bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comments on the NEMA NU 4-2008 Standard on Performance Measurement of Small Animal Positron Emission Tomographs
Authors: Hallen Patrick , Schug David , Schulz Volkmar 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s (NEMA) NU 4-2008 standard specifies methodology for evaluating the performance of small-animal PET scanners. The standard’s goal is to enable comparison of different PET scanners over a wide range of technologies and geometries used. In this work, we discuss if the NEMA standard meets these goals and we point out potential flaws and improvements to the standard.For the evaluation of spatial resolution, the NEMA standard mandates the use of filtered backprojection reconstruction. This reconstruction method can introduce star-like artifacts for detectors with an anisotropic spatial resolution, usually caused by parallax error. These artifacts can then cause a strong dependence of the resulting spatial resolution on the size of the projection window in image space, whose size is not fully specified in the NEMA standard. If the PET ring has detectors which are perpendicular to a Cartesian axis, then the resolution along this axis will typically improve with larger projection windows.We show that the standard’s equations for the estimation of the random rate for PET systems with intrinsic radioactivity are circular and not satisfiable. However, a modified version can still be used to determine an approximation of the random rates under the assumption of negligible random rates for small activities and a constant scatter fraction. We compare the resulting estimated random rates to random rates obtained using a delayed coincidence window and two methods based on the singles rates. While these methods give similar estimates, the estimation method based on the NEMA equations overestimates the random rates.In the NEMA standard’s protocol for the evaluation of the sensitivity, the standard specifies to axially step a point source through the scanner and to take a different scan for each source position. Later, in the data analysis section, the standard does not specify clearly how the different scans have to be incorporated into the analysis, which can lead to unclear interpretations of publicized results.The standard’s definition of the recovery coefficients in the image quality phantom includes the maximum activity in a region of interest, which causes a positive correlation of noise and recovery coefficients. This leads to an unintended trade-off between desired uniformity, which is negatively correlated with variance (i.e., noise), and recovery.With this work, we want to start a discussion on possible improvements in a next version of the NEMA NU-4 standard.
Sebaceous carcinoma of the breast predominantly characterized by intraductal growth: a case report
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Okada Toshihiro , Nakamura Toshitsugu , Koyama Hiroshi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is frequently classified as periocular or extraocular. Extraocular SC is rare and mainly occurs in the head and neck, the major salivary glands, or oral mucosa. SC of the breast, lung, and ovary is particularly rare, and the few cases of SC of the breast predominantly exhibit intraductal growth.

Case presentation
A 47-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with accumulated polymorphic calcification in the left breast which was detected using mammography. Ultrasonography revealed an irregular 13-mm mass in the left breast, and analysis of a core needle biopsy revealed noninvasive ductal carcinoma. Total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy were performed. Histopathology demonstrated that carcinoma in situ (CIS) represented a significant lesion, and the cytoplasm of tumor cells was clear with numerous minute vacuoles. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that most tumor cells expressed adipophilin. Together, these findings led to a diagnosis of SC, mainly comprising CIS.

Conclusions
We encountered a rare case of SC of the breast with predominant CIS.
Comparison of traditional anesthesia method and jet injector anesthesia method (MadaJet XL®) for Nexplanon® insertion and removal
Authors: Wilson G. Anthony , Jeter Julie W. , Dabbs William S. , Stevens Amy Barger , Heidel Robert E. , Chamberlin Shaunta’ M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
This study compared a needle-free anesthesia method with traditional local anesthesia for insertion and removal of Nexplanon® long-acting removable contraceptive device. In our clinic, patients often avoid this highly effective form of contraception due to fear of needles. We sought to determine if patients perceived a difference in pain with the injection, anxiety level or pain with the procedure when local anesthesia was given with a needle v/s a needle-free jet injector device.

Methods
Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: jet injector or needle lidocaine delivery. Outcomes were ease of use, patient anxiety level, painfulness, and efficacy of anesthesia method.

Results
Patient pain perception with administration of jet injector lidocaine was statistically lower than traditional needle with no difference in anxiety or ease of use, or efficacy of the anesthesia.

Conclusion
The jet injector device is a reasonable alternative to needle injection delivery of anesthesia prior to insertion/removal of Nexplanon® device. Further studies may determine whether this needle-free alternative for administration of local anesthetic would result in more women choosing Nexplanon® as a contraceptive method.
Associations of psychotic-like experiences, related symptoms, and working memory with functioning
Authors: Chun Charlotte A. , Cooper Shanna , Ellman Lauren M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This study examined the association of spatial working memory and attenuated psychotic-like experiences and related symptoms with social and role functioning. Findings from this study suggest that symptom dimensions and working memory impairment were associated with diminished functioning across a variety of domains. Specifically, negative symptoms and working memory impairment were inversely associated with both social and role functioning, whereas positive and disorganized symptoms showed inverse associations with social functioning only. Symptom dimensions did not moderate cognitive and functional variables, although working memory and attenuated clinical symptoms had an additive effect on functioning. Post-hoc analyses examining symptom dimensions simultaneously showed negative symptoms to be the variable most strongly predictive of overall functioning. These findings suggest that even in a non-clinical sample, sub-threshold psychosis symptoms and cognition may influence people’s social and role functioning.
Inferior survival after microbiota injury: A multicenter allo-HCT study.
Authors: Peled Jonathan U. , Gomes Antonio L.C. , Devlin Sean M. , Littmann Eric R. , Taur Ying , Sung Anthony Derek , Weber Daniela , Hashimoto Daigo , Wright Roberta J. , Amoretti Luigi , Fontana Emily , Perales Miguel-Angel , Giralt Sergio , Jenq Robert R. , Teshima Takanori , Chao Nelson J. , Holler Ernst , Xavier Joao B. , Pamer Eric G. , Van Den Brink Marcel R. M. 
Published: February 2020

7015 Background: Relationships between microbiota composition and clinical outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have been described in single-center studies. Geographic variations in human microbial communities and differences in clinical practices across institutions raise the question of whether these associations are generalizable. We report the first multi-center study of the intestinal microbiota in allo-HCT. Methods: Intestinal communities in 8,768 fecal samples from 1,362 allo-HCT patients at 4 centers on 3 continents were profiled by 16S sequencing. Associations between microbiota composition and clinical outcomes were analyzed with proportional-hazards analysis in an observational study. Results: We observed reproducible patterns of microbiota injury characterized by loss of diversity and domination by single taxa. Low diversity in the neutrophil engraftment period was reproducibly associated with increased risk of death (multivariate HR 0.48 [0.30-0.77] p = 0.002 in the largest cohort). These reductions in OS were in part due to an increased risk of transplant-related mortality and graft-vs-host disease. Baseline pre-HCT samples already bore evidence of microbiome disruption; low diversity prior to transplantation was associated with poor survival. A bacterial-composition risk score that was trained in one cohort predicted mortality in the other three cohorts (multivariate HR 1.42 [1.04-1.93] p = 0.03), indicating that not only a diversity metric but also a signature of specific bacterial abundances is informative about post-HCT mortality risk across independent institutions. Conclusions: We demonstrate a relationship between microbiota and survival after allo-HCT that is independent of transplant center and geographic location. The diversity of clinical practices across institutions imposed significant heterogeneity in the study, yet we observed reproducible microbiota injury patterns and associations with outcomes. This concordance suggests that approaches to manipulate the intestinal microbiota in allo-HCT may be generalizable.
Phase II study of tepotinib in NSCLC patients with METex14 mutations.
Authors: Paik Paul K. , Veillon Remi , Cortot Alexis B. , Felip Enriqueta , Sakai Hiroshi , Mazieres Julien , Griesinger Frank , Horn Leora , Senellart Helene , Van Meerbeeck Jan P. , de Castro Carpeño Javier , Patel Jyoti D. , Garassino Marina Chiara , Morise Masahiro , Reinmuth Niels , Viteri Santiago , Tokito Takaaki , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Scheele Jürgen , Le Xiuning 
Published: February 2020

9005 Background: MET exon 14 skipping ( METex14) mutations - reported in 3~4% of NSCLC patients (pts) - are activating, sensitive to MET inhibition and can be conveniently detected using liquid biopsy (LBx). We report data from an ongoing single-arm phase II study of tepotinib, a highly selective MET inhibitor, in NSCLC pts with METex14 mutations identified by LBx or tumor biopsy (TBx) (NCT02864992). Methods: Pts with advanced WT EGFR/ALK NSCLC, prospectively enrolled via either LBx (≥60 pts) or TBx (≥60 pts, overlap anticipated) central RNA-based METex14 mutation testing, receive tepotinib 500 mg QD until progression, intolerable toxicity or withdrawal. Primary endpoint: objective response rate (ORR) by independent review (IRC). Secondary endpoints: ORR by investigator assessment (INV) and safety. Results: To date, 85 pts have been enrolled (55 LBx pts and 52 TBx pts). At data cut-off (16 Oct 2018), in 35 evaluable LBx pts (≥2 post-baseline assessments or discontinuation for any reason), ORR was 51.4% by IRC and 63.9% by INV. In 41 evaluable TBx pts, ORR was 41.5% by IRC and 58.5% by INV. Median duration of response (mDoR) and ORR by line of treatment are shown in the table. Any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) reported by ≥10% of 69 pts evaluable for safety were peripheral edema (47.8%), diarrhea (18.8%), nausea (15.9%), asthenia (10.1%). No TRAEs were grade 4 or led to death. TRAEs led to permanent discontinuation in 2 (2.9%) pts (1 ILD, 1 diarrhea & nausea). Conclusions: Tepotinib has promising activity with a long DoR across treatment lines in NSCLC pts with METex14 mutations detected by LBx or TBx. The safety profile was favorable. Recruitment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02864992. [Table: see text]
Molecular correlates of PD-L1 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Rizvi Hira , Bandlamudi Chaitanya , Schoenfeld Adam Jacob , Sauter Jennifer L. , Arbour Kathryn Cecilia , Beras Amanda , Egger Jacklynn V. , Ladanyi Marc , Donoghue Mark , Rudin Charles M. , Taylor Barry S. , Hellmann Matthew David 
Published: February 2020

9018 Background: PD-L1 expression is the only FDA-approved predictive biomarker for patients with NSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The impact of tumor molecular profiling on tumor PD-L1 expression is not known. We hypothesized that somatic mutations and copy number alterations may be associated with distinct patterns of PD-L1 expression in patients with NSCLC. Methods: We examined patients with NSCLC in whom PD-L1 testing and targeted next-generation sequencing (MSK-IMPACT) were performed on the same tissue sample. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC using the E1L3N antibody clone and categorized as PD-L1 high (≥ 50%), intermediate (1-49%), or negative ( < 1%) expression. The association of PD-L1 with individual genes, pathways, tumor mutation burden, whole genome duplication (WGD), and aneuploidy (fraction of genome altered (FGA)) were evaluated. P-values < 0.05 and q-values < 0.15 were considered significant for individual genes. Results: 1023 patients with NSCLC had PD-L1 testing and MSK-IMPACT performed on the same tissue sample, 18% (n = 180) had high, 21% (n = 218) had intermediate, and 61% (n = 625) had negative PD-L1 expression. High PD-L1 expression was significantly enriched in metastatic vs primary lesions (p < 0.001). There was a minor correlation between PD-L1 and TMB (spearman rho = 0.195) and PD-L1 and FGA (spearman rho = 0.11). Similar rates of WGD were found among patients with high, intermediate, and negative PD-L1 expression (p = 0.38). Mutations in KRAS and TERT were significantly enriched in PD-L1 high compared to other groups (p = 0.001, q = 0.14; p < 0.001, q = 0.003). By contrast, mutations in EGFR and STK11 were associated with PD-L1 negativity (p < 0.001, q = 0.001; p = 0.001, q = 0.14). Pathway analysis showed DNA repair (p < 0.001), TP53 (p < 0.001), and SWI/SNF (p = 0.04) pathways significantly associated with PD-L1 high compared to PD-L1 negative expression. Conclusions: The genetic features of NSCLC are associated with distinct patterns of PD-L1 expression. This data may provide insight to how the molecular phenotype can interact with the immunologic phenotype of tumors.
Русинськый язык у Мадярщинї по 1989 рокови
Authors: Капраль Михаил 
Published: February 2020

