bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fully automatic segmentation algorithm for CT lung images based on random forest
Authors: Liu Caixia , Zhao Ruibin , Pang Mingyong 
Published: December 2019

PurposeSeveral negative factors, such as juxta‐pleural nodules, pulmonary vessels, and image noise, make accurately segmenting lungs from computed tomography (CT) images a complex task. We propose a novel hybrid automated algorithm in the paper based on random forest to deal with the issues. Our method aims to eliminate the effect of the factors and generate accurate segmentation of lungs from CT images.MethodsOur algorithm consists of five main steps: image preprocessing, lung region extraction, trachea elimination, lung separation, and contour correction. A lung CT image is first preprocessed with a novel normal vector correlation‐based image denoising approach and decomposed into a group of multiscale subimages. A modified superpixel segmentation method is then performed on the first‐level subimage to generate a set of superpixels, and a random forest classifier is employed to segment the lungs by classifying the superpixels of each subimage‐based on the features extracted from them. The initial lung segmentation result is further refined through trachea elimination using an iterative thresholding approach, lung separation based on context information of image sequence, and contour correction with a corner detection technique.ResultsOur algorithm is tested on a set of CT images affected with interstitial lung diseases, and experiments show that the algorithm achieves high accuracy on lung segmentation with 0.9638 Jaccard’s index and 0.9867 Dice similarity coefficient, compared with ground truths. Additionally, our algorithm achieves an average 7.7% better Dice similarity coefficient than compared conventional lung segmentation methods and 1% better than Deep Learning.ConclusionsOur algorithm can segment lungs from lung CT images with good performance in a fully automatic fashion, and it is of great assistance for lung disease detection in the computer‐aided detection system.
Improved MUSSELS reconstruction for high‐resolution multi‐shot diffusion weighted imaging
Authors: Mani Merry , Aggarwal Hemant Kumar , Magnotta Vincent , Jacob Mathews 
Published: December 2019

PurposeMUSSELS is a one‐step iterative reconstruction method for multishot diffusion weighted (msDW) imaging. The current work presents an efficient implementation, termed IRLS MUSSELS, that enables faster reconstruction to enhance its utility for high‐resolution diffusion MRI studies.MethodsThe recently proposed MUSSELS reconstruction belongs to a new class of parallel imaging‐based methods that recover artifact‐free DWIs from msDW data without needing phase compensation. The reconstruction is achieved via structured low‐rank matrix completion algorithms, which are computationally demanding due to the large size of the Hankel matrices and their associated computations involving singular value decompositions. Because of this, computational demands of the MUSSELS reconstruction scales as the matrix size and the number of shots increases, which hinders its practical utility for high‐resolution applications. In this work, we derive a computationally efficient MUSSELS formulation by modifying the iterative reweighted least squares (IRLS) method that were proposed earlier to solve such problems. Using whole‐brain in vivo data, we show the utility of the IRLS MUSSELS for routine high‐resolution studies with reduced computational burden.ResultsIRLS MUSSELS provides about five times faster reconstruction for matrix sizes 192 × 192 and 256 × 256 compared to the earlier MUSSELS implementation. The widely employed conjugate symmetry priors can also be incorporated into IRLS MUSSELS to reduce blurring of the partial Fourier acquisitions, without incurring much computational burden.ConclusionsThe proposed method is observed to be computationally efficient to enable routine high‐resolution studies. The computational complexity matches the traditional msDWI reconstruction methods and provides improved reconstruction results with the additional constraints.
Use of low field nuclear magnetic resonance to monitor lung inflammation and the amount of pathological components in the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Abrami Michela , Maschio Massimo , Conese Massimo , Confalonieri Marco , Di Gioia Sante , Gerin Fabio , Dapas Barbara , Tonon Federica , Farra Rossella , Murano Erminio , Zanella Giada , Salton Francesco , Torelli Lucio , Grassi Gabriele , Grassi Mario 
Published: December 2019

