bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterial communities from an area under the influence of iron mining and from the adjacent phytophysiognomies which have high genetic diversity
Authors: Oliveira Silva Aline , Azarias Guimarães Amanda , da Costa Amanda M. , Louzada Rodrigues Tainara , de Soares Carvalho Teotonio , Reis Sales Flávia , de Souza Moreira Fatima M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe evaluated symbiotic (rhizobia) and non‐symbiotic efficiency and the diversity of native communities of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in soil samples from an area in recovery after iron mining (RA) and from adjacent phytophysiognomies (Ironstone Outcrops, Neotropical Savanna, Atlantic Forest) in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region, MG, Brazil, in two climate seasons. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) as a trap plant. The SPAD index in siratro was more effective in detecting the difference between the symbiotic efficiencies of the communities of PGPR than shoot dry matter, with readings of the SPAD index greater in RA. Genetic diversity, of 327 strains evaluated by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, showed 29 genera in the dry season and 19 in the rainy season, among these genera some recognized as nodulating and endophytes, and others potentially endophytes. Genera belonging to the phyla Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were found. The nodule‐forming genera Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium and the endophytic Paenibacillus were those of highest occurrence in both seasons and in all phytophysiognomies. The greater symbiotic efficiency and the high genetic diversity of the rhizobacterial community found in RA indicate that soil rehabilitation is effectively in process. As most of native legume species form symbiosis with Rhizobium and mainly Bradyrhizobium, these bacterial communities are an important source of potential inoculant strains, as well as, a relevant feature for the successful establishment of diverse legumes for revegetation purposes.
Visualizing the “Invisible” Soliton Pulsation in an Ultrafast Laser
Authors: Liu Meng , Wei Zhi‐Wei , Li Heng , Li Ti‐Jian , Luo Ai‐Ping , Xu Wen‐Cheng , Luo Zhi‐Chao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPulsation is a universal phenomenon that exists in diverse fields. For nonlinear optics, the soliton pulsating behavior can be meaningful for fundamental physics and industrial purpose owing to its fruitful nonlinear dynamics and the possible detrimental effect of instability (or even route to chaos) during pulsating process. Herein, a novel type of soliton pulsation in an ultrafast laser is unveiled. The pulsating behavior features that the soliton experiences periodic peak power variation but with almost invariable pulse energy. This phenomenon is denoted as “invisible soliton pulsation” when referring to the routine diagnostic methods. However, the invisible soliton pulsation can be distinguished by recording the shot‐to‐shot spectra with real‐time spectroscopy technique. It is found that the appearance of the invisible soliton pulsation is sensitive to the pump power level. Moreover, the phenomenon of invisible soliton pulsation is further revealed by numerical simulations. These findings can shed new insights into the complex nonlinear behavior of solitons in dissipative optical systems, and also enrich the performance diagnostic of ultrafast lasers for practical applications.
