bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feature‐based automated segmentation of ablation zones by fuzzy c‐mean clustering during low‐dose computed tomography
Authors: Wu Po‐hung , Bedoya Mariajose , White Jim , Brace Christopher L. 
Published: November 2020

PurposeIntra‐procedural monitoring and post‐procedural follow‐up is necessary for a successful ablation treatment. An imaging technique which can assess the ablation geometry accurately is beneficial to monitor and evaluate treatment. In this study, we developed an automated ablation segmentation technique for serial low‐dose, noisy ablation computed tomography (CT) or contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT).MethodsLow‐dose, noisy temporal CT and CECT volumes were acquired during microwave ablation on normal porcine liver (four with non‐contrast CT and eight with CECT). Highly constrained backprojection (HYPR) processing was used to recover ablation zone information compromised by low‐dose noise. First‐order statistic features and normalized fractional Brownian features (NBF) were used to segment ablation zones by fuzzy c‐mean clustering. After clustering, the segmented ablation zone was refined by cyclic morphological processing. Automatic and manual segmentations were compared to gross pathology with Dice’s coefficient (morphological similarity), while cross‐sectional dimensions were compared by percent difference.ResultsAutomatic and manual segmentations of the ablation zone were very similar to gross pathology (Dice Coefficients: Auto.‐Path. = 0.84 ± 0.02; Manu.‐Path. = 0.76 ± 0.03, P = 0.11). The differences in ablation area, major diameter and minor diameter were 17.9 ± 3.2%, 11.1 ± 3.2% and 16.2 ± 3.4%, respectively, when comparing automatic segmentation to gross pathology, which were lower than the differences of 32.9 ± 16.8%, 13.0 ± 9.8% and 21.8 ± 5.8% when comparing manual segmentation to gross pathology. Manual segmentations tended to overestimate gross pathology when ablation area was less than 15 cm2, but the automated segmentation tended to underestimate gross pathology when ablation zone is larger than 20 cm2.ConclusionFuzzy c‐means clustering may be used to aid automatic segmentation of ablation zones without prior information or user input, making serial CT/CECT has more potential to assess treatments intra‐procedurally.
The level of competence of graduating nursing students in 10 European countries—Comparison between countries
Authors: Kajander‐Unkuri Satu , Koskinen Sanna , Brugnolli Anna , Cerezuela Torre MªAngeles , Elonen Imane , Kiele Viktorija , Lehwaldt Daniela , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Nemcová Jana , de Oliveira Célia Simão , Palese Alvisa , Rua Marília , Salminen Leena , Šateková Lenka , Stubner Juliane , Sveinsdóttir Herdís , Visiers‐Jiménez Laura , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo analyse graduating nursing students’ self‐assessed competence level in Europe at graduation, at the beginning of nursing career.DesignAn international cross‐sectional evaluative design.MethodsData were collected in February 2018–July 2019 from graduating nursing students in 10 European countries. Competence was assessed with a validated instrument, the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS). The sample comprised 3,490 students (response rate 45%), and data were analysed statistically.ResultsIn all countries, graduating nursing students assessed their competence as good (range 50.0–69.1; VAS 0–100), albeit with statistically significant differences between countries. The assessments were highest in Iceland and lowest in Lithuania. Older students, those with working experience in health care, satisfied with their current degree programme, with excellent or good study achievements, graduating to 1st study choice and having a nursing career plan for future assessed their competence higher.
A numerical study on fractional differential equation with population growth model
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Shaw Pawan Kumar , Abdel‐Aty Abdel‐Haleem , Mahmoud Emad E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, we developed two efficient and fast numerical technique to solve an initial value problem (IVP) of the linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations (FDEs) of orderα, 0 < α < 1. Here we have used the arbitrary order derivatives in Riemann style. The proposed algorithm are very accurate and provides the solutions directly without perturbations, linearization, or any other assumptions. Illustrating examples with numerical comparisons between the proposed algorithm and the exact and/or Euler method and the improved Euler method (IEM) are given to reveal the efficiency and the accuracy of our algorithm. These scheme has quadratic and cubic convergence rate which is faster than the Euler method and IEM for solving the IVP of FDEs. Moreover, we have discussed the behaviors through graphical representation of the obtained solutions. Furthermore, both methods will be useful for the treatment of disease models for further study.
Cold atmospheric plasma jet array for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Lv Yang , Nie Lanlan , Duan Jiangwei , Li Zhiyu , Lu Xinpei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTransdermal drug delivery (TDD) is an important drug delivery method, and cold atmospheric plasma has been proven its potential as a TDD approach. In this study, a 9‐channel plasma jet array was designed to enhance TDD efficiency. The Franz diffusion experiment showed that the TDD efficiency of the drug across the skin was enhanced about 2–110 times after the plasma jet array treatment. The histological analysis showed that the structure of the stratum corneum could be destroyed by the plasma. Further investigations indicated that the reactive oxygen species of the plasma jet play a key role in enhancing TDD efficiency. Our results indicated that the plasma jet array is a potential and effective TDD approach.
