bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: A cascade 3D U‐Net for dose prediction in radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Shuolin , Zhang Jingjing , Li Teng , Yan Hui , Liu Jianfei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeAlthough large datasets are available, to learn a robust dose prediction model from a limited dataset still remains challenging. This work employed cascaded deep learning models and advanced training strategies with a limited dataset to precisely predict three‐dimensional (3D) dose distribution.MethodsA Cascade 3D (C3D) model is developed based on the cascade mechanism and 3D U‐Net network units. During model training, data augmentations are used to improve the generalization ability of the prediction model. A knowledge distillation technique is employed to further improve the capability of model learning. The C3D network was evaluated using the OpenKBP challenge dataset and competed with those models proposed by more than 40 teams globally. Additionally, it was compared with five existing cutting‐edge dose prediction models. The performance of these prediction models was evaluated by voxel‐based mean absolute error (MAE) and clinical‐related dosimetric metrics. The code and models are publicly available online (https://github.com/LSL000UD/RTDosePrediction).ResultsThe MAE of a single C3D model without test‐time augmentation is 2.50 Gy (3.57% related to prescription dose) for nonzero dose area, which outperforms the other five dose prediction models by about 0.1 Gy–1.7 Gy. The C3D model won both dose and DVH streams of AAPM 2020 OpenKBP challenge with dose score of 2.31 and DVH score of 1.55.ConclusionsThe Cascading U‐Nets is an ideal solution for 3D dose prediction from a limited dataset. The proper data preprocessing, data augmentation, and optimization procedure are more important than architectural modifications of deep learning network.
Extraction of media adventitia and luminal intima borders by reconstructing intravascular ultrasound image sequences with vascular structural continuity
Authors: Huang Yi , Xia Menghua , Guo Yi , Zhou Guohui , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeMost published methods directly achieve vessel membrane border detection on cross‐sectional intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. The vascular structural continuity that exists in entire IVUS image sequences has been overlooked. However, this continuity can have a helpful role in the delineation of vessel membrane contours. To achieve the vessel membrane segmentation more effectively through employing this continuity, a strategy, referred to as multiangle reconstruction, segmentation, and recovery (RSR), is proposed in this paper.MethodsFour main steps are contained in the multiangle‐RSR: first, a combination of sampling and interpolation is employed to reconstruct long‐axis‐model IVUS frames, in which continuity information becomes available. Second, a clustering algorithm is conducted on long‐axis‐model IVUS frames to roughly extract the media‐adventitia (MA) and lumen‐intima (LI) boundaries. Third, the segmentation results of cross‐sectional IVUS frames are recovered based on the rough results of long‐axis‐model IVUS frames, and an optimization process that combines downsampling, fitting and smoothing is designed to reduce the interference of bifurcation and side vessels.ResultsMultiangle‐RSR is tested on a public dataset, and the Hausdorff distance (HD), Jaccard measure (JM), and percentage of area difference (PAD) are utilized as quantitative evaluation metrics. Mean HDs of 0.34 and 0.29 mm are obtained for MA border detection and LI border detection, respectively, which decrease by 43.3% and 9.4%, respectively, compared with their counterparts in previously published approaches. Furthermore, the mean JM is 0.87 for both MA border detection and LI border detection. The mean PADs of the MA contour extraction and the LI contour extraction are 0.10 and 0.11, respectively.ConclusionThe results indicate that the proposed strategy effectively introduces vascular structural continuity by reconstructing long‐axis‐model IVUS frames and achieves more precise extraction of MA and LI borders.
A data‐oriented approach to making new molecules as a student experiment: artificial intelligence‐enabling FAIR publication of NMR data for organic esters
Authors: Rzepa Henry S. , Kuhn Stefan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe lack of machine‐readable data is a major obstacle in the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in artificial intelligence (AI). As a way to overcome this, a procedure for capturing primary NMR spectroscopic instrumental data annotated with rich metadata and publication in a Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) data repository is described as part of an undergraduate student laboratory experiment in a chemistry department. This couples the techniques of chemical synthesis of a never before made organic ester with illustration of modern data management practices and serves to raise student awareness of how FAIR data might improve research quality and replicability. Searches of the registered metadata are shown, which enable actionable finding and accessing of such data. The potential for re‐use of the data in AI applications is discussed.
