bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diffusion-weighted MRI and histogram analysis: assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in nephroblastoma
Authors: Hötker Andreas M. , Mazaheri Yousef , Lollert André , Schenk Jens-Peter , Zheng Junting , Capanu Marinela , Akin Oguz , Graf Norbert , Staatz Gundula 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the value of diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in the non-invasive prediction of blastemal remnant after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in nephroblastoma.

Methods
This IRB-approved study included 32 pediatric patients with 35 tumors who underwent DW-MRI prior and after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and subsequent surgical resection. Two blinded radiologists volumetrically assessed each tumor on pre- and post-neoadjuvant images and the parameters mean ADC, median ADC, 12.5th/25th/75th ADC percentile, skewness, and kurtosis were calculated. Blastemal remnant was determined per the pathology report. Associations between imaging features and blastemal remnant quartiles were examined using the Kruskal–Wallis test and adjusted for false discovery rate.

Results
Inter-reader agreement was high for mean ADC, skewness, kurtosis, and volume (ICC: 0.76–0.998). Pre-therapeutic histogram parameters skewness and kurtosis were found to be higher in patients with a higher amount of blastemal remnant for reader 1 (overall p = 0.035) and for kurtosis in reader 2 (overall p = 0.032) with skewness not reaching the level of statistical significance (overall p = 0.055). Higher tumor volume on pre-treatment imaging was associated with a higher amount of blastemal remnant after therapy (overall p = 0.032 for both readers).

Conclusions
Pre-treatment skewness and kurtosis of ADC histogram analysis were significantly associated with a larger fraction of a blastemal remnant after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These findings could be incorporated into a more personalized chemotherapeutic regime in these patients and offer prognostic information at the time of initial diagnosis.
Pelvic bone CT: can tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT and virtual radiographs be used as alternative for standard CT and digital radiographs?
Authors: Stern Christoph , Sommer Stefan , Germann Christoph , Galley Julien , Pfirrmann Christian W. A. , Fritz Benjamin , Sutter Reto 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To compare ultra-low-dose CT (ULD-CT) of the osseous pelvis with tin filtration to standard clinical CT (CT), and to assess the quality of computed virtual pelvic radiographs (VRs).

Methods
CT protocols were optimized in a phantom and three pelvic cadavers. Thirty prospectively included patients received both standard CT (automated tube voltage selection and current modulation) and tin-filtered ULD-CT of the pelvis (Sn140kV/50mAs). VRs of ULD-CT data were computed using an adapted cone beam–based projection algorithm and were compared to digital radiographs (DRs) of the pelvis. CT and DR dose parameters and quantitative and qualitative measures (1 = worst, 4 = best) were compared. CT and ULD-CT were assessed for osseous pathologies.

Results
Dose reduction of ULD-CT was 84% compared to CT, with a median effective dose of 0.38 mSv (quartile 1–3: 0.37–0.4 mSv) versus 2.31 mSv (1.82–3.58 mSv; p < .001), respectively. Mean dose of DR was 0.37 mSv (± 0.14 mSv). The median signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of bone were significantly higher for CT (64.3 and 21.5, respectively) compared to ULD-CT (50.4 and 18.8; p ≤ .01), while ULD-CT was significantly more dose efficient (figure of merit (FOM) 927.6) than CT (FOM 167.6; p < .001). Both CT and ULD-CT were of good image quality with excellent depiction of anatomy, with a median score of 4 (4–4) for both methods (p = .1). Agreement was perfect between both methods regarding the prevalence of assessed osseous pathologies (p > .99). VRs were successfully calculated and were equivalent to DRs.

Conclusion
Tin-filtered ULD-CT of the pelvis at a dose equivalent to standard radiographs is adequate for assessing bone anatomy and osseous pathologies and had a markedly superior dose efficiency than standard CT.

Key Points
• Ultra-low-dose pelvic CT with tin filtration (0.38 mSv) can be performed at a dose of digital radiographs (0.37 mSv), with a dose reduction of 84% compared to standard CT (2.31 mSv).
• Tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT had lower SNR and CNR and higher image noise than standard CT, but showed clear depiction of anatomy and accurate detection of osseous pathologies.
• Virtual pelvic radiographs were successfully calculated from ultra-low-dose CT data and were equivalent to digital radiographs.
Validation of the European Laryngological Society classification of glottic vascular changes as seen by narrow band imaging in the optical biopsy setting
Authors: Missale Francesco , Taboni Stefano , Carobbio Andrea Luigi Camillo , Mazzola Francesco , Berretti Giulia , Iandelli Andrea , Fragale Marco , Mora Francesco , Paderno Alberto , Del Bon Francesca , Parrinello Giampiero , Deganello Alberto , Piazza Cesare , Peretti Giorgio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
In 2016, the European Laryngological Society (ELS) proposed a classification for vascular changes occurring in glottic lesions as visible by narrow band imaging (NBI), based on the dichotomic distinction between longitudinal vessels (not suspicious) and perpendicular ones (suspicious). The aim of our study was to validate this classification assessing the interobserver agreement and diagnostic test performance in detecting the final histopathology.

