bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detectability assessment of an x‐ray imaging system using the nodes in a wavelet packet decomposition of a star–bar object
Authors: González‐López Antonio 
Published: April 2021

PurposeUsing linear transformations of the acquired data can expand the study of detectability in an imaging system. From one image, an appropriate transformation will produce a set of signals with different contrast and different frequency contents. In this work this strategy is explored to present a task‐based test for the detectability of an x‐ray imaging system.MethodsImages of a new star–bar phantom are acquired with different entrance air KERMA and with different beam qualities. Then, after a wavelet packet is applied to both input and output of the system, statistical decision theory is applied to determine detectability of the different images or nodes resulting from the transformation. An ideal Bayesian observer (IBO) is applied to the data in the spatial domain to perform ROC analysis and to determine a detectability index for each of the nodes. In addition, image quality is characterized in terms of noise equivalent quanta (NEQ) and a 5 mm nodule detection task is performed.ResultsAUC maps resulting from the analysis show the area under the ROC curve over the whole 2D frequency space for the different doses and beam qualities. Also, AUC curves, obtained by radially averaging the AUC maps, allow comparing detectability of the different techniques as a function of the frequency in a single figure. The results obtained show differences between images acquired with different doses for each of the beam qualities analyzed. Classifying image quality by means of detectability indexes agrees with that of the AUC curves and the nodule detection task but differs from the NEQ for the low air KERMA images.ConclusionsCombining a star–bar as test object, a wavelet packet as linear transformation and ROC analysis provides an appropriate task‐based test for detectability performance of an imaging system. The test presented in this work produces maps and curves quantifying system detectability as a function of the frequency characterizing the signal to detect and allows calculating detectability differences between different acquisition techniques.
Safety and Efficacy of First-Line Pembrolizumab in Black Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Peravali Monica , Ahn Jaeil , Chen Kevin , Rao Suman , Veytsman Irina , Liu Stephen V. , Kim Chul 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has become an integral part of front-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, pivotal trials had significant underrepresentation of Black patients (pts). Lack of sufficient evidence regarding safety and efficacy of ICIs among minority racial groups poses a challenge in delivery of optimal cancer directed care.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed pts with stage IV NSCLC treated with first-line pembrolizumab across three MedStar facilities between January 1, 2014, and May 3, 2019. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were primary endpoints and were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0 (CTCAE v5.0).

Results
In total, 136 pts were identified, with 74 (54.4%) White, 53 (39%) Black, 2 (1.5%) Asian, and 7 (5.1%) other racial groups. Median age was 70 years in White pts and 65 years in Black pts (p &gt; .01). There was no difference in median PFS (5.7 vs. 5.9 months; p = .651) or OS (11.8 vs. 12.4 months; p = .949) between White and Black pts. In the subset of patients whose tumors had high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (≥50%), there was still no difference in efficacy by race. Median PFS (8.7 vs. 3.9 months; p = .843) and OS (14.7 vs. 11.3 months; p = .581) in White versus Black pts were not different. Incidence of irAEs in White versus Black pts was 24.3% and 22.6%, respectively (p = .83).

Conclusion
We found no major differences in either safety or efficacy of first-line pembrolizumab between White and Black pts. Use of first-line pembrolizumab-based treatment in Black pts with stage IV NSCLC is safe and efficacious, based on these real-world data.

Implications for Practice
Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment of solid and hematological malignancies. There are certain populations of patients underrepresented in the original trials including minority racial groups, patients with autoimmune diseases, and those with chronic viral illnesses. Our study focuses on Black patients with metastatic lung cancer who received pembrolizumab and concludes similar safety and response to treatment when compared with White patients. Black patients are an important demographic group in clinical practice often facing systemic health care disparities. This study paves a path for future studies in underrepresented populations receiving immunotherapy across various malignancies.
Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in children: A practical perspective
Authors: Egan Grace , Chopra Yogi , Mourad Stephanie , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Hitzler Johann 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. Although outcomes for low‐risk AML have improved significantly over recent decades, high‐risk AML continues to be associated with an adverse prognosis. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics, risk stratification, and supportive care have contributed to improvements in outcomes in pediatric AML. Targeted approaches, for example, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to treat FLT3‐ITD AML, offer promise and are currently undergoing clinical investigation in pediatric patients. New approaches to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including the use of haploidentical donors, are significantly expanding donor options for patients with high‐risk AML. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the treatment of pediatric AML that are likely to have clinical impact and reshape the standard of care.
