bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SAP‐cGAN: Adversarial learning for breast mass segmentation in digital mammogram based on superpixel average pooling
Authors: Li Yamei , Zhao Guohua , Zhang Qian , Lin Yusong , Wang Meiyun 
Published: December 2020

PurposeBreast mass segmentation is a prerequisite step in the use of computer‐aided tools designed for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. However, mass segmentation remains challenging due to the low contrast, irregular shapes, and fuzzy boundaries of masses. In this work, we propose a mammography mass segmentation model for improving segmentation performance.MethodsWe propose a mammography mass segmentation model called SAP‐cGAN, which is based on an improved conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). We introduce a superpixel average pooling layer into the cGAN decoder, which utilizes superpixels as a pooling layout to improve boundary segmentation. In addition, we adopt a multiscale input strategy to enable the network to learn scale‐invariant features with increased robustness. The performance of the model is evaluated with two public datasets: CBIS‐DDSM and INbreast. Moreover, ablation analysis is conducted to evaluate further the individual contribution of each block to the performance of the network.ResultsDice and Jaccard scores of 93.37% and 87.57%, respectively, are obtained for the CBIS‐DDSM dataset. The Dice and Jaccard scores for the INbreast dataset are 91.54% and 84.40%, respectively. These results indicate that our proposed model outperforms current state‐of‐the‐art breast mass segmentation methods. The superpixel average pooling layer and multiscale input strategy has improved the Dice and Jaccard scores of the original cGAN by 7.8% and 12.79%, respectively.ConclusionsAdversarial learning with the addition of a superpixel average pooling layer and multiscale input strategy can encourage the Generator network to generate masks with increased realism and improve breast mass segmentation performance through the minimax game between the Generator network and Discriminator network.
An efficient and robust structural reliability analysis method with mixed variables based on hybrid conjugate gradient direction
Authors: Huang Peng , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Li Yan‐Feng , Qian Hua‐Ming 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTraditional reliability analysis is based on probability theory with precise distributions. However, determining the distribution of all variables precisely is impossible due to insufficient information. Therefore, random and interval variables may be encountered, and probabilistic reliability methods are hard to use. The existing interval variables make reliability analysis more difficult. In this article, an efficient and robust hybrid reliability analysis method is proposed for structures with both random and interval variables. Firstly, a single‐loop procedure is proposed by performing probabilistic analysis and interval analysis simultaneously in each most probable point search process. Then an improved conjugate sensitivity factor method based on hybrid conjugate gradient direction and adaptive finite step length is developed for probabilistic analysis. Meanwhile, the hybrid conjugate gradient direction together with active set is introduced into the projected gradient method for interval analysis. Finally, a comparison analysis with six numerical examples is provided to validate the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is better than the existing methods in terms of efficiency and robustness for hybrid reliability analysis with random and interval variables.
Development and psychometric testing of the Spanish version of the Caregiver Preparedness Scale
Authors: Gutierrez‐Baena Belen , Romero‐Grimaldi Carmen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo psychometrically test the Spanish version of the Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS) and document the preparedness level of caregivers.DesignA descriptive and validation study.MethodPurposive sampling method was used to select 171 family caregivers Spain. The scale was cross‐culturally adapted through a process that included translation, comparison with versions in other languages and back‐translation, review, pre‐testing and validity, and reliability tests.ResultsThe Spanish family caregivers are mainly female (79%) and married (75%). The Spanish version of the CPS presents changes with respect to the original. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the single‐factor model. Analysis of internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's α of 0.89. Significant correlations (p < .01) with other scales supported convergent validity. A descriptive analysis of the validated scale showed average levels of preparation (2.16 out of 4). Caregivers felt better prepared to attend to the patient's physical needs than emotional or spiritual needs.