Methods
A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing clinical charts, preoperative videos, and final pathologic diagnosis of patients submitted to transoral microsurgery for laryngeal lesions in two Italian referral centers. In each institution, two physicians, independently re-assessed each case applying the ELS classification.

Results
The cohort was composed of 707 patients. The pathologic report showed benign lesions in 208 (29.5%) cases, papillomatosis in 34 (4.8%), squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) up to carcinoma in situ in 200 (28.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 265 (37.5%). The interobserver agreement was extremely high in both institutions (k = 0.954, p < 0.001 and k = 0.880, p < 0.001). Considering the diagnostic performance for identification of at least SIN or SCC, the sensitivity was 0.804 and 0.902, the specificity 0.793 and 0.581, the positive predictive value 0.882 and 0.564, and the negative predictive value 0.678 and 0.908, respectively.

Conclusion
The ELS classification for NBI vascular changes of glottic lesions is a highly reliable tool whose systematic use allows a better diagnostic evaluation of suspicious laryngeal lesions, reliably distinguishing benign ones from those with a diagnosis of papillomatosis, SIN or SCC, thus paving the way towards confirmation of the optical biopsy concept.
Indocyanine green–mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bashir Nasir Zeeshan , Singh Har-Amrit , Virdee Satnam Singh 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green–mediated photodynamic therapy (ICG-PDT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), in the management of chronic periodontitis.Materials and methodsFour electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase via OVID, Web of Science) were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing NSPT with ICG-PDT to NSPT without laser therapy. Primary outcome measures were changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled from 7 eligible trials and meta-analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations.ResultsFor PPD, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional reduction of 1.17 mm (95% CI: 0.67–1.66 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional reduction of 1.06 mm (95% CI: 0.54–1.57 mm) at 6 months. For CAL, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional gain of 0.70 mm (95% CI: 0.17–1.23 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional gain of 1.03 mm (95% CI: 0.83–1.24 mm) at 6 months. No adverse events were reported in any studies.ConclusionsThe adjunctive use of ICG-PDT in NSPT results in improved treatment outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Further investigation is needed to evaluate variables such as different photosensitiser concentrations and adjusting parameters associated with the light source.Clinical relevanceIndocyanine green–based photosensitisers may be a novel, clinically efficacious agent for use in the management of periodontitis.
The Welfare Effects of Index-Based Livestock Insurance: Livestock Herding on Communal Lands
Authors: Bulte Erwin , Haagsma Rein 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAgricultural (index) insurance for smallholders in developing countries has gained traction in academic and policy circles. The expectation is that the uptake of insurance will protect smallholders from production shocks and incentivize them to modernize production. We develop a simple theoretical model to demonstrate that the welfare effects of insurance are fundamentally ambiguous—even in the absence of transaction costs or basis risk. The second-best nature of the institutional context within which smallholders operate implies that the uptake of insurance may accentuate pre-existing inefficiencies. This idea is worked out in detail for the case of livestock herding on common grazing lands. Our theoretical model predicts that insurance invites overstocking of communal lands, and lowers the profitability of herding when common pastures are degraded.
Quantum state tomography with informationally complete POVMs generated in the time domain
Authors: Czerwinski Artur 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe article establishes a framework for dynamic generation of informationally complete POVMs in quantum state tomography. Assuming that the evolution of a quantum system is given by a dynamical map in the Kraus representation, one can switch to the Heisenberg picture and define the measurements in the time domain. Consequently, starting with an incomplete set of positive operators, one can obtain sufficient information for quantum state reconstruction by multiple measurements. The framework has been demonstrated on qubits and qutrits. For some types of dynamical maps, it suffices to initially have one measurement operator. The results demonstrate that quantum state tomography is feasible even with limited measurement potential.
Sustainability and Potato Consumption
Authors: Gustavsen Geir Wæhler 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper analyses the frequency of the consumption of table potatoes in Norway. The analysis shows that the frequency of potato consumption is higher in older cohorts than in younger, and it declines over the life cycle. This indicates that the total consumption will continue to decrease as older potato eating cohorts are replaced with younger cohorts who eat potatoes less frequently. This is bad for food security, it is bad for nutritional health and it is bad for the environment. It is argued that nutritional and environmental organizations should work together to increase the status of the potato.
DNA barcoding and cryptic diversity of deep-sea scavenging amphipods in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (Eastern Equatorial Pacific)
