bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the short-term effect of photodynamic therapy on primary bronchial lung cancer
Authors: Lin Cunzhi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Qian , Sun Pingping , Gao Zhe , Cui Shichao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo analyze the short-term clinical effect of photodynamic therapy on bronchial lung cancer and provide relevant practical experience for its better application in clinical practice. Twenty patients with bronchial lung cancer diagnosed by pathology were treated with photodynamic therapy or interventional tumor reduction combined with photodynamic therapy. Follow-up at 3 months after treatment, the chest CT and bronchoscopy were reexamined. The lesions were observed under a microscope, and the pathological specimens of living tissues were stained with HE and TUNEL to evaluate the short-term clinical effect. The volume of the tumor in the trachea or bronchus was smaller than before and the obstruction improved after the PDT from the chest CT. We could conclude that after PDT, the tumor volume was reduced and the pathological tissue appeared necrotic, the surface was pale, and the blood vessels were fewer while compared with before, and less likely to bleed when touched from the results of the bronchoscopy. HE staining showed that before treatment, there were a large number of tumor cells, closely arranged and disordered, or agglomerated and distributed unevenly. The cell morphology was not clear and the sizes were various with large and deeply stained nucleus, and the intercellular substance was less. After treatment, the number of tumor cells decreased significantly compared with before and the arrangement was relatively loose and orderly. The cells were roughly the same size; the intercellular substance increased obviously and showed uniform staining. The nuclei morphology was incomplete and fragmented, and tumor cells were evenly distributed among the intercellular substance. TUNEL staining showed that the number of cells was large and the nucleus morphology was regular before treatment; the nuclear membrane was clear and only a small number of apoptotic cells could be seen. However, the number of cells decreased and arranged loosely after treatment, with evenly stained cytoplasm. The nuclear morphology was irregular and the nuclear membrane cannot be seen clearly. Apoptotic cells with typical characteristics such as karyopyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis were common. Photodynamic therapy for bronchial lung cancer can achieve a satisfactory short-term clinical treatment effect and improve the life quality of patients, but the long-term clinical effect remains to be further studied.
Prioritizing river basins for intensive monitoring and assessment by the US Geological Survey
Authors: Van Metre Peter C. , Qi Sharon , Deacon Jeffrey , Dieter Cheryl , Driscoll Jessica M. , Fienen Michael , Kenney Terry , Lambert Patrick , Lesmes David , Mason Christopher A. , Mueller-Solger Anke , Musgrove Marylynn , Painter Jaime , Rosenberry Donald , Sprague Lori , Tesoriero Anthony J. , Windham-Myers Lisamarie , Wolock David 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe US Geological Survey (USGS) is currently (2020) integrating its water science programs to better address the nation’s greatest water resource challenges now and into the future. This integration will rely, in part, on data from 10 or more intensively monitored river basins from across the USA. A team of USGS scientists was convened to develop a systematic, quantitative approach to prioritize candidate basins for this monitoring investment to ensure that, as a group, the 10 basins will support the assessment and forecasting objectives of the major USGS water science programs. Candidate basins were the level-4 hydrologic units (HUC04) with some of the smaller HUC04s being combined; median candidate-basin area is 46,600 km2. Candidate basins for the contiguous United States (CONUS) were grouped into 18 hydrologic regions. Ten geospatial variables representing land use, climate change, water use, water-balance components, streamflow alteration, fire risk, and ecosystem sensitivity were selected to rank candidate basins within each of the 18 hydrologic regions. The two highest ranking candidate basins in each of the 18 regions were identified as finalists for selection as “Integrated Water Science Basins”; final selection will consider input from a variety of stakeholders. The regional framework, with only one basin selected per region, ensures that as a group, the basins represent the range in major drivers of the hydrologic cycle. Ranking within each region, primarily based on anthropogenic stressors of water resources, ensures that settings representing important water-resource challenges for the nation will be studied.
Development of Lake Vesijärvi through four decades of remediation efforts
Authors: Salonen Kalevi , Sarvala Jouko , Horppila Jukka , Keto Juha , Malin Ismo , Malinen Tommi , Niemistö Juha , Ruuhijärvi Jukka 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe diversion of sewage inputs in the mid-1970s led to an order of magnitude reduction in nutrient loading to Lake Vesijärvi, southern Finland. After the diversion, nutrient concentrations declined, consistent with a simple dilution model, and by the mid-1990s the chlorophyll concentration was reduced by 80%. The favourable development was supported by a 5-year mass removal of planktivorous and benthivorous fish and the stocking of predatory pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.)), although the exact mechanisms behind their effects remain obscure. Starting in 2010, oxygen-rich water from the top of the water column was pumped to the deepest parts of the lake, resulting in high deepwater oxygen concentration in winter. In summer, hypoxic or even anoxic conditions could not be avoided, but the duration of the anoxic period was markedly shortened. Because nitrate was never depleted, leaching of total nitrogen from the sediment was reduced and the same was also true for total phosphorus, but only in winter. The oxygenation stabilized deepwater nutrient concentrations to a low level, but this was not reflected in the epilimnetic total nutrient concentration or in a further decrease in the chlorophyll concentration.