PurposeTo develop a novel approach to monitor lung ventilation/inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Lung assessment in CF patients is relevant given that most patients succumb to respiratory failure. Respiratory functional tests (forced expiratory volume in the first second; FEV1) and inflammatory markers are used to test pulmonary ventilation/inflammation, respectively. However, FEV1 is effort dependent and might be uncomfortable for CF patients. Furthermore, inflammatory marker detection is costly and not rapid. To overcome these limitations, we propose the measurement, by means of low field nuclear magnetic resonance, of the spin‐spin relaxation time (T2m) of water hydrogens present in CF patient sputum. In CF sputum, different biological components are pathologically increased and inversely related to lung functionality. Moreover, we showed that these components alter in a dose‐dependent manner the T2m in synthetic CF sputum.MethodsSputum samples were obtained from 42 CF subjects by voluntary expectoration; FEV1, C‐reactive protein (CRP), blood neutrophil counts together with cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐4, and vascular endothelial growth factor) quantifications were then evaluated.ResultsIn sputum samples, we observe that T2m directly correlates (rFEV1 = 0.44; P < 10−4; 169 samples) with FEV1. Moreover, T2m inversely correlates with the circulating inflammation markers CRP/neutrophil number (rCRP = −0.44, P < 10−4; rNC = −0.37, P < 2 * 10−4; 103 and 86 samples, respectively) and with the sputum inflammatory cytokines TNFα/IL‐β1 (rTNFα = −0.72, P < 10−4; rIL‐1β = −0.685, P < 10−4; 27 samples). T2m variations also correspond to FEV1 values over time in defined patients.ConclusionThese findings, together with the fast, reliable, and simple determination of T2m, make our approach a novel tool potentially usable in the real world of CF patients.
125 Jahre Bunsen‐Gesellschaft
Authors: Quack Martin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn diesem Jahr feiert die Deutsche Bunsen‐Gesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie ihre Gründung im Jahr 1894 und damit ein besonderes Jubiläum als älteste unabhängige physikalisch‐chemische Fachgesellschaft. Anlass für Rückblick und Ausblick.
Start‐ups: Aus dem eigenen Haus heraus
Authors: Wetterau Jörg 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDeutsche Chemieunternehmen stecken Wagniskapital vor allem in Gründungen, die sie mit Wettbewerben selbst initiiert haben. Neugründungen sollen so Mehrwert für die klassische Konzernausrichtung bringen.
23. Tag der Organischen Chemie an der Universität Stuttgart
Authors: Richert Clemens 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMitte Oktober trafen sich Organiker aus dem Südwesten Deutschlands zum diesjährigen Tag der Organischen Chemie der Universität Stuttgart (Tocus). Die Veranstaltung zog etwa 200 Teilnehmer an und umfasste zwölf Doktorandenvorträge sowie die 23. Thieme Lecture in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, die von Benjamin List vom Max‐Planck‐Institut für Kohleforschung in Mülheim gehalten wurde. Der 23. Tag der Organischen Chemie wurde finanziell unterstützt von BASF, Boehringer Ingelheim, Clariant, Evonik, Merck, Sanofi Aventis und dem Georg‐Thieme‐Verlag.
Proteins in stool as biomarkers for non‐invasive detection of colorectal adenomas with high risk of progression
Authors: Komor Malgorzata A , Bosch Linda JW , Coupé Veerle MH , Rausch Christian , Pham Thang V , Piersma Sander R , Mongera Sandra , Mulder Chris JJ , Dekker Evelien , Kuipers Ernst J , van de Wiel Mark A , Carvalho Beatriz , Fijneman Remond JA , Jimenez Connie R , Meijer Gerrit A , de Wit Meike 
Published: December 2019

