bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multistep deep learning framework for the automated detection and segmentation of astrocytes in fluorescent images of brain tissue
Authors: Kayasandik Cihan Bilge , Ru Wenjuan , Labate Demetrio 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhile astrocytes have been traditionally described as passive supportive cells, studies during the last decade have shown they are active players in many aspects of CNS physiology and function both in normal and disease states. However, the precise mechanisms regulating astrocytes function and interactions within the CNS are still poorly understood. This knowledge gap is due in large part to the limitations of current image analysis tools that cannot process astrocyte images efficiently and to the lack of methods capable of quantifying their complex morphological characteristics. To provide an unbiased and accurate framework for the quantitative analysis of fluorescent images of astrocytes, we introduce a new automated image processing pipeline whose main novelties include an innovative module for cell detection based on multiscale directional filters and a segmentation routine that leverages deep learning and sparse representations to reduce the need of training data and improve performance. Extensive numerical tests show that our method performs very competitively with respect to state-of-the-art methods also in challenging images where astrocytes are clustered together. Our code is released open source and freely available to the scientific community.
Cervical carcinoma risk associate with genetic polymorphisms of NEIL2 gene in Chinese population and its significance as predictive biomarker
Authors: Ye Feng , Liu Jia , Wang Hanzhi , Chen Xiaojing , Cheng Qi , Chen Huaizeng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGenetic polymorphisms of NEIL1 and NEIL2 maybe change protein function, and increased carcinogenesis. In this study, seven NEIL1 SNPs and three NEIL2 SNPs were selected. 400 CSCCs, 400 CIN III, and 1200 normal healthy controls were genotyped by mismatch amplification PCR. mRNA and protein expression of NEIL2 was measured in 92 freshly-obtained CSCC tumor tissues. The association between homozygote CC genotype of NEIL2 rs804270 with susceptible risk was gradually increased in CIN III (OR = 1.44) and CSCC (OR = 2.22). Carriers of C-allele (GC + CC) at rs804270 had a high risk of CSCC (OR = 1.46). The heterozygote GT genotype of rs8191664 was also closely related to the higher risk of CINIII (OR = 1.59) and CSCC (OR = 2.54). Carriers of T-allele (GT + TT) at rs8191664 had a high risk for CIN III (OR = 1.55) and CSCC (OR = 2.34). The genotypes of NEIL2 rs804270 (G/C) and rs8191664 (G/T) that were related to the higher risk for CIN III were CC-GG (OR = 1.42) and CC-GT (OR = 2.07). More notably, there was a greater risk for CSCC with the GC-GT (OR = 1.91), CC-GG (OR = 1.67), and CC-GT (OR = 6.18) genotypes. NEIL2 mRNA expression in CSCCs with the rs804270-CC genotype was lower expression than those in CSCCs with the rs804270-GG and rs804270-GC genotypes. Similarly, NEIL2 protein expression was significantly decreased in CSCCs with the rs804270-CC genotype. In summary, the two genetic polymorphisms (rs804270 and rs8191664) of NEIL2 gene were significantly associated to the increased susceptibility of CIN III or CSCC. This increased susceptibility maybe due to altered NEIL2 repair activity through altered protein expression, or changed structure of the functional domain. The genotypes of GC-GT, CC-GG, and CC-GT of rs804270 and rs8191664 of NEIL2 gene could act as a genetic predictive biomarker of susceptibility to CIN III and CSCC.
Ag-fiber/graphene hybrid electrodes for highly flexible and transparent optoelectronic devices
Authors: Hwang Yooji , Choi Junhee , Kim Ji-Weon , Lee Jin-Woo , Kim Jae Geun , Hwang Ha , Choi Kwang Wook , Lee Wanghoon , Ju Byeong-Kwon 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTransparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) have attracted considerable attention towards the development of flexible optoelectronic devices. In this study, mixed-dimensional TCEs are fabricated based on the two-dimensional graphene and one-dimensional electrospun metal fiber that can address the shortcomings of each electrode. In comparison with other TCEs, the Ag fiber/graphene hybrid electrodes exhibited a highly stable morphology (67% lower peak-to-valley ratio), low sheet resistance (approximately 11 Ω/sq), high transmittance (approximately 94%), high oxidation stability with excellent flexibility, and outstanding chemical stability. The multiple functionalities of the transparent and flexible hybrid structure highlight its potential for applications in emerging electronics and highly stable optoelectronics.