Simulated accuracy assessment of small footprint body‐mounted probe alignment device for MRI‐guided cryotherapy of abdominal lesions
Authors: Shono Naoyuki , Ninni Brian , King Franklin , Kato Takahisa , Tokuda Junichi , Fujimoto Takahiro , Tuncali Kemal , Hata Nobuhiko 
Published: March 2020

PurposeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided percutaneous cryotherapy of abdominal lesions, an established procedure, uses MRI to guide and monitor the cryoablation of lesions. Methods to precisely guide cryotherapy probes with a minimum amount of trial‐and‐error are yet to be established. To aid physicians in attaining precise probe alignment without trial‐and‐error, a body‐mounted motorized cryotherapy‐probe alignment device (BMCPAD) with motion compensation was clinically tested in this study. The study also compared the contribution of body motion and organ motion compensation to the guidance accuracy of a body‐mounted probe alignment device.MethodsThe accuracy of guidance using the BMCPAD was prospectively measured during MRI‐guided percutaneous cryotherapies before insertion of the probes. Clinical parameters including patient age, types of anesthesia, depths of the target, and organ sites of target were collected. By using MR images of the target organs and fiducial markers embedded in the BMCPAD, we retrospectively simulated the guidance accuracy with body motion compensation, organ motion compensation, and no compensation. The collected data were analyzed to test the impact of motion compensation on the guidance accuracy.ResultsThirty‐seven physical guidance of probes were prospectively recorded for sixteen completed cases. The accuracy of physical guidance using the BMCPAD was 13.4 ± 11.1 mm. The simulated accuracy of guidance with body motion compensation, organ motion compensation, and no compensation was 2.4 ± 2.9 mm, 2.2 ± 1.6 mm, and 3.5 ± 2.9 mm, respectively. Data analysis revealed that the body motion compensation and organ motion compensation individually impacted the improvement in the accuracy of simulated guidance. Moreover, the difference in the accuracy of guidance either by body motion compensation or organ motion compensation was not statistically significant. The major clinical parameters impacting the accuracy of guidance were the body and organ motions. Patient age, types of anesthesia, depths of the target, and organ sites of target did not influence the accuracy of guidance using BMCPAD. The magnitude of body surface movement and organ movement exhibited mutual statistical correlation.ConclusionsThe BMCPAD demonstrated guidance accuracy comparable to that of previously reported devices for CT‐guided procedures. The analysis using simulated motion compensation revealed that body motion compensation and organ motion compensation individually impact the improvement in the accuracy of device‐guided cryotherapy probe alignment. Considering the correlation between body and organ movements, we also determined that body motion compensation using the ring fiducial markers in the BMCPAD can be solely used to address both body and organ motions in MRI‐guided cryotherapy.
CBCT‐based synthetic CT generation using deep‐attention cycleGAN for pancreatic adaptive radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Yingzi , Lei Yang , Wang Tonghe , Fu Yabo , Tang Xiangyang , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian , Patel Pretesh , Yang Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2020

PurposeCurrent clinical application of cone‐beam CT (CBCT) is limited to patient setup. Imaging artifacts and Hounsfield unit (HU) inaccuracy make the process of CBCT‐based adaptive planning presently impractical. In this study, we developed a deep‐learning‐based approach to improve CBCT image quality and HU accuracy for potential extended clinical use in CBCT‐guided pancreatic adaptive radiotherapy.MethodsThirty patients previously treated with pancreas SBRT were included. The CBCT acquired prior to the first fraction of treatment was registered to the planning CT for training and generation of synthetic CT (sCT). A self‐attention cycle generative adversarial network (cycleGAN) was used to generate CBCT‐based sCT. For the cohort of 30 patients, the CT‐based contours and treatment plans were transferred to the first fraction CBCTs and sCTs for dosimetric comparison.ResultsAt the site of abdomen, mean absolute error (MAE) between CT and sCT was 56.89 ± 13.84 HU, comparing to 81.06 ± 15.86 HU between CT and the raw CBCT. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the PTV and OAR dose‐volume‐histogram (DVH) metrics between the CT‐ and sCT‐based plans, while significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the CT‐ and the CBCT‐based plans.ConclusionsThe image similarity and dosimetric agreement between the CT and sCT‐based plans validated the dose calculation accuracy carried by sCT. The CBCT‐based sCT approach can potentially increase treatment precision and thus minimize gastrointestinal toxicity.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping of carotid plaques using nonlinear total field inversion: Initial experience in patients with significant carotid stenosis
Authors: Nguyen Thanh D. , Wen Yan , Du Jingwen , Liu Zhe , Gillen Kelly , Spincemaille Pascal , Gupta Ajay , Yang Qi , Wang Yi 
Published: March 2020

PurposeTo develop a nonlinear preconditioned total field‐inversion algorithm using the MEDI toolbox (MEDInpt) for robust QSM of carotid plaques and evaluate its performance in comparison with a local field‐inversion algorithm (STI Suite) previously applied to carotid QSM.MethodsNumerical simulation and in vivo carotid QSM were performed to compare the MEDInpt and STI Suite algorithms. Multicontrast MRI was used as the reference standard for detecting calcified plaque and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH). A total of 5 healthy volunteers and 11 patients with at least one significant carotid artery stenosis were enrolled in this study.ResultsIn the numerical carotid phantom, the relative susceptibility errors for calcified plaque and IPH were reduced from −63.2% and −56.5% with STI Suite to −13.0% and −24.2% with MEDInpt, respectively. In humans, MEDInpt provided a higher QSM quality score and better detection of calcification and IPH than STI Suite. Although all calcifications and IPHs detected on multicontrast MRI could be seen on QSM obtained with MEDInpt, only 50% of calcified plaques and 83% of IPHs could be captured on QSM obtained with STI Suite.ConclusionMEDInpt can resolve calcification and IPH in advanced atherosclerotic carotid plaques. Compared with STI Suite, MEDInpt provided better QSM quality and has the potential to improve the detection of these plaque components.