Authors: Mohrbeck Inga , Horton Tammy , Jażdżewska Anna M. , Martínez Arbizu Pedro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), located in the abyssal equatorial Pacific, has been subject to intensive international exploration for polymetallic nodule mining over the last four decades. Many studies have investigated the potential effects of mining on deep-sea ecosystems and highlighted the importance of defining environmental baseline conditions occurring at potential mining sites. However, current information on biodiversity and species distributions in the CCZ is still scarce and hampers the ability to effectively manage and reduce the potential impacts of mining activities. As part of the regulatory regimes adopted by the International Seabed Authority, concession holders are required to conduct an environmental impact assessment and gather baseline data on biodiversity and community structure in relation to their license areas. In the present study, we used an integrative molecular and morphological approach to assess species richness and genetic variation of deep-sea scavenging amphipods collected in two nodule-mining exploration areas (UK-1 and OMS-1 areas) and one Area of Particular Environmental Interest (APEI-6) in the eastern part of the CCZ. We analyzed the DNA sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of 645 specimens belonging to ten distinct morphospecies. Molecular data uncover potential cryptic diversity in two investigated species, morphologically identified as Paralicella caperesca Shulenberger & Barnard, 1976 and Valettietta cf. anacantha (Birstein & Vinogradov, 1963). Our study highlights the importance of using molecular tools in conjunction with traditional morphological methods for modern biodiversity assessment studies, particularly to evaluate morphologically similar individuals and incomplete specimens. The results of this study can help determine species identity and ranges, information which can feed into environmental management.
The impact of COVID-19 on student learning in New South Wales primary schools: an empirical study
Authors: Gore Jennifer , Fray Leanne , Miller Andrew , Harris Jess , Taggart Wendy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic produced widespread disruption to schooling, impacting 90% of the world’s students and moving entire school systems to remote and online learning. In the state of New South Wales, Australia, most students engaged in learning from home for at least eight weeks, with subsequent individual and intermittent school closures. However, while numerous claims have circulated in the popular media and in think tank reports, internationally, about the negative impacts on learning, there is limited empirical evidence of decreased student achievement. Drawing on data from more than 4800 Year 3 and 4 students from 113 NSW government schools, this paper compares student achievement during 2019 and 2020 in a sample of matched schools to examine the effects of the system-wide disruption. Somewhat surprisingly, our analysis found no significant differences between 2019 and 2020 in student achievement growth as measured by progressive achievement tests in mathematics or reading. A more nuanced picture emerges when the sample is examined by dis/advantage (ICSEA) and Year level. The Year 3 cohort in the least advantaged schools (ICSEA < 950) achieved 2 months less growth in mathematics, while the Year 3 students in mid-ICSEA schools (950–1050) achieved 2 months’ additional growth. No significant differences were identified for Indigenous students or students located in regional locations. These results provide an important counter-narrative to widespread speculation about alarming levels of ‘learning loss’ for all students. While the lower achievement growth in mathematics for Year 3 students in lower ICSEA schools must be addressed as a matter of urgency to avoid further inequities, most students are, academically, where they are expected to be. Our findings are a testament to the dedicated work of teachers during the 2020 pandemic to ensure that learning for most students was not compromised, despite unusually trying circumstances.
A niching cross-entropy method for multimodal satellite layout optimization design
Authors: Sun Jialiang , Chen Xianqi , Zhang Jun , Yao Wen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSatellite layout optimization design (SLOD) relies on solving a high-dimensional and multimodal optimization problem, in which there exist multiple global optimal solutions. Existing algorithms for SLOD focus on seeking only one approximate global optimum. However, finding multiple solutions simultaneously could provide more design diversity for the designers. To alleviate this problem, multimodal optimization method is studied for SLOD in this paper, and an improved niching-based cross-entropy method (INCE) is proposed. INCE consists of an improved niching strategy, cross-entropy method-based offspring generation and a cross operator. CEC2013 benchmarks and satellite layout optimization design problem are investigated to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed INCE. Compared with several state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed algorithm performs better.
System-wide joint-dynamic-response approach to water quality evaluation in distribution networks with multiple service reservoirs and pumps
Authors: Tanyimboh Tiku T. , Seyoum Alemtsehay G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRigorous system-wide aggregated water quality performance indices for water distribution networks are lacking in the literature due to complexities associated with high dimensional spatial and temporal water quality data. Water quality considerations unavoidably increase performance evaluation difficulties considerably. The formulation developed in this article addresses the post-extended period simulation high-dimensional data challenges. A system-wide joint-dynamic-response approach to water quality evaluation is introduced that accounts for spatial and temporal variations in nodal demands and the respective time-varying hydraulic and water quality properties of multiple service reservoirs. Effective comparisons of the water quality response of service reservoirs and their effects were achieved. This includes individual reservoirs and the combined effects of multiple reservoirs. Service reservoirs and the nodes they supply were particularly vulnerable from the standpoint of water quality. The role of the network’s topology considering water quality risks was revealed also. The correlation between the medians and flow-weighted daily means of the water quality parameters was very strong (R2 ≥ 0.994) for the service reservoirs considered. Thus, the median could be useful as a practical performance surrogate in design optimization procedures. Finally, there seems to be an association between the flow-weighted daily means and overall hydraulic effectiveness of service reservoirs.