The Rusyn Language in Hungary After 1989
The paper discusses the current situation of the language of Rusyns in Hungary. There are evidences of progressive disappearance of Rusyn dialects in villages of Komloska (Комловшка) and Mucsony (Мучонь); of language assimilation of the younger inhabitants of these places in North-Eastern Hungary in recent decades. The author also describes endeavors of Rusyns’ central and local, state subsidized self-government bodies to stop language assimilation and bring lessons of the Rusyn language to local schools in the two villages, as well as attempts of politicians and linguists to codify their variant of the literary Rusyn language (as Rusyns from the former Yugoslavia, Slovakia, and Poland did).
Сучасна русиньска література по роцї 1989 на Словакії
Authors: Павліч Міхал 
Published: February 2020

Contemporary Rusyn Literature in Slovakia after 1989
The turbulent history of European nations in the 20th century culminates in 1989, the year of the Velvet Revolution, which has resulted in many positive changes for big as well as for small nations on the continent. In the history of Rusyn literature this period is called the Literature of the Third National Revival as it sees a significant increase in the number of writers, literary works and various publishing activities. The first part of the paper presents the socio-cultural situation of Rusyns in this period and possibilities of publishing literary texts in their language. The second part contains thematic and genre characteristics of the Rusyn literature in Slovakia after 1989. The last part is an interpretation of a poetry collection by Daniela Kapraľová which belongs to the most interesting works in the contemporary Rusyn literature in Slovakia.
Photonic-technique-based highly steerable beamforming system incorporating a prism of super Gaussian apodized tunable chirped fiber Bragg grating for X-band applications
Authors: Srivastava Nimish Kumar , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar 
Published: February 2020

Conventional phased arrays operate over bandwidths that are inversely proportional to the array size. The use of true-time delays (TTDs) instead of phase shifts would eliminate the bandwidth restrictions due to beam squint. Photonic techniques for dynamically controlling the delay at the input of a phased array antenna opens an area of new powerful methods for remarkably precisely increasing the speed of beamsteering of an antenna in a desired direction. In this paper, we demonstrate a photonic-based wideband TTD beamforming network employing super-Gaussian apodized chirped fiber Bragg gratings (SGFBGs) of different lengths such as 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, and many more, as well as different chirp rates, which can be used as variable TTD lines for controlling the radiation angle of the phased array antenna (the main lobe radiated by the phased array antenna can be steered squint-free between 0° and

±

49.63
∘

), suitable for continuous beamforming at microwave frequencies in the X-band (8–12 GHz). The main purpose of using SGFBGs in a TTD module is the reduction of ripples in delay with respect to wavelength, which results in reduction in ambiguity while tuning the laser wavelength to any particular value within spectral width of FBG. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration that shows the impact of tuning wavelength on delay change due to SGFBGs in the RF signal fed to the respective element of the antenna array.
Simple quantum key distribution with qubit-based synchronization and a self-compensating polarization encoder
Authors: Agnesi Costantino , Avesani Marco , Calderaro Luca , Stanco Andrea , Foletto Giulio , Zahidy Mujtaba , Scriminich Alessia , Vedovato Francesco , Vallone Giuseppe , Villoresi Paolo 
Published: February 2020

Quantum key distribution (QKD) relies on quantum communication to allow distant parties to share a secure cryptographic key. Widespread adoption of QKD in current telecommunication networks will require the development of simple, low-cost, and stable systems. However, current QKD implementations usually include additional hardware that perform auxiliary tasks such as temporal synchronization and polarization basis tracking. Here we present a polarization-based QKD system operating at 1550 nm that performs synchronization and polarization compensation by exploiting only the hardware already needed for the quantum communication task. Polarization encoding is performed by a self-compensating Sagnac loop modulator that exhibits high temporal stability and the lowest intrinsic quantum bit error rate reported so far. The QKD system was tested over a fiber-optic link, demonstrating tolerance up to about 40 dB of channel losses. Due to its reduced hardware requirements and the quality of the source, this work represents an important step towards technologically mature QKD systems.
A computer model for professional competence assessment according to ISO 15189
Authors: Bellini Claudia , Cinci Francesca , Scapellato Carlo , Guerranti Roberto 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
As defined by ISO 15189 competence is the “demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills” thus, its assessment is fundamental for ensuring the quality of the total testing process in order to reduce the risk for the patient. We have developed a functional software for the measurement of professional competences in order to standardize the procedure and to collect all the data in a single platform, avoiding redundancy and dispersion.