Efficiency of plasma‐processed air for biological decontamination of crop seeds on the premise of unimpaired seed germination
Authors: Wannicke Nicola , Wagner Robert , Stachowiak Joerg , Nishime Thalita M. C. , Ehlbeck Joerg , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Brust Henrike 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, the antimicrobial effect of plasma‐processed air (PPA) generated by a microwave‐induced nonthermal plasma was investigated for preharvest utilization using three crop species: Barley, rape, and lupine. Bacillus atrophaeus spores were chosen as a model, inoculated onto seeds, and subsequently treated with PPA at two different flow rates, different filling regimes, and gas exposure times. PPA treatment was efficient in reducing viable spores of B. atrophaeus, reaching sporicidal effects in all species at certain parameter combinations. Maximum germination of seeds was strongly reduced in barley and rape seeds at some parameter combination, whereas it had a modest effect on lupine seeds. Seed hydrophilicity was not altered. Overall, PPA investigated in this study proved suitable for preharvest applications.
Heat of Formation of Triazole‐Based Salts: Prediction and Experimental Validation
Authors: Glorian Julien , Han Kyung‐Tae , Braun Silke , Baschung Barbara 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis work contributes to the growing interest in predictions linked with energetic salts. A reliable method to accurately compute the heat of formation of triazole‐based salts was investigated. Calculations were based on Born‐Haber energy cycles: gas‐phase enthalpy of ions and lattice enthalpy were calculated separately. Ten triazole‐based salts were synthesized and fully characterized. Their heat of combustion was measured by bomb calorimeter. Gas‐phase heat of formation of cations and anions were computed at four different levels of theory: B3LYP 6‐31G(d,p), CBS‐4M, CBS‐QB3, and G4. Ionic volumes were calculated at the B3LYP 6‐31G(d,p) level with and without corrections. Lattice enthalpy estimations, based on calculated ionic volumes, were performed with the help of Jenkins and Gutowski methods. Combinations of the obtained results (gas‐phase enthalpy of ions and lattice enthalpy) were used in the Born‐Haber approach to predict solid phase enthalpy of formation of studied energetic salts. Direct comparison with experimental measurements enabled the identification of the most reliable path for energetic salt standard enthalpy of formation prediction.
Multiple origins of a single point mutation in the cotton bollworm tetraspanin gene confers dominant resistance to Bt cotton
Authors: Guan Fang , Hou Bofeng , Dai Xiaoguang , Liu Sitong , Liu Juanjuan , Gu Yan , Jin Lin , Yang Yihua , Fabrick Jeffrey A , Wu Yidong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDTransgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are used globally to kill key insect pests and provide numerous benefits, including improved pest management, increased profits, reduced insecticide use, and increased biological control. Unfortunately, such benefits are rapidly being lost by the evolution of Bt resistance by pests.RESULTSThe main strategy to delay resistance relies on the use of non‐Bt refuge plants to produce sufficient susceptible insects that mate with rare resistant insects emerging from Bt crops, essentially diluting and/or removing resistance alleles from pest populations. A key assumption for the success of this refuge strategy is that inheritance of resistance is recessive. In China, dominant resistance to Cry1Ac Bt cotton by the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera is increasing and is associated with a mutation in the tetraspanin HaTSPAN1 gene, conferring more than 125‐fold resistance. Here, we used amplicon sequencing to test the hypotheses that the HaTSPAN1 mutation either arose from a single event and spread or that the mutation evolved independently several times throughout northern China. From three laboratory strains and 28 field populations sampled from northern China, we identified six resistant and 50 susceptible haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the HaTSPAN1 mutation arose from at least four independent origins and spread to their current distributions.CONCLUSIONThe results provide valuable information about the evolutionary origins of dominant resistance to Cry1Ac Bt cotton in northern China and offer rationale for the rapid increase in field‐evolved resistance in these areas, where the implementation of additional practical resistance management is needed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular investigation of adequate sources of mesenchymal stem cells for cell therapy of COVID-19-associated organ failure
Authors: Desterke Christophe , Griscelli Frank , Imeri Jusuf , Marcoux Paul , Lemonnier Thomas , Latsis Theodoros , Turhan Ali G. , Bennaceur-Griscelli Annelise 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from several sources has been suggested as a major anti-inflammation strategy during the recent outbreak of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). As the virus enters the target cells through the receptor ACE2, it is important to determine if the MSC population transfused to patients could also be a target for the virus entry. We report here that ACE2 is highly expressed in adult bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord-derived MSC. On the other hand, placenta-derived MSC express low levels of ACE2 but only in early passages of cultures. MSC derived from human embryonic stem cell or human induced pluripotent stem cells express also very low levels of ACE2. The transcriptome analysis of the MSCs with lowest expression of ACE2 in fetal-like MSCs is found to be associated in particularly with an anti-inflammatory signature. These results are of major interest for designing future clinical MSC-based stem cell therapies for severe COVID-19 infections.
