bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid PET/MRI in Staging Endometrial Cancer: Diagnostic and Predictive Value in a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Ironi Gabriele , Mapelli Paola , Bergamini Alice , Fallanca Federico , Candotti Giorgio , Gnasso Chiara , Taccagni Gianluca , Sant'Angelo Miriam , Scifo Paola , Bezzi Carolina , Rancoita Paola Maria Vittoria , Mangili Giorgia , Bocciolone Luca , Candiani Massimo , Gianolli Luigi , De Cobelli Francesco , Picchio Maria 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose. Assessment of deep myometrial invasion (MI) and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is of utmost importance in preoperative staging of endometrial cancer (EC). Imaging parameters derived respectively from MRI and PET have shown good predictive value. Aim of the present study is to assess the diagnostic performance of hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MRI in EC staging, with particular focus on MI and LVSI detection.Methods. Prospective monocentric study including 35 patients with biopsy-proven EC undergoing preoperative 18F-FDG PET/MRI for staging purpose. Histological examination was the reference standard. PET (SUVmax, SUVmean40, MTV40, TLG40) and MRI (volume index-VI, total tumor volume-TTV, tumor volume ratio-TVR, ADCmean, ADCmin) parameters were calculated on the primary tumor, and their role in predicting histological findings (grade, high- vs. low-risk groups, LVSI, MI, p53 hyper-expression) was assessed through a ROC analysis.Results. 18F-FDG-PET/MRI identified the primary tumor in all patients. In the LVSI detection, PET/MRI demonstrated high accuracy, specificity and negative predictive value (sensitivity=0.8571, specificity=0.9286, accuracy=0.9143, NPV=0.9630, PPV=0.7500). Assessment of MI using PET/MRI correctly staged 27 patients, showing a good positive predictive value (77.1%; sensitivity= 0.7273, specificity=0.8462, accuracy=0.7714, PPV=0.8889, NPV=0.647). VI, TTV, and TVR significantly predicted risk groups (p=0.0059, 0.0235, 0.0181, respectively). VI, TTV, TVR, MTV40 and TLG40 significantly predicted LVSI (p=0.0023, 0.0068, 0.0068, 0.0027, 0.0139, respectively). Imaging was not able to predict grading, MI nor p53 hyper-expression.Conclusion. 18F-FDG-PET/MRI has good accuracy in preoperative staging of EC; PET and MRI parameters have synergic role in preoperatively predicting LVSI, with MRI parameters being also predictive for EC risk groups.
Wildfire-mitigating power shut-offs promote household-level adaptation but not climate policy support
Authors: Mildenberger Matto , Trachtman Samuel , Howe Peter , Stokes Leah , Lubell Mark 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Unmitigated climate change threatens to disrupt energy systems, for example through weather- and wildfire-induced electricity shortages. Public responses to these energy crises have the potential to shape decarbonization trajectories. Here, we estimate the attitudinal and behavioral effects of Californian power shut-offs in 2019, intended to reduce wildfire ignition risks. We use a geographically targeted survey to compare residents living within outage zones to matched residents in similar neighborhoods who retained their electricity. Outage experience increased respondent intentions to purchase gas or diesel generators and home battery systems, but reduced intentions to purchase electric vehicles. Respondents blamed outages on their utility, not local, state, or federal governments. However, outages did not change climate policy preferences, including willingness-to-pay for either wildfire or climate-mitigating reforms. Our findings show that, in reaction to some climate-linked disruptions, individuals may undertake adaptive responses that, collectively, could exacerbate future climate risks.