Spin‐lock relaxation rate dispersion reveals spatiotemporal changes associated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis in murine kidney
Authors: Wang Feng , Colvin Daniel C. , Wang Suwan , Li Hua , Zu Zhongliang , Harris Raymond C. , Zhang Ming‐Zhi , Gore John C. 
Published: March 2020

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a reliable non‐invasive means for assessing the severity and progression of fibrosis in kidneys. We used spin‐lock MR imaging with different locking fields to detect and characterize progressive renal fibrosis in an hHB‐EGFTg/Tg mouse model.MethodsMale hHB‐EGFTg/Tg mice, a well‐established model of progressive fibrosis, and age‐matched normal wild type (WT) mice, were imaged at 7T at ages 5–7, 11–13, and 30–40 weeks. Spin‐lock relaxation rates R1ρ were measured at different locking fields (frequencies) and the resultant dispersion curves were fit to a model of exchanging water pools. The obtained MRI parameters were evaluated as potential indicators of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in kidney. Histological examinations of renal fibrosis were also carried out post‐mortem after MRI.ResultsHistology detected extensive fibrosis in the hHB‐EGFTg/Tg mice, in which collagen deposition and reductions in capillary density were observed in the fibrotic regions of kidneys. R2 and R1ρ values at different spin‐lock powers clearly dropped in the fibrotic region as fibrosis progressed. There was less variation in the asymptotic locking field relaxation rate between the groups. The exchange parameter Sρ and the inflection frequency ωinfl changed by larger factors.ConclusionBoth Sρ and ωinfl depend primarily on the average exchange rate between water and other chemically shifted resonances such as hydroxyls and amides. Spin‐lock relaxation rate dispersion, rather than single measurements of relaxation rates, provides more comprehensive and specific information on spatiotemporal changes associated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis in murine kidney.
Deep learning‐based target metabolite isolation and big data‐driven measurement uncertainty estimation in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain
Authors: Lee Hyeong Hun , Kim Hyeonjin 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study was to develop a method for metabolite quantification with simultaneous measurement uncertainty estimation in deep learning‐based proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS).MethodsThe reliability of metabolite quantification depends on signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), linewidth, and degree of spectral overlap (DSO), and therefore knowledge about these factors may be utilized in measurement uncertainty estimation in deep learning‐based 1H‐MRS. While SNR and linewidth are typically estimated from a representative singlet, DSO needs to be estimated metabolite‐specifically. We developed convolutional neural networks (CNNs) capable of isolating target metabolite signal on simulated rat brain spectra at 9.4T, such that, in addition to metabolite content, the signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR) as a quantitative metric of DSO can be estimated directly from CNN‐output for each metabolite. The CNN‐predicted SBR was adjusted according to its pre‐defined relationship to the ground‐truth SBR by exploiting the big spectral data (N = 80 000), and used for measurement uncertainty estimation together with the SNR and linewidth from the CNN‐input spectrum. The proposed method was tested first on the simulated spectra in comparison with LCModel and jMRUI and further on in vivo spectra.ResultsThe proposed method outperformed LCModel and jMRUI in both quantitative accuracy and measurement uncertainty estimation. Using in vivo data, the metabolite concentrations from the proposed method were close to the reported ranges with the measurement uncertainty of glutamine, glutamate, myo‐inositol, N‐acetylaspartate, and Tau less than 10%.ConclusionThe proposed method may be used for metabolite quantification with measurement uncertainty estimation in rat brain at 9.4T by exploiting the spectral isolation capability of the CNNs and the availability of big spectral data.
