bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal nerve tortuosity grading via ordered weighted averaging‐based feature extraction
Authors: Su Pan , Chen Tianhua , Xie Jianyang , Zheng Yalin , Qi Hong , Borroni Davide , Zhao Yitian , Liu Jiang 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTortuosity of corneal nerve fibers acquired by in vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM) are closely correlated to numerous diseases. While tortuosity assessment has conventionally been conducted through labor‐intensive manual evaluation, this warrants an automated and objective tortuosity assessment of curvilinear structures. This paper proposes a method that extracts the image‐level features for corneal nerve tortuosity grading.MethodsFor an IVCM image, all corneal nerve fibers are first segmented and then, their tortuosity are calculated by morphological measures. The ordered weighted averaging (OWA) approach, and the k‐Nearest‐Neighbor guided dependent ordered weighted averaging (kNNDOWA) approach are proposed to aggregate the tortuosity values and form a set of extracted features. This is followed by running the Wrapper method, a supervised feature selection, with an aim to identify the most informative attributes for tortuosity grading.ResultsValidated on a public and an in‐house benchmark data sets, experimental results demonstrate superiority of the proposed method over the conventional averaging and length‐weighted averaging methods with performance gain in accuracy (15.44% and 14.34%, respectively).ConclusionsThe simultaneous use of multiple aggregation operators could extract the image‐level features that lead to more stable and robust results compared with that using average and length‐weighted average. The OWA method could facilitate the explanation of derived aggregation behavior through stress functions. The kNNDOWA method could mitigate the effects of outliers in the image‐level feature extraction.
Chemical recycling ofPET: A stepping‐stone toward sustainability
Authors: Shojaei Behrouz , Abtahi Mojtaba , Najafi Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper focuses explicitly on the chemical approaches involved in the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Due to the high rate of consumption as well as nonbiodegradability, PET plays a crucial role as one of the most significant sources of accumulated waste in the landfill which jeopardizes our planet. To address this issue as well as increased environmentally conscious, running out of landfill space, natural resource, and energy conservation, and producing value‐added chemicals to use as building block or co‐products, the chemical recycling methods have been evolved. Therefore, there has been an attempt to have a comprehensive review of the five types of conventional recycling methods namely hydrolysis, methanolysis, glycolysis, aminolysis, and ammonolysis studied by researchers over the last two decades. In this regard, the influence of diverse depolymerization reaction variables for instance, traditional catalyst, temperature profile, ionic liquid catalysts, phase transfer catalyst, microwave assistance, etc was reported. Moreover, the upsides and downsides of each technique were considered.
Local treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract: Expert consensus from the Children's Oncology Group, the European Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Group, and the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe
Authors: Lautz Timothy B. , Martelli Helene , Fuchs Joerg , Chargari Cyrus , Smeulders Naima , Granberg Candace F. , Wolden Suzanne L. , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Hawkins Douglas S. , Bisogno Gianni , Koscielniak Ewa , Rodeberg David A. , Seitz Guido ,   for the INSTRuCT group
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe International Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Consortium (INSTRuCT) was founded as an international collaboration between different pediatric soft‐tissue sarcoma cooperative groups (Children's Oncology Group, European Pediatric Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma Group, and Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe). Besides other tasks, a major goal of INSTRuCT is to develop consensus expert opinions for best clinical treatment. This consensus paper for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract (FGU‐RMS) provides treatment recommendations for local treatment, long‐term follow‐up, and fertility preservation. Therefore, a review of the current literature was combined with recommendations of the treatment protocols of the appropriate clinical trials. Additionally, opinions of international FGU‐RMS experts were incorporated into recommendations. Results were that the prognosis of FGU‐RMS is favorable with an excellent response to chemotherapy. Initial complete surgical resection is not indicated, but diagnosis should be established properly. In patients with tumors localized at the vagina or cervix demonstrating incomplete response after induction chemotherapy, local radiotherapy (brachytherapy) should be carried out. In patients with persistent tumors at the corpus uteri, hysterectomy should be performed. Fertility preservation should be considered in all patients. In conclusion, for the first time, an international consensus for the treatment of FGU‐RMS patients could be achieved, which will help to harmonize the treatment of these patients in different study groups.