Supramolecular adhesive materials from small‐molecule self‐assembly
Authors: Shi Chen‐Yu , Zhang Qi , Tian He , Qu Da‐Hui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDeveloping high‐performance adhesive materials not only aims at industrial and social requirements but also bears the fundamental importance of understanding the chemical factors of biological adhesion to develop biomimetic adhesive materials. Owing to the wide development of supramolecular chemistry, numerous supramolecular tools are exploited and proved to be reliable in the replacement of traditional covalent materials by reversible noncovalent or dynamic covalent materials. Taking advantage of these ready‐to‐use supramolecular toolboxes, supramolecular adhesive materials are rising and promising toward “smart” adhesives, that is, enabling responsiveness, reversibility, and recyclability. Compared with polymeric adhesive materials, low‐molecular‐weight adhesives feature chemically precise structure, easier engineering by molecular design, and hence higher reproducibility. However, it remains highly challenging to make high‐performance adhesive materials by low‐molecular‐weight feedstocks. This review will focus on the recent advancement in the construction of supramolecular adhesive materials by small‐molecule self‐assembly. The design guidelines and consideration on the molecular scale will be discussed and summarized on how to enhance the strength of adhesives. Meanwhile, owing to the dynamic nature of supramolecular self‐assembly, several “smart” functions of such materials will be presented, such as stimuli–responsiveness and adaptiveness. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of this emerging field will be proposed.
Emissive Supramolecular Systems Based on Reversible Bond Formation and Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Horiuchi Shinnosuke , Umakoshi Keisuke 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNoncovalent interactions and reversible bond formations are widely seen in natural systems for the construction of sophisticated molecular systems that perform various biological processes. Inspired by the natural systems, luminescent supramolecular systems constructed by coordination‐driven self‐assembly and homometallic metal‐metal interations have been studied increasingly. These supramolecular systems show fascinating luminescent behaviors that are not observed from single components. This review summarizes our progress in the development of two types of unique luminescent supramolecular systems. The mononuclear Pt(II) complex units can sandwich coinage metal ions to form heteropolynuclear complexes involving heterometallic metal‐metal interactions. A close proximity of the two or three different metal ions by the noncovalent forces lead to orbital overlapping among the coinage metal ions and the Pt(II) complex units, showing emission color change accompanied with structural transformation and reversible metal binding behaviors. Emissive host‐guest systems consisting of mononuclear metal complexes and a hydrogen‐bonded capsule are also developed, that show a unique encapsulation‐induced emission enhancement (EIEE) behavior.
Melengestrol acetate contraceptive implant use in colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza): Patterns through time and differences in reproductive potential and live births
Authors: McDonald Monica M. , Agnew Mary K. , Asa Cheryl S. , Powell David M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMelengestrol acetate (MGA) implants are progestin‐based reversible contraceptives used to manage fertility in zoo populations. Although it is recommended that MGA implants should be replaced every 2 years, the duration of efficacy has not been systematically evaluated in most species. Anecdotal reports for Old World monkeys indicate that reproduction may be suppressed longer if the implant is not removed. This study uses Guereza colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) as a model Old World monkey species to examine the effects of MGA implants on reproductive potential. In particular, we investigate whether the probability of reproducing (pR) and rates of stillbirth differ among (1) non‐implanted females, (2) females who have had MGA implants removed, and (3) females whose implants were left in past expiration. We found no significant difference in pR between non‐implanted and implant‐removed groups, but when implants were left in past expiration, the pR was significantly lower than in other groups. Both parity and age significantly impacted pR for the non‐implanted group (i.e., younger females and those who were parous increased pR), but neither were significant factors for the implant‐removed group. Stillbirth rates were significantly higher post‐contraception as compared with pre‐contraception. These results support similar analyses in other taxa that show a shorter time to reversal after MGA contraception when implants are removed, making this a good contraceptive option for females likely to receive a breeding recommendation, especially when a more predictable time to reversal is important.
The twisted structure of the fetal calcaneal tendon is already visible in the second trimester
Authors: Szaro Paweł , Witkowski Grzegorz , Ciszek Bogdan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction
The progress in morphological science results from the greater possibilities of intra-pubic diagnosis and treatment of congenital disabilities, including the motor system. However, the structure and macroscopic development of the calcaneal tendon have not been investigated in detail. Studies on the adult calcaneal tendon showed that the calcaneal tendon is composed of twisted subtendons. This study aimed to investigate the internal structure of the fetal calcaneal tendon in the second trimester.