Cellulose-Synthesizing Machinery in Bacteria
Authors: Tajima Kenji , Imai Tomoya , Yui Toshifumi , Yao Min , Saxena Inder 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cellulose is produced by all plants and a number of other organisms, including bacteria. The most representative cellulose-producing bacterial species is Gluconacetobacter xylinus (G. xylinus), an acetic acid bacterium. Cellulose produced by G. xylinus, commonly referred to as bacterial cellulose (BC), has exceptional physicochemical properties resulting in its use in a variety of applications. All cellulose-producing organisms that synthesize cellulose microfibrils have membrane-localized protein complexes (also called terminal complexes or TCs) that contain the enzyme cellulose synthase and other proteins. The bacterium G. xylinus is a prolific cellulose producer and a model organism for studies on cellulose biosynthesis. The widths of cellulose fibers produced by Gluconacetobacter are 50‒100 nm, suggesting that cellulose-synthesizing complexes are nanomachines spinning a nanofiber. At least four different proteins (BcsA, BcsB, BcsC, and BcsD) are included in TC from Gluconacetobacter, and the proposed function of each is as follows: BcsA, synthesis of a glucan chain through glycosyl transfer from UDP-glucose; BcsB, complexes with BcsA for cellulose synthase activity; BcsC, formation of a pore in the outer membrane through which a glucan chain is extruded; BcsD, regulates aggregation of glucan chains through four tunnel-like structures. In this review, we discuss structures and functions of these four and a few other proteins that have a role in cellulose biosynthesis in bacteria.
Transferring the Sandwich Principle to Instructional Videos: Is It Worth the Effort?
Authors: Bock Anna , Thomas Christina , Heitzer Marius , Winnand Philipp , Peters Florian , Lemos Martin , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Applying sandwich principle to lectures has proven to be more effective for learning outcomes than classical lectures. Supposedly, this teaching format also leads to a beneficial knowledge transfer when applied to other teaching formats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the sandwich principle on instructional videos and how its use was evaluated by students.Methods: Participants (n = 51) were randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups were given a test to assess the baseline level of knowledge. Afterwards, the control group watched the normal instructional video on cleft lips and palates, while the sandwich group watched the same video modified according to the sandwich principle. The participants then had to answer 30 single-choice questions to assess their knowledge gain and evaluate the instructional video. Long-term retention of the knowledge was tested again 6 months later using the same test questions.Results: Comparison of the pre-test and post-test results of both groups showed significantly increased test scores (p < 0.0001). Regarding long-term retention, the mean test scores were still significantly higher in both groups than before watching the video (p < 0.0001). The evaluation showed that the students highly appreciated the modified video and found the interruptions for repetition of previously learned knowledge useful.Conclusion: The hypothesis that the modification of instructional videos according to the sandwich principle would lead to an improved learning outcome could not be proved subjectively or objectively. Nevertheless, the teaching format was highly appreciated by the students and may have increased their motivation to learn with instructional videos.
The Role of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage Ⅳ Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Liao Quanhui , Shen Shaoxin , Ma Xijing , Dai Guisen , Lu Geng , Chen Canmin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and objectives The purpose of the present study was to comprehensively analyze the prognostic value of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) in stage IV HCC patients. Methods HCC patients were recognized in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The effects of adjuvant CT on HCC patients were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results A total of 490 HCC patients were enrolled in this study and the median follow-up time was 2.69 months (range: 0–102 months). 34.3% (168) HCC patients received adjuvant CT, of which 58.6% (287) received local destruction, 25.5% (125) were partial resection and 15.9% (78) underwent liver transplantion. Multivariate analysis showed that chemotherapy (P <0.001), surgery (P <0.001), year at diagnosis (P = 0.004), grade (P <0.001) and fibrosis score (P = 0.039) were independent factor of cancer specific survival (CSS), and that chemotherapy (P <0.001), surgery (P <0.001), year at diagnosis (P = 0.005), grade (P <0.001) were independent factor of overall survival (OS). Survival curves confirmed that patients achieved an increased OS or CSS from adjuvant CT (P <0.05). Conclusions Our results concluded that compared to surgery alone, stage IV HCC patients could profit from adjuvant chemotherapy. High quality prospective trials are necessary to further confirm our results.
Factors for Treatment Success in Anisometropic Amblyopia: Effect of Refractive Errors of the Amblyopic Eyes
Authors: Choi Daye Diana , Kim Dae Hee , Kim Ungsoo Samuel , Baek Seung-Hee 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the factors for treatment success in anisometropic amblyopia according to the spherical equivalent (SE) type of amblyopic eyes. Methods: Medical records of 397 children with anisometropic amblyopia aged 3 to 12 years during 2010~2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Anisometropia was defined as ≥1 diopter (D) difference in SE, or ≥1.5 D difference of cylindrical error between the eyes. According to the SE of amblyopic eyes, patients were categorized into hyperopia (SE ≥1D), emmetropia (-1< SE <+1) and myopia (SE ≤-1D) groups. Treatment success was defined as achieving interocular LogMAR visual acuity difference < 0.2. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors for treatment success.Results: Significant factors for the amblyopia treatment success in hyperopia group (n=270) were younger age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval, CI) = 0.60 (0.41-0.88)], larger astigmatism of sound eye [aOR (95% CI) = 0.04 (0-0.78)], better BCVA in amblyopic eyes at presentation [aOR (95% CI) = 0.01 (0-0.16)], longer follow-up period [aOR (95%CI)=1.1 (1.04-1.17)], and no comorbid strabismus [aOR (95%CI)= 0.25 (0.06-0.99)]. In myopia group (n=68), older age [aOR (95% CI) =0.45 (0.20-0.97)] and worse BCVA in amblyopic eyes [aOR (95% CI) = 0.04 (0-0.61)] were inversely associated with higher odds of treatment success. There was no significant factor for treatment success in emmetropia group (n=59).Conclusions: The type of refractive error of amblyopic eyes at presentation affects the factors for treatment success of anisometropic amblyopia.
DRAXIN as a Novel Diagnostic Marker to Predict the Poor Prognosis of Glioma Patients
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Liu Runze , Cheng Xingbo , Liu Binfeng , Zhu Yongjie , Zhao Yaoye , Han Zhibin , Wang Jialin , Wang Hongbo , Lian Xiaoyu , Gao Yanzheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
An increasing number of evidences have shown that the carcinogenic effect of DRAXIN plays an important role in the malignant process of tumors, but the mechanism of its involvement in glioma has not yet been revealed. The main aim of this study is to explore the relationship between DRAXIN and the prognosis and pathogenesis of glioma through a large qualities of data analysis. Firstly, thousands of tissue samples with clinical information were collected based on various public databases. Then, a series of bioinformatics analyses were performed to mine data from information of glioma samples extracted from several reputable databases to reveal the key role of DRAXIN in glioma development and progression, with the confirmation of basic experiments. Our results showed high expression of the oncogene DRAXIN in tumor tissue and cells could be used as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in glioma patients and was strongly associated with clinical risk features. The reverse transcription-quantitative PCR technique was then utilized to validate the DRAXIN expression results we obtained. In addition, co-expression analysis identified respectively top 10 genes that were closely associated with DRAXIN positively or negatively. Finally, four drugs that may have inhibitory effects on DRAXIN were gained by Cmap drug analysis. To sum up, this is the first report of DRAXIN being highly expressed in gliomas and leading to poor prognosis of glioma patients. DRAXIN may not only benefit to explore the pathogenesis of gliomas, but also serve as a novel biological target for the treatment of glioma.
Prediction of Different Interventions on the Burden of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis in China: a Dynamic Modeling Study
Authors: Xu Ao , Wen Ze-xuan , Wang Yue , Wang Wei-bing 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. The World Health Organization adopted the “End TB Strategy”, whose goal is to end the global TB epidemic by 2035. However, achieving this goal will be difficult using current prevention and control measures.Methods. A Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model that distinguishes drug-sensitive (DS) and drug-resistant (DR) TB in the entire Chinese population was established. Goodness-of-fit tests and sensitivity analyses were used to assess model performance. Predictive analysis was performed to assess the effect of different prevention and control strategies on DR-TB and achieving the goal of the End TB Strategy: 90% fewer cases of DR-TB by 2035.Results. We used parameter fitting to determine the basic reproduction number of the model as R0 =0.6993. Chi-square test results indicated good model fits for the reported incidences of DS-TB (χ2=0.144, P=1.000) and DR-TB (χ2=0.076, P=1.000). The predictive analysis led to four major projections for the number of cases by 2035. First, if the transmission rate of DR-TB patients reaches 0 during the infectious period, there will be 208,754 fewer cases (failure to achieve to goal). Second, if the progression rate of latently infected people reaches 10%, there will be 255,075 fewer cases (92.2% lower than in 2015). Third, if the overall treatment and cure rate of patients with DS-TB improves to 100%, there will be 150,482 fewer cases (failure to achieve the goal). Fourth, if the cure rate of DR-TB increases to 40%, there will be 253,198 fewer cases (91.5% lower than in 2015).Conclusions. We assessed several prevention and control measures for DR-TB. Interventions that target acquired DR and improvement of the cure rate of DS-TB have limited efficacy. However, interventions that target primary DR-TB, such as reducing the probability of transmission and the rate of disease progression in patients with DR-TB, have better efficacy. Improving treatment compliance and the cure rate of patients with DR-TB can also contribute to attaining the goal of the End TB Strategy.
Developmental potency of goat embryos produced by intra cytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization.
Authors: Bori Joygeswar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to standardize novel intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique, production of goat embryos by ICSI, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and comparison of their developmental potency. Immobilized sperm from epididymal semen with breaking tail were injected to mature metaphase ii oocytes by sharp micropipette of 5 µm diameter, as well as in vitro fertilization was carried out. Icsi and IVF derived zygotes were cultured in rvcl-blast-bsa media after chemical activation with ionomycin, chx and 6-dmap. Sham injection was used as a control group. Results suggest that immobilized sperm with breaking tail microinjected by sharp injection pipette after chemical activation is an efficient approach for goat embryo production by ICSI. Satisfactory survival rate (83.2%) was found by using sharp injection pipette of 5 µm diameter. Chemical activation with ionomycin, chx and 6-dmap was found effective with activation rate of 63.33%. Developmental rate of 2 cell, 4–8 cell, 8–16 cell, morula, blastocyst in ICSI and IVF group was 74.44%, 63.33%, 44.44%, 23.33%, 14.44% and 65.16%, 57.42%, 49.03%, 38.71%, 23.23%, respectively. Upon comparison, significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of cleavage was found in ICSI group than IVF (73.40 ± 3.12% vs. 64.06 ± 2.44%, respectively). However, morula and blastocyst percentage was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in IVF group than ICSI (23.20 ± 2.73% vs. 37.90 ± 3.15% and 14.56 ± 1.75% vs. 21.05 ± 2.09%). It can be concluded that ICSI with sharp micropipette of 5 µm diameter can be applied to assisted reproduction for in vitro goat embryo production.
Umgangsweisen mit den Schulschließungen und dem ‚Homeschooling‘ im Kontext der Corona-Pandemie – Orientierungen von Schulleitungen inklusiver Grundschulen zum Lernen auf Distanz
Authors: Kowalski Marlene 
Published: June 2021

Das mit Inklusion verbundene Ziel der Partizipation von allen Kindern an Lern- und Bildungsprozessen wurde im Kontext des durch die Corona-Pandemie notwendig gewordenen Lernen auf Distanz bzw. ‚Homeschooling‘ erheblich auf die Probe gestellt. Im Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, wie inklusive Grundschulen mit den Herausforderungen der Schul-schließungen und der Unterbrechung des gemeinsamen Unterrichts umgehen. Dazu werden erste Ergebnisse aus einer qualitativ-empirischen Studie zu „Inklusions- und Exklusions-prozessen an Grundschulen während der Corona-Zeit“ vorgestellt: In zwei Fallbeispielen werden die Erfahrungen von Schulleitungen mit den Schulschließungen und dem Lernen zuhause dokumentarisch-methodisch rekonstruiert. Die Schulleitungen werden hierbei als zentrale Repräsentanz ihrer Schule betrachtet, sodass die Rekonstruktion des institutionellen, schulkulturellen Orientierungsrahmens, also der verinnerlichten Handlungs- und Deutungs-muster der Schule im Vordergrund steht. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass die Schulen zuerst organisations- und kommunikationsbezogene Herausforderungen wahrgenommen und erst in einem zweiten und dritten Schritt die lern- und leistungsbezogene Teilhabe der Schüler*innen und die Bereitstellung von differenziellen Lernangeboten als zentrale Aufgabe betrachtet haben. Abschließend werden aktuelle Herausforderungen der Schaffung von inklusiven Lerngelegenheiten im Kontext der Corona-Pandemie diskutiert.