Safety and efficacy of gamma‐secretase inhibitor nirogacestat (PF‐03084014) in desmoid tumor: Report of four pediatric/young adult cases
Authors: Takahashi Takuto , Prensner John R. , Robson Caroline D. , Janeway Katherine A. , Weigel Brenda J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSystemic therapy for pediatric desmoid tumors has been challenged by a lack of high‐quality clinical evidence and potential adverse effects. The gamma‐secretase inhibitor nirogacestat has shown promising efficacy in adults. We report four cases of pediatric and young adult desmoid tumor patients (three with familial adenomatous polyposis [FAP] syndrome) who received nirogacestat on compassionate use. After a median of 13.5 months (range 6‐18), three had durable benefit: a complete response (Case 1); a partial response (Case 2); stable disease (Case 3). The fourth had disease progression after a partial response. No patient experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse events.
Psychological adjustment outcomes among pediatric brain tumor survivors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sharkey Christina M. , Espeleta Hannah C. , Traino Katherine A. , Roberts Caroline M. , Perez Megan N. , Bakula Dana M. , Chaney John M. , Alderson R. Matt , Mullins Larry L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at significant risk for psychological adjustment difficulties, including greater depressive and anxious symptomology. Systematic reviews have identified this heightened risk among youth with medical conditions, but these reviews have not been specific to PBTS. Therefore, the current study aimed to directly examine the psychological adjustment of PBTS as compared to healthy peers.ProcedureA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using PubMed, PsychInfo, and Academic Search Premier databases. The search yielded 2833 articles, with 22 articles meeting inclusion criteria.ResultsA statistically significant overall medium effect size (Hedge's g = 0.32) indicated that PBTS exhibited poorer overall psychological adjustment relative to healthy comparison groups. Studies that included younger children were associated with larger between‐group differences. When evaluating specific outcomes, PBTS had relatively higher levels of depressive symptoms (Hedge's g = 0.36), anxious symptoms (Hedge's g = 0.11), and general distress (Hedge's g = 0.22), but not more externalizing problems.ConclusionsThe present study confirmed that PBTS are indeed at greater risk for psychological adjustment difficulties relative to healthy comparison groups. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial screening among this population. Given that depressive symptoms were the most elevated relative to healthy peers, investigation of such symptomatology among PBTS is particularly important.
Engineering Maize rayado fino virus for virus‐induced gene silencing
Authors: Mlotshwa Sizolwenkosi , Xu Junhuan , Willie Kristen , Khatri Nitika , Marty DeeMarie , Stewart Lucy R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMaize rayado fino virus (MRFV) is the type species of the genus Marafivirus in the family Tymoviridae. It infects maize (Zea mays), its natural host, to which it is transmitted by leafhoppers including Dalbulus maidis and Graminella nigrifrons in a persistent‐propagative manner. The MRFV monopartite RNA genome encodes a precursor polyprotein that is processed into replication‐associated proteins. The genome is encapsidated by two carboxy co‐terminal coat proteins, CP1 and CP2. Cloned MRFV can be readily transmitted to maize by vascular puncture inoculation (VPI), and such virus systems that can be used in maize are valuable to examine plant gene function by gene silencing. However, the efficacy of marafiviruses for virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) has not been investigated to date. To this end, MRFV genomic loci were tested for their potential to host foreign insertions without attenuating virus viability. This was done using infectious MRFV clones engineered to carry maize phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene fragments (ZmPDS) at various genomic regions. Several MRFV‐PDS constructs were generated and tested for infectivity and VIGS in maize. This culminated in identification of the helicase/polymerase (HEL/POL) junction as a viable insertion site that preserved virus infectivity, as well as several sites at which sequence insertion caused loss of virus infectivity. Transcripts of viable constructs, carrying PDS inserts in the HEL/POL junction, induced stable local and systemic MRFV symptoms similar to wild‐type infections, and triggered PDS VIGS initiating in veins and spreading into both inoculated and noninoculated leaves. These constructs were remarkably stable, retaining inserted sequences for at least four VPI passages while maintaining transmissibility by D. maidis. Our data thus identify the MRFV HEL/POL junction as an insertion site useful for gene silencing in maize.