Potential advantage of thin‐ply on the composite bolster of a bogie for a high‐speed electric multiple unit
Authors: Liu Baibo , Zhang Qiang , Li Xinyue , Guo Yu , Zhang Zuoqi , Yang Heng , Yuan Yanan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe application of composite materials in bogies for high‐speed electric multiple units (EMUs) has been regarded as a technical breakthrough. The application of composite materials in rail vehicles began late in China. Currently, most composite materials are used in non‐load‐bearing components on the track, and applications in bogies, tie beams, and other load‐bearing components are not mature. In this paper, we innovatively apply a design strategy using thin‐ply on the composite bolster of a bogie for a multiple unit to optimize the static strength of the composite structure under very complex loading. We applied nine unconventional loads and 11 major operating loads in total to evaluate a potential positive influence of using thin‐ply on the static strength of the composite bolster of a bogie. The numerical results showed that for all the complex loading scenarios, the application of thin‐ply could effectively improve the static strength of the composite structure, which is more effective at the location of the bolts and holes. The research results break through the traditional design ideas of composite structures and provide an effective ply design and optimization strategy for composite structure design engineering of high‐speed EMU.
Characterization of IR spectroscopy, APT charge, ESP maps, and AIM analysis of C20 and its C20‐nAln heterofullerene analogous (n = 1–5) using DFT
Authors: Hassanpour Akbar , Nezhad Parvaneh Delir Kheirollahi , Hosseinian Akram , Ebadi Abdolghaffar , Ahmadi Sheida , Ebrahimiasl Saeideh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this computational inspection, influences of substituted aluminum(s) on the vibrational frequency, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, atomic polar tensor (APT) charge, and electrostatic potential (ESP) map, along with atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis of C20 fullerene and its C20‐nAln derivatives (where n = 1–5) are investigated using B3LYP/6‐311 + G*, B3LYP/6‐311++G**, M06‐2X/6‐311++G**, B3PW91/6‐311 + G*, and B3LYP/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ. IR spectroscopy emerges that exclusive of C15Al5, the other optimized structures are global minimum without imaginary frequency. Substituting C20 to C20‐nAln heterofullerenes leads to higher APT charge distribution upon surfaces of heterofullerenes than unsubstituted species. Accordingly, the highest negative and positive APT charges on carbon and aluminum atoms of C15Al5 suggest that these sites can be attacked more readily by electrophilic and nucleophilic regents, that is, may act as the Lewis acid or Lewis base centers. This species is including five alternative aluminum heteroatoms in equatorial position and can be suitable hydrogen storage. AIM analysis of the studied C20‐nAln derivatives implies the highest ρ(r) of 0.083 a.u., the highest negative ∇2ρ(r) of −0.084 and −0.085 a.u. and the highest positive G(r)/V(r) of 4.86 and 4.69 a.u. at bond critical point of CAl bond with the strongest covalent property in the most stable C19Al1 and C17Al3 species, respectively, between studied structures.
Body image among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: A scoping review
Authors: Vani Madison F. , Lucibello Kristen M. , Trinh Linda , Santa Mina Daniel , Sabiston Catherine M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveCancer and treatment can produce temporary or permanent body changes, which may affect the body image (BI) of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs). This evidence has not been comprehensively summarized. A scoping review was conducted to explore the available evidence on BI among AYAs and identify the definitions, theories, models, frameworks, measures, and methods used to assess BI.MethodsDatabases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (via Ovid) and CINAHL and Gender Studies (via EBSCO) were searched to identify published studies from 1 January 2000 to 25 November 2019. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology; at least one BI‐related measure or theme; published in English; and majority of the sample between 13 and 39 years at diagnosis and a mean age at diagnosis between 13 and 39 years. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full‐text articles and data were extracted and summarized.ResultsThe search yielded 11,347 articles and 82 met inclusion criteria. Articles included 45 quantitative, 33 qualitative, and four mixed‐methods studies. The majority of studies used cross‐sectional designs, while BI definitions, theories, models, frameworks, and measures were varied. Studies explored descriptive, psychological, physical, coping, and social factors, with BI being described most often as an outcome rather than a predictor.ConclusionsTheory‐based research that employs a holistic BI definition and uses longitudinal or intervention study designs or a qualitative methodology is needed to better understand the BI experience of AYAs and inform the development of strategies and programs to reduce BI concerns and increase positive body experiences.
