bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate machine learning-based germination detection, prediction and quality assessment of three grain crops
Authors: Genze Nikita , Bharti Richa , Grieb Michael , Schultheiss Sebastian J. , Grimm Dominik G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of seed germination is an essential task for seed researchers to measure the quality and performance of seeds. Usually, seed assessments are done manually, which is a cumbersome, time consuming and error-prone process. Classical image analyses methods are not well suited for large-scale germination experiments, because they often rely on manual adjustments of color-based thresholds. We here propose a machine learning approach using modern artificial neural networks with region proposals for accurate seed germination detection and high-throughput seed germination experiments.ResultsWe generated labeled imaging data of the germination process of more than 2400 seeds for three different crops,Zea mays(maize),Secale cereale(rye) andPennisetum glaucum(pearl millet),with a total of more than 23,000 images. Different state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures with region proposals have been trained using transfer learning to automatically identify seeds within petri dishes and to predict whether the seeds germinated or not. Our proposed models achieved a high mean average precision (mAP) on a hold-out test data set of approximately 97.9%, 94.2% and 94.3% forZea mays,Secale cerealeandPennisetum glaucumrespectively. Further, various single-value germination indices, such as Mean Germination Time and Germination Uncertainty, can be computed more accurately with the predictions of our proposed model compared to manual countings.ConclusionOur proposed machine learning-based method can help to speed up the assessment of seed germination experiments for different seed cultivars. It has lower error rates and a higher performance compared to conventional and manual methods, leading to more accurate germination indices and quality assessments of seeds.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis administration after umbilical cord clamping in cesarean section and the risk of surgical site infection: a cohort study with 55,901 patients
Authors:   Swissnoso, Sommerstein Rami , Marschall Jonas , Atkinson Andrew , Surbek Daniel , Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Troillet Nicolas , Widmer Andreas F. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administration of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) in cesarean section prior to incision to prevent surgical site infections (SSI). This study aimed to determine whether SAP administration following cord clamping confers an increased SSI risk to the mother.

Methods
Study design: Cohort. Setting: 75 participating Swiss hospitals, from 2009 to 2018. Participants: A total of 55,901 patients were analyzed. Main outcome measures: We assessed the association between SAP administration relative to incision and clamping and the SSI rate, using generalized linear multilevel models, adjusted for patient characteristics, procedural variables, and health-care system factors.

Results
SAP was administered before incision in 26′405 patients (47.2%) and after clamping in 29,496 patients (52.8%). Overall 846 SSIs were documented, of which 379 (1.6% [95% CI, 1.4–1.8%]) occurred before incision and 449 (1.7% [1.5–1.9%]) after clamping (p = 0.759). The adjusted odds ratio for SAP administration after clamping was not significantly associated with an increased SSI rate (1.14, 95% CI 0.96–1.36; p = 0.144) when compared to before incision. Supplementary and subgroup analyses supported these main results.