Light trapping in thin silicon solar cells: A review on fundamentals and technologies
Authors: Saive Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThin, flexible, and efficient silicon solar cells would revolutionize the photovoltaic market and open up new opportunities for PV integration. However, as an indirect semiconductor, silicon exhibits weak absorption for infrared photons and the efficient absorption of the full above bandgap solar spectrum requires careful photon management. This review paper provides an overview on the fundamental physics of light trapping and explains known theoretical limits. Technologies that have been developed to improve light trapping will be discussed, and limitations will be addressed.
Nanoparticle delivery system, highly active antiretroviral therapy, and testicular morphology: The role of stereology
Authors: Naidu Edwin Coleridge S. , Olojede Samuel Oluwaseun , Lawal Sodiq Kolawole , Rennie Carmen Olivia , Azu Onyemaechi Okpara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe conjugation of nanoparticles (NPs) with antiretroviral drugs is a drug delivery approach with great potential for managing HIV infections. Despite their promise, recent studies have highlighted the toxic effects of nanoparticles on testicular tissue and their impact on sperm morphology. This review explores the role of stereological techniques in assessing the testicular morphology in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) when a nanoparticle drug delivery system is used. Also, NPs penetration and pharmacokinetics concerning the testicular tissue and blood–testis barrier form the vital part of this review. More so, various classes of NPs employed in biomedical and clinical research to deliver antiretroviral drugs were thoroughly discussed. In addition, considerations for minimizing nanoparticle‐drugs toxicity, ensuring enhanced permeability of nanoparticles, maximizing drug efficacy, ensuring adequate bioavailability, and formulation of HAART‐NPs fabrication are well discussed.
Delayed hypercoagulable state in COVID‐19 adolescent patient: a case report
Authors: Desdiani Desdiani , Yulianti Nita , Basuki Anindita 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a systemic hyperinflammation disease which can cause severe respiratory symptoms and extrapulmonary manifestations. Hypercoagulable state in COVID‐19 adolescent patient is a rare case. We present the case of a 16‐year‐old Indonesian boy with mild COVID‐19 symptoms. Initially, the patient was treated with azithromycin, N‐acetyl cysteine, etc. After several days of the treatment, there was clinical improvement. However, on day 15, the patient experienced hypercoagulation and stroke‐like symptoms. The patient was then subjected to additional drugs, including low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and peripheral neuropathy vitamin therapy. On day 20, the clinical symptoms reduced. This case demonstrates the need for further study of the association between COVID‐19 and stroke in young population and the use of anticoagulants to prevent thrombotic events.
Sample size adaptations and evaluation of pediatric study interpretability
Authors: Lawrence John 
Published: June 2021

To extend marketing exclusivity, a drug manufacture is required by the Food and Drug Administration to conduct an interpretable study of approved drugs that may benefit pediatric patients. In return for conducting an interpretable study, the drug manufacturer is rewarded with an additional 6 months of marketing exclusivity. If the study design uses a fixed sample size and nothing is changed during the study, it is relatively easy to determine whether an interpretable study was conducted. However, if the sample size can be changed based on an unblinded interim analysis, it is difficult to answer the question of whether the study was interpretable. We investigate the optimal design from the manufacturers perspective and find the strategy for sample size adaptation that optimizes the utility including the chance of an interpretable study.
Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Using Molecularly Engineered Functionalized Oligothiophenes as Low‐Cost Hole‐Transporting Materials
Authors: Joseph Vellaichamy , Sutanto Albertus Adrian , Igci Cansu , Syzgantseva Olga A. , Jankauskas Vygintas , Rakstys Kasparas , Queloz Valentin I. E. , Kanda Hiroyuki , Huang Ping‐Yu , Ni Jen‐Shyang , Kinge Sachin , Chen Ming‐Chou , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTriarylamine‐substituted bithiophene (BT‐4D), terthiophene (TT‐4D), and quarterthiophene (QT‐4D) small molecules are synthesized and used as low‐cost hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The optoelectronic, electrochemical, and thermal properties of the compounds are investigated systematically. The BT‐4D, TT‐4D, and QT‐4D compounds exhibit thermal decomposition temperature over 400 °C. The n‐i‐p configured perovskite solar cells (PSCs) fabricated with BT‐4D as HTM show the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.34% owing to its better hole‐extracting properties and film formation compared to TT‐4D and QT‐4D, which exhibit PCE of 17% and 16%, respectively. Importantly, PSCs using BT‐4D demonstrate exceptional stability by retaining 98% of its initial PCE after 1186 h of continuous 1 sun illumination. The remarkable long‐term stability and facile synthetic procedure of BT‐4D show a great promise for efficient, stable, and low‐cost HTMs for PSCs for commercial applications.
Improvement effect of a phase change material on microstructure of cement‐based materials at elevated temperatures
Authors: Gao Furong , Zhang Linglei , Ji Yongsheng , Gao Yan , Xue Qi , Zhang Zhongzhe , Ma Ming Ming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this investigation, a phase change material with a melting temperature of about 450°C (PCM‐45) is prepared and applied to solve microstructure degradation problem of concrete matrix when exposed to temperatures more than 500°C. The morphology changes of PCM‐45 and the improvement effects of PCM‐45 on microstructure of cement matrix are investigated based on microstructure characteristics, ultrasonic pulse velocity of cement paste and compressive strengths of cement mortar with different dosages of PCM‐45 at 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900°C. The results show that morphology of PCM‐45 is changed, indicating that PCM‐45 transforms from solid to liquid phase and that the liquefied PCM‐45 can diffuse at elevated temperatures. When temperature returns to room temperature, the liquefied PCM‐45 becomes solidified, during which process the microstructure of cement matrix is improved. Therefore, compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of specimens with PCM‐45 are greatly increased compared to those of specimens without PCM‐45.
Shear tests of engineered cementitious composites: Mechanical behavior and toughness evaluation
Authors: Zhang Yangxi , Deng Mingke 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMechanical behavior of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) under direct shear is investigated by the double‐shear tests. The main test variables are the volume ratio (0%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) of polyvinyl alcohol fiber and strength grade of ECC. The failure mode, load‐slip response and shear mechanism of ECC under direct shear are analyzed and discussed, respectively. The test results indicate that the failure mode, direct shear strength, shear slip and ductility (toughness) are influenced and been improved significantly by the incorporation of fibers. With the compressive strength of ECC increases, the direct shear strength increases but the post‐peak ductility decreases considerably. The shear mechanisms of ECC is analyzed according to the failure mode. Based on the typical load‐slip curve of ECC under direct shear, a set of size independent toughness indices including the equivalent shear strength and two toughness indices are recommended for evaluating the shear toughness of ECC.
Development and validation of an observation‐based protocol to measure the eight scientific practices of the next generation science standards in K‐12 science classrooms
Authors: Chen Ying‐Chih , Terada Takeshi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe eight scientific practices in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are significant theoretical constructs that reflect the nature of science; they are intended to guide science teaching and learning. Yet, operationalization of these practices in terms of student learning remains limited, and a measurement tool for the eight practices is needed. Using an Interactive‐Constructive‐Active‐Passive (ICAP) theoretical framework, this study develops such a protocol, entitled ICAP to Measure by Observation NGSS Science Practice Implementation in the Classroom (IONIC). This protocol can be applied in K‐12 science classrooms to determine the level of student engagement with the eight practices. Data were collected from 152 video‐recorded lessons obtained after a 3‐year professional development (PD) program designed to engage teachers to better understand and use the NGSS practices. We examined validity (content, face, translation, and construct) and reliability (internal and interrater) of IONIC. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify three competing theoretical models: Parsimonious (three phases of knowledge development: Investigation, Sensemaking, and Evaluating and Communicating, merged with the eight NGSS practices), NGSS (the eight practices), and Comprehensive. The latter consists of an upper‐level (Parsimonious) and a lower‐level (NGSS). The results suggest the Comprehensive Model is the preferred model among the three. In the upper‐level, the score for Phase 3, Evaluating and communicating, is significantly lower than the other two. In the lower‐level, classroom scores for Practice 5, Using mathematics and computational thinking, Practice 7, Engaging in argument from evidence, and Practice 8, Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information, are significantly lower than most of the others. Results of regression analyses suggest that the number of years the teacher participated in PD can predict student IONIC scores. The findings suggest that IONIC is a valid and reliable observation‐based protocol, facilitating an understanding of how students can effectively engage in scientific practices in the classroom.
