bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of slice thickness, pixel size, and CT dose on the performance of automatic contouring algorithms
Authors: Huang Kai , Rhee Dong Joo , Ger Rachel , Layman Rick , Yang Jinzhong , Cardenas Carlos E. , Court Laurence E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the impact of computed tomography (CT) image acquisition and reconstruction parameters, including slice thickness, pixel size, and dose, on automatic contouring algorithms.MethodsEleven scans from patients with head‐and‐neck cancer were reconstructed with varying slice thicknesses and pixel sizes. CT dose was varied by adding noise using low‐dose simulation software. The impact of these imaging parameters on two in‐house auto‐contouring algorithms, one convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based and one multiatlas‐based system (MACS) was investigated for 183 reconstructed scans. For each algorithm, auto‐contours for organs‐at‐risk were compared with auto‐contours from scans with 3 mm slice thickness, 0.977 mm pixel size, and 100% CT dose using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and mean surface distance (MSD).ResultsIncreasing the slice thickness from baseline value of 3 mm gave a progressive reduction in DSC and an increase in HD and MSD on average for all structures. Reducing the CT dose only had a relatively minimal effect on DSC and HD. The rate of change with respect to dose for both auto‐contouring methods is approximately 0. Changes in pixel size had a small effect on DSC and HD for CNN‐based auto‐contouring with differences in DSC being within 0.07. Small structures had larger deviations from the baseline values than large structures for DSC. The relative differences in HD and MSD between the large and small structures were small.ConclusionsAuto‐contours can deviate substantially with changes in CT acquisition and reconstruction parameters, especially slice thickness and pixel size. The CNN was less sensitive to changes in pixel size, and dose levels than the MACS. The results contraindicated more restrictive values for the parameters should be used than a typical imaging protocol for head‐and‐neck.
Dose reduction in digital radiography based on the significance of marginal contrast detectability
Authors: Scott Alexander W. , Zhou Yifang , Zhang Di , Binesh Nader , Lee Christina , Bosteder Mark 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe performance of three digital detectors was measured at two exposure index (EI) levels in terms of the effect on features at the borderline of detectability. The null hypothesis was that there would be no statistically significant difference in the CNR of marginally visible features of a baseline‐ (2.2 µGy) and reduced dose (1.4 µGy) images. The experiment used three digital detectors and a phantom composed of an aluminum contrast‐recovery plate, with features of varying diameters and hole depths, which was placed between the detector/grid and 5–20 cm Lucite. Exposures were made using a kVp between 55 and 110 corresponding to the Lucite thickness and a mAs producing an EI of approximately 220 or 140. Images were acquired for all detectors, EI values, and all Lucite thicknesses, then scored by a team of physicists and technologists in terms of feature visibility for each feature size. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for each feature using an ROI over the feature and a local background annulus. The uncertainty in the CNR was determined by sampling the background at each feature size, finding residuals from an overall background fit, and then calculating a standard deviation in the noise for each size. The marginal feature pair for each feature size bracketed the reader score. The difference between the CNR values of corresponding marginal features in EI‐paired images was significant (P < 0.05) for one detector and not significant (P > 0.05) for marginal features of the other two. Based on both reader scoring and CNR measurements of phantoms, patient doses can be lowered by 30% for those two detectors without a statistically significant difference in lesion perceptibility of the marginally visible feature, while for the other detector there was a statistically significant change in marginal feature detectability and dose reduction was not recommended.
Use of an Integrated Care Management Program to Uncover and Address Social Determinants of Health for Individuals With Lupus
Authors: Taber Kreager A. , Williams Jessica N. , Huang Weixing , McLaughlin Katherine , Vogeli Christine , Cunningham Rebecca , Wichmann Lisa , Feldman Candace H. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveWe studied patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) enrolled in a nurse‐led, multihospital, primary care–based integrated care management program (iCMP) for complex patients with chronic conditions to understand whether social determinants of health (SDoH), including food insecurity, housing instability, and financial constraints, were prevalent in this population.MethodsThe academic hospital‐based iCMP enrolls the top 2% of medically and psychosocially complex patients identified on the basis of clinical complexity health care use, and primary care provider referral. A nurse conducts needs assessments and coordinates care. We reviewed the electronic medical records of enrolled patients with SLE to identify SDoH needs and corresponding actions taken 1 year prior to iCMP enrollment using physicians’ and social workers’ notes, and during enrollment using iCMP team members’ notes.ResultsAmong 69 patients with SLE in the iCMP, in the year prior to enrollment, 57% had documentation of one or more SDoH challenges, compared with 94% during enrollment. iCMP nurses discussed and addressed one or more SDoH issues for 81% of the patients; transportation challenges, medication access, mental health care access, and financial insecurity were the most prevalent. Nurses connected 75% of these patients with related resources and support.ConclusionAlthough SDoH‐related issues were not used to identify patients for the iCMP, the vast majority of enrolled medically and psychosocially complex patients with SLE had these needs. The iCMP team uncovered and addressed SDoH‐related concerns not documented prior to iCMP participation. Expansion of care management programs like the iCMP would help identify, document, and address these barriers that contribute to disparities in chronic disease care and outcomes.