Adsorption characteristics and mechanism of p-nitrophenol by pine sawdust biochar samples produced at different pyrolysis temperatures
Authors: Liu Lanqi , Deng Guozhi , Shi Xianyang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBiochar is becoming a low-cost substitute of activated carbon for the removal of multiple contaminants. In this study, five biochar samples derived from pine sawdust were produced at different pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C–700 °C) and used adsorbents to remove p-nitrophenol from water. Results indicate that, as the pyrolysis temperature increases, the surface structure of biochar grows in complexity, biochar’s aromaticity and number of functional group decrease, and this material’s polarity increases. Biochar’s physiochemical characteristics and dosage, as well as solution’s pH and environmental temperature significantly influence the p-nitrophenol adsorption behavior of biochar. p-nitrophenol adsorption onto biochar proved to be an endothermic and spontaneous process; furthermore, a greater energy exchange was observed to take place when biochar samples prepared at high temperatures were utilized. The adsorption mechanism includes physical adsorption and chemisorption, whereas its rate is mainly affected by intra-particle diffusion. Notably, in biochar samples prepared at low temperature, adsorption is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions, whereas, in their high-temperature counterparts, p-nitrophenol adsorption is driven also by hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions involving functional groups on the biochar surface.
Neonatal outcome of children born after ICSI with epididymal or testicular sperm: A 10-year study in China
Authors: Jin Lei , Li Zhou , Gu Longjie , Huang Bo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSome studies show that children born after ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm are at increased risk of birth defects, other studies hold the opposite view. Does neonatal outcome including congenital malformations in children born after ICSI with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) differ from neonatal outcome in children born after ICSI with ejaculated sperm? In this study, we examined the data from our IVF center from 2006 to 2016, to compare neonatal outcomes and rates of congenital malformations in children born after ICSI with different sperm origin. The results showed the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate of non-ejaculated sperm group were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than ejaculated sperm group. There were 775 clinical pregnancies from non-ejaculated sperm group and 2,486 clinical pregnancies from ejaculated sperm group. Most of the clinical pregnancy outcomes were comparable between non-ejaculated sperm group and ejaculated sperm group (p > 0.05): the miscarriage rate per transfer, ectopic pregnancy rate per clinical pregnancy, induced abortion rate per clinical pregnancy and fetal deaths per clinical pregnancy. However, the live delivery rate per transfer of non-ejaculated sperm group was significantly higher than that of ejaculated sperm group (45.4% vs 36.7%, P < 0.001). Moreover, the comparison between the epididymal sperm, testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm groups showed there were no difference in the incidence of congenital malformations of babies live birth. Among singleton gestation live births, there were more girls than boys in both non-ejaculated sperm and ejaculated sperm group. In conclusion, the present study clearly showed no statistical increased risk in neonatal outcomes of newborns were found in the ICSI treatment with epididymal or testicular sperm. It may provide information for consultation for ICSI treatment in PESA or TESA patients.
Extended pharmacodynamic responses observed upon PROTAC-mediated degradation of RIPK2
Authors: Mares Alina , Miah Afjal H. , Smith Ian E. D. , Rackham Mark , Thawani Aditya R. , Cryan Jenni , Haile Pamela A. , Votta Bartholomew J. , Beal Allison M. , Capriotti Carol , Reilly Michael A. , Fisher Don T. , Zinn Nico , Bantscheff Marcus , MacDonald Thomas T. , Vossenkamper Anna , Dace Phoebe , Churcher Ian , Benowitz Andrew B. , Watt Gillian , Denyer Jane , Scott-Stevens Paul , Harling John D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small-molecules that can promote the rapid and selective proteasome-mediated degradation of intracellular proteins through the recruitment of E3 ligase complexes to non-native protein substrates. The catalytic mechanism of action of PROTACs represents an exciting new modality in drug discovery that offers several potential advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors, including the potential to deliver pharmacodynamic (PD) efficacy which extends beyond the detectable pharmacokinetic (PK) presence of the PROTAC, driven by the synthesis rate of the protein. Herein we report the identification and development of PROTACs that selectively degrade Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 2 (RIPK2) and demonstrate in vivo degradation of endogenous RIPK2 in rats at low doses and extended PD that persists in the absence of detectable compound. This disconnect between PK and PD, when coupled with low nanomolar potency, offers the potential for low human doses and infrequent dosing regimens with PROTAC medicines.
Enhanced magnetic spin–spin interactions observed between porphyrazine derivatives on Au(111)
Authors: Hou Jie , Wang Yu , Eguchi Keitaro , Nanjo Chihiro , Takaoka Tsuyoshi , Sainoo Yasuyuki , Arafune Ryuichi , Awaga Kunio , Komeda Tadahiro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMagnetic molecules are of interest for application in spintronic and quantum-information processing devices. Therein, control of the interaction between the spins of neighboring molecules is the critical issue. Substitution of outer moieties of the molecule can tune the molecule–molecule interaction. Here we show a novel spin behavior for a magnetic molecule of vanadyl tetrakis (thiadiazole) porphyrazine (abbreviated as VOTTDPz) adsorbed on Au(111), which is modified from vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPc) by replacing the inert phthalocyanine ligand with a reactive thiadiazole moiety. The magnetic properties of the molecules are examined by observing the Kondo resonance caused by the screening of an isolated spin by conduction electrons using scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The Kondo features are detected at the molecule whose shape and intensity show site-dependent variation, revealing complex spin–spin interactions due to the enhanced interaction between molecules, originating from the functionalization of the ligand with a more reactive moiety.
Intersecting nodal rings in orthorhombic-type BaLi2Sn compound
Authors: Wang Xiaotian , Ding Gaungqian , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Xiao-Lin , Zhang Gang , Yang Tie 
Published: March 2020

In this study, via first-principles, we predict that a recently synthesized BaLi2Sn material with Pmmn structure is a TNLS with perfect intersecting nodal rings in the kx = 0 and ky = 0 planes when the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) effect is ignored.
Integrated tracking and route classification for travel time estimation based on cellular network signalling data
Authors: Gundlegård David , Karlsson Johan M. 
Published: March 2020

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using detailed cellular network signalling data for travel time estimation and route classification. Here, the authors propose a processing pipeline for estimating travel times and route classification based on Cell ID and received signal strength (RSS) measurements from a cellular network. The pipeline combines cellular fingerprinting, particle filtering, integrity monitoring, and map matching based on a hidden Markov model (HMM). The method is evaluated using a dataset of 11,000 cellular RSS measurements with corresponding GPS locations for the city of Norrköping, Sweden. The basic fingerprinting method has a CEP‐67 location accuracy of 111 m and both particle filtering and integrity monitoring improved the results: 79 and 38 m for particle filtering and particle filtering with integrity monitoring, respectively. The route classification method resulted in a precision of 0.83 and a recall of 0.92, which are clear improvements compared to basic map matching of fingerprinting estimates. This new type of noise‐adaptive travel time sampling in combination with an HMM‐based route classification shows promising results and can potentially support large‐scale estimates of both route choice and travel times using detailed cellular network signalling data in urban areas.
A new signal injection‐based method for estimation of position in interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Yi Bowen , Vukosavić Slobodan N. , Ortega Romeo , Stanković Aleksandar M. , Zhang Weidong 
Published: March 2020

Several heuristic procedures to estimate the rotor position of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSM) via signal injection have been reported in the application literature, and are widely used in practice. These methods, based on the use of linear time‐invariant (LTI) high‐pass/low‐pass filtering, are instrumental for the development of sensorless controllers. To the best of authors’ knowledge, no theoretical analysis of these methods has been carried out. The objectives of this note are (i) to invoke some recent work on the application of averaging techniques for injection‐based observer design to develop a theoretical framework to analyse the LTI filtering used in sensorless methods and (ii) to propose a new method that on the one hand ensures improved accuracy and on the other hand can be related to the current filtering technique. An additional advantage of the new method is that it relies on the use of linear operators, implementable with simple computations. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is assessed by experiments on an IPMSM platform driven by a 521 V DC bus with a 5‐kHz pulse‐width modulation.
The Role of Quality Education in the Mechanism of Transparency State Authorities
Authors: Suingariyev Zhaxybay , Kunanbayeva Duissekul , Kunanbayeva Aizat , Molchanov Mikhail 
Published: March 2020

In modern society, the importance of quality education is steadily increasing, and the spiritual, cultural and moral potential of society is associated with its development. Based on a study of the civic education model, we will present elements related to the country’s commitment to open government at the international level and propose strategies for implementing specific policies that support these commitments regarding education and global citizenship. Therefore, our goal is to provide the scientific community with practical tools for quality education in the mechanism of openness of state bodies based on Al-Farabi’s research.
The need of society and the state for the innovative development of the economy in a rapidly developing world is continuously associated with the improvement of universities in the formation of vocational training for graduates - future specialists. The country needs such personnel who are ready to create and introduce innovations in the field of open government, with the possibility of control by society, as well as the dynamic cooperation in active way of participation of citizens themselves in management and to monitor government initiatives and their legitimacy. Continuous improvement of the quality of education should be the goal not only of the country’s leadership, but also of each citizen individually and of society as a whole.
Molecular characterization of a potential receptor of Eimeria acervulina microneme protein 3 from chicken duodenal epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Zhenchao , Zhou Zhouyang , Huang Jianmei , Sun Xiaoting , Haseeb Muhammad , Ahmed Shakeel , Shah Muhammad Ali A. , Yan Ruofeng , Song Xiaokai , Xu Lixin , Li Xiangrui 
Published: March 2020

Eimeria acervulina is one of seven Eimeria spp. that can infect chicken duodenal epithelial cells. Eimeria microneme protein 3 (MIC3) plays a vital role in the invasion of host epithelial tissue by the parasite. In this study, we found that chicken (Gallus gallus) ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2F (UBE2F) could bind to the MIC3 protein of E. acervulina (EaMIC3), as screened using the yeast two-hybrid system, and that it might be the putative receptor protein of EaMIC3. The UBE2F gene was cloned from chicken duodenal epithelial cells. The recombinant protein of UBE2F (rUBE2F) was expressed in E. coli and the reactogenicity of rUBE2F was analyzed by Western blot. Gene sequencing revealed that the opening reading frame (ORF) of UBE2F was 558 base pairs and encoded a protein of 186 amino acids with a molecular weight of 20.46 kDa. The predicted UBE2F protein did not contain signal peptides or a transmembrane region, but had multiple O-glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the chicken UBE2F protein is closely related to those of quail and pigeon (Coturnix japonica and Columba livia). A sporozoite invasion-blocking assay showed that antisera against rUBE2F significantly inhibited the invasion of E. acervulina sporozoites in vitro. Animal experiments indicated that the antisera could significantly enhance average body weight gains and reduce mean lesion scores following a challenge with E. acervulina. These results therefore imply that the chicken UBE2F protein might be the target receptor molecule of EaMIC3 that is involved in E. acervulina invasion.
