bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy inference based contextual dissimilarity histogram equalization algorithm for image enhancement
Authors: Li Songcheng , Lu Junyong , Cheng Long , Li Xiangping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn order to overcome the drawback of the existing image enhancement technologies and further consider the pixel intensity expression error caused by imaging, a novel fuzzy inference‐based contextual dissimilarity histogram equalization (FICDHE) algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm is composed of three modules. In the first module, according to the calculated probable intensity intervals, the membership functions of intensity are generated. In the second one, fuzzy inference systems are established and the contextual dissimilarity of each pixel is calculated. In the third module, the contextual dissimilarity histograms are clipped and equalized. The fuzzy system established in this paper not only fully considers the uncertainty source of pixel gray level expression, but also has adaptability. The parameter selection of fuzzy inference system membership function in this algorithm does not need human intervention, but is automatically obtained based on the statistical information of image pixel gray. Its adaptability makes the algorithm more widely used and convenient. Experiments are conducted using four typical medical images and 800 images from the KNIX dataset and BrainWeb dataset. The performance of the proposed method was compared to a series of enhancement algorithms based on both subjective judgment and image quality measurement indexes. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has a better contrast enhancement ability and yields better performance.
Monsters, Inc.: Curing Ethical Blindness in an Era of Test‐Based Accountability
Authors: Slomp David , Broad Bob 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDiscussions about literacy assessment can often be polarizing for teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders. Given the diverse and often charged perspectives on assessment within both the profession and the broader public discourse, it can be difficult to engage in productive dialogue about the role that literacy assessment plays in promoting or inhibiting effective models of literacy education. This article provides perspectives, questions, and research that enables readers to better advocate for themselves and their students as they develop their own assessment programs and respond to assessment programs that are imposed on them.
“Hopefully This Motivates a Bout of Realization”: Spoken Word Poetry as Critical Literacy
Authors: Call-Cummings Meagan , Hauber-Özer Melissa , LePelch Vilma , DeSenti Kelly L. , Colandene Michele , Sultana Katelyn , Scicli Emily 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe authors examined how youth from the Northern Virginia region communicated their thoughts on significant social issues, school‐level policies, and individual stresses through collaboratively authored spoken word poetry. This poetry was written during a day of out‐of‐school arts‐based inquiry workshops planned by an intergenerational youth participatory action research collective that works to foster connections and conversations about topics important to youth today. The findings highlight youth coresearchers’ words and analysis to enact youth participatory action research methodology as critical pedagogy and critical literacy. Analysis points to specific ways that school adults can help students’ voices be heard. The authors encourage other collectives and educators to consider using spoken word poetry as a tool to honor, amplify, and theorize youth knowledges so their calls for change can be heard.
Love as a Qualifier: Building Literacy Culture Across a School
Authors: Minor Kass , Harden Marcus 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBecoming literate is emotional work. From the time we are born, we engage in multiple literacies, constructing new knowledge and powerful ideas that, together, bridge new understandings. With those new understandings, we are constantly being challenged and provoked with new information. The authors, two educators who have taught many students lifelong literacy skills and did not experience traditional teacher preparation in the teaching of reading or writing, ask, How do we build literacy culture centered in love within and across a school community? What is the emotive work, and how do we build it? Through unpacking the application and assessment of Gary Chapman's five love languages alongside collective, intraschool inquiry teams, loveful practices are parsed out, named, and demystified to build the kinds of relational trust that sustain adolescents’ lifelong love of literacy.
