bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated segmentation of deep brain nuclei using convolutional neural networks and susceptibility weighted imaging
Authors: Beliveau Vincent , Nørgaard Martin , Birkl Christoph , Seppi Klaus , Scherfler Christoph 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe advent of susceptibility‐sensitive MRI techniques, such as susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), has enabled accurate in vivo visualization and quantification of iron deposition within the human brain. Although previous approaches have been introduced to segment iron‐rich brain regions, such as the substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, red nucleus, and dentate nucleus, these methods are largely unavailable and manual annotation remains the most used approach to label these regions. Furthermore, given their recent success in outperforming other segmentation approaches, convolutional neural networks (CNN) promise better performances. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate state‐of‐the‐art CNN architectures for the labeling of deep brain nuclei from SW images. We implemented five CNN architectures and considered ensembles of these models. Furthermore, a multi‐atlas segmentation model was included to provide a comparison not based on CNN. We evaluated two prediction strategies: individual prediction, where a model is trained independently for each region, and combined prediction, which simultaneously predicts multiple closely located regions. In the training dataset, all models performed with high accuracy with Dice coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.95. The regional SWI intensities and volumes from the models' labels were strongly correlated with those obtained from manual labels. Performances were reduced on the external dataset, but were higher or comparable to the intrarater reliability and most models achieved significantly better results compared to multi‐atlas segmentation. CNNs can accurately capture the individual variability of deep brain nuclei and represent a highly useful tool for their segmentation from SW images.
Healthcare utilization at retirement in China
Authors: Zhou Qin , Eggleston Karen , Liu Gordon G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPrevious studies, mostly analyzing data from high‐income economies, present mixed evidence on the relationship between retirement and healthcare utilization. This study leverages administrative data for over 80,000 urban Chinese workers to explore the effect of retirement on outpatient and inpatient care utilization using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design. The analyses of medical claims from a large city in China complement and extend the current literature by providing evidence of potential mechanisms underlying increased short‐run utilization. In this relatively well‐insured population, annual total healthcare expenditures significantly increase primarily because of more intensive use of outpatient care at retirement, especially at the right tail of the distribution of outpatient visits. This increase in outpatient care appears to stem from a decline in the patient cost‐sharing rate and the reduced opportunity cost of time upon retirement, interacting with supplier‐induced demand, not from any sudden impact on health. We do not find evidence of change in inpatient care at retirement. The results hold for both females and males, and are robust to a number of sensitivity analyses.
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 gene transfer for sporadic Alzheimer's disease: New evidence for trophic factor mediated hippocampal neuronal and synaptic recovery‐based behavior improvement
Authors: Zappa Villar María Florencia , López Hanotte Juliette , Crespo Rosana , Pardo Joaquín , Reggiani Paula Cecilia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with no cure. Patients typically suffer from cognitive impairment imprinted by irreversible neocortex and hippocampal degeneration with overt synaptic and neuron dysfunction. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) has proven to be a potent neuroprotective molecule in animal models of age‐related neurodegeneration. In this regard, adenoviral gene transfer aiming at IGF1 brain overexpression has been hitherto an underexplored approach for the sAD treatment. We postulated enhanced IGF1 signaling in the brain as a restorative means in the diseased brain to revert cognitive deficit and restore hippocampal function. We implemented recombinant adenovirus mediated intracerebroventricular IGF1 gene transfer on the streptozotocin (STZ) induced sAD rat model, using 3‐month‐old male Sprague Dawley rats. This approach enhanced IGF1 signaling in the hippocampus and dampened sAD phosphorylated Tau. We found a remarkable short‐term improvement in species‐typical behavior, recognition memory, spatial memory, and depressive‐like behavior. Histological analysis revealed a significant recovery of immature hippocampal neurons. We additionally recorded an increase in hippocampal microglial cells, which we suggest to exert anti‐inflammatory effects. Finally, we found decreased levels of pre‐ and postsynaptic proteins in the hippocampus of STZ animals. Interestingly, IGF1 gene transfer increased the levels of PSD95 and GAD65/67 synaptic markers, indicating that the treatment enhanced the synaptic plasticity. We conclude that exogenous activation of IGF1 signaling pathway, 1 week after intracerebroventricular STZ administration, protects hippocampal immature neurons, dampens phosphorylated Tau levels, improves synaptic function and therefore performs therapeutically on the sAD STZ model. Hence, this study provides strong evidence for the use of this trophic factor to treat AD and age‐related neurodegeneration.