The Earth is nearly flat: Precise and approximate algorithms for detecting vulnerable regions of networks in the plane and on the sphere
Authors: Vass Balázs , Németh László , Tapolcai János 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSeveral recent works shed light on the vulnerability of networks against regional failures, which are failures of multiple pieces of equipment in a geographical region as a result of a natural disaster. To enhance the preparedness of a given network to natural disasters, regional failures and associated Shared Risk Link Groups (SRLGs) should be first identified. For simplicity, most of the previous works assume the network is embedded on a Euclidean plane. Nevertheless, they are on the Earth's surface; this assumption causes distortion. In this work, we generalize some of the related results on the plane to the sphere. In particular, we focus on algorithms for listing SRLGs as a result of regional failures of circular or other fixed shape.
Strategy, local sociology, political philosophy: Analysis of strategy of Non‐Governmental Organizations under radical intellectual leadership
Authors: Dahan Yitzhak 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe study discusses the relationship between NGO strategy (both toward government and community), contextual conditions, and the sociological and political‐philosophic background of the leaders of the organization. The empirical section focuses on a specific Israeli NGO (Bimkom) led by a radical‐intellectual leadership whose aim is to promote the interests of poor communities. The organization under research activated a dual complex strategy, one that both criticizes and negotiates with the government, at the same time advocating for and empowering communities. The study points to a clear linkage between that strategy and leaders' own background. In fact, the latter served as a source from which the leaders carved out guidelines, perceptions, policy tools, and abstract resources (which in turn also affected outcomes). On a basis of these findings, the study suggests a model designed to improve the analysis of strategic management.
Interactions of rationally designed small peptide dendrons functionalized with valine or sinapic acid with α‐helix and β‐sheet structures of poly‐l‐lysine and poly‐l‐glutamic acid
Authors: Morawiak Maja , Stolarska Magdalena , Cieślak Maciej , Urbanczyk‐Lipkowska Zofia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUncontrolled protein oligomerization leading to deposition of fibrils is related to several diseases including neurodegeneration and diabetes. Involvement of natural compounds in regulation of this process has been documented. Therefore, the design and detailed study of bioinspired new molecular entities is one of the possible avenues to achieve better therapeutics. Here, we provide experimental data derived from the application of chiraloptic methods that rationally designed, bioinspired small branched peptides influenced the primary conformation of both poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) and poly‐l‐glutamic acid (PLGA) polypeptides in a structure‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. In several cases, the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of polypeptide/dendron mixtures were considerably different from those corresponding to the individual polypeptides, in terms of significant reduction of intensity, discrete structure, and dislocation of characteristic bands. Data deconvolution suggested that compared to the individual homo‐polypeptides, the resulting polypeptide/dendron complexes had a relative gain of distorted α‐helix, and right‐ and left‐hand twisted β‐sheet forms, which may indicate a more diffuse structure. The electrostatic attraction and multiple hydrogen bonding between oppositely charged molecules, that is, between cationic‐branched peptides and the β‐sheet surface formed by anionic PLGA, might be the main cause of coaggregation that increased the variety and contribution of less ordered forms, and reduced the propensity for self‐aggregation.