The cell and stress‐specific canonical and noncanonical tRNA cleavage
Authors: Rashad Sherif , Tominaga Teiji , Niizuma Kuniyasu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFollowing stress, transfer RNA (tRNA) is cleaved to generate tRNA halves (tiRNAs). These tiRNAs have been shown to repress protein translation. Angiogenin was considered the main enzyme that cleaves tRNA at its anticodon to generate 35–45 nucleotide long tiRNA halves, however, the recent reports indicate the presence of angiogenin‐independent cleavage. We previously observed tRNA cleavage pattern occurring away from the anticodon site. To explore this noncanonical cleavage, we analyze tRNA cleavage patterns in rat model of ischemia–reperfusion and in two rat cell lines. In vivo mitochondrial tRNAs were prone to this noncanonical cleavage pattern. In vitro, however, cytosolic and mitochondrial tRNAs could be cleaved noncanonically. Our results show an important regulatory role of mitochondrial stress in angiogenin‐mediated tRNA cleavage. Neither angiogenin nor RNH1 appear to regulate the noncanonical tRNA cleavage. Finally, we verified our previous findings of the role of Alkbh1 in regulating tRNA cleavage and its impact on noncanonical tRNA cleavage.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Pexidartinib in Healthy Subjects and Patients With Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor or Other Solid Tumors
Authors: Yin Ophelia , Wagner Andrew J. , Kang Jia , Knebel William , Zahir Hamim , van de Sande Michiel , Tap William D. , Gelderblom Hans , Healey John H. , Shuster Dale , Stacchiotti Silvia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPexidartinib is a kinase inhibitor that induces tumor response and improvements in symptoms and functional outcomes in adult patients with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT). A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for pexidartinib and its metabolite, ZAAD, was developed, and effects of demographic and clinical factors on the PK of pexidartinib and ZAAD were estimated. The analysis included pooled data from 7 studies in healthy volunteers (N = 159) and 2 studies in patients with TGCT or other solid tumors (N = 216). A structural 2‐compartment model with sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption and lag time, and linear elimination from the central compartment adequately described pexidartinib and ZAAD PKs. Clearance of pexidartinib was estimated at 5.83 L/h in a typical patient with reference covariates (male, non‐Asian, weight = 80 kg, creatinine clearance ≥90 mL/min, aspartate aminotransferase ≤80 U/L, and total bilirubin ≤20.5 μmol/L). In the covariate analysis, Asians and healthy subjects had modestly lower pexidartinib exposure (21% decrease each) in terms of steady‐state area under the curve values from 0 to 24 hours (AUC0‐24,ss). Effects of body weight, sex, and hepatic function parameters on pexidartinib AUC0‐24,ss were generally <20%. Patients with TGCT with mild renal impairment were predicted to have approximately 23% higher AUC0‐24,ss than those with normal renal function. The effects of covariates on ZAAD exposure were similar to those on pexidartinib. These results indicate small and generally clinically nonmeaningful effects of patient demographic and clinical characteristics on pexidartinib and ZAAD PK profiles.
Thalamic Nuclei Volumes and Their Relationships to Neuroperformance in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross‐Sectional Structural MRI Study
Authors: Bergsland Niels , Benedict Ralph H.B. , Dwyer Michael G. , Fuchs Tom A. , Jakimovski Dejan , Schweser Ferdinand , Tavazzi Eleonora , Weinstock‐Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAlthough reduced thalamic volume is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)‐related clinical impairment, the role of individual thalamic nuclei remains poorly understood.Purpose/HypothesisTo test whether individual thalamic nuclei volumes are more strongly associated with clinical disability than the whole thalamic volume.Study TypeRetrospective analysis of a prospective dataset.SubjectsA total of 108 MS patients and 48 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs)Field Strength3T.Sequences3D T1‐weighted inversion recovery spoiled gradient echo; 2D T2‐weighted fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery spin echo; 2D dual‐echo proton density‐weighted/T2‐weighted spin echo.AssessmentsClinical assessments included the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Nine‐Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Timed 25‐Foot Walk (T25FW), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test‐Revised (BVMTR), and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT2). FreeSurfer provided anterior, intralaminar, lateral, medial, ventral, posterior, and total volumes.Statistical TestsFalse discovery rate‐corrected partial correlations (controlling for age, sex, and education) to assess the relationships between volumes and neuroperformance.ResultsCompared to HCs, MS patients presented with lower thalamic nuclei volumes (P < 0.05) except for the intralaminar nucleus (P = 0.279) and scored worse on all neuroperformance scales (P ≤ 0.05) except for CVLT2 (P = 0.151). All nuclei except intralaminar were associated with EDSS (correlation coefficient range: –0.233 to –0.395), SDMT (range: 0.247–0.423), and 9HPT (range: –0.232 to –0.303) (all P < 0.05). BVMTR was associated with anterior (r = 0.319), lateral (r = 0.31), and medial (r = 0.304) volumes (all P < 0.05). T25FW correlated with ventral (r = –0.392) and total (r = –0.309) volumes (both P < 0.05), with the latter being significantly greater (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionAssessing individual nuclei volume can aid in unraveling the relationship between thalamic pathology and disparate aspects of MS‐related disability.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage2
Impact of disease‐modifying drugs on the severity of COVID‐19 infection in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Rostami Mansoor Sahar , Ghasemi‐Kasman Maryam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRecent evidence suggested that neurological manifestations occur in patients with a severe form of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). On the basis of this issue, neurologists are very concerned about patients with neurological disorders, especially multiple sclerosis (MS), as consumers of immunosuppressive or immune‐modulating drugs. Therefore, the administration of proper disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) in MS patients is critical during the pandemic status. On the one hand, both the autoimmune diseases and immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk of infection due to impairment in the immune system, and on the other hand, postponing of MS treatment has serious consequences on the central nervous system. In the present study, we discussed recent literature about the effect of DMTs administration on the severity of COVID‐19 in the MS patients. Overall, it seems that DMTs do not provoke the COVID‐19 infection in the MS patients by declining immune responses and cytokine storm. However, as a precaution, the supervision of a neurologist is highly recommended.