Discovery of New Carbonyl Reductases Using Functional Metagenomics and Applications in Biocatalysis
Authors: Newgas Sophie A. , Jeffries Jack W. E. , Moody Thomas S. , Ward John M. , Hailes Helen C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEnzyme discovery for use in the manufacture of chemicals, requiring high stereoselectivities, continues to be an important avenue of research. Here, a sequence directed metagenomics approach is described to identify short chain carbonyl reductases. PCR from a metagenomic template generated 37 enzymes, with an average 25% sequence identity, twelve of which showed interesting activities in initial screens. Six of the most productive enzymes were then tested against a panel of 21 substrates, including bulkier substrates that have been noted as challenging in biocatalytic reductions. Two enzymes were selected for further studies with the Wieland Miescher ketone. Notably, enzyme SDR‐17, when co‐expressed with a co‐factor recycling system produced the anti‐(4aR,5S) isomer in excellent isolated yields of 89% and 99% e.e. These results demonstrate the viability of a sequence directed metagenomics approach for the identification of multiple homologous sequences with low similarity, that can yield highly stereoselective enzymes with applicability in industrial biocatalysis.magnified image
Beyond Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status: Exploring the Role of Neighborhood Resources for Preschool Classroom Quality and Early Childhood Development
Authors: Wei Wendy S. , McCoy Dana C. , Busby Andrea Kinghorn , Hanno Emily C. , Sabol Terri J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe neighborhood literature consistently documents associations between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and child development. Yet, this approach may miss important heterogeneity in neighborhood resources (e.g., libraries, doctors’ offices) that have important implications for children. Moreover, the mechanisms that explain the relation between neighborhood characteristics and child outcomes are poorly understood. Using a sample of 955 children situated in preschool neighborhoods across nine United States cities, the present study aimed to (1) describe the relation between neighborhood SES and resources among our sample neighborhoods and (2) explore whether neighborhood SES and resources may be (a) independently and (b) jointly associated with young children’s gains in language/literacy and executive function skills via differences in preschool classroom process quality. Our results suggested that neighborhoods were heterogeneous in both SES and resources, thereby indicating a diverse range of resource availability among lower SES neighborhoods. Moreover, we found that both neighborhood SES and resources were individually associated with benefits to children’s development through levels of classroom process quality and that these associations were magnified in communities that were particularly high in both SES and resources. These findings point to potential policy levers at both neighborhood and classroom levels to support children’s development.
Who is analysing what? The opportunities, risks and implications of using predictive risk modelling with Indigenous Australians in child protection: A scoping review
Authors: Krakouer Jacynta , Wu Tan Wei , Parolini Arno 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPredictive risk modelling using administrative data is increasingly being promoted to tackle complex social policy issues, including the risk of child maltreatment and recurring involvement with child protection systems. This paper discusses opportunities and risks concerning predictive risk modelling with administrative datasets to address Indigenous Australian overrepresentation in Australian child protection systems. A scoping review using five databases, and the Google search engine, examined peer‐reviewed and grey literature on risks associated with predictive risk models (PRMs) for racial and ethnic populations in child protection systems, such as Indigenous Australians. The findings revealed a dearth of research, especially considering Indigenous populations. Although PRMs have been developed for Australian child protection systems, no empirical research was found in relation to Indigenous Australians. The implications for utilising administrative data to address Indigenous Australian overrepresentation are discussed, focusing on methodological limitations of predictive analytics, and notions of fairness and bias. Participatory model development, transparency and Indigenous data sovereignty are crucial to ensure the development of fair and unbiased PRMs in Australian child protection systems. Yet, while PRMs may offer substantial benefits as decision support tools, significant developments – which fully include Indigenous Australians – are needed before they can be used with Indigenous Australians.
High‐Contrast Fluorescence Diagnosis of Cancer Cells/Tissues Based on β‐Lapachone‐Triggered ROS Amplification Specific in Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Mengxing , Zhang Hongxing , Guo Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDiscrimination of cancer cells/tissues from normal ones is of critical importance for early diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Herein, we present a new strategy for high‐contrast fluorescence diagnosis of cancer cells/tissues based on β‐Lapachone (β‐Lap, an anticancer agent) triggered ROS (reactive oxygen species) amplification specific in cancer cells/tissues. With the strategy, a wide range of cancer cells/tissues, including surgical tissue specimens harvested from patients, were distinguished from normal ones by using a combination of β‐Lap and a Si‐rhodamine‐based NIR fluorescent ROS probe PSiR3 developed in this work with average tumor‐to‐normal (T/N) ratios up to 15 in cell level and 24 in tissue level, far exceeding the clinically acceptable threshold of 2.0. What's more, the strategy allowed the fluorescence discrimination of tumor tissues from inflammatory ones based on whether a marked fluorescence enhancement could be induced when treated with PSiR3 and β‐Lap/PSiR3 combination, respectively.