Psycho‐educational interventions focused on maternal or infant sleep for pregnant women to prevent the onset of antenatal and postnatal depression: A systematic review
Authors: Sasaki Natsu , Yasuma Naonori , Obikane Erika , Narita Zui , Sekiya Junpei , Inagawa Takuma , Nakajima Aiichiro , Yamada Yuji , Yamazaki Ryuichi , Matsunaga Asami , Saito Tomomi , Imamura Kotaro , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Kawakami Norito , Nishi Daisuke 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsThis systematic review aimed to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of maternal and infant sleep intervention during women's pregnancy for the purpose of preventing perinatal depression.MethodA systematic search (from inception to January 28, 2019) for RCTs using five electronic databases—the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Ichushi Web (Japan Medical Abstracts Society)—was conducted. Twelve investigators independently conducted initial screenings based on title and abstract, and then, two researchers performed full‐text reviews one by one. A meta‐analysis would be conducted if at least three studies were found. However, only two articles that met inclusion criteria, and narrative data synthesis was conducted for these two articles. The study protocol has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42019119999).ResultA total of 13 654 studies were initially searched. After removing duplicates, 10 547 studies were screened, and finally, two studies met the inclusion criteria. In both studies, the intervention was a one‐time face‐to‐face session during pregnancy to deliver the behavioral knowledge and skills for optimizing sleep hygiene for both infant and mother. Effectiveness of the intervention in improving maternal mood was not significant in one study. In the other, there was a significant difference in maternal mood between the intervention and control group. No mood comparison was made between baseline and postintervention.ConclusionThis study found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of sleep intervention for all pregnant women, which means “universal intervention,” to protect maternal mental health. Further well‐designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
Prognostic and therapeutic factors influencing the clinical outcome of metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: A retrospective report from the Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group
Authors: Umeda Katsutsugu , Miyamura Takako , Yamada Kenji , Sano Hideki , Hosono Ako , Sumi Minako , Okita Hajime , Kamio Takuya , Maeda Naoko , Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Jyoko Ryoji , Watanabe Atsuko , Hosoya Yosuke , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Takenaka Satoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Chin Motoaki , Ozaki Toshifumi ,   Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) remains poor.ProcedureWe retrospectively analyzed 57 patients diagnosed with metastatic ESFT between 2000 and 2018 to identify prognostic and therapeutic factors affecting the clinical outcome.ResultsThe 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate of the entire cohort was 46.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.0‐59.4%). Treatment‐related death was not observed. Multivariate analysis identified stem cell transplantation (SCT), response to first‐line chemotherapy, and bone metastasis as independent risk factors for OS. Objective response rate to first‐line chemotherapy was 65.1% in the 43 evaluable patients. There was no significant difference in the response to different types of first‐line chemotherapy. Among patients with lung metastasis alone, the 3‐year OS rate was higher in 13 patients who received local treatment than in four who did not, although the difference was not significant.ConclusionsOne possible reason for the high OS rates was the absence of treatment‐related mortality even in patients receiving SCT, which could be attributed to advances in the management of post‐SCT complications. Novel first‐line chemotherapy strategies need to be established to improve the disease status prior to SCT in a higher proportion of patients.
Venous thromboembolism in children with central nervous system tumors: Comparison of an institutional cohort to a national administrative database
Authors: Graham Richard T. , Coven Scott L. , Stanek Joseph R. , Folta Ashley , Hollingsworth Ethan W. , Finlay Jonathan L. , Kumar Riten 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common malignancy of childhood, and published data on venous thromboembolism (VTE) rate and risk factors for these patients are outdated or incomplete. Here, we determine the cumulative incidence and risk factors for VTE in this population.ProcedureVTE diagnosis and associated clinical risk factors were abstracted and analyzed for two cohorts of children (0‐21 years) diagnosed with CNS tumors between January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2018. The first study was a retrospective single institution cohort study. The initial observations were confirmed across multiple pediatric hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) administrative database.ResultsThe single‐institution cohort included 338 patients aged 3 days to 20.9 years (median age, 8.6 years); VTE developed in eight (2.4%) patients. The PHIS cohort included 17 634 patients aged from 0 to 21.9 years (median: 9.5 years); VTE developed in 354 (2.0%) patients. Univariate analysis for the single‐institution cohort identified central venous catheter (CVC) placement as a risk factor for VTE (odds ratio [OR] 8.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43‐49.41, P = .0186). Multivariable analysis of the PHIS dataset identified CVC placement (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.57‐2.46; P < .0001), obesity (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.21‐7.26; P = .0177), and more than one hospital admission (OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.69‐4.64; P < .0001) as significant predictors of VTE. VTE diagnosis was not associated with increased mortality in either cohort.ConclusionsThe VTE rate in children with CNS tumors is low (2%). CVC placement was identified as a modifiable risk factor in both cohorts.