Conclusions
This study did not confirm an increased SSI risk for the mother in cesarean section if SAP is given after umbilical cord clamping compared to before incision.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Added to Intensive Lifestyle Intervention in Older Men With Obesity and Hypogonadism
Authors: Barnouin Yoann , Armamento-Villareal Reina , Celli Alessandra , Jiang Bryan , Paudyal Arjun , Nambi Vijay , Bryant Mon S , Marcelli Marco , Garcia Jose M , Qualls Clifford , Villareal Dennis T 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundObesity and hypogonadism additively contribute to frailty in older men; however, appropriate treatment remains controversial.ObjectiveDetermine whether testosterone replacement augments the effect of lifestyle therapy on physical function in older men with obesity and hypogonadism.DesignRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.SettingVA Medical CenterParticipants83 older (age ≥65 years) men with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and persistently low am testosterone (&lt;10.4 nmol/L) associated with frailty.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to lifestyle therapy (weight management and exercise training) plus either testosterone (LT+Test) or placebo (LT+Pbo) for 6 months.Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome was change in Physical Performance Test (PPT) score. Secondary outcomes included other frailty measures, body composition, hip bone mineral density (BMD), physical functions, hematocrit, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and sex hormones.ResultsPPT score increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo group (17% vs. 16%; P = 0.58). VO2peak increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (23% vs. 16%; P = 0.03). Despite similar -9% weight loss, lean body mass and thigh muscle volume decreased less in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (-2% vs. -3%; P = 0.01 and -2% vs -4%; P = 0.04). Hip BMD was preserved in LT+Test compared with LT+Pbo (0.5% vs −1.1%; P = 0.003). Strength increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo (23% vs 22%; P = 0.94). Hematocrit but not PSA increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (5% vs 1%; P &lt; 0.001). Testosterone levels increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (167% vs 27%; P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionIn older, obese hypogonadal men, adding testosterone for 6 months to lifestyle therapy does not further improve overall physical function. However, our findings suggest that testosterone may attenuate the weight loss–induced reduction in muscle mass and hip BMD and may further improve aerobic capacity.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Adolescence in Relation to Long-term Follow-up for Presence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Caanen Mirte R , Peters Henrike E , van de Ven Peter M , Jüttner Anne M F M , Laven Joop S E , van Hooff Marcel H A , Lambalk Cornelis B 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Context
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measured in adolescence as biomarker for prediction of adult polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is doubtful but not substantiated.

Objective
To investigate whether serum AMH levels and other PCOS-associated features in adolescence can predict the presence of PCOS in adulthood.

Design and Setting
A long-term follow-up study based on a unique adolescent study on menstrual irregularities performed between 1990 and 1997.

Participants and interventions
AMH was assayed in 271 adolescent girls. Data on PCOS features were combined with AMH levels. In 160 of the 271 (59%) participants, we collected information in adulthood about their menstrual cycle pattern and presence of PCOS (features) by questionnaire 2 decades after the initial study.

Results
AMH was higher in adolescent girls with oligomenorrhea compared with girls with regular cycles, median (interquartile range): 4.6 (3.1-7.5) versus 2.6 (1.7-3.8) μg/L (P &lt; 0.001). Women with PCOS in adulthood had a higher median adolescent AMH of 6.0 compared with 2.5 μg/L in the non-PCOS group (P &lt; 0.001). AMH at adolescence showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for PCOS in adulthood of 0.78. In adolescent girls with oligomenorrhea the proportion developing PCOS in adulthood was 22.5% (95% CI, 12.4-37.4) against 5.1% (95% CI, 2.1-12.0) in girls with a regular cycle (P = 0.005). Given adolescent oligomenorrhea, adding high AMH as factor to predict adult PCOS or adult oligomenorrhea was of no value.

Conclusions
Adolescent AMH either alone or adjuvant to adolescent oligomenorrhea does not contribute as prognostic marker for PCOS in adulthood. Therefore, we do not recommend routine its use in clinical practice.
Circulating Hedgehog: a fresh view of a classic morphogen
Authors: Prince Elodie , Marcetteau Julien , Thérond Pascal P. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Members of the Hedgehog family of morphogens mediate the intercellular communication necessary for the organisation and development of many animal tissues. They are modified by various lipid adducts, rendering them insoluble in hydrophilic environments and leading to the contentious question of how these molecules travel in the aqueous extracellular space. Seminal work carried out by Suzanne Eaton and her colleagues has shed light on how these morphogens can spread over long distances through their association with lipoprotein particles. In this Spotlight article, we discuss Suzanne's pioneering work and her contribution to our understanding of the transport and activity of morphogens, in particular Hedgehog. We also describe two other essential aspects of her work: the discovery and characterisation of endogenously present Hedgehog variants, as well as her proposition that, in addition to its role as a morphogen, Hedgehog acts as an endocrine hormone.
648. La aportación a la ciencia climática de A. de Humboldt en el Cosmos
Authors: Olcina Cantos Jorge 
Published: December 2020

