 18-item version has been introduced, the brief problem monitor (BPM) to measure Internalizing behavior (INT), Externalizing behavior (EXT), and attention problems (ATT). The present study compared the BPM and ASR and investigated how well the BPM can serve as a supplement or an alternative for the ASR for specific clinical and scientific purposes. In a large sample of adult twins (N = 9.835) from the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR), we compared the internal consistency, clinical classification concordance, means, and variances of the ASR and BPM. Using the classical twin design, we investigated the genetic covariance structure. For external validation, the associations between subjective well-being and different subscales of the ASR and BPM were compared. The internal consistency of the BPM scales (around α = 0.75) was somewhat lower than the ASR (α ~ 0.85). The BPM Externalizing scale showed the lowest internal consistency (α = 0.63). ASR and BPM scores showed good clinical classification concordance (0.61–0.80) and high correlations (r > 0.88). A small reversed sex difference in the BPM Externalizing scale appeared (women > men). Genetic (0.34–0.54) and environmental components (0.46–0.66) explained the variance to a similar extent for the ASR and BPM. The phenotypic and genetic associations with well-being were comparable. In situations where sum scores are sufficient, the BPM performs as well as the longer ASR. Depending on the situation and goal, it is worth considering the BPM as an alternative for the ASR to reduce the participant burden.
Effect of wind speed on the level of particulate matter PM10 concentration in atmospheric air during winter season in vicinity of large combustion plant
Authors: Cichowicz Robert , Wielgosiński Grzegorz , Fetter Wojciech
Published: May 2020

The concentrations of suspended particulate matter PM10 in two-month winter period, i.e. December–January in years 2009–2015, were analyzed in relation to the values of wind speed in that time. It was possible to analyze results of air pollution measurements performed in the measuring station from the perspective of their higher levels in winter seasons (so-called smog episodes). Results from 3 stations of the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Poznań (WIOŚ Poznań) served for better presentation of smog episodes in the region (black smog) and aimed at verification of correctness of the measurements of pollution immission in the monitoring station in Piotrkowice which is situated in vicinity of large combustion plant. The analysis confirmed that with low speeds of wind higher values of particulate matter PM10 were observed. The results of the analysis also show the displacement of pollutants according to the current wind direction or their local persistence for a longer time over one area.
Taste, traits, and tendencies
Authors: Dinges Alexander , Zakkou Julia
Published: May 2020

Many experiential properties are naturally understood as dispositions such that e.g. a cake tastes good to you iff you are disposed to get gustatory pleasure when you eat it. Such dispositional analyses, however, face a challenge. It has been widely observed that one cannot properly assert “The cake tastes good to me” unless one has tried it. This acquaintance requirement is puzzling on the dispositional account because it should be possible to be disposed to like the cake even if this disposition has never been manifested. We argue that familiar response strategies on behalf of the dispositionalist fail. These include appeals to conversational implicatures, expressivism, semantic presuppositions and norms of assertion. Against this background, we propose a new analysis in terms of what we call tendencies, where a tendency is a disposition that has been manifested. The acquaintance requirement comes out as an entailment. We point out a hitherto unnoticed parallel to sentences ascribing character traits such as “Hannah is brave,” and extend our tendency-based analysis to this domain.
How to generalize from a hierarchical model?
Authors: Pachali Max J. , Kurz Peter , Otter Thomas
Published: May 2020

Models of consumer heterogeneity play a pivotal role in marketing and economics, specifically in random coefficient or mixed logit models for aggregate or individual data and in hierarchical Bayesian models of heterogeneity. In applications, the inferential target often pertains to a population beyond the sample of consumers providing the data. For example, optimal prices inferred from the model are expected to be optimal in the population and not just optimal in the observed, finite sample. The population model, random coefficients distribution, or heterogeneity distribution is the natural and correct basis for generalizations from the observed sample to the market. However, in many if not most applications standard heterogeneity models such as the multivariate normal, or its finite mixture generalization lack economic rationality because they support regions of the parameter space that contradict basic economic arguments. For example, such population distributions support positive price coefficients or preferences against fuel-efficiency in cars. Likely as a consequence, it is common practice in applied research to rely on the collection of individual level mean estimates of consumers as a representation of population preferences that often substantially reduce the support for parameters in violation of economic expectations. To overcome the choice between relying on a mis-specified heterogeneity distribution and the collection of individual level means that fail to measure heterogeneity consistently, we develop an approach that facilitates the formulation of more economically faithful heterogeneity distributions based on prior constraints. In the common situation where the heterogeneity distribution comprises both constrained and unconstrained coefficients (e.g., brand and price coefficients), the choice of subjective prior parameters is an unresolved challenge. As a solution to this problem, we propose a marginal-conditional decomposition that avoids the conflict between wanting to be more informative about constrained parameters and only weakly informative about unconstrained parameters. We show how to efficiently sample from the implied posterior and illustrate the merits of our prior as well as the drawbacks of relying on means of individual level preferences for decision-making in two illustrative case studies.
Development of measurement instrument for visual qualities of graphical user interface elements (VISQUAL): a test in the context of mobile game icons
Authors: Jylhä Henrietta , Hamari Juho
Published: May 2020