Physical activity, lung function, and sleep outcomes in urban children with asthma
Authors: Powers Kate E. , Jelalian Elissa , Dunsiger Shira , Farrow Michael , Miranda Luis G. , Mitchell Patricia , Kopel Sheryl , Koinis‐Mitchell Daphne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo examine (1) whether daily declines in physical activity (PA) level and/or in lung function (FEV1) predict an asthma exacerbation in a sample of urban children with asthma, and (2) the association between number of sleep awakenings and decline in daytime PA in this group.MethodsIn this sample of urban children aged 7–9 years with persistent asthma (N = 147), objective methods assessing lung function via a handheld spirometer and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) via accelerometry were measured over a 4‐week period during the fall and early winter of each year as part of a larger 5‐year study.ResultsIn the entire sample, a significant association between PA and lung function was noted such that a greater decline in daily MVPA was associated with lower odds of exacerbation. Ethnic group differences showed that this association was also significant only among Latino children (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.97–0.99). A greater number of sleep awakenings were associated with greater declines in daily MVPA among Latinos only (p = .05).ConclusionsResults suggest that declining MVPA may contribute to lower risk for an exacerbation. Reasons for declining MVPA need to be further explored in this group. Children with asthma may avoid or be fearful of engaging in PA or may face early symptoms which influence patterns of PA, and this may minimize risk for an exacerbation. Results also suggest reasons for night‐time disruptions may need to be targeted in further research or interventions as they can contribute to PA avoidance in this high‐risk group.
Sequence and evolutionary analysis of bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins
Authors: Deryusheva Evgeniya , Machulin Andrey , Matyunin Maxim , Galzitskaya Oxana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe multi‐domain bacterial S1 protein is the largest and most functionally important ribosomal protein of the 30S subunit, which interacts with both mRNA and proteins. The family of ribosomal S1 proteins differs in the classical sense from a protein with tandem repeats and has a “bead‐on‐string” organization, where each repeat is folded into a globular domain. Based on our recent data, the study of evolutionary relationships for the bacterial phyla will provide evidence for one of the proposed theories of the evolutionary development of proteins with structural repeats: from multiple repeats of assembles to single repeats, or vice versa. In this comparative analysis of 1333 S1 sequences that were identified in 24 different phyla, we demonstrate how such phyla can form independently/dependently during evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first study of the evolutionary history of bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins. The collected and structured data can be useful to computer biologists as a resource for determining percent identity, amino acid composition and logo motifs, as well as dN/dS ratio in bacterial S1 protein. The obtained research data indicate that the evolutionary development of bacterial ribosomal S1 proteins evolved from multiple assemblies to single repeat. The presented data are integrated into the server, which can be accessed at http://oka.protres.ru:4200.
Expression and purification of the native C‐amidated antimicrobial peptide maculatin 1.1
Authors: Zhu Shiying , Weber Daniel K. , Separovic Frances , Sani Marc‐Antoine 
Published: April 2021

Maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) from an Australian tree frog and exhibits low micromolar activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of Mac1 are linked to its disruption of bacterial lipid membranes, which has been studied extensively by in vitro nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and biophysical approaches. Although in vivo NMR has recently proven effective in probing peptide‐lipid interplay in live bacterial cells, direct structural characterisation of AMPs has been prohibited by low sensitivity and overwhelming background noise. To overcome this issue, we report a recombinant expression protocol to produce isotopically enriched Mac1. We utilized a double‐fusion construct to alleviate toxicity against the Escherichia coli host and generate the native N‐free and C‐amidated termini Mac1 peptide. The SUMO and intein tags allowed native N‐terminus and C‐terminal amidation, respectively, to be achieved in a one‐pot reaction. The protocol yielded 0.1 mg/L of native, uniformly 15N‐labelled, Mac1, which possessed identical structure and activity to peptide obtained by solid‐phase peptide synthesis.
On Szeged‐type indices of titanium oxideTiO2nanotubes
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Malik Mehar Ali , Javed Ramsha 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe relations and correlation between the physicochemical characteristics of a chemical compounds and the molecular structure connectivity of the same compound are used in quantitative structure activity and property relationship studies (QSAR/QSPR) by using the appropriate graph‐theoretical techniques. Szeged index has been extensively studied for modeling physicochemical properties of organic compounds acting as drugs or possess pharmacological activity. In this paper, we consider the two‐dimensional lattices of titanium oxide nanotubes TiO2. We compute several Szeged‐type indices such as vertex Szeged, edge Szeged, edge‐vertex Szeged, total Szeged, Padmaker–Ivan, revised Szeged and revised‐edge Szeged indices of these graphs. We define new types of cuts that are different from orthogonal cuts and can be used to obtain Szeged‐type results of titania nanotubes.
Early completion of phase I cancer clinical trials with Bayesian optimal interval design
Authors: Kojima Masahiro 
Published: April 2021

Phase I cancer clinical trials have been proposed novel designs such as algorithm‐based, model‐based, and model‐assisted designs. Model‐based and model‐assisted designs have a higher identification rate of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) than algorithm‐based designs, but are limited by the fact that the sample size is fixed. Hence, it would be very attractive to estimate the MTD with sufficient accuracy and complete the trial early. O'Quigley proposed the early completion of a trial with the continual reassessment method among model‐based designs when the MTD is estimated with sufficient accuracy. However, the proposed early completion method based on the binary outcome trees has a problem that the calculation cost is high when the number of remaining patients is large.Among model‐assisted designs, the Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design provides the simplest approach for dose adjustment. We propose the novel early completion method for the clinical trials with the BOIN design when the MTD is estimated with sufficient accuracy. This completion method can be easily calculated. In addition, the method does not require many more patients treated for the determination of early completion. We confirm that the BOIN design applying the early completion method has almost the same MTD identification rate compared to the BOIN design through simulations conducted based on over 30 000 scenarios.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Using Nanocrystalline Boron‐doped TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Barkul Rani P. , Sutar Radhakrishna S. , Patil Meghshyam K. , Delekar Sagar D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this work, bare or mixed environmentally non‐benign organic pollutants have been decontaminated using boron‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles (B@TiO2). B@TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with varying content of boron (0.0 to 7.0 mol %) are synthesized using sol‐gel method. These NPs are characterized by using different tools. XRD reveals the high crystalline nature with formation of anatase phase and also shows slight increase in crystallite size with increase in boron content in TiO2 host lattice. The optical shift towards higher wavelength increases with increase of boron doping and hence corresponding decrease in optical band gap of doped NPs is confirmed. FTIR and TGA studies reveal the increase of surface hydroxylation of NPs with increase in dopant content. B@TiO2 samples have been used for the photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A, rhodamine B, methylene blue, methyl orange and mixture of these three dyes under sunlight illumination. 7.0 mol % B@TiO2 has shown the best activity than other prepared samples. Rate of degradation of mixed dyes using 7.0 mol % B@TiO2 is about seven times higher to that of bare TiO2 and also shown higher rate than other doped samples.
Novel UiO‐66‐NH2/Gly/GO Nanocomposite Adsorbent for Ultra‐trace Analyzing of Chlorpyrifos Pesticide by Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Karami Kazem , Mardaniboldaji Ali , Rezayat Mohammad R. , Bayat Parvaneh , Jafari Mohammad T 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper seeks to produce UiO‐66‐NH2/Gly/GO nanocomposite, which is solvothermally synthesised by the “prefunctionalisation” approach using 2‐aminoterephthalic acid as an organic linker in a Teflon lined autoclave and its linking to a graphene surface by glycine and finally characterized by methods such as FTIR spectrometer, Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), thermal stability measurement (TGA), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET). UiO‐66‐NH2/Gly/GO nanocomposite has been exploited as an adsorbent in solid phase microextraction (SPME) method and also the pesticide chlorpyrifos as an organophosphorous pesticide is selected for the model compound. As for a determination system, Corona discharge ionization‐ion mobility spectrometry (CD‐IMS) has been employed. The nanocomposite capability in extracting the target analyte before and after the coating of the GO has been experimentally investigated. The IMS sensitivity has been strikingly increased in the course of using the GO as the nanocomposite coating. In order to increase the extraction efficiency and preconcentration of the analyte, both extraction temperature and time are scrutinized. All through this method, analysis factors are achieved as follows: linear dynamic range (LDR); 0.5‐20.0 μg L−1, correlation coefficient (R2); 0.9992, the limit of quantification (LOQ); 0.5 μg L−1, and limit of detection (LOD); 0.15 μg L−1. On the whole, the proposed approach seems to be regarded as a successful method for analyzing the organophosphouros pesticide.
Efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment on Chemical and Microbial Pollutants in Water
Authors: El‐Kalliny Amer S. , Abd‐Elmaksoud Sherif , El‐Liethy Mohamed A. , Abu Hashish Hassan M. , Abdel‐Wahed Mahmoud S. , Hefny Mohamed M. , Hamza Ibrahim A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHere, we studied the effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on chemical and microbial pollutants. A model compound for organic water pollutants, crystal violet dye (CV), was used as a chemical probe to monitor a rapid change in the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in water. We used a point electrode to generate plasma above the treated liquid. Three variables (the gap distance between the point electrode and the water surface, the input voltage, and the water thickness below the point electrode) have been studied to show their effects on CV percent removal as a response. Additionally, the microbicidal effect of CAP against rotavirus (RoV), φX174, E. coli, and S. aureus in water was investigated. A rapid virucidal activity was observed, up to 5 log10 reduction in 1 min for φX174 and 4.3 log10 reduction of RoV in 5 min CAP exposure. Viral removal could be due to the fact that plasma produced active species which have an oxidative effect on viral capsid protein. As expected, bacteria were more sensitive to CAP than viruses, as ∼4log10 removal was observed after 30s exposure. The potent antibacterial effect of CAP could be due to the reaction of free radicals with the outer membrane of bacteria or even the penetration of the bacterial cells. CAP has the potential to control microbial and chemical pollution in water. However, further work should be conducted to determine the efficacy of CAP treatment in complex water matrices.