Fabrication of imprinted photonic films via predesigned multiple UV‐polymerizations and their ability to detect solvents and metal ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Hung Yi‐Hua , Liu Chun‐Yen , Chang Kai‐Ti , Chen Yi‐Ho , Liu Jui‐Hsiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo synthesize photonic films without a chiral dopant, a predesigned multiple photopolymerization process was carried out. The photonic films were prepared by the photopolymerization of a mixture of chiral nematic liquid crystals. After polymerization, the chiral dopant, CB15, was removed and recycled. The imprinted photonic polymer films showed Bragg reflection without the presence of the chiral dopant. Upon the sensing of solvents in aqueous solution, significant color changes and peak shifts were observed by the naked eye and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, respectively. A linear calibration curve between the central wavelength of the reflection band of the fabricated imprinting film and the volume ratio of 1,4‐dioxane in water was observed. Furthermore, the sensing of chloroform content in methanol, ethanol, and acetone via the imprinted film were also investigated. The results suggest that the synthesized imprinted photonic films can detect different kinds of mixed solvents. The sensing properties of the photonic films were further improved by copolymerization with a rhodamine‐derived monomer. The synthesized modified photonic films can detect heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. This study reports a novel, recyclable, and easy approach to detect organic solvents and copper ions in aqueous solution.
Natural Triterpenoids Isolated from Akebia trifoliata Stem Explants Exert a Hypoglycemic Effect via α‐Glucosidase Inhibition and Glucose Uptake Stimulation in Insulin‐Resistant HepG2 Cells
Authors: Bian Guoyong , Yang Jinbo , Elango Jeevithan , Wu Wenhui , Bao Bin , Bao Chunling 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe inhibition of α‐glucosidase activity is a prospective approach to attenuate postprandial hyperglycemia in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Herein, the inhibition of α‐glucosidase by three compounds T1–T3 of Akebia trifoliata stem, namely hederagenin (T1), 3‐epiakebonoic acid (T2), and arjunolic acid (T3) were investigated using enzyme kinetics and molecular docking analysis. The three triterpenoids exhibited excellent inhibitory activities against α‐glucosidase. T1–T3 showed the strongest inhibition with IC50 values of 42.1±5.4, 19.6±3.2, and 11.2±2.3 μM, respectively, compared to the acarbose positive control (IC50=106.3±8.2). Enzyme inhibition kinetics showed that triterpenoids T1–T3 demonstrated competitive, mixed, and noncompetitive‐type inhibition against α‐glucosidase, respectively. The inhibition constant (Ki) values were 21.21, 7.70, and 3.18 μM, respectively. Docking analysis determined that the interaction of ligands T1–T3 and α‐glucosidase was mainly forced by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which could result in improved binding to the active site of the target enzyme. The insulin resistant (IR)‐HepG2 cell model used in this study (HepG2 cells exposed to 10−7 M insulin for 24 h) and glucose uptake assays showed that compounds T1–T3 had no cytotoxicity with concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 25 μM and displayed significant stimulation of glucose uptake in IR‐HepG2 cells. Thus, triterpenoids T1–T3 showed dual therapeutic effects of α‐glucosidase inhibition and glucose uptake stimulation and could be used as potential medicinal resources to investigate new antidiabetic agents for the prevention or treatment of diabetes.
Vapochromic Luminescent π‐Conjugated Systems with Reversible Coordination‐Number Control of Hypervalent Tin(IV)‐Fused Azobenzene Complexes
Authors: Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe dynamic and reversible changes of coordination numbers between five and six in solution and solid states, based on hypervalent tin(IV)‐fused azobenzene (TAz) complexes, are reported. It was found that the TAz complexes showed deep‐red emission owing to the hypervalent bond composed of an electron‐donating three‐center four‐electron (3c–4e) bond and an electron‐accepting nitrogen–tin (N–Sn) coordination. Furthermore, hypsochromic shifts in optical spectra were observed in Lewis basic solvents because of alteration of the coordination number from five to six. In particular, vapochromic luminescence was induced by attachment of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vapor to the coordination point at the tin atom accompanied with a crystal–crystal phase transition. Additionally, the color‐change mechanism and degree of binding constants were well explained by theoretical calculation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of vapochromic luminescence by using stable and variable coordination numbers of hypervalent bonds.