Mean Field Approach for Configuring Population Dynamics on a Biohybrid Neuromorphic System
Authors: Partzsch Johannes , Mayr Christian , Giulioni Massimiliano , Noack Marko , Hänzsche Stefan , Scholze Stefan , Höppner Sebastian , Giudice Paolo Del , Schüffny Rene 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReal-time coupling of cell cultures to neuromorphic circuits necessitates a neuromorphic network that replicates biological behaviour both on a per-neuron and on a population basis, with a network size comparable to the culture. We present a large neuromorphic system composed of 9 chips, with overall 2880 neurons and 144M conductance-based synapses. As they are realized in a robust switched-capacitor fashion, individual neurons and synapses can be configured to replicate with high fidelity a wide range of biologically realistic behaviour. In contrast to other exploration/heuristics-based approaches, we employ a theory-guided mesoscopic approach to configure the overall network to a range of bursting behaviours, thus replicating the statistics of our targeted in-vitro network. The mesoscopic approach has implications beyond our proposed biohybrid, as it allows a targeted exploration of the behavioural space, which is a non-trivial task especially in large, recurrent networks.
An integrated model for fire sales and default contagion
Authors: Detering Nils , Meyer-Brandis Thilo , Panagiotou Konstantinos , Ritter Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFire sales and default contagion are two of the main drivers of systemic risk in financial networks. While default contagion spreads via direct balance sheet exposures between institutions, fire sales describe iterated distressed selling of assets and their associated decline in price which impacts all institutions invested in these assets. That is, institutions are indirectly linked if they have overlapping asset portfolios. In this paper, we develop a model that helps us understand the joint effect of the two contagion channels and investigate structures of financial systems that promote or hinder the spread of an initial local shock. We first consider the contagion process for an explicitly given system and then derive our main results for random ensembles of systems whose macroscopic statistical characteristics of defining parameters are close to each other. In particular, we model direct exposures by means of a random graph. Our approach ensures robustness to local uncertainties and changes in the system. We characterize resilient and non-resilient system structures by criteria that can be used by regulators to assess system stability. Moreover, we provide explicit capital requirements that secure the financial system against the joint impact of fire sales and default contagion.
No-reference image quality assessment of authentically distorted images with global and local statistics
Authors: Rajchel Milosz , Oszust Mariusz 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe development of digital image processing techniques requires reliable image quality assessment (IQA) methods. Since images acquired by a camera often contain various distortions and their non-distorted versions are not available, a no-reference IQA (NR-IQA) technique should be used. Many popular methods are developed to assess artificially distorted images, available in benchmark databases. In this paper, a new large benchmark database, containing naturally distorted images captured with a digital camera, is introduced along with a new NR-IQA metric. The method uses a wide spectrum of local and global image features and their statistics to address a diversity of distortions. Among 80 employed features, 56 are introduced to the IQA for the first time, while the remaining statistics are used to further improve the quality prediction performance of the method. The obtained perceptual feature vector is used to provide a quality model with support vector regression technique. The experimental comparison of the method with the state-of-the-art IQA measures on the database reveals its superiority in terms of correlation with human scores.
Clarifying the boundary conditions of value creation within dynamic capabilities framework: a grafting approach
Authors: Michaelis Björn , Rogbeer Shalini , Schweizer Lars , Özleblebici Zafer 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study extends dynamic capabilities research by examining the underlying and fundamental concepts of capabilities, resource allocation, fungibility, and environmental change with respect to value creation and appropriation (VCA). Scholars generally assume that VCA depends on the amount of resources allocated to generate future capabilities. We diverge from this ability-performance tautology and instead ground dynamic capabilities in a resource allocation framework. By introducing two boundary conditions, we suggest that environmental change and fungibility between current and dynamic capabilities determine whether resource allocation leads to VCA. We believe that our findings not only represent a fruitful path for future research by strategy and organization scholars, but also provide an important contribution to our knowledge of managing resources in dynamic environments to create future capabilities.
Determinism and Destigmatization: Mitigating Blame for Addiction
Authors: Clark Thomas W. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe brain disease model of addiction is widely endorsed by agencies concerned with treating behavioral disorders and combatting the stigma often associated with addiction. However, both its accuracy and its effectiveness in reducing stigma have been challenged. A proposed alternative, the “choice” model, recognizes the residual rational behavior control capacities of addicted individuals and their ability to make choices, some of which may cause harm. Since harmful choices are ordinarily perceived as blameworthy, the choice model may inadvertently help justify stigma. This paper seeks to fully naturalize the choice model by highlighting the determinants of voluntary action and thus increase its potential for destigmatizing addiction. In light of a deterministic understanding of behavior, it is unreasonable to suppose that addicted individuals could have made different choices in becoming addicted and in subsequent situations. To the extent that stigma is motivated by the supposition that addicted individuals could have chosen otherwise in actual situations, a deterministic understanding of addictive behavior promises to mitigate blame and stigma.
Ecology of building solutions in the engineering of construction projects
Authors: Ibadov Nabi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIncreasing the ecological performance of construction projects is one of the most actual problems of building production. This article deals with the selection problem of ecological construction projects. The purpose of this article is (1) to indicate the criteria (parameters, features) that create the level of environmental performance of a given building solution by analyzing the functional requirements for building objects; (2) to demonstrate the essential characteristics (specificity) of ecological construction; (3) to propose a method of assessing construction projects including the environmental criterion, supporting decision-making. In addition to the issues mentioned, the article also contains a numerical example of choosing a construction project, where the mathematical tool with elements of fuzzy set theory is used—a fuzzy relation of preferences. Three following evaluation criteria are proposed in the numerical example: time, cost, and environmental performance of the construction project. The article creates the base for a deeper analysis of the ecological performance of construction projects. An important element of the article is also the idea that the environmental problem should be included in the overall assessment of construction projects (including construction solutions). This is a necessity due to the increasingly stringent requirements set for buildings in various areas of their ecological characteristics, features, and properties.
Contamination of Clams with Human Norovirus and a Novel Hepatitis A Virus in Cameroon
Authors: Bonny Patrice , Desdouits Marion , Schaeffer Julien , Garry Pascal , Essia Ngang Jean Justin , Le Guyader Françoise S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractShellfish constitute an important protein source but may be contaminated by viruses from various origins. A study performed on clams collected in Cameroon showed a high prevalence of norovirus and hepatitis A virus. After sequencing, the hepatitis A virus showed similarities with the genotype V simian strains.
Evaluating the Effect of WO3 on Electrochemical and Corrosion Properties of TiO2-RuO2-Coated Titanium Anodes with Low Content of RuO2
Authors: Kusmierek Elzbieta 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe electrochemical and corrosion characterization of Ti0.97Ru0.03O2/Ti electrodes modified with WO3 was reported. Modification of Ti0.97Ru0.03O2/Ti electrodes with WO3 was previously described as improving the effectiveness of an azo dye degradation in a photoelectrochemical treatment. Thus, the effect of WO3 introduction to oxide film on electrode surface on electrochemical behaviour and stability of the modified electrodes was investigated. Moreover, corrosion behaviour of Ti0.97Ru0.03O2/Ti electrodes modified with WO3 was evaluated with the application of potentiodynamic polarization sweep method and open circuit potential measurement. Electrodes modified with WO3 revealed higher anodic and cathodic peak currents in K4[Fe(CN)6] solution (by 35% for 6%WO3 content) indicating higher electroactive surface area and faster electron transfer reaction. An increase in WO3 amount in the oxide layer caused an increase in the number of active sites determined in Na2SO4 and most of them (more than 80%) were located in the outer and more accessible surface. The investigation of the tested electrodes at high potentials at which oxygen evolution is observed, allowed their classification in the following order showing an increase in their activity towards oxygen evolution reaction: Ti0.97Ru0.03O2/Ti < Ti0.94Ru0.03O2-W0.03O3/Ti < Ti0.91Ru0.03O2-W0.06O3/Ti. Although the electrode modification with WO3 resulted in lower resistance to corrosion in Na2SO4 solution regarding corrosion potential, corrosion current densities were clearly lower in comparison with the non-modified electrode, especially after longer immersion in the solution. ASTs showed that even a small addition of WO3 increased the lifetime of the electrodes. The Ti0.97Ru0.03O2/Ti electrode modification with WO3 seemed to be advantageous for their application in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical degradation of organic pollutants.