La consolidación de la climatología como disciplina científica conoce un impulso decisivo con los trabajos de Alejandro de Humboldt, en las primeras décadas del siglo XIX. Los avances experimentados en la edad Moderna, merced al conocimiento directo del ámbito intertropical y de los vientos que favorecían la navegación marítima transoceánica (alisios), alcanzan en los trabajos de Humboldt la categoría de ciencia al aplicar un método científico basado en el uso de datos anotados en los observatorios meteorológicos, las localización cartográfica de sus valores medios (isotermas) y la comparación con registros o fenómenos atmosféricos ocurridos en diferentes territorios de latitud similar. Todo ello permite configurar un corpus teórico que alimentará su concepción geográfica basada en un conocimiento detallado e integrador de la superficie terrestre, donde el medio físico, con todos los elementos que lo componen, es soporte de las actuaciones del ser humano. Así se recogerá en su obra cumbre Cosmos, que reúne las ideas y resultados de investigación del geógrafo alemán. Humboldt puede ser considerado como el primer climatólogo científico que cultiva una climatología geográfica, que se va desprendiendo de ideas y creencias anteriores merced a la aplicación de un método científico, al que ayuda a definir y aplicar.
3D printed millimeter-wave beam-steering reflector using dielectric fluids
Authors: Ruphuy Miguel , Saavedra Carlos E. 
Published: December 2020

A three-dimensional printed beam-steering reflector surface with dielectric fluids as the tuning agent is presented. The reflector is made using ECO-ABS with six rows of 19 parallel channels of square cross-sections. The permittivity of the ECO-ABS was measured at 2.55 with a loss tangent of 0.053. A conductor is placed at the back of the dielectric. The squared channels are filled with either distilled water or air. The effective permittivity within the reflector changes according to the material used to fill the channels. As an incident wave propagates through the printed dielectric, the configuration of air–water channels shapes the exiting phase front of the wave by locally controlling its phase delay. The resulting phase profile created by the air–water configuration leads to a steered beam. Numerical full-wave simulations show steerable angles ranging from

−

42
∘

to 23° for a set of air–water configurations at 30 GHz. A prototype was fabricated and tested for the same configurations. Experiments confirm a wide range of angles starting at

−

40
∘

up to 20°.
Reconfigurable silicon bandpass filters based on cascaded Sagnac loop mirrors
Authors: Ge Renyou , Luo Yannong , Gao Shengqian , Han Ya , Chen Lifeng , Cai Xinlun 
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate a high-performance reconfigurable bandpass filter implemented by cascaded Sagnac loop mirror (SLM)-based coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) on the silicon-on-insulator platform. By dynamic thermal tuning of the reflectivity in each SLM, the proposed filter can achieve simultaneous 3 dB bandwidth tuning from 8.50 to 20.25 GHz and a central wavelength tuning range of 216.25 GHz. A box-like filtering response with an ultra-high extinction ratio up to 70 dB and an ultra-sharp roll-off of 0.61 are observed in a 6th-order SLM-coupled resonator optical waveguide (SLM-CROW). The proposed reconfigurable SLM-CROW filter can satisfy the demand for next-generation flexible-grid WDM networks.
Thermally chirped contra-directional couplers for residueless, bandwidth-tunable Bragg filters with fabrication error compensation
Authors: Cauchon Jonathan , St-Yves Jonathan , Shi Wei 
Published: December 2020