Superficial or partial superficial parotidectomy for the treatment of primary benign parotid tumors
Authors: Mlees Mohamed Ali , Elbarbary Ahmed Hussieny 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe extent of surgery in benign superficial parotid tumors has no strong evidence‐based consensus. Partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) is a popular choice among surgeons. We retrospectively evaluated the hypothesis that it carries similar efficacy and greater safety than superficial parotidectomy (SP).Patients and MethodsBetween 2010 and 2016, 84 patients with benign superficial parotid tumors were enrolled in the study. Deep lobe and recurrent tumors were excluded. The patients were treated by SP; (40 patients) or PSP; (44 patients). The operative and postoperative morbidity, tumor recurrence, operative time, and length of hospitalization were analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference regarding patients or tumors in baseline data. PSP showed significantly shorter operative time (P = .022), and hospital stay (P = .001), as well as significantly lower frequencies of postoperative transient facial nerve paralysis and Frey's syndrome, (P = .042 for each). Permanent facial dysfunction was nonsignificantly greater in SP. No tumor recurrence was detected in either group after a median follow‐up of 7 years.ConclusionsPSP is a quicker and less extensive procedure. It was associated with a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications especially transient facial paralysis and Frey's syndrome with a recurrence rate comparable to that of SP.
Exposure‐Based Writing Therapies for Subthreshold and Clinical Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dawson Rachelle L. , Calear Alison L. , McCallum Sonia M. , McKenna Sarah , Nixon Reginald D. V. , O'Kearney Richard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe undertook a systematic review to assess the efficacy of exposure‐based writing therapies (WTs) for trauma‐exposed adults with subthreshold or clinical levels of posttraumatic stress disorder. Four databases (PsycINFO, Medline, Wiley Online, PILOTS) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exposure‐based WTs. A total of 13 RCTs that reported on results from 17 WT versus control comparisons were included. The primary outcomes were posttraumatic stress symptom severity at posttreatment and/or clinical response. An overall unclear or high risk of bias was identified in 84.6% of studies. In comparison to both waitlist k = 3, Hedges’ g = −0.97, 95% CI [‐1.20, ‐0.73], and placebo writing conditions, k = 9, Hedges’ g = −0.48, 95% CI [‐0.87, ‐0.08], WTs were more beneficial to participants. There was no evidence of a difference between WTs that were longer in duration compared to other psychotherapy, k = 2; pooled OR = 1.42; 95% CI [0.83, 2.43]. These findings indicate that exposure‐based WTs are effective when compared to waitlist and placebo writing control conditions. The evidence needs to be considered in the context of the modest number of studies conducted to date, the high methodological heterogeneity between the studies, and the high or unclear risk of bias across many studies. Further research is needed to increase the evidence base regarding the efficacy of WTs for posttraumatic stress. Future research should also measure the mediators and predictors of outcomes to further develop protocols and understand which variants of WTs work for different populations or individuals.
Reinforced Supramolecular Hydrogels from Attapulgite and Cyclodextrin Pseudopolyrotaxane for Sustained Intra‐Articular Drug Delivery
Authors: Ha Wei , Wang Ze‐Hao , Zhao Xiao‐Bo , Shi Yan‐Ping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInjectable hydrogels for nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs’ (NSAIDs) delivery to minimize the side effects of NSAIDs and achieve long‐term sustained release at the targeted site of synovial joint are attractive for osteoarthritis therapy, but how to improve its mechanical strength remains a challenge. In this work, a kind of 1D natural clay mineral material, attapulgite (ATP), is introduced to a classical cyclodextrin pseudopolyrotaxane (PPR) system to form a reinforced supramolecular hydrogel for sustained release of diclofenac sodium (DS) due to its rigid, rod‐like morphology, and unique structure, which has great potential in tissue regeneration, repair, and engineering. Investigation on the interior morphology and rheological property of the obtained hydrogel points out that the ATP distributed in PPR hydrogel plays a role similar to the “reinforcement in concrete” and exhibits a positive effect on improving the mechanical properties of PPR hydrogel by regulating their interior morphology from a randomly distributed style to the well‐ordered porous frame structure. The hybrid hydrogels demonstrate good shear‐thinning and thixotropic properties, excellent biocompability, and sustained release behavior both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, preliminary in vivo treatment in an acute inflammatory rat model reveals that the ATP hybrid hydrogels present sustained anti‐inflammatory effect.