Long‐term ecosystem monitoring at Huntington Forest: Integrating hydrology, biogeochemistry and climatic controls on watershed processes
Authors: Beier Colin , Mills James , McHale Patrick , Driscoll Charles T. , Mitchell Myron J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLocated in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York State, Huntington Wildlife Forest (HWF) is a 6000‐ha research and education facility operated by SUNY ESF (State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry) with continuous long‐term monitoring (LTM) programs spanning over six decades. One of the ‘cradles’ of acid rain research in North America, HWF was in the first cohort of National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) sites beginning in 1978. HWF is currently the only location (NY‐20) in New York with the full suite of NADP programs in operation, including atmospheric mercury speciation (AMNet), along with EPA CASTNET. Nearby to NY‐20 at HWF, Arbutus Lake and its forested watershed have been the focus of intensive LTM since installation of v‐notch weirs at the lake outlet and inlet in 1991 and 1994, respectively. Discharge at these locations has been monitored continuously at 15‐min intervals since 1999. Lake outlet water chemistry samples were collected starting in 1983. Weekly sampling of water chemistry at both weirs began in 1995 and was expanded to include two headwater streams and groundwater wells in 2007. More recently, LTM programs at HWF have been augmented by participation in the PhenoCam Network since 2008, collection of high‐resolution LiDAR in 2009, and installation of a precision NY Mesonet weather station in 2016. In 2018, we installed sensor networks that continuously monitor soil microclimate and snow depth. Lastly, we improved data access via a new website (www.adk-ltm.org) where users can create custom queries and visualize outputs.
Changes to the genetic counseling workforce as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: MacFarlane Ian , Johnson Amber , Zierhut Heather 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives. The full impact of the pandemic is still unfolding and will take years to fully understand. This longitudinal study followed a sample of 189 genetic counselors from June to November of 2020, starting with an online retrospective baseline survey of pre‐COVID‐19 functioning and continuing with a monthly online survey (average retention = 89.2%) to assess changes in self‐reported stress, employment status, billing practices, self‐efficacy, and their use of telehealth. Participants were recruited from specific states representing geographic diversity with publicly available databases of contact information as well as social media. The sample was largely reflective of the professional demographics reported in the 2020 Professional Status Survey (PSS). Comparisons were made between the PSS, baseline assessment of pre‐COVID‐19 status, June, and November data. Genetic counselor workload did not significantly change in terms of hours worked from baseline to November, though patients served per week dropped initially before returning to pre‐COVID‐19 levels. Genetic counselors were increasingly working remotely and supervising students less frequently in November compared to pre‐COVID‐19 baseline. Approximately 50% of the sample were unable to bill for services throughout the study period, with billing practices not changing during this time. Approximately 40% experienced a negative employment change in June, which dropped to ~10% in November. Personal and family stress levels were elevated during the study period, while financial stress increased from baseline to June it returned to pre‐COVID‐19 levels by November. Self‐efficacy for common genetic counseling skills decreased from baseline to June but returned to baseline levels by November. The results suggest the workforce faced transitions but has rebounded in most areas studied. The pandemic highlighted pre‐existing billing issues, and the current billing structures were not able to shift in the face of practice transitions. The long‐term implications of the pandemic remain to be seen, but the results indicate returns toward baseline data in most areas with the exceptions of supervision, personal and family stress, and billing.
New implementations for the ASPEN clinical guidelines and a call for protocol review on the nutrition guidelines for adult head and neck cancer
Authors: McKeever Liam 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe current article details new upgrades to the guideline methodology, including the publication of "a priori" protocols, methods for assuring agreement between reviewers, adoption of Covidence software for tracking reasons for article exclusion, the establishment of a separate bias panel to improve study quality assessment, an algorithm for study design inclusion, and Delphi technique implementation for the management and external validation of expert opinion. These methodologic additions will provide greater transparency and accountability for the choices made during the guideline development process.
Application of Raman spectroscopy for the identification of phosphate minerals from REE supergene deposit
Authors: Zhukova Irina A. , Stepanov Aleksandr S. , Korsakov Andrey V. , Jiang Shao‐Yong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAmong critical metals, rare‐earth elements (REEs) are irreplaceable for their role in the high‐tech industry. The REE deposits commonly host REEs in fine‐grained mixtures of phosphate minerals characterized by the variable content of volatile components. However, identification of the volatile components may present challenges for laser‐ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA‐ICP‐MS) and electron microprobe (EPMA) techniques. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy was applied to laterite and carbonatite samples from the Mount Weld deposit, one of the major REE deposits in Western Australia. The hydrous REE phosphate, rhabdophane, can be confidently distinguished from monazite by the presence of peaks in the region 2800–3600 cm−1. The presence of peaks at 428, 448, 579, 589, and 605 cm−1 in the Raman spectra of apatite from carbonatite allows its identification as hydroxyfluorapatite with high concentrations of F and water, and negligible Cl, SO42−, and SiO42−. The Raman spectra and composition of silcrete and carbonatite apatite are similar; thus, silcrete apatite was identified as hydroxyfluorapatite as well. The content of CO32− in both types of apatite was negligible despite the crystallization from carbonatitic magma. The aluminophosphate florencite is characterized by the presence of PO43−‐related peaks at 639, 1113, and 1609 cm−1 and H2O/OH‐related bands in the 2750–3075 cm−1 and together with rhabdophane has been identified in fine‐grained mineral mixtures. Our study demonstrates that combining Raman spectroscopy with compositional data is a powerful method for the characterization of phosphate minerals in REE deposits.
Medical and aesthetic improvement of photodamaged skin by the combination of intense pulsed light and photodynamic therapy with 10% aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride gel
Authors: Abrouk Michael , Dong Joanna , Waibel Jill S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the novel 10% aminolevulinic acid (ALA) hydrochloride gel (10% ALA gel) and BF‐RhodoLED® light (635 nm; 37 J/cm2) in combination with intense pulsed light (IPL) to augment the medical and aesthetic improvement of photodamaged skin of the décolleté.MethodsThis was a single‐site prospective, randomized, intraindividual split chest pilot study with 20 female subjects with moderate to severe photodamage of the décolleté. Subjects were randomized to ALA‐PDT + IPL to one split‐side of the chest and ALA‐PDT only to the contralateral side. Three blinded raters assessed aesthetic improvement using the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS).ResultsEighteen subjects completed the study. Superior GAIS results were achieved on the ALA‐PDT + IPL treatment side than on the ALA‐PDT only treatment side (p < 0.001) after 24 weeks of follow‐up.ConclusionsALA‐PDT using 10% ALA hydrochloride gel and BF‐RhodoLED® light had superior rejuvenation effects on the décolleté when combined with IPL compared to ALA‐PDT alone.
Design, Bio‐evaluation and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Novel GSK‐3β Inhibitors
Authors: Lyu Weiping , Li Qihang , Li Qi , Chen Ying , Wang Yingming , Tang Tongzhong , Feng Feng , Chi Heng , Li Yuan , Liu Wenyuan , Sun Haopeng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGlycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β) is considered as a promising drug target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, two compound libraries were selected for virtual screening based on pharmacophore models of GSK‐3β to discover new inhibitors. Nine potential hits were retained for biological investigation and four of these compounds showed GSK‐3β inhibitory activity (with the IC50 values in sub‐micromolar range on GSK‐3β). Compounds 6 and 9 have good safety. They do not have any significant in vitro cytotoxicity against PC12 and SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells at concentrations up to 90 μM. Based on the inhibitory activity and druggability properties, compound 8 is the preferred molecule, and it is a promising lead for the development of the GSK‐3β inhibitors for reducing the abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and relieving AD.
Archaeogeophysical exploration in Neuss‐Norf, Germany using electrical resistivity tomography and magnetic data
Authors: Ibraheem Ismael M. , Bergers Rainer , Tezkan Bülent 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTA combination of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and magnetic gradiometry was selected to examine a hypothesis concerning the presence of remains of one of the oldest archaeological churches in the Rhineland, located in Neuss‐Norf, Germany. The gradiometer survey was carried out to measure the vertical gradient of the magnetic field using a proton precession magnetometer along several profiles. The magnetic data were reduced to the magnetic pole; then analytic signal and power spectrum techniques were applied. The ERT survey was based on the magnetic results, and both Wenner and dipole–dipole configurations were employed to collect the apparent resistivity data along 12 ERT profiles. The field ERT data from these two arrays were merged into one dataset to form a non‐conventional mixed array. The robust (blocky) inversion technique was applied to the resistivity data in order to derive the two‐dimensional resistivity distribution of the subsurface. Despite the noisy surroundings, the magnetic survey was able to give an indication of potential walls of the ancient church in addition to several subsurface magnetic sources. Moreover, highly resistivity anomalies were observed within the first 1–2 m of the subsurface soil and were interpreted as possible remains of man‐made structures. This depth range was also confirmed by the spectral analysis of the magnetic data. A strong consistency between the two methods was observed in some locations of the site. In addition, the ERT measurements confirm and complement most of the magnetic results. We successfully detected anomalous zones that could be associated with the walls of at least one ancient church building in addition to several possible archaeological structures in the survey area.
First principle investigations of long‐range magnetic exchange interactions via polyacene couplers
Authors: Kaur Prabhleen , Ali Md. Ehesan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe electronic and magnetic properties of polyacenes become quite fascinating as the number of linearly conjugated benzene rings increases. Higher‐order conjugated polyacenes develop radicaloid characters due to the transition of electronic structures from closed‐shell to the open‐shell system. Here we have investigated the role of such polyacenes as the magnetic coupler when placed between the two spin‐sources based on nitroxy radicals. To do so, the magnetic exchange interactions () are computed employing broken‐symmetry (BS) approach within the density functional theory (DFT). In this approach, various genre of exchange‐ correlation (XC) functionals such as generalized gradient approximation (GGA), meta‐GGA, hybrid functional, constrained spin density (i.e. CDFT) and on‐site Coulomb correlation corrected GGA + U functionals are adopted. All DFT based calculations estimate an exponential increase in values with the length of the couplers. This observation has been understood in terms of increase in number of near‐degenerate or quasi‐degenerate molecular orbitals (MOs), reduction of HOMO‐LUMO energy gap and descend of low‐lying excited states as the number of fused benzene rings are increased.
An unusual case of invasive pleuritis and miliary Mycoplasma pneumonia during check‐point inhibitor therapy
Authors: Bird Daniel , Singh Maninder 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA growing body of evidence suggests that check‐point inhibitors not only increase the overall risk of infections, but, due to an altered immune response, may also result in atypical manifestations. We report a case of a 38‐year‐old man with pleuritic chest pain, dyspnoea, fevers and a dry cough receiving combination ipilimumab and nivolumab immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. Radiological findings demonstrated a diffuse increased fluorodeoxyglucose avidity of the thoracic pleura in addition to a disseminated miliary pattern of pulmonary nodularities. A subsequent bronchoscopy was macroscopically normal with unremarkable washings. In the context of a significantly elevated Mycoplasma serology, a diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) was made. The patient was successfully treated with a course of azithromycin and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid. We suggest an awareness of diffuse pleuritis and a disseminated miliary nodular pattern as atypical manifestations of MPP, potentially attributable to immune modulation in the context of immunotherapy.
Spending privilege through genuine relationships: Co‐navigating campus unrest and intergroup tensions
Authors: Lange Alex C. , Lee Jasmine A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAs educators, we each hold privileged and minoritized identities which can be leveraged to navigate difficulties across difference. In the article below, we discuss how working in coalition across professional relationships might help educators navigate intergroup tensions on campus. We offer strategies for higher education professionals to develop genuine relationships that address campus inequities.
Campus communications and navigating privilege
Authors: Fernflores Rachel , Humphrey Keith 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOur university campuses need people in leadership sensitive to the social and political privilege they enjoy relative to the many diverse students they serve. Through a case study approach, we examine how leaders use campus communications to intentionally build community and expand a sense of belonging for all voices. Drawing on feminist philosophical theory, a model for campus communications from university leadership that expresses both justice and care is presented.
A new design model for welded joints
Authors: Stroetmann Richard , Kästner Thoralf 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the AiF‐FOSTA research project P1020 [1], a new design model for welded joints was developed. In this context, a small scale test on flat tensile specimens was designed, with the help of which various influences on the strength and ductility of the welds were investigated. Furthermore, extensive tests were carried out on overlap joints, cruciform joints with double fillet welds as well as partially and fully penetrated butt joints. This was done to calibrate the weld construction factor αw, which takes into account the influence of the type of joint on the load‐bearing capacity. In the following article, after a short summary of the current state of research, the design model, and the results from the parameter studies on flat tensile tests are described in more detail in [2–4]. Subsequently, the test program on welded joints and the calibration of the weld construction factor αw are presented. Finally, the results of the design model and the tests carried out are compared with test results from other research projects and the design model of prEN 1993‐1‐8 [5].
Comparison of the seismic‐resilient design of seismically isolated reinforced concrete frame structures using two codes
Authors: Yin Chuanyin , Xie Linlin , Li Aiqun , Zeng Demin , Yang Cantian , Wang Xinyu 
Published: July 2021

SummaryResilience‐based seismic design of buildings using seismic isolation has become a critical issue. Currently, there are two design codes for isolated structures in China, exhibiting significant differences. It is critical to investigate the resilience‐based design of isolated buildings using these codes. Hence, using reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings as an example, two groups of buildings with different heights were designed to achieve the lower limit of seismic performance given in two codes. Although different requirements for acceptable isolation efficiency control this design, the seismic resilience levels were assessed to be Level 2 for all cases. The controlling index is the total repair time, which is dominated by the maximum inter‐story drift ratio (MIDR). Meanwhile, significant differences in design results and resilience performance between two codes were identified. Subsequently, the highest resilience performance (i.e., Level 3) oriented optimization was conducted, and the correspondingly designed schemes using two codes were compared; it was identified that the MIDR of the superstructure requires controlling to approximately 0.23% for such a design using both codes, and the differences between two codes became negligible. The research outcome will assist in providing a useful reference for the seismic‐resilient design of base‐isolated RC frame structures.