Strategy to mitigate the dipole interfacial states in (i)a‐Si:H/MoOx passivating contacts solar cells
Authors: Mazzarella Luana , Alcañiz Alba , Procel Paul , Kawa Eliora , Zhao Yifeng , Tiringer Urša , Han Can , Yang Guangtao , Taheri Peyman , Zeman Miro , Isabella Olindo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMolybdenum oxide (MoOx) is attractive for applications as hole‐selective contact in silicon heterojunction solar cells for its transparency and relatively high work function. However, the integration of MoOx stacked on intrinsic amorphous silicon (i)a‐Si:H layer usually exhibits some issues that are still not fully solved resulting in degradation of electrical properties. Here, we propose a novel approach to enhance the electrical properties of (i)a‐Si:H/MoOx contact. We manipulate the (i)a‐Si:H interface via plasma treatment (PT) before MoOx deposition minimizing the electrical degradation without harming the optical response. Furthermore, by applying the optimized PT, we can reduce the MoOx thickness down to 3.5 nm with both open‐circuit voltage and fill factor improvements. Our findings suggest that the PT mitigates the decrease of the effective work function of the MoOx (WFMoOx) thin layer when deposited on (i)a‐Si:H. To support our hypothesis, we carry out electrical simulations inserting a dipole at the (i)a‐Si:H/MoOx interface accounting the attenuation of WFMoOx caused by both MoOx thickness and dipole. Our calculations confirm the experimental trends and thus provide deep insight in critical transport issues. Temperature‐dependent J‐V measurements demonstrate that the use of PT improves the energy alignment for an efficient hole transport.
Exploring the experiences and responses of LGBTQ+ adolescents to school‐based sexuality education
Authors: Naser Shereen C. , Clonan‐Roy Katherine , Fuller Kimberly A. , Goncy Elizabeth A. , Wolf Nicole 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, two spirit, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth with school‐based sexuality education (SBSE), as well as to document strategies LGBTQ+ youth are using to address their evolving and specific sexual health needs outside of SBSE. Researchers conducted focus groups with 17 adolescents (ages 14–18) from urban and suburban Midwestern cities. Results of this study indicate LGBTQ+ youth find SBSE to be heteronormative, cisgender focused, and primarily focused on pregnancy and disease prevention, which contributes to LGBTQ+ youth experiences of exclusion. In response to SBSE that did not meet student needs, participants reported seeking sexual health information outside of SBSE. Other sources included family and other trusted adults, the Internet, and community resource centers. Students reported variable rates of use and trustworthiness across these resources. Results of this study suggest that school personnel should consider alternatives to traditional SBSE models to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and that an important part of SBSE should include guidelines for Internet safety.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Faculty Diversity Trends by Sex, Race, and Ethnicity, 2007 to 2018 in the United States
Authors: Zhang Yanru , Silver Julie K. , Tiwana Sabeen , Verduzco‐Gutierrez Monica , Siddiqi Javed , Khosa Faisal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionSex and race/ethnicity disparities persist in academic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by demonstrating changes in academic PM&R by sex and race/ethnicity in multiple categories over a 12‐year period.ObjectiveTo evaluate workforce disparities in academic PM&R by measuring sex and race/ethnicity diversity in academic degree, rank, and tenure status.DesignSurveillance study.Setting and MethodsSelf‐reported data for PM&R from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) annual Faculty Roster report from 2007 to 2018.Main Outcome MeasuresThe 12‐year average percentage composition in academic degree, rank, and tenure status was calculated to compare the overall distribution. Counts and proportion changes were plotted to depict the temporal trends. Absolute changes in racial percentage composition were graphed to highlight the progress.ResultsFrom 2007 to 2018, the increase by sex was roughly equal (male = 216; female = 236), whereas most of the increase was in White faculty (207). The representation of female and Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) faculty decreased as academic level advanced. Instructors is the only category with a higher proportion of female faculty, from 2007 (53%) to 2018 (59.3%), whereas male faculty occupied over 75% of the full professor positions at any time. Among the non‐White faculty, Asian faculty had the greatest increase in proportion of full professors (3.7% to 10%) and Hispanic/Latino faculty in associate professors (2% to 7.1%), whereas full professors who were Black/African American decreased from 4 persons (2.5%) to 2 persons (0.8%).ConclusionAn increase in total number of female and URiM faculty was observed in academic PM&R over 2007 to 2018, but sex and ethnicity/race disparities persisted, especially in higher ranks and leadership positions. For non‐White faculty, greater disparities existed, pointing toward the need to target challenges faced by URiM race/ethnicity status.
Menstrual Irregularity, Hormonal Contraceptive Use, and Bone Stress Injuries in Collegiate Female Athletes in the United States
Authors: Cheng Jennifer , Santiago Kristen A. , Abutalib Zafir , Temme Kate E. , Hulme Ann , Goolsby Marci A. , Esopenko Carrie L. , Casey Ellen K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMenstrual irregularity (MI) is common in female athletes and is a component of the Female Athlete Triad (Triad). Many athletes with the Triad are started on hormonal contraceptives (HC) for MI, but this interferes with the ability to monitor menstrual cycle regularity and can mask other causes of MI. There are limited studies investigating the relationship between MI, HC use, and injury in female collegiate athletes.ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of and relationship between HC use, MI, and bone stress injuries in female collegiate athletes in the United States.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingOnline survey.Participants1020 U.S. female collegiate athletes (age ≥ 18 years).Methods or InterventionsAssessment of risk factors for menstrual irregularity and bone stress injuries was conducted via a one‐time survey.Main Outcome MeasuresHC use, MI, history of stress fractures.ResultsCurrent HC use prevalence was 65% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.9%, 67.8%). Of all athletes, 47% reported past MI. Of the athletes who were not currently using HCs, 32% had current MI. Compared with athletes without past MI, more athletes with past MI reported current HC use (73% vs. 57%) and indicated menstrual cycle consistency as the primary reason for use (24% vs. 4%) (P < .001). Additionally, 25% of athletes reported a history of stress fractures, which was associated with lean/aesthetic sports participation (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.9 [1.4, 2.5]; P < .001) and less oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use (0.7 [0.5, 1.0]; P = .043). Compared with OCPs, injectable HCs were associated with greater odds of a history of stress fractures (4.5[1.6, 12.3]; P = .004).ConclusionsHC use was prevalent among this cohort of female collegiate athletes, and almost half of the athletes reported past MI. A goal of menstrual cycle regularity was cited by 24% of athletes as a primary reason to use HCs, which shows that more athlete education is needed to avoid masking MI and the Triad with HCs. Further studies elucidating the relationship between HC use, MI, and sports‐related injury are warranted.
Mannosylated fluorescent cellulose‐based glycopolymers for stable uniform nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Shuang , Vana Philipp , Zhang Kai 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn living organisms, carbohydrate‐protein interactions play key roles in physiological and pathological processes, which are amplified by the “glycol‐cluster effect.” In this work, we synthesized novel fluorescent cellulose derivatives bearing mannose moieties via thiol‐ene click reactions by sequentially conjugating hydrophilic mannose‐oxyethoxylpropane‐thiol (Mann‐SH) and fluorescent coumarin‐oxyhexyl‐thiol (Coum‐SH) and rhodamine B‐ethyl‐thiol (RhB‐SH) to cellulose undecenoate with terminal double bonds. The amphiphilic fluorescent cellulose derivatives were converted into nanoparticles (NPs) by dropping into low ionic strength solutions (<0.085 M). Obtained NPs have average sizes between 240 and 554 nm depending on the solution concentrations, exhibiting uniform size distributions (PDI values <0.12). These uniform NPs exhibited excellent dispersion stability even at elevated temperatures. The mannose moieties were accessible to 1,4‐benzenediboronic acid (BDBA) in NaOH aqueous solutions. Under irradiation with UV light of 320–400 nm, the fluorescence of NPs increased by the formation of open‐ring rhodamine spiroamide, which could be a promising candidate for biomedical application.
On the occurrence of flame instabilities during dust explosions
Authors: van Wingerden Kees , Schepp Peter , Lade Rob 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFlame instabilities are known to affect the course of gas explosions and are especially known to increase overpressures during venting. For dust explosions, flame instabilities are often not considered to play an important role. The current paper, however, presents two series of experiments showing that flame instabilities can play a paramount role potentially increasing overpressure considerably and beyond those predicted by widely accepted standards.
Isotopic analysis of sub‐nanogram neodymium loads using new ATONA™ amplifiers
Authors: Reinhard Andrew , Inglis Jeremy , Steiner Robert , LaMont Stephen , Palacz Zenon 
Published: December 2020

RationaleEmerging research in the geological and nuclear forensics fields demands increasing analytical precision of isotope ratio measurements with decreasing sample sizes. Here we demonstrate the capability of a newly developed amplification technology to make precise neodymium (Nd) isotopic measurements on 100‐pg standard loads.MethodsThe reference materials were analyzed as NdO+ to increase the ionization efficiency of the small analyte loads. The Nd isotopic measurements were made using an IsotopX Isoprobe‐T thermal ionization mass spectrometer upgraded with the ATONA™ amplifier system. The ATONA™ amplifier system uses capacitance‐based amplification as opposed to traditional impedance‐based amplification.ResultsThe long‐term gains of the ATONA™ amplifiers are shown to have less than 1 ppm variability. Repeat measurements of the JNdi‐1 reference material demonstrate the ability of the ATONA™ amplification technology to make measurements of 143Nd/144Nd ratios with 23 ppm external reproducibility on 100‐pg loads. The effect of increasing integration time on analytical reproducibility is also displayed as increasing integration time from 10 to 30 s reduced the external measurement uncertainty from 37 to 23 ppm.ConclusionsThese measurements represent an improvement of more than a factor of 3 in external measurement reproducibility relative to previously published 143Nd/144Nd measurements of 100‐pg loads. This new technology will allow for the measurement of smaller samples for precise isotope ratios and open new avenues of research in the geological and nuclear forensic communities.