Materials and methods
Thirty-six fetuses fixed in 10% formaldehyde were dissected using the layer-by-layer method and a surgical microscope.

Results
The twisted structure of the calcaneal tendon was revealed in all specimens. The posterior layer of the calcaneal tendon is formed by the subtendon from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, the anterior layer is formed by the subtendon from the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The subtendon from the soleus muscle constitutes the anteromedial outline of the calcaneal tendon. The lateral outline of the calcaneal tendon is formed by the subtendon originating from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, the medial outline is formed by the subtendon from the soleus muscle. In most of the examined limbs, the plantaris tendon attached to the tuber calcanei was not directly connected to the calcaneal tendon.

Conclusions
The twisted structure of the subtendons of the fetal calcaneal tendon is already visible in the second trimester and is similar to that seen in adults.
Prognostic significance and therapeutic potential of the immune checkpoint VISTA in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hou Zelin , Pan Yu , Fei Qinglin , Lin Yali , Zhou Yuanyuan , Liu Ying , Guan Hongdan , Yu Xunbin , Lin Xianchao , Lu Fengchun , Huang Heguang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel immune checkpoint protein that belongs to the B7 family. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance and therapeutic potential of VISTA in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods
Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we examined the expression of VISTA and demonstrated the associations between the VISTA and overall survival in 223 PDAC patients from 2 different unrelated retrospective cohorts. The multiplex immunofluorescence was performed to illuminate the relationship between VISTA expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cell subclusters of PDAC. We also verified the findings in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The anti-tumor effect of anti-VISTA therapy was studied by the mouse model with liver metastases of PDAC.

Results
The VISTA protein was highly expressed in 25.6% of tumor cells (TCs), 38.1% of immune cells, and 26.0% of endothelial cells in 223 PDAC tumor tissues. VISTA expression in TCs was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival. Multiplex immunofluorescence analysis revealed that VISTA level was positively correlated with CD68+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells in PDAC. However, a higher expression level of VISTA was detected in tumor-infiltrating CD68+ macrophages than in CD3+ T and CD19+ B cells. Furthermore, anti-VISTA antibody treatment significantly reduced the number of metastatic nodules in livers of mouse models of PDAC with liver metastases.