Predictors for incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis. Data from a national registry of liver disease
Authors: Cortez‐Pinto Helena , Liberal Rodrigo , Lopes Susana , Machado Mariana V. , Carvalho Joana , Dias Teresa , Santos Arsénio , Agostinho Cláudia , Figueiredo Pedro , Loureiro Rafaela , Martins Alexandra , Alexandrino Gonçalo , Cotrim Isabel , Leal Carina , Presa José , Mesquita Mónica , Nunes Joana , Gouveia Catarina , Vale Ana Horta e , Alves Ana Luísa , Coelho Mariana , Maia Luís , Pedroto Isabel , Banhudo António , Pinto João Sebastião , Gomes Marta Vargas , Oliveira Joana , Andreozzi Valeska , Calinas Filipe , on behalf of Liver.pt  
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe current standard of treatment in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), although a considerable proportion of patients show incomplete response resulting in disease progression.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of incomplete response to UDCA and determine associated patients' characteristics.MethodsPatients with PBC as main diagnosis were included from a national multicentric patient registry—Liver.pt. Main endpoints included incomplete response to UDCA treatment according to Barcelona, Paris I and Paris II criteria, Globe and UK PBC scores and the association between baseline characteristics and incomplete response according to Paris II criteria.ResultsA total of 434 PBC patients were identified, with a mean age of 55 years and 89.2% females. Nearly half of patients were asymptomatic at diagnosis and 93.2% had positive anti‐mitochondrial antibodies. Almost all patients (95.6%) had been prescribed at least one drug for PBC treatment. At the last follow‐up visit, 93.3% were under treatment of which 99.8% received UDCA. Incomplete response to UDCA was observed in 30.7%, 35.3%, 53.7% and 36.4% of patients according to Barcelona, Paris I, Paris II criteria and Globe score, respectively. After adjusting for age and sex, and accordingly to Paris II criteria, the risk for incomplete biochemical response was 25% higher for patients with cirrhosis at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.02–1.54; p = 0.033) and 35% (95%CI:1.06–1.72; p = 0.016) and 5% (OR = 1.05; 95%CI:1.01–1.10; p = 0.013) for those with elevated gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).ConclusionA considerable proportion of patients showed incomplete biochemical response to UDCA treatment according to Paris II criteria. Cirrhosis, elevated GGT and ALP at diagnosis were identified as associated risk factors for incomplete response. Early identification of patients at risk of incomplete response could improve treatment care and guide clinical decision to a more careful patient monitorization.