Novel gelatin–graphene oxide crosslinking induced by nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma for alendronate delivery system
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Bolouki Nima , Manga Yankuba B. , Hsieh Jang‐Hsing , Chuang Er‐Yuan , Chen Chih‐Hwa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma processes, including an interaction between plasma and liquid phases, are employed to induce crosslinked gelatin–graphene oxide composite hydrogels. The properties of thin‐film hydrogel‐forming postplasma treatment are analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, rheology, scanning electron microscope, and in vitro studies. The plasma‐treated hydrogel (PT) exhibits an excellent gel strength with storage modulus up to 341 kPa and thermal stability of gel–sol transition at 65°C, elongated degradation time, and favorable cell viability. The practical application of PT demonstrates an efficient encapsulation and sustainable release of alendronate for at least 21 days. The results show that using nonthermal plasmas can be regarded as an alternative physical method to fabricate composite hydrogels for promising applications in drug carriers and biomedicine.
Analyzing the local basis set superposition error for CO adsorbed on rutile(110)
Authors: Dononelli Wilke , Klüner Thorsten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOne of the main tasks of quantum chemistry is to predict total energies for a given system within an almost nonapproximate method for a complete basis set. Unfortunately, although computational power is growing, approximate methods such as MP2 or CCSD(T) still have to be used as higher‐level methods such as full CI are computationally too demanding. Nevertheless, when using these approximations, at least an almost‐complete basis set should be used in order to avoid errors from basis set superposition or incompleteness. The aim of this work is to introduce a new method to analyze the local basis set superposition error (LBSSE) using local counterpoise corrections in order to converge a basis set for a given compound. Using this approach, we are able to define a basis set composition for a CO molecule adsorbed on rutile(110), which can be regarded as complete. In the presented work, CO adsorbed on rutile(110) and CO2 adsorbed on a model Ti3O9 cluster will be used as case examples. Therefore, in addition to a new LBSSE analysis method, adsorption energies of CO on rutile(110) at the MP2 and CCSD levels of theory are presented.
Soil microbial community responses to nitrogen application in organic and conventional rice production
Authors: Li Xiufen , Dou Fugen , Guo Jingqi , Velarca Mariana Valdez , Chen Kun , Gentry Terry , McNear David 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWith increasing demand for organic rice (Oryza sativa L.), there is a pressing need for more research on the effects of management practices on soil nutrient cycling and health in organic production. Soil microbial community could be used as an indicator of soil nutrient status and health; however, in drill‐seeded, delay‐flooded organic rice systems, how a soil microbial community responds to changes in soil properties under different nitrogen (N) management practices is not yet well understood. A greenhouse trial with four replications was conducted to study the effects of a cropping system (organic system receiving an organic certified soil amendment, Nature Safe [N–P–K, 13–0–0]; conventional system receiving a urea [46–0–0] fertilizer), N rate (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha−1), and rice cultivation (RiceTec XP753 and no plant [control]) on phospholipid‐derived fatty acids profiling of soil microbial community structure at four growth stages of rice. Soil total microbial biomass (TMB) was significantly affected by the interaction of N rate × rice cultivation and the main effect of growth stage. Total microbial biomass was higher in soils with rice cultivation and soils with high N rates but lower at the growth stages after dry–wet alternations. Cropping system did not affect TMB, but its interaction with rice cultivation or growth stage significantly affected microbial community structure. The fungi/bacteria ratio linearly increased with increasing N rate and was significantly lower at heading than the other stages. Variations in microbial community structure strongly correlated to changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved N induced by different management practices. This work clearly shows the responses of soil parameters, TMB, and community structure to N rate at different growth stages of organic and conventional rice, which is crucial for refining the criteria and making improved management decisions in organic rice production.