Graphical user interfaces are widely common and present in everyday human–computer interaction, dominantly in computers and smartphones. Today, various actions are performed via graphical user interface elements, e.g., windows, menus and icons. An attractive user interface that adapts to user needs and preferences is progressively important as it often allows personalized information processing that facilitates interaction. However, practitioners and scholars have lacked an instrument for measuring user perception of aesthetics within graphical user interface elements to aid in creating successful graphical assets. Therefore, we studied dimensionality of ratings of different perceived aesthetic qualities in GUI elements as the foundation for the measurement instrument. First, we devised a semantic differential scale of 22 adjective pairs by combining prior scattered measures. We then conducted a vignette experiment with random participant (n = 569) assignment to evaluate 4 icons from a total of pre-selected 68 game app icons across 4 categories (concrete, abstract, character and text) using the semantic scales. This resulted in a total of 2276 individual icon evaluations. Through exploratory factor analyses, the observations converged into 5 dimensions of perceived visual quality: Excellence/Inferiority, Graciousness/Harshness, Idleness/Liveliness, Normalness/Bizarreness and Complexity/Simplicity. We then proceeded to conduct confirmatory factor analyses to test the model fit of the 5-factor model with all 22 adjective pairs as well as with an adjusted version of 15 adjective pairs. Overall, this study developed, validated, and consequently presents a measurement instrument for perceptions of visual qualities of graphical user interfaces and/or singular interface elements (VISQUAL) that can be used in multiple ways in several contexts related to visual human-computer interaction, interfaces and their adaption.
Anthropogenic factors affecting wildlife species status outcomes: why the fixation on pesticides?
Authors: Brain Richard A. , Anderson Julie C.
Published: May 2020

Most Americans are at least three generations removed from the farm, thereby at least three generations removed from the reality of where their food comes from. Not surprisingly, there are many misconceptions about modern food production, including the potential collateral environmental damage attributed to agriculture, particularly the application of pesticides. However, the implication of conventional agriculture in the broader narrative of wildlife species status outcomes (SSOs) lacks context and relativity. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have had a profound impact on their environment. Originating as hunter-gatherer societies, our ancient ancestors initially exploited anything that could be consumed or brought to bear. With the advent of the “first proto-farmers,” humans began manipulating their environments to maximize available resources. Urban centers propagated and flourished proximal to agricultural origins, where modern societies have been built primarily on an abundance of food. As societies “developed,” and continue to develop, an inevitable economic transition occurs from agriculture to industry/service predominance, culminating in a corresponding shift in land use. Developed countries have typically experienced maximal expansion of the agricultural frontier, where farmland is now steadily eroding by a proverbial flood of urban development. In contrast, in developing countries, this shift in economic development has not yet fully manifested and the agricultural footprint continues to expand at the expense of native habitats. Thus, the relative influence of “agriculture” on SSOs, in terms of land use, is primarily dependent on economic developmental status, which can be, at least in part, ameliorated via technology by increasing yield from existing land. Moreover, in addition to the land use challenge, there are multiple other factors affecting wildlife SSOs, including a figurative plague of invasive species, a literal plague of disease, a barrage of buildings, bumpers, grilles, and windshields to collide with, light pollution to confuse cues with, poachers to contend with, and even more complicated factors such as climate change. Being an easy target does not mean pesticides are the right target, and this fixation can potentially detract from public awareness regarding the primary drivers affecting SSOs as well as the opportunity to proactively address them. So, relatively speaking, how do these other factors compare to “pesticides” in terms of driving SSOs? Moreover, why is the popular media so fixated on the pesticide narrative? Based on the available evidence, this manuscript attempts to address these questions from a holistic and relative perspective within the context of land use change, economic development, population growth, and associated implications of global connectivity and commerce.
Using ground motion prediction equations to monitor variations in quality factor due to induced seismicity: a feasibility study
Authors: Convertito Vincenzo , De Matteis Raffaella , Esposito Roberta , Capuano Paolo
Published: May 2020