Abstract
The general aim of inclusion to facilitate learning participation of all children has been enormously challenged by homeschooling and distance learning during the coronavirus lockdown. In this paper, the question of how primary schools deal with the challenges of the school lockdown and how they promote participation of all children during this period of time will be elaborated. Based on the qualitative study „Processes of Inclusion and Exclusion on Primary Schools during the Coronavirus Pandemic“ two case studies of schools will be discussed. Therein, school principals report on their experiences with the lockdown and homeschooling. Their statements will be analysed with the Documentary Method. Considering the school principals as the key representatives of their school, the focus is on analysing the school cultural orientation frame. The results highlight that schools are mainly handling with challenges in organising the general learning process and communicating with students. Hence, learning participation is considered being important after having managed these requirements. Based on the results, general challenges of inclusive learning contexts, especially with regard to distance learning, will be discussed.
A comment on instantons and their fermion zero modes in adjoint QCD_2
Authors: Smilga Andrei 
Published: June 2021

The adjoint 2-dimensional QCD
with the gauge group SU(N)/Z_NSU(N)/ZN
admits topologically nontrivial gauge field configurations associated
with nontrivial \pi_1[SU(N)/Z_N] = Z_Nπ1[SU(N)/ZN]=ZN.
The topological sectors are labelled by an integer
k=0,\ldots, N-1k=0,…,N−1.
However, in contrast to QED_2QED2
and QCD_4QCD4,
this topology is not associated with an integral invariant like the
magnetic flux or Pontryagin index. These instantons may admit fermion
zero modes, but there is always an equal number of left-handed and
right-handed modes, so that the Atiyah-Singer theorem, which determines
in other cases the number of the modes, does not apply. The mod. 2 argument [1]
suggests that, for a generic gauge field configuration, there is either
a single doublet of such zero modes or no modes whatsoever. However, the
known solution of the Dirac problem for a wide class of gauge field
configurations indicates the presence of k(N-k)
zero mode doublets in the topological sector
k. In this note, we demonstrate in an explicit way that these modes are not
robust under a generic enough deformation of the gauge background and
confirm thereby the conjecture of Ref. [1]. The implications for the
physics of this theory (screening vs. confinement issue) are briefly
discussed.
Analysis of water quality at hydrographic basin scale using satellite images, co-occurrence matrices and Bayes classifier
Authors: Silva M. G. G. , Silva D. J. , Costa P. D. , Silva R. C. , Cassimiro T. E. B. , Amorim L. S. , Rocha D. A. , Peixoto Z. M. A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Given the increased risks of water scarcity and the presence of polluting agents in water resources, this paper aims at the development and presentation of a computational tool capable of assessing water quality based on digital processing techniques applied to satellite images. Initially, a database was created for Brazilian regions, consisting of hydrographic basins' satellite images associated with the Water Quality Index (WQI), according to the criteria established by the National Water Agency (ANA). Hitherto, the database consisted of 85 images, 61 were used in the training stage and 24 in the testing stage. In both stages, the images were subjected to thresholding using Otsu's Method, binarization, linear expansion on saturation, application of a Laplacian filter, extraction of characteristics by using co-occurrence matrices and classification by the Bayes Discriminant. Such techniques were also implemented on a computational platform in the MATLAB® environment, responsible for the interface between the system and users. The proposed system presented an approximate 70% success rate regarding the classification of WQIs, which can be improved as more information is made available to improve the databases.
Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels for degradation of Congo red direct dye: an environmental remedial approach
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Asim , Kiran Shumaila , Javed Sadia , Ahmad Ikram , Yousaf Sumaira , Iqbal Nazar , Afzal Gulnaz , Rani Fouzai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Direct dyes are used in different textile operations and processings. The textile industries are disposing of unused direct dyes into the aquatic environment which is posing a serious alarming threat to aquatic lives. The current study deals with the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels aqueous extract. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Synthesized NiO-NPs were used to remove Congo red direct dye. Various experimental factors like concentration of dye and nanoparticles, pH, and temperature were optimized. Congo red direct dye was decolorized up to 90% at optimized conditions (Congo Red Direct dye concentration 0.02%, catalyst dose 0.003 g·L−1, pH 6, and temperature 50 °C). The real textile industry effluent disclosed 70% decolorization at optimized conditions. The percent reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found to be 73.24% and 74.56% in the case of Congo red dye catalytic treatment and the percent reduction in TOC and COD was found to be 62.47% and 60.23%, respectively, in the treatment of textile effluent using nickel oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. Treated and untreated dye samples were exposed to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectral analyses too. The reaction products were studied by degradation pathway.