The role of mitochondrial proteases in leukemic cells and leukemic stem cells
Authors: Mirali Sara , Schimmer Aaron D. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The biological function of most mitochondrial proteases has not been well characterized. Moreover, most of the available information on the normal function of these proteases has been derived from studies in model organisms. Recently, the mitochondrial proteases caseinolytic protease P (CLPP) and neurolysin (NLN) have been identified as therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both proteases are overexpressed in approximately 40% of AML patients. Mechanistically, CLPP and NLN maintain the integrity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain: CLPP cleaves defective respiratory chain proteins, while NLN promotes the formation of respiratory chain supercomplexes. In this review, we highlight the functional consequences of inhibiting and activating mitochondrial proteases and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets in AML.

Significance statement Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Despite recent advances and new therapies for this disease, the prognosis for most patients with AML remains poor. Understanding the biology of this disease is important for developing new therapies. Recently, AML cells and stem cells have been shown to have unique mitochondrial properties, which can be therapeutically targeted. One of these properties is an increased reliance on the mitochondrial matrix proteases, caseinolytic protease P and neurolysin. This perspective discusses the effects of genetically and chemically dysregulating mitochondrial proteases in AML. Moreover, this study considers the potential of targeting mitochondrial proteases as a novel therapeutic strategy.
Electrolyte‐Dependent Sodium Ion Transport Behaviors in Hard Carbon Anode
Authors: Lee Min Eui , Lee Sang Moon , Choi Jaewon , Jang Dawon , Lee Sungho , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Yun Young Soo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA comprehensive study is conducted on hard carbon (HC) series samples by tuning the graphitic local microstructures systematically as an anode for SIBs in both carbonate‐ (CBE) and glyme‐based electrolytes (GBE). The results reveal more detailed charge storage characters of HCs on the LVP section. 1) The LVP capacity is closely related to the prismatic surface area to the basal plane as well as the bulk density, regardless of electrolyte systems. 2) The glyme‐sodium ion complex can facilitate sodium ion delivery into the internal closed pores of the HCs along with not well‐ordered graphitic structures. 3) The glyme‐mediated sodium ion‐storage behavior causes significant decreases in both surface film resistance and charge transfer resistance, leading to enhanced rate capability. 4) The LVP originates from the formation of pseudo‐metallic sodium nanoclusters, which are the same in a CBE and GBE. These results provide insight into the sodium ion‐storage behaviors of HCs, particularly on the interrelationship between graphitic local microstructures and electrolyte systems. In addition, a high‐performance HC anode with a plateau capacity of ≈300 mA h g−1 is designed based on the information, and its workability is demonstrated in a full‐cell SIB device.
Rethinking Nano‐TiO2 Safety: Overview of Toxic Effects in Humans and Aquatic Animals
Authors: Luo Zhen , Li Zhuoqing , Xie Zhe , Sokolova Inna M. , Song Lan , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M. , Hu Menghong , Wang Youji 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTitanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐TiO2) are widely used in consumer products, raising environmental and health concerns. An overview of the toxic effects of nano‐TiO2 on human and environmental health is provided. A meta‐analysis is conducted to analyze the toxicity of nano‐TiO2 to the liver, circulatory system, and DNA in humans. To assess the environmental impacts of nano‐TiO2, aquatic environments that receive high nano‐TiO2 inputs are focused on, and the toxicity of nano‐TiO2 to aquatic organisms is discussed with regard to the present and predicted environmental concentrations. Genotoxicity, damage to membranes, inflammation and oxidative stress emerge as the main mechanisms of nano‐TiO2 toxicity. Furthermore, nano‐TiO2 can bind with free radicals and signal molecules, and interfere with the biochemical reactions on plasmalemma. At the higher organizational level, nano‐TiO2 toxicity is manifested as the negative effects on fitness‐related organismal traits including feeding, reproduction and immunity in aquatic organisms. Bibliometric analysis reveals two major research hot spots including the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of nano‐TiO2 and the combined effects of nano‐TiO2 and other environmental factors such as light and pH. The possible measures to reduce the harmful effects of nano‐TiO2 on humans and non‐target organisms has emerged as an underexplored topic requiring further investigation.