Wetland Functional Responses to Prolonged Inundation in the Active Mississippi River Floodplain
Authors: Price Jaybus J. , Berkowitz Jacob F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Mississippi River experienced historic flooding during 2019, inducing >150 days of floodplain wetland inundation. We evaluated flood effects using repeated measures of hydrogeomorphic (HGM) wetland assessment variables prior to the flood (October 2018), immediately post-flood (August 2019) and one year after initial assessment (October 2019). The flood had little/no impact on 11 of 13 assessment variables, but altered the abundance of woody debris and forest floor litter. Immediately after the flood, these changes decreased the functional capacity of wetlands to 1) detain floodwater (mean − 9.7% reduction) and 2) precipitation (−17.3%); 3) cycle nutrients (−7.5%); and export organic carbon (−23.8%). Subsequent sampling documented the detain precipitation function returning to pre-flood conditions. The export organic carbon function also improved, yet remained below pre-flood levels. Other functions will likely require additional recovery time due to the persistence of accumulated excess woody debris. Across all sample intervals, floodplain wetlands displayed high wetland function capacities and appear resilient to surface water inundation. This analysis highlights the utility of the HGM assessment to detect responses to changing environmental conditions over short time intervals. The study also emphasizes the need to incorporate metrics with appropriate impact-response characteristics when developing and implementing ecological assessments.
Molecular simulation and microtextural characterization of quartz dissolution in sodium hydroxide
Authors: Ali Abdullah Musa , Yahya Noorhana , Mijinyawa Abubakar , Kwaya Mohammed Yerima , Sikiru Surajudeen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study uses empirical experimental evidence and Material Studio simulations to explain the interaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with quartz. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package. In addition, quartz grains subjected to dissolution in NaOH were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The so-called O-middle termination in the quartz tetrahedron structure, typified by a solitary exposed oxygen atom at the surface, is the most susceptible SiO2 terminations to NaOH attack, as it is associated with the lowest surface energy. The adsorption energy values are − 1.44 kcal/mol and − 5.90 kcal/mol for a single atom layer and five-layered atomic structure, respectively. The DFT calculation reveals intramolecular energy is the dominant adsorption energy, followed by a weak van der Waals energy. The NaOH adsorbed on quartz (001) surface constitutes a lower band gap of 0.138 eV compared to cleaved quartz (001) surface (0.157 eV). In addition, the energy range of NaOH adsorbed on quartz is wider (− 50 to 10 eV), compared to (001) quartz (− 20 to 11 eV). The dissolved quartz showed the precipitation of sorbed silicate phases due to incongruent reactions, which indicates new voids and etch pits can be created through the cleaving of the sodium silicates sorbed into the quartz surface. The adsorption energy for NaOH interactions with reservoir sandstone was significantly higher compared to the solitary crystal grains, which can be attributed to the isotropic deformation of a single crystal, and non-uniform deformations of adjacent grains in granular quartz of sandstone reservoir. It can be inferred that exposure to NaOH will affect the structure and reactivity of quartz. The quartz surface textural study indicates that dissolution of crystalline (granite) and clastic rocks (sandstone) is critical to the development of voids, which will improve permeability by providing channels and routes for the passage of hydrothermal and reservoir fluids.
A brief review of monolecty in bees and benefits of a broadened definition
Authors: CANE James H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMonolecty in bees was defined a century ago for those species that consistently collect pollen only from the same single species of floral host. Even at the time, the term was considered “a curiosity” with little biological meaning. Here, I review its multiple problems and suggest that its utility would improve if we apply the term monolecty to those bees species that use a single genus (not species) of flowering host.
An algorithmic approach for finding the fuzzy constrained shortest paths in a fuzzy graph
Authors: Liao Xiaoqun , Wang JiaYi , Ma Li 
Published: June 2020

AbstractShortest path problem (SPP) is a fundamental and well-known combinatorial optimization problem in the area of graph theory. In real-life scenarios, the arc weighs in a shortest path of a network/graph have the several parameters which are very hard to define exactly (i.e., capacity, cost, demand, traffic frequency, time, etc.). We can incorporate the fuzziness into a graph to handle this type of uncertain situation. In this manuscript, we propose the idea of constrained SPP (CSPP) in fuzzy environment. CSPP has an useful real-life application in online cab booking system. The main motivation of this study is to determine a path with minimal cost where traveling time within two locations does not more than predetermined time. We can not predicate the exact time and cost of the path due to uncertain traffic scenarios and another unexpected reasons; still, the geometrical distance between the locations is fixed. Here, we use trapezoidal fuzzy number to describe the edge weight of a fuzzy network/graph for CSPP. We define this CSPP as fuzzy CSPP (FCSPP). The utility of FCSPP is described in several real-life scenarios. We propose a mathematical formulation for the FCSPP and an algorithm is proposed for solving the FCSPP. We describe an application of our proposed algorithm on an online cab booking system.