Ibuprofen enantiomers in premature neonates with patent ductus arteriosus: Preliminary data on an unexpected pharmacokinetic profile of S(+)‐ibuprofen
Authors: Padrini Roberto , Ancora Caterina , Nardo Daniel , De Rosa Giovanni , Salvadori Sabrina , Bonadies Luca , Frigo Anna Chiara , Lago Paola 
Published: March 2021

AbstractS(+)‐ibuprofen (S‐IBU) and R(−)‐ibuprofen (R‐IBU) concentrations were measured in 16 neonates with patent ductus arteriosus during a cycle of therapy (three intravenous doses of 10–5–5 mg kg−1 at 24‐h intervals), at the end of the first infusion and 6, 24, 48, and 72 h later. Data were analyzed with a PK model that included enantiomer elimination rate constants and the R‐ to S‐IBU conversion rate constant. The T½ of S‐IBU in the newborn was much longer than in adults (41.8 vs. ≈2 h), whereas the T½ of R‐IBU appeared to be the same (2.3 h). The mean fraction of R‐ to S‐IBU conversion was much the same as in adults (0.41 vs. ≈0.60). S‐IBU concentrations measured 6 h after the first dose were higher than at the end of the infusion in 10 out of 16 cases, and in five cases, they remained higher even after 24 h. This behavior is unprecedented and may be attributable to a rapid R‐to‐S conversion overlapping with a slow S‐IBU elimination rate. In 13 of the 16 neonates, S‐IBU concentrations at 48 and/or 72 h were lower than expected, probably due to the rapid postnatal maturation of the newborn's liver metabolism.
Cancer diagnoses and survival rise as 65‐year‐olds become Medicare‐eligible
Authors: Patel Deven C. , He Hao , Berry Mark F. , Yang Chi‐Fu Jeffrey , Trope Winston L. , Wang Yoyo , Lui Natalie S. , Liou Douglas Z. , Backhus Leah M. , Shrager Joseph B. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundA Medicare effect has been described to account for increased health care utilization occurring at the age of 65 years. The existence of such an effect in cancer care, where it would be most likely to reduce mortality, has been unclear.MethodsPatients aged 61 to 69 years who were diagnosed with lung, breast, colon, or prostate cancer from 2004 to 2016 were identified with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and were dichotomized on the basis of eligibility for Medicare (61‐64 vs 65‐69 years). With age‐over‐age (AoA) percent change calculations, trends in cancer diagnoses and staging were characterized. After matching, uninsured patients who were 61 to 64 years old (pre‐Medicare group) were compared with insured patients who were 65 to 69 years old (post‐Medicare group) with respect to cancer‐specific mortality.ResultsIn all, 134,991 patients were identified with lung cancer, 175,558 were identified with breast cancer, 62,721 were identified with colon cancer, and 238,823 were identified with prostate cancer. The AoA growth in the number of cancer diagnoses was highest at the age of 65 years in comparison with all other ages within the decade for all 4 cancers (P < .01, P < .001, P < .01, and P < .001, respectively). In a comparison of diagnoses at the age of 65 years with those in the 61‐ to 64‐year‐old cohort, the greatest difference for all 4 cancers was seen in stage I. In matched analyses, the 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality was worse for lung (86.3% vs 78.5%; P < .001), breast (32.7% vs 11.0%; P < .001), colon (57.1% vs 35.6%; P < .001), and prostate cancer (16.9% vs 4.8%; P < .001) in the uninsured pre‐Medicare group than the insured post‐Medicare group.ConclusionsThe age threshold of 65 years for Medicare eligibility is associated with more cancer diagnoses (particularly stage I), and this results in lower long‐term cancer‐specific mortality for all cancers studied.Lay Summary

Contributing to the current debate regarding Medicare for all, this study shows that the expansion of Medicare would improve cancer outcomes for the near elderly.
Li8Si8, Li10Si9, and Li12Si10: Assemblies of Lithium‐Silicon Aromatic Units
Authors: Manrique‐de‐la‐Cuba María Fernanda , Leyva‐Parra Luis , Inostroza Diego , Gomez Badhin , Vásquez‐Espinal Alejandro , Garza Jorge , Yañez Osvaldo , Tiznado William 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report the global minima structures of Li8Si8, Li10Si9, and Li12Si10 systems, in which silicon moieties maintain structural and chemical bonding characteristics similar to those of their building blocks: the aromatic clusters Td−Li4Si4 and C2v−Li6Si5. Electron counting rules, chemical bonding analysis, and magnetic response properties verify the silicon unit‘s aromaticity persistence. This study demonstrates the feasibility of assembling silicon‐based nanostructures from aromatics clusters as building blocks.