Bandwidth-tunable filters are essential in elastic optical networks for dynamic bandwidth allocation. Existing solutions in silicon photonics face challenges to meet requirements in real-world applications due to design trade-offs and fabrication errors. In this Letter, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a silicon photonic tunable add-drop filter in a single-stage, hyperbolic-tangent-apodized contra-directional coupler with a segmented microheater. It allows to create an arbitrary temperature profile along the device for bandwidth tuning in both through and drop responses. We show that the algorithmic operation of the device can effectively compensate local fabrication nonuniformity and improve the out-of-band suppression ratio by 69%. Applying proper temperature offsets and slopes allows to continuously tune the filter’s center wavelength over 8 nm and its drop-port 3 dB bandwidth between 14.0 and 22.4 nm.
Recapitulation of stability diversity of microbial α-amylases
Authors: Gangadharan Dhanya , Jose Anu , Nampoothiri K. Madhavan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
α-Amylases from a huge number of sources have been isolated and characterised but very few of them meet the demands of the industries. The industrial processes take place under conditions hostile to biocatalysts thus increasing the industrial demand for a highly stable enzyme in good titre level. Improved understanding of biomolecular aspects of α-amylases has led to the advanced understanding of their catalytic nature. Enzymes with high stability are obtained from extremophiles. Extensive studies have demonstrated the importance of regulating expression and catalytic efficiency of nonextremophiles through genetic engineering, directed evolution and chemical modifications. The inability to culture most microorganisms in the environment by standard methods has also led to the focus on the development of metagenomics for getting improved biocatalytic functions. The present review aims to compile the studies reported by researchers in manipulating nonextremophiles and improving stability through directed evolution, metagenomics and protein engineering.
BOOKS FOR FUTURE: Die Zukunft gestalten – nachhaltig!
Authors: Engel Karolina , Sailer Andrea 
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag zu den Zielen der Agenda 2030 beschreibt das mit dem Qualitätssiegel „Projekt Nachhaltigkeit 2020“ ausgezeichnete Konzept der Stadtbibliothek Homburg zur Erfüllung der Nachhaltigkeitsziele. Der Fokus liegt auf Angeboten für verschiedene Altersgruppen und in der Vernetzung mit den Schulen im Einzugsgebiet. Gleichzeitig werden Materialien konzipiert, die alle Lehrer des Bundeslandes für den Unterricht im Bereich „Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung“ ausleihen können.
Eine lohnende Mammutaufgabe – Rahmenbedingungen der digitalen Filmbenutzung im Bundesarchiv
Authors: Heftberger Adelheid 
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die momentan vorhandenen Möglichkeiten der digitalen Nutzung des Filmarchivs im Bundesarchiv, die aktuellen Entwicklungen der internen Filmdigitalisierung sowie das im Oktober 2020 anlaufende Projekt zur systematischen Rechteklärung. Neben der Digitalisierung werden weitere, damit zusammenhängende Aspekte der Online-Präsentation eines Filmbestands angerissen, z. B. die Notwendigkeit der Einbindung von Normdaten, die Entwicklungen im Bereich Linked Open Data und wie medienübergreifende Visualisierung die Zugänglichmachung von Archivbeständen im Bundesarchiv für Nutzer*innen in Zukunft unterstützen könnte.
The traceback method and the early constructicon: theoretical and methodological considerations
Authors: Koch Nikolas , Hartmann Stefan , Quick Antje Endesfelder 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Usage-based approaches assume that children’s early utterances are item-based. This has been demonstrated in a number of studies using the traceback method. In this approach, a small amount of “target utterances” from a child language corpus is “traced back” to earlier utterances. Drawing on a case study of German, this paper provides a critical evaluation of the method from a usage-based perspective. In particular, we check how factors inherent to corpus data as well as methodological choices influence the results of traceback studies. To this end, we present four case studies in which we change thresholds and the composition of the main corpus, use a cross-corpus approach tracing one child’s utterances back to another child’s corpus, and reverse and randomize the target utterances. Overall, the results show that the method can provide interesting insights—particularly regarding different pathways of language acquisition—but they also show the limitations of the method.
From ODE to Open Markov Chains, via SDE: an application to models for infections in individuals and populations