WS2 Nanotubes: Electrical Conduction and Field Emission Under Electron Irradiation and Mechanical Stress
Authors: Grillo Alessandro , Passacantando Maurizio , Zak Alla , Pelella Aniello , Di Bartolomeo Antonio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study reports the electrical transport and the field emission properties of individual multi‐walled tungsten disulphide (WS2) nanotubes (NTs) under electron beam irradiation and mechanical stress. Electron beam irradiation is used to reduce the nanotube‐electrode contact resistance by one‐order of magnitude. The field emission capability of single WS2 NTs is investigated, and a field emission current density as high as 600 kA cm−2 is attained with a turn‐on field of ≈100 V μm−1 and field‐enhancement factor ≈50. Moreover, the electrical behavior of individual WS2 NTs is studied under the application of longitudinal tensile stress. An exponential increase of the nanotube resistivity with tensile strain is demonstrated up to a recorded elongation of 12%, thereby making WS2 NTs suitable for piezoresistive strain sensor applications.
A Rump‐mount Harness Design Improvement for Greater Sage‐grouse
Authors: Kircher Alyssa A. , Apa Anthony D. , Walker Brett L. , Lutz R. Scott 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTMarking birds with radiotransmitters to ascertain movements and demographic parameters has been a common practice for >50 years. Previous research provides evidence that transmitters may negatively affect some avian species, including gallinaceous birds. Investigators now commonly use rump‐mount transmitters with leg‐loop harnesses to monitor greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), but there is concern about effects of such harnesses with no published protocols for harness construction or attachment. During spring 2017–2019, we captured male greater sage‐grouse on or near strutting grounds in Moffat County, Colorado, USA. In 2017, we deployed 20 very‐high‐frequency transmitters on male greater sage‐grouse with elasticized Teflon™‐ribbon harnesses, but discovered marked birds sustained skin abrasions and lacerations. After this discovery, we modified the harness to use ribbon sheathed with tubing. We used the modified harness on 129 males in 2018 and 2019. We found few to no abrasions or lacerations on 8 out of 8 recaptured males with the modified harness, whereas only 1 out of 7 recaptured males fitted with the original elasticized ribbon harness had few to no abrasions or lacerations. Our findings suggest that sheathing the ribbon used to build the leg loops improves the commonly used elasticized‐ribbon design. We suggest investigators planning to use rump‐mount harnesses on male and female greater sage‐grouse to consider adopting our design, develop and test a new or improved design, and carefully consider harness materials, construction, and fit prior to deployment. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Transorale Resektion von supraglottischen Larynxkarzinomen mit dem Flex Robotic System
Authors: Mattheis S. , Lang S. , Holtmann L. , Haßkamp P. , Hussain T. 
Published: August 2020

ZusammenfassungDas Flex Robotic System der Fa. Medrobotics, Raynham, MA, USA, bietet die Möglichkeit der flexiblen transoralen endoskopischen Resektion von Kopf-Hals-Tumoren. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt funktionelle und erste onkologische Ergebnisse der flexiblen transoralen roboterassistierten Chirurgie bei der Resektion von supraglottischen Larynxtumoren. Im Zeitraum von Juli 2014 bis Februar 2020 wurden an der Klinik der Autoren bei 32 Patienten supraglottische Karzinome (T1 = 11; T2 = 20; T3 = 1) mit dem Flex Robotic System reseziert. Im Rahmen einer prospektiven Studie wurden die Durchführbarkeit, Komplikationen sowie onkologische Ergebnisse untersucht. Bei allen Patienten konnten die Tumoren gut dargestellt und die Operation erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. In schwer darstellbaren anatomischen Regionen wie aryepiglottische Falte oder Petiolus ermöglichte das System eine sehr gute Visualisierung der Tumoren. Es traten keine schweren unerwünschten Ereignisse auf. Das Gesamtüberleben nach 2 Jahren betrug 88 %, die lokale Tumorkontrolle nach 2 Jahren 94 %. Die vorliegende Studie belegt die erfolgreiche Resektion von supraglottischen Tumoren mit dem Flex Robotic System mit sehr guter lokaler Tumorkontrolle.