Buckling and vibration analysis of shape memory laminated composite beams under axially heterogeneous in-plane loads in the glass transition temperature region
Authors: Tiwari Nilesh , Shaikh A. A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBuckling and vibration study of the shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) across the glass transition temperature under heterogeneous loading conditions are presented. Finite element analysis based on C° continuity equation through the higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is employed considering non linear Von Karman approach to estimate critical buckling and vibration for the temperature span from 273 to 373 K. Extensive numerical investigations are presented to understand the effect of temperature, boundary conditions, aspect ratio, fiber orientations, laminate stacking and modes of phenomenon on the buckling and vibration behavior of SMPC beam along with the validation and convergence study. Effect of thermal conditions, particularly in the glass transition region of the shape memory polymer, is considerable and presents cohesive relation between dynamic modulus properties with magnitude of critical buckling and vibration. Moreover, it has also been inferred that type of axial loading condition along with the corresponding boundary conditions significantly affect the buckling and vibration load across the glass transition region.
Effects of interphase coupling in one-dimensional particle-laden flow
Authors: Fouda Yahia M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn Euler–Euler particle-laden flow models, the interphase coupling terms might include, in addition to the drag force, the effects of fluid pressure interaction with the particles and the volumetric displacement of the fluid phase due to the presence of the particles. This paper presents an analytical study on these effects for laminar, one-dimensional, steady, inviscid particle-laden flow. The interphase drag force is represented by a linear Stokes formula that is valid for low particle Reynolds number. It is shown mathematically that a full two-way coupling model, which includes all the aforementioned effects, depends on three parameters: inlet particle volume fraction (concentration), inlet density ratio–between the fluid and particle phases–and inlet velocity ratio. When the inlet particle concentration and density ratio are kept low at 0.01 and 0.001, respectively, both the interphase pressure coupling force and the volumetric displacement of the fluid phase are insignificant. For density ratios of 0.001 and 1 and for the inlet particle concentration values examined, the effect of pressure interaction force is not significant. However, it becomes significant for higher density ratio of 10 at inlet particle concentration of 0.1.
Multi-domain inspection of offshore wind farms using an autonomous surface vehicle
Authors: Campos Daniel Filipe , Matos Aníbal , Pinto Andry Maykol 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe offshore wind power industry is an emerging and exponentially growing sector, which calls to a necessity for a cyclical monitoring and inspection to ensure the safety and efficiency of the wind farm facilities. Thus, the emersed (aerial) and immersed (underwater) scenarios must be reconstructed to create a more complete and reliable map that maximizes the observability of all the offshore structures from the wind turbines to the cable arrays, presenting a multi domain scenario.This work proposes the use of an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) to map both domains simultaneously. As such, it will produce a multi-domain map through the fusion of navigational sensors, GPS and IMU, to localize the vehicle and aid the registration process for the perception sensors, 3D Lidar and Multibeam echosounder sonar. The performed experiments demonstrate the ability of the multi-domain mapping architecture to provide an accurate reconstruction of both scenarios into a single representation using the odometry system as the initial seed to further improve the map with data filtering and registration processes. An error of 0.049 m for the odometry estimation is observed with the GPS/IMU fusion for simulated data and 0.07 m for real field tests. The multi-domain map methodology requires an average of 300 ms per iteration to reconstruct the environment, with an error of at most 0.042 m in simulation.
Severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) screening among symptom-free healthcare workers
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Ulrich Angela K. , Wiggen Talia D. , Strickland Ali , Naumchik Brianna M. , Kulasingam Shalini , Stovitz Steven D. , Marotz Clarisse , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Humphrey Greg , De Hoff Peter , Laurent Louise , Kline Susan , Knight Rob 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is possible among symptom-free individuals. Patients are avoiding medically necessary healthcare visits for fear of becoming infected in the healthcare setting. We screened 489 symptom-free healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2 and found no positive results, strongly suggesting that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was <1%.