AbstractScreening to detect colorectal cancer (CRC) in an early or premalignant state is an effective method to reduce CRC mortality rates. Current stool‐based screening tests, e.g. fecal immunochemical test (FIT), have a suboptimal sensitivity for colorectal adenomas and difficulty distinguishing adenomas at high risk of progressing to cancer from those at lower risk. We aimed to identify stool protein biomarker panels that can be used for the early detection of high‐risk adenomas and CRC. Proteomics data (LC–MS/MS) were collected on stool samples from adenoma (n = 71) and CRC patients (n = 81) as well as controls (n = 129). Colorectal adenoma tissue samples were characterized by low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing to determine their risk of progression based on specific DNA copy number changes. Proteomics data were used for logistic regression modeling to establish protein biomarker panels. In total, 15 of the adenomas (15.8%) were defined as high risk of progressing to cancer. A protein panel, consisting of haptoglobin (Hp), LAMP1, SYNE2, and ANXA6, was identified for the detection of high‐risk adenomas (sensitivity of 53% at specificity of 95%). Two panels, one consisting of Hp and LRG1 and one of Hp, LRG1, RBP4, and FN1, were identified for high‐risk adenomas and CRCs detection (sensitivity of 66% and 62%, respectively, at specificity of 95%). Validation of Hp as a biomarker for high‐risk adenomas and CRCs was performed using an antibody‐based assay in FIT samples from a subset of individuals from the discovery series (n = 158) and an independent validation series (n = 795). Hp protein was significantly more abundant in high‐risk adenoma FIT samples compared to controls in the discovery (p = 0.036) and the validation series (p = 9e‐5). We conclude that Hp, LAMP1, SYNE2, LRG1, RBP4, FN1, and ANXA6 may be of value as stool biomarkers for early detection of high‐risk adenomas and CRCs. © 2019 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Effect of gravity in wheel/terrain interaction models
Authors: Kovács László L. , Ghotbi Bahareh , González Francisco , Niksirat Parna , Skonieczny Krzysztof , Kövecses József 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPredicting the motion of wheeled robots in unstructured environments is an important and challenging problem. The study of planetary exploration rovers on soft terrain introduces the additional need to consider the effect of nonterrestrial gravitational fields on the forces and torques developed at the wheel/terrain interface. Simply reducing the wheel load under Earth's gravity overestimates the traveled distance and predicts better performance than is actually observed in reduced‐gravity measurements. In this paper, we study the effect of gravity on wheel/terrain interaction. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of reduced gravity on the velocity profile of the soil under the wheel, as well as on the traction force and sinkage developed by the wheel. It was shown that in the velocity field of the soil, the decay of the tangential velocity component becomes gradual with reducing gravity, and the decay of the normal to rim velocity is slower in Lunar gravity. It was also found that wheel flexibility can have an important effect on the dynamics as the contact patch and effective radius vary periodically. These results were then used together with traditional semiempirical terramechanics models to determine and validate the simulated drawbar pull values. The developed simulation model includes the effect of wheel flexibility, dynamic sinkage, and gravity.
Using by‐catch data from wildlife surveys to quantify climatic parameters and timing of phenology for plants and animals using camera traps
Authors: Hofmeester Tim R. , Young Sherry , Juthberg Sonya , Singh Navinder J. , Widemo Fredrik , Andrén Henrik , Linnell John D. C. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGaining a better understanding of global environmental change is an important challenge for conserving biodiversity. Shifts in phenology are an important consequence of environmental change. Measuring phenology of different taxa simultaneously at the same spatial and temporal scale is necessary to study the effects of changes in phenology on ecosystems. Camera traps that take both time‐lapse as well as motion‐triggered images are increasingly used to study wildlife populations. The by‐catch data of these networks of camera traps provide a potential alternative for measuring several climatic and phenological variables. Here, we tested this ability of camera traps, and quantified climatic variables as well as the timing of changes in plant and animal phenology. We obtained data from 193 camera‐unit deployments during a year of camera trapping on a peninsula in northern Sweden aimed at studying wildlife. We estimated daily temperature at noon and snow cover using recordings provided by cameras. Estimates of snow cover were accurate, but temperature estimates were higher compared with a local weather station. Furthermore, we were able to identify the timing of leaf emergence and senescence for birches (Betula sp.) and the presence of bilberry berries (Vaccinium myrtillus), as important food sources for herbivores. These were linked to the timing of the growth of antlers and the presence of new‐born young for three ungulate species as well as the presence of migratory Eurasian cranes (Grus grus). We also identified the timing of spring and autumn moulting of mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in relation to snow cover. In this novel study, we show the potential of (by‐catch) data from camera traps to study phenology across a broad range of taxa, suggesting that a global network of camera traps has great potential to simultaneously track wildlife populations and the phenology of interactions between animals and plants.
Third‐trimester uterine artery Doppler for prediction of adverse outcome in late small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martinez‐Portilla R. J. , Caradeux J. , Meler E. , Lip‐Sosa D. L. , Sotiriadis A. , Figueras F. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the predictive ability for adverse perinatal outcome of abnormal third‐trimester uterine artery Doppler in late small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses.MethodsA systematic search was performed to identify relevant observational studies and randomized controlled trials evaluating the performance of abnormal third‐trimester uterine artery Doppler for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in suspected SGA fetuses and SGA neonates. Abnormal uterine artery Doppler was defined as uterine artery pulsatility index > 95th percentile or ≥ 2 SD above the mean, or bilateral uterine artery notching. Hierarchical summary receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed using random‐effects modeling. Bayesian analysis was used to calculate the posterior probability of adverse perinatal outcome following an abnormal or normal uterine artery Doppler assessment.ResultsSeventeen observational studies (including 7552 fetuses either diagnosed with suspected SGA (n = 3461) or later diagnosed as a SGA neonate (n = 4091)) met the inclusion criteria; no randomized‐controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Summary ROC curves showed that, among suspected SGA fetuses, the best predictive accuracy of abnormal third‐trimester uterine artery Doppler was for perinatal mortality and the worst was for composite adverse perinatal outcome, with areas under the summary ROC curves of 0.90 and 0.66, respectively. The corresponding positive and negative likelihood ratios were 16.5 and 0.6 for perinatal mortality and 2.82 and 0.65 for composite adverse perinatal outcome, respectively. Following an abnormal vs normal uterine artery Doppler assessment, the posterior risks for composite adverse perinatal outcome, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, Cesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise, 5‐min Apgar score < 7, neonatal acidosis and perinatal death were: 52.3% vs 20.2%, 48.6% vs 18.7%, 23.1% vs 15.2%, 3.59% vs 1.32%, 9.15% vs 5.12% and 31.4% vs 1.64%, respectively.ConclusionAbnormal uterine artery Doppler in the third trimester appears to be moderately useful in predicting perinatal death in pregnancies with suspected SGA. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Für den weitesten Weg: Schichten im All
Authors: Bräuer Günter , Brand Jochen , Britze Chris , Dietz Andreas , Kondruweit Simone , Thomas Michael , Vergöhl Michael 
Published: December 2019

SummaryFor the Longest Way: Thin Films in SpaceThin films for space application have to operate under extreme conditions, reworks or replacement of components in general is not possible. The main challenges are extreme temperatures, bombardment by energetic particles (ionizing radiation) and sometimes mechanical stress. The „toolbox“ of deposition processes ranges from Atomic Layer Deposition to low pressure plasma processes to electroplating.Due to its low specific weight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is an often used construction material for space applications. The uniform deposition of copper on CFRP waveguides for the RADAR antennas of the Sentinel satellites has been an impressive demonstration for the generation of functional surfaces on complex shaped 3D substrates by electrochemical processes. Sometimes optimal solutions require hybrid processes. A heat reflector on components for the BepiColombo mission investigating the Hermean environment has been realized by a combination of sputtering and electroplating.Systems in space often have to observe with high precision and therefore need „eagle eyes“. The continuous development of magnetron sputter technology during the past 10 years has enabled the deposition of optical interference systems with hundreds of individual layers and thickness precision in the ± 0,15 % range. As examples a beam splitter and a band pass filter for space missions are presented.
Die optische Atomuhr geht in die Anwendung
Authors: Biethahn Maximilian , Bergner Klaus 
Published: December 2019

SummaryFor The Most Accurate Time: The Optical Atomic Clock Enters ApplicationThe age of quantum technologies has begun. This is accompanied not only by the availability of additional physical quantities, which require a general rethink, but also by modified devices in which such states can be made possible. Within the opticlock project, an optical ion clock is being developed that exceeds today's standard of time measurement by more than a factor of ten in terms of stability and accuracy. An essential component of the opticlock is the compact vacuum chamber. The appropriate material, a design precisely tailored to the application, tight manufacturing tolerances and precision cleaning in accordance with defined Vacom standards allow the opticlock chamber to be transferred from a highly complex laboratory setup into a user‐friendly and transportable overall system. The targeted transfer of scientific research results to industry and their economic realization form the basis for developing a robust and durable optical ion clock, which can even be operated outside a specialized laboratory for the first time.
Beschichtungstechnik auf dem Gipfel
Authors: Müller Norman , Seyfert Ulf 
Published: December 2019

SummaryCoating technology on the summit – Mirror Layers for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope in ChileThis article focuses on mirror coating for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, which is being installed in Chile. The LSST coating system consists of a coating chamber for the deposition of highly reflective optical coatings and a cleaning and stripping station for the M1M3 and M2 mirrors. With the help of the sputtering process, bare and protected silver/aluminum coating recipes can be deposited. The cleaning and stripping station consists of a rotating washing/drying boom, perimeter platforms, and an effluent handling system within the M1M3 mirror cell. The article describes the status of the assembly work on the coating system. Furthermore, it provides information about the progress of factory testing, a about the basic design features and reflective/coating requirements and the coating results.
Biocorona‐induced modifications in engineered nanomaterial–cellular interactions impacting biomedical applications
Authors: Kobos Lisa , Shannahan Jonathan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhen nanoparticles (NPs) enter a physiological environment, a complex coating of biomolecules is absorbed onto their surface, known as the biocorona (BC). This coating alters nanomaterial physical properties, modulating cellular viability, internalization, and immune responses. To safely utilize NPs within medical settings, it is necessary to understand the influence of the BC on cellular responses. Due to the variety of cell types, NPs, and physiological environments, responses are variable; though trends do exist. This review article critically evaluates the currently available literature regarding the influence of the BC on NP interactions with prominent cell types that they are likely to encounter during biomedical applications. Specifically, we will examine responses related to interactions with endothelial cells, macrophages, and epithelial cells of the digestive tract and lung. Further, we will evaluate how the BC may influence interactions with bacteria and fungi, as NPs have been proposed as antimicrobial agents in medical settings. The information reviewed and discussed here may enhance the development of effective of NP‐based therapeutics and diagnostic tools.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
The Spectral Density of Hankel Operators with Piecewise Continuous Symbols
Authors: Fedele Emilio 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn 1966, H. Widom proved an asymptotic formula for the distribution of eigenvalues of the $$N\times N$$N×N truncated Hilbert matrix for large values of N. In this paper, we extend this formula to Hankel matrices with symbols in the class of piece-wise continuous functions on the unit circle. Furthermore, we show that the distribution of the eigenvalues is independent of the choice of truncation (e.g. square or triangular truncation).