Effectiveness of Early Versus Delayed Physical Rehabilitation on In‐Hospital Mortality in Interstitial Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sawabe Masashi , Hasebe Kiyotaka , Momosaki Ryo 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionAlthough early rehabilitation for acute inpatients is widely recommended, the effectiveness of early physical rehabilitation for interstitial pneumonia in the acute setting remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of early rehabilitation on mortality in patients with interstitial pneumonia in the acute setting.DesignRetrospective cohort study used a hospital‐based database created by the Japan Medical Data Center.SettingOver 100 acute‐care hospitals across Japan.ParticipantsInpatients hospitalized due to interstitial pneumonia from 2014 to 2018.InterventionsEarly rehabilitation provided by physical therapists and/or occupational therapists within 2 day of admission.Main Outcome MeasuresThirty‐ and 90‐day in‐hospital mortality.ResultsAmong the included inpatients, 847 (50%) underwent early rehabilitation. Mortality was significantly lower in the early rehabilitation group compared with the delayed rehabilitation group (30‐day mortality: 6.8% vs 12.1%, 90‐day mortality: 13.0% vs 19.8%). The differences were significant after propensity score adjustment using inverse probability weighting (30‐day mortality: 7.6% vs 11.0%, 90‐day mortality: 14.3% vs 18.0%).ConclusionEarly rehabilitation was associated with decreased mortality in hospitalized patients with interstitial pneumonia.
Research Advances in Bonding Agents for Composite Propellants
Authors: Yadav Anil , Pant Chandra Shekhar , Das Sushanta 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBonding agents are auxiliary but critical additives in composite propellants. The bonding agent ameliorates the processing and mechanical performance of propellant through interfacial interaction between particulate fillers and binder matrix. Several bonding agents have been developed over the years to treat the dewetting problem of the composite solid propellant. In this review, we describe the different types of bonding agents, their bonding mechanism and development in the composite propellants. An individual bonding agent is discussed critically in terms of its strengths and weaknesses. The review provides an understanding of the developments of the bonding agent in the field of composite solid propellants.
The role of the origin country in migration aspirations: A cross‐national comparison of Master students in Portugal and the Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Petra Wieke , Fonseca María Lucinda 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWith this comparative study, we aim for a better understanding of the role of the origin country in shaping migration aspirations. Using experimental data collected among a sample of Master students in Portugal and the Netherlands, we tested whether the impact of labour market and welfare state‐related factors on migration aspirations varied between these two origin countries. In line with our expectation, potential gains of migration in terms of job opportunities and wages had a stronger positive impact on migration aspirations for the Portuguese as compared with the Dutch respondents. For Portugal and the Netherlands alike, migration aspirations were lower when the level of unemployment benefits in the destination country was lower than in the origin country. Our findings indicated that conditions in the origin country, as well as the individual's life stage, shape which characteristics of the destination country are most important for migration aspirations.
Tracking Drug‐Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer by a Microfluidic Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Immunoassay
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Jing , Shanmugasundaram Karthik Balaji , Yeo Belinda , Möller Andreas , Wuethrich Alain , Lin Lynlee L. , Trau Matt 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a primary mechanism for cancer metastasis. Detecting the activation of EMT can potentially convey signs of metastasis to guide treatment management and improve patient survival. One of the classic signatures of EMT is characterized by dynamic changes in cellular expression levels of E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin, whose soluble active fragments have recently been reported to be biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Herein, a microfluidic immunoassay (termed “SERS immunoassay”) based on sensitive and simultaneous detection of soluble E‐cadherin (sE‐cadherin) and soluble N‐cadherin (sN‐cadherin) for EMT monitoring in patients' plasma is presented. The SERS immunoassay integrates in situ nanomixing and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering readout to enable accurate detection of sE‐cadherin and sN‐cadherin from as low as 10 cells mL−1. This assay enables tracking of a concurrent decrease in sE‐cadherin and increase in sN‐cadherin in breast cancer cells undergoing drug‐induced mesenchymal transformation. The clinical potential of the SERS immunoassay is further demonstrated by successful detection of sE‐cadherin and sN‐cadherin in metastatic stage IV breast cancer patient plasma samples. The SERS immunoassay can potentially sense the activation of EMT to provide early indications of cancer invasions or metastasis.