Authors: Esquível Manuel L. , Patrício Paula , Guerreiro Gracinda R. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We present a methodology to connect an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model of interacting entities at the individual level, to an open Markov chain (OMC) model of a population of such individuals, via a stochastic differential equation (SDE) intermediate model. The ODE model here presented is formulated as a dynamic change between two regimes; one regime is of mean reverting type and the other is of inverse logistic type. For the general purpose of defining an OMC model for a population of individuals, we associate an Ito processes, in the form of SDE to ODE system of equations, by means of the addition of Gaussian noise terms which may be thought to model non essential characteristics of the phenomena with small and undifferentiated influences. The next step consists on discretizing the SDE and using the discretized trajectories computed by simulation to define transitions of a finite valued Markov chain; for that, the state space of the Ito processes is partitioned according to some rule. For the example proposed for illustration, the state space of the ODE system referred – corresponding to a model of a viral infection – is partitioned into six infection classes determined by some of the critical points of the ODE system; we detail the evolution of some infected population in these infection classes.
On some innovations in teaching the formal semantics using software tools
Authors: Steingartner William 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this work we discuss the motivation for innovations and need of a teaching tool for the visualization of the natural semantics method of imperative programming languages. We present the rôle of the teaching software, its design, development and use in the teaching process. Our software module is able to visualize the natural semantics evaluation of programs. It serves as a compiler with environment that can visually interpret simple programming language Jane statements and to depict them into a derivation tree that represents the semantic method of natural semantics. A formal definition of programming language Jane used in the teaching of formal semantics and production rules in natural semantics for that language are shown as well. We present, how the presented teaching tool can provide particular visual steps in the process of finding the meaning of well-structured input program and to depict complete natural-semantic representation of an input program.
Selected tools for Java class and bytecode inspection in the educational environment
Authors: Dobravec Tomaž 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Java is not only a modern, powerful, and frequently used programming language, but together with Java Virtual Machine it represents a novel dynamic approach of writing and executing computer programs. The fact that Java programs are executed in a controlled environment has several important implications that define the nature of the language and makes it different from the traditional C-like languages. Knowing the detailed differences between the two types of languages and execution environments is a part of the holistic education of a computer engineer.
In this paper, we present some behind-the-scene details about the Java Virtual Machine and we show how these details could be used in the educational process to demonstrate the differences and to emphasise the advantages of the dynamic programming approach when compared to the static one. After presenting some information about class files and about the internal structure and operation of the Java Virtual Machine we demonstrate the usage of public domain programs that could be used in the educational process to put these theoretical concepts into practice.
Non-invasive detection and discrimination of breast tumors at early stage using spiral antenna
Authors: Singh Rukmani , Priye Vishnu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, an Archimedean spiral antenna-based biosensor has been proposed for the early detection of breast tumor. By monitoring the variation of S11 over 1–3.5 GHz frequency range, the proposed scheme can identify the tumor location, as well as distinguish the types of tumor (benign or malignant) based on shapes and dielectric properties contrast. To validate the concept, full wave simulation using CST microwave suite are performed along with VNA based experimental measurements on breast phantoms and tumors, prepared by easily available materials like glass, petroleum jelly, mixture of water and wheat flour. The demonstrated device is able to detect the tumor of less than 1 mm in radius and positioned anywhere in 5 × 5 × 5 cm of breast fat. The proposed method is easy to use, low cost, safe, comfortable, non-invasive and non- ionizing in nature.
From practical nurse to bachelor of nursing student: bridging the transition
Authors: Chachula Kathryn M. , Hyndman Kathryn J. , Smith Mary E. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
A streamlined academic approach for career advancement is needed that allows practical or enrolled nurses to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree. One strategy in this approach is offering college-prepared Practical Nurses (PNs) the opportunity to transition into a baccalaureate program through a bridging course. Bridging initiatives serve as professional development opportunities for learners with personal growth and financial advantages on degree completion and enhance health and human resources for health care systems within national and international landscapes.

Objective and methods
A curricular model and strategies on how such a bridging course can be constructed are discussed in this article. The model integrates teaching and learning strategies as well as course sequencing, structure, and assessment strategies.

Results and conclusion
This innovative bridging curriculum offers Canadian and international nurse educators a programmatic guideline to create educational pathways for practical or enrolled nurses to obtain a baccalaureate degree. Completion of the bridging curriculum and BN program allow graduates to assume the RN role following a successful pass on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).