Methods
Our model objectively assesses the skills, as they become measurable and comparable with appropriate standards and involves both managers and operators, to increase their active engagement. The assessment concerns everyone, but the standards to be met (numerical values) can vary according to the responsibilities. Several subjective and objective criteria are evaluated: each parameter can contribute in a variable proportion to the total skills measured according to the needs of the organization.

Results
The data are automatically analyzed and can be easily monitored in real time in the form of indicators, thanks to dashboards. The comparison between the skills required and those measured allows highlighting the gap useful for planning personalized training paths.

Conclusions
Our tool is reliable and highly adaptable to laboratories about competences to track criteria, standards and monitored indicators. The computerized management is a strategic action as it fulfills the requirements of registration, traceability, communication, data analysis and indicators development, which are the tenets of continuous improvement, and allows planning to be made on the basis of the actual training needs.
Non-ionic surfactant loaded on gel capsules to protect downhole tubes from produced water in acidizing oil wells
Authors: Farag Ahmed A. , Badr Emad A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGel capsules of calcium alginate as a matrix stuffed with a non-ionic surfactant, namely 2-(2-(3,4-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl stearate, Tween-60, as an inhibitor was prepared by a piercing-solidifying method for corrosion protection of carbon steel tubes from produced water in acidizing oil wells. The Fourier transform infrared and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques were used to study the properties of the capsules. The release of the inhibitor from the solid capsules to the corrosive acidizing produced water was studied gradually using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. A heavy additive was used to promote the sinking of the capsules in the oil well downhole tubes. The inhibitive effect of the released inhibitor on carbon steel in the corrosive produced water in acidizing oil wells was investigated using weight loss measurement, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the inhibition efficiency increases with the increase of inhibitor release. The increase in temperature leads to partial desorption of inhibitor molecules at the metal surface, which causes increase in the corrosion rate. The positive sign of the activation enthalpy (ΔHa) reflects the endothermic nature of the carbon steel dissolution process.
Unique Solution for Multi-point Fractional Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Zhai Chengbo , Wei Lifang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe study a fractional integro-differential equation subject to multi-point boundary conditions:D0+αu(t)+f(t,u(t),Tu(t),Su(t))=b, t∈(0,1),u(0)=u′(0)=⋯=u(n−2)(0)=0,D0+pu(t)|t=1=∑i=1maiD0+qu(t)|t=ξi,$$\left\{\begin{array}{l} D^\alpha_{0^+} u(t)+f(t,u(t),Tu(t),Su(t))=b,\ t\in(0,1),\\u(0)=u^\prime(0)=\cdots=u^{(n-2)}(0)=0,\\ D^p_{0^+}u(t)|_{t=1}=\sum\limits_{i=1}^m a_iD^q_{0^+}u(t)|_{t=\xi_i},\end{array}\right.$$whereα∈(n−1,n], n∈N, n≥3, ai≥0, 0<ξ1<⋯<ξm≤1, p∈[1,n−2], q∈[0,p],b>0$\alpha\in (n-1,n],\ n\in \textbf{N},\ n\geq 3,\ a_i\geq 0,\ 0<\xi_1<\cdots<\xi_m\leq 1,\ p\in [1,n-2],\ q\in[0,p],b>0$. By utilizing a new fixed point theorem of increasingψ−(h,r)−$\psi-(h,r)-$concave operators defined on special sets in ordered spaces, we demonstrate existence and uniqueness of solutions for this problem. Besides, it is shown that an iterative sequence can be constructed to approximate the unique solution. Finally, the main result is illustrated with the aid of an example.
Conferralism and Intersectionality: A Response to Ásta’s Categories We Live By
Authors: Jenkins Katharine 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The conferralist account of social properties that Ásta develops and defends in Categories We Live By is persuasive in many ways. Conferralism could however do better, by its own lights, at handling the phenomenon of intersectionality. This paper first suggests a friendly amendment to the schema for conferrals that Asta offers. This helps to explain the difficulty concerning intersectionality. Finally, the paper suggests a way of developing the conferralist account that would resolve this difficulty.