Sub-surface operations for energy production such as gas storage, fluid reinjection or hydraulic fracking may modify the physical properties of the rocks, in particular the seismic velocity and the anelastic attenuation. The aim of the present study is to investigate, through a synthetic test, the possibility of using empirical ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) to observe the variations in the reservoir. In the synthetic test, we reproduce the expected seismic activity (in terms of rate, focal mechanisms, stress drop and thebvalue of the Gutenberg-Richter) and the variation of medium properties in terms of the quality factorQinduced by a fluid injection experiment. In practice, peak-ground velocity data of the simulated earthquakes during the field operations are used to update the coefficients of a reference GMPE in order to test whether the coefficients are able to capture the medium properties variation. The results of the test show that the coefficients of the GMPE vary during the simulated field operations revealing their sensitivity to the variation of the anelastic attenuation. The proposed approach is suggested as a promising tool that, if confirmed by real data analysis, could be used for monitoring and interpreting induced seismicity in addition to more conventional techniques.
Residual stresses in thermite welded rails: significance of additional forging
Authors: Josefson B. Lennart , Bisschop R. , Messaadi M. , Hantusch J.
Published: May 2020

The aluminothermic welding (ATW) process is the most commonly used welding process for welding rails (track) in the field. The large amount of weld metal added in the ATW process may result in a wide uneven surface zone on the rail head, which may, in rare cases, lead to irregularities in wear and plastic deformation due to high dynamic wheel-rail forces as wheels pass. The present paper studies the introduction of additional forging to the ATW process, intended to reduce the width of the zone affected by the heat input, while not creating a more detrimental residual stress field. Simulations using a novel thermo-mechanical FE model of the ATW process show that addition of a forging pressure leads to a somewhat smaller width of the zone affected by heat. This is also found in a metallurgical examination, showing that this zone (weld metal and heat-affected zone) is fully pearlitic. Only marginal differences are found in the residual stress field when additional forging is applied. In both cases, large tensile residual stresses are found in the rail web at the weld. Additional forging may increase the risk of hot cracking due to an increase in plastic strains within the welded area.
Effect of Thermo-mechanical Processing on Structure and Properties of Dual-Phase Matrix ADI with Different Si-Contents
Authors: Soliman M. , Nofal A. , Palkowski H.
Published: May 2020

The improvement in the combination between strength and ductility of austempered ductile iron with dual matrix structure was investigated in two ductile irons having different silicon contents, namely 2.6 wt% and 4.0 wt%. The structure was produced in a thermo-mechanical simulator, equipped with a dilatometry system. The effect of silicon content on the transformation kinetics and mechanical properties was studied. For both ductile irons, the influence of introducing ferrite into the matrix on the structure development and mechanical properties was investigated and compared to those of completely ausferritic matrix. Increasing the Si-content widened the intercritical region and shifted it to higher temperature range. The former effect renders the intercritical annealing process more controllable. The introduction of the ferrite phase accelerated the ausferrite transformation kinetics and improved both the ductility and the formability index (ductility × ultimate strength), while both yield and ultimate strength declined.
The Formation of Clay Minerals in the Mudflats of Bolivian Salars
Authors: Bentz Jennifer L. , Peterson Ronald C.
Published: May 2020

Understanding clay-mineral assemblages forming in saline lakes aids in reconstructing paleoenvironments on Earth and other terrestrial planets; this is because authigenic phyllosilicates are sensitive to the prevailing geochemical conditions present during formation. In most geochemical models, evaporative concentration favors sepiolite with increasing silica and Mg2+ concentrations without considering the role of the biogenic removal of silica from solution by diatoms. In the present study, phyllosilicates occurring in the mudflats of Bolivian salars were investigated to aid in understanding the geochemical factors that control mineral assemblages forming in (SO42–)- and (Cl–)-rich environments in relation to dissolved silica. From transects across the mudflats, the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of the bulk sediment and the <2 μm fraction of each sedimentary layer were analyzed. From these analyses, three types of sediments were identified: (1) regolith sediments dominated by Al-dioctahedral smectite, illite, and chlorite; (2) detritus-rich mudflat sediments with Mg-trioctahedral smectite and Al-dioctahedral smectite along with illite and chlorite; and (3) authigenic mudflat sediments dominated by poorly formed Mg-trioctahedral smectite, kerolite, and biogenic silica. The absence of sepiolite-palygorskite in the salars is the result of excessively high Mg:Si ratios within the waters. In the surface water Mg becomes enriched relative to Si as diatoms remove dissolved Si from solution through biologically mediated uptake. The geochemical conditions present within the salars that act to preserve the diatom frustules and prevent their dissolution include: neutral–slightly alkaline pH solutions, cold temperatures, shallow water, and high salinity. Under these conditions the formation of sepiolite is restricted by the small amount of dissolved silica, despite the silica-rich environment. The formation of Mg-smectite and kerolite is favored under these conditions.