Conclusion
VISTA expressed in TCs is associated with a favorable prognosis in PDAC. Moreover, immunotherapy with anti-VISTA antibodies may potentially be an effective treatment strategy against PDAC.
Public perceptions of adult ADHD: Indications of stigma?
Authors: Godfrey Emmet , Fuermaier Anselm B. M. , Tucha Lara , Butzbach Marah , Weisbrod Matthias , Aschenbrenner Steffen , Tucha Oliver 
Published: November 2020

AbstractStigmatization represents a major barrier to treatment seeking across mental disorders. Despite this, stigma research on individual mental disorders remains in its infancy. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults also represents an under-researched area—being far less studied than its child counterpart. This study examined the current state of public perceptions towards adult ADHD. A simulation group consisting of 105 participants performed the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS) and Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) as though they had ADHD. These scores were compared to a group consisting of 98 individuals with adult ADHD and a group of 117 healthy individuals both groups being instructed to complete the WFIRS and CAARS to the best of their abilities. Simulators were found to overestimate impairments in adult ADHD (to a large effect) in the domains of hyperactivity, DSM-IV hyperactivity-impulsivity, DSM-IV total, work, school, (to a medium effect) in family and social, and (to a negligible-small effect) in inattention, impulsivity, DSM-IV inattention, and life skills when compared to the ADHD group, and in all domains (to a large effect) when compared to the control group. Current and retrospective ADHD symptoms were found to be associated with more accurate perceptions in a number of domains. Evidence for the presence of perceptions considered to be stigmatizing was found, with largest effects present in the domains of hyperactivity, impulsivity, impairments at work, school, and engagement in risky behaviour.
Molekulare therapeutische Stratifizierung des nichtkleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms
Authors: Lang Susanne M. , Rachow Tobias 
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Therapiemöglichkeiten des nichtkleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms (NSCLC) im Stadium IV haben sich in den letzten Jahren rasant entwickelt. Das Überleben der Patienten wurde durch die zielgerichtete Behandlung von Tumoren mit EGFR-, BRAF-Mutationen, EML4/ALK- und ROS1-Translokationen verbessert. Durch die Entwicklung neuer Therapieoptionen wird die molekulare Stratifizierung der Therapie für den behandelnden Arzt immer schwieriger.

Ziel der Arbeit
Die Übersicht gibt einen aktuellen Überblick über die molekular stratifizierten therapeutischen Optionen beim NSCLC.

Ergebnisse
Durch reversible EGFR-Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren (TKI) ließ sich das Überleben von NSCLC-Patienten mit EGFR-Mutation verlängern. Im Verlauf kommt es jedoch unweigerlich zur Resistenzentwicklung, die durch irreversible EGFR-TKI z. T. überwunden werden konnte. Aktuelle Studien zeigen einen möglichen Vorteil der Kombination von TKI mit Angiogeneseinhibitoren oder Chemotherapie. Bei EML4-/ALK- (und ROS1-)positiven NSCLC war der Multityrosinkinaseinhibitor Crizotinib als Erstes verfügbar. Potentere Zweitgenerations-ALK-TKI vermochten die Crizotinibresistenz zu durchbrechen. Mit der Einführung eines hochpotenten Drittgenerations-TKI konnten weitere ALK-Resistenzen überwunden werden. Für BRAF-, HER2-, MET-Exon-14-Skipping und RET-Mutationen stehen zielgerichtete Substanzen zur Verfügung, die z. T. bereits zugelassen sind. Larotrectinib erhielt als erste Substanz in der EU eine tumorunabhängige Zulassung für NTRK-positive Tumoren.

Schlussfolgerung
Die Weiterentwicklung zielgerichteter Therapien erfordern die molekulare Analyse des Tumorgewebes und molekulare Stratifizierung der Therapie. Unklar bleiben die optimale Therapiesequenz und mögliche Verbesserungen durch Kombinationstherapien.