Designing Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA)‐Based Bioinks for Visible Light Stereolithographic 3D Biofabrication
Authors: Kumar Hitendra , Sakthivel Kabilan , Mohamed Mohamed G. A. , Boras Emilie , Shin Su Ryon , Kim Keekyoung 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBioinks play a key role in determining the capability of the biofabricatoin processes and the resolution of the printed constructs. Excellent biocompatibility, tunable physical properties, and ease of chemical or biological modifications of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) have made it an attractive choice as bioinks for biomanufacturing of various tissues or organs. However, the current preparation methods for GelMA‐based bioinks lack the ability to tailor their physical properties for desired bioprinting methods. Inherently, GelMA prepolymer solution exhibits a fast sol–gel transition at room temperature, which is a hurdle for its use in stereolithography (SLA) bioprinting. Here, synthesis parameters are optimized such as solvents, pH, and reaction time to develop GelMA bioinks which have a slow sol–gel transition at room temperature and visible light crosslinkable functions. A total of eight GelMA combinations are identified as suitable for digital light processing (DLP)‐based SLA (DLP‐SLA) bioprinting through systematic characterizations of their physical and rheological properties. Out of various types of GelMA, those synthesized in reverse osmosis (RO) purified water (referred to as RO‐GelMA) are regarded as most suitable to achieve high DLP‐SLA printing resolution. RO‐GelMA‐based bioinks are also found to be biocompatible showing high survival rates of encapsulated cells in the photocrosslinked gels. Additionally, the astrocytes and fibroblasts are observed to grow and integrate well within the bioprinted constructs. The bioink's superior physical and photocrosslinking properties offer pathways of tuning the scaffold microenvironment and highlight the applicability of developed GelMA bioinks in various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Effects of Low‐Load Boron/Silicon‐Based Graphene Oxide on Combustion and Thermal Degradation of Flame‐Retardant Unsaturated Polyester Resin
Authors: Li Junfei , Gao Ming , Zheng Yudong , Guan Yueping , Yi Deqi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA comparison of ammonium polyphosphate/montmorillonite nanocompound (AM) and a synergistic agent, boron/silicate‐based graphene oxide (B‐Si@GO), is performed in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) on flammability and thermal properties. It is found that by the presence of 14.9 wt% AM and 0.1 wt% B‐Si@GO, the limiting oxygen indices value of 0.1 B‐Si@GO/flame‐retardant‐UPR (FRUPR) composites is increased to 28.5%, and the UL 94 rating of V‐0 is achieved. And, lower loading of B‐Si@GO is observed to improve char skeleton, resulting in better insulation of the char and decrease in heat release, and the synergism of AM and B‐Si@GO reduces the fire risk. Furthermore, by analyzing the pyrolysis behavior and mechanical properties of materials, B‐Si@GO significantly improves the effects of flame retardants on the thermal stability, decomposition activation energy, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of UPR. Finally, flame retardant mechanism and model are proposed on the basis of the analyses of thermal decomposition products and process, and residual char structural components. This work provides a solution to improve the flame retardancy of UPR without affecting its mechanical properties, and will be conducive to the development of its flame retardant mechanism.
In‐silico and in‐vitro testing of an implantable superstrate loaded biocompatible antenna for MICS band applications
Authors: Singh Gurprince , Kaur Jaswinder 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA superstrate loaded body implantable microstrip patch antenna working on Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS) (402‐405 MHz) band for biotelemetry applications is proposed. A 0.64‐mm thick high‐dielectric material Rogers RO Duroid 3010 is used both as substrate and superstrate of dielectric constant 10.2. Shorting pin is used to make compact antenna with footprint of 13.3 × 14.6 mm2. Appreciable bandwidth of 40% is covered by antenna with return loss of −30.95. In‐silico testing inside skin, brain and three layered tissue models is done to test functionality of antenna in homogeneous as well as inhomogeneous tissue environment. For validation of results the fabricated antenna is successfully tested inside in‐vitro solution of homogeneous skin mimicking liquid.
Methocarbamol blocks muscular Nav1.4 channels and decreases isometric force of mouse muscles
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Otto Philipp , Qin Lu , Eiber Nane , Hashemolhosseini Said , Kröger Stephan , Brinkmeier Heinrich 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe muscle relaxant methocarbamol is widely used for the treatment of muscle spasms and pain syndromes. To elucidate molecular mechanisms of its action, we studied its influence on neuromuscular transmission, on isometric muscle force, and on voltage‐gated Na+channels.MethodsNeuromuscular transmission was investigated in murine diaphragm‐phrenic nerve preparations and muscle force studied on mouse soleus muscles. Nav1.4 channels and Nav1.7 channels were functionally expressed in eukaryotic cell lines.ResultsMethocarbamol, at 2 mM, decreased the decay of endplate currents, slowed the decay of endplate potentials and reduced tetanic force of soleus muscles. The drug reversibly inhibited current flow through muscular Nav1.4 channels, while neuronal Nav1.7 channels were unaffected.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence for peripheral actions of methocarbamol on skeletal muscle. Muscular Na+channels are a molecular target of methocarbamol. Since Nav1.7 currents were unaffected, methocarbamol is unlikely to exert its analgesic effect by directly blocking Nav1.7 channels.