Design and practical evaluation of a shielded application system for intravenously administered radionuclide therapies
Authors: Kühnel Christian , Winkens Thomas , Niksch Tobias , Greiser Julia , Schrott Steffen , Drescher Robert , Freesmeyer Martin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Aim Intravenous radionuclide therapies are gaining importance. With the increased frequency of these therapies, safe application procedures in combination with effective radiation protection are needed. We present a shielded system which can be universally used for the application of liquid radiopharmaceuticals.
Materials and methods The application system consists of a cuboidal box made of lead with stainless steel coating, an inner layer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a disposable line/bottle system, and a medical infusion pump. No proprietary disposable parts are used. The system was tested and validated ex-vivo, and evaluated for Lu-177 peptide receptor radionuclide and for radioligand therapies (PRRT, RLT).
Results Construction of the application system was performed in accordance with the physical characteristics of the used isotopes. 10 validation procedures with 1 GBq Tc-99m-pertechnetate confirmed functionality. 38 PRRT and 13 RLT procedures were performed successfully and completely. At least 98 % of the prescribed activities were infused. No leakage of radioactivity occurred. Dose rate measurements showed that the radiation in the box is shielded completely, and that exposure arises only from the infusion line outside the box and from the patient.
Conclusion The presented application system for intravenous radionuclide therapies is feasible, safe, and cost-efficient. It has been shown that Lu-177-PRRT and -RLT can be performed without complications while ensuring nearly complete infusion of the prescribed radiopharmaceutical dose. Radiation exposure of the applying physician and other staff is low. The construction of the shielding box ensures complete shielding of all radionuclides currently used for radiomolecular therapies.
Design as externalization
Authors: Davis Stephen Boyd , Vane Olivia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The article is concerned with a central contribution of designing to information visualization in the digital humanities. The activity is characterized as one of externalization, instantiation in visible or tangible form of ideas. A spectrum of different interpretations of this process in the existing literature is discussed. The arguments are illustrated with recent practical examples from the authors’ own work in designing with a range of cultural organizations. The article concludes with reflections on how projects may best benefit from this work of design, empowering the designer as a co-researcher, alongside the historian, curator or other humanities scholar.
Designing bowel preparation patient instructions to improve colon cancer detection
Authors: Noël Guillermina , Frascara Jorge , Wong Clarence 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Medical personnel usually write and design documents that inform physicians or patients about procedures or therapies. Document design, however, requires skills that are not normally applied, resulting in information that is often not used properly. This article describes a project developed by the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. The goal was to help patients better prepare for their colonoscopies. The process started with an analysis of the existing documents, and the development of performance specifications based on the literature on legibility, reading comprehension, memorization and use of information, plain language, visual perception, page layout, and image use. The project included an iterative process of prototyping and testing that resulted in 23 design criteria. Each iteration was tested with users to ensure ease of use, completeness of information, and accuracy and clarity to facilitate adoption. The project helped reduce practice variation regarding bowel preparation in the province of Alberta, Canada. This project illustrates how information design can help healthcare organizations provide patient-centred care. Information design helps patients engage in their own caring process, by providing information that people can use, understand and apply. After 15 months of use, the document has been downloaded more than 48,000 times, suggesting a good physician reception.
Repeated readings and Chinese immersion students’ reading fluency, comprehension and character
recognition
Authors: Knell Ellen , Fame Kao Shin Chi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Although reading fluency instruction has been identified as an important literacy focus for English proficient
students, little research has examined its role in foreign language settings, and it has not been studied in Chinese immersion
education. The current research compared two seventh grade Chinese immersion classes. One class did repeated timed readings in
student pairs, while the other class spent more time on comprehension activities. Both groups increased their correct Chinese
characters per minute rates over the treatment period, but the repeated readings group outperformed the other group on reading
fluency, character recognition, and reading comprehension measures. In addition, the students who engaged in repeated readings
were better able to generalize reading fluency gains to new, but related, reading materials; they also reported more confidence
and enjoyment when reading Chinese. Suggestions for integrating peer reading fluency procedures into language arts instruction are
proposed.