Prevalence of COVID‐19 in patients with autoimmune liver disease in Europe: A patient‐oriented online survey
Authors: Zecher Britta Franziska , Buescher Gustav , Willemse José , Walmsley Martine , Taylor Alison , Leburgue Angela , Schramm Christoph , Lohse Ansgar W. , Sebode Marcial 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuring the current SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic it is important to identify risk factors for COVID‐19. Registry studies are providing growing evidence on the elevated risk of mortality from COVID‐19 in patients with chronic liver disease, especially in advanced stages. Results may, however, have a selection bias towards severe cases. Limited data is available on COVID‐19 in patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD).AimTo perform an online survey to capture the prevalence of COVID‐19 and the state of medical care of patients with AILD in Europe during the pandemic.MethodsData was collected via an anonymous patient‐oriented, online survey, which was available on the EUSurvey platform in nine European languages between 24th June 2020 and 14th October 2020. Of 1834 contributions, 51 were excluded because participants did not name an underlying AILD, and four were excluded because of duplicate data entry.ResultsOf 1,779 participants, 1,752 resided in 20 different countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom (UK). The five countries with the highest numbers of contributions were France (n = 450), Germany (n = 318), the Netherlands (n = 267), Spain (n = 225), and the UK (n = 183). 2.2% of participants (39/1779) had been diagnosed with COVID‐19. There were no differences regarding age, sex, AILD, the status of liver cirrhosis, or status post liver transplantation between COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 cases. Of the 39 COVID‐19 cases, five patients were admitted to a regular ward, one patient was admitted to ICU and required ventilation.ConclusionIn our Europe‐wide, patient‐oriented survey on COVID‐19 in patients with AILD, we detected a low rate of COVID‐19, comparable to the period prevalence of the general population. These results suggest that patients with AILD are not at elevated risk of COVID‐19.
What gastroenterologists should know about SARS–CoV 2 vaccine: World Endoscopy Organization perspective
Authors: Spadaccini Marco , Canziani Lorenzo , Aghemo Alessio , Lleo Ana , Maselli Roberta , Anderloni Andrea , Carrara Silvia , Fugazza Alessandro , Pellegatta Gaia , Galtieri Piera Alessia , Hassan Cesare , Greenwald David , Pochapin Mark , Wallace Michael , Sharma Prateek , Roesch Thomas , Bhandari Pradeep , Emura Fabian , Raju Gottumukkala S , Repici Alessandro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe novel Coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused almost 2 million deaths worldwide. Both Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency have recently approved the first COVID‐19 vaccines, and a few more are going to be approved soon.MethodsSeveral different approaches have been used to stimulate the immune system in mounting a humoral response. As more traditional approaches are under investigation (inactivated virus vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, recombinant virus vaccines), more recent and innovative strategies have been tried (non‐replicating viral vector vaccines, RNA based vaccines, DNA based vaccines).ResultsSince vaccinations campaigns started in December 2020 in both the US and Europe, gastroenterologists will be one of the main sources of information regarding SARS‐CoV 2 vaccination for patients in their practice, including vulnerable patients such as those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), patients with chronic liver disease, and GI cancer patients.ConclusionsThus, we must ourselves be well educated and updated in order to provide unambiguous counseling to these categories of vulnerable patients. In this commentary, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of both approved COVID‐19 vaccines and the ones still under development, and explore potential risks, benefits and prioritization of vaccination.
Role of forested land for natural flood management in the UK: A review
Authors: Cooper Matt M. D. , Patil Sopan D. , Nisbet Thomas R. , Thomas Huw , Smith Andrew R. , McDonald Morag A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNatural flood management (NFM) is the use of natural processes and environments to mitigate flood risk by reducing and delaying peak flood. This review introduces the concept and history of NFM and looks at the current state of research into the potential for using different types of woodland to fulfill the aims of NFM. Four woodland types (catchment, cross‐slope, floodplain, and riparian) are discussed with reference to studies carried out, mainly in the United Kingdom, to determine the relative merits of each type and their effectiveness in mitigating flood risk. We then discuss how trees interact with the hydrological cycle, along with a discussion of modeling methods which seek to determine the amount of water intercepted by different types of forest cover. We find that while there is some evidence that carefully planned and managed woodland can mitigate flood risk, the published data for this evidence base is somewhat sparse. This may be either due to the long timescales needed for comprehensive studies or the relative infancy of the research on NFM. More research needs to be carried out in each of the four woodland types, especially in the UK, as policy makers are increasingly looking towards nature based solutions to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change. The concept of a combined canopy/hydrological model which can be scaled from stand to watershed level and incorporate different types of woodland is suggested as it would be beneficial in guiding woodland creation policy in the future, both at the local and regional scales.This article is categorized under:
Science of Water > Water Extremes
Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness