bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Japanese pediatric and adult atomic bomb survivor dosimetry: potential improvements using the J45 phantom series and modern Monte Carlo transport
Authors: Griffin Keith T. , Sato Tatsuhiko , Funamoto Sachiyo , Chizhov Konstantin , Domal Sean , Paulbeck Colin , Bolch Wesley , Cullings Harry M. , Egbert Stephen , Endo Akira , Hertel Nolan , Lee Choonsik 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe radiation exposure estimates for the atomic bomb survivors at Hiroshima and Nagasaki have evolved over the past several decades, reflecting a constant strive by the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) to provide thorough dosimetry to their cohort. Recently, a working group has introduced a new series of anatomical models, called the J45 phantom series, which improves upon those currently used at RERF through greater age resolution, sex distinction, anatomical realism, and organ dose availability. To evaluate the potential dosimetry improvements that would arise from their use in an RERF Dosimetry System, organ doses in the J45 series are evaluated here using environmental fluence data for 20 generalized survivor scenarios pulled directly from the current dosimetry system. The energy- and angle-dependent gamma and neutron fluences were converted to a source term for use in MCNP6, a modern Monte Carlo radiation transport code. Overall, the updated phantom series would be expected to provide dose improvements to several important organs, including the active marrow, colon, and stomach wall (up to 20, 20, and 15% impact on total dose, respectively). The impacts were especially significant for neutron dose estimates (up to a two-fold difference) and within organs which were unavailable in the previous phantom series. These impacts were consistent across the 20 scenarios and are potentially even greater when biological effectiveness of the neutron dose component is considered. The entirety of the dosimetry results for all organs are available as supplementary data, providing confident justification for potential future DS workflows utilizing the J45 phantom series.
Prognostic implications of surgical specimen quality on the oncological outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery in mid and low rectal cancer
Authors: Pla-Martí Vicente , Martín-Arévalo José , Moro-Valdezate David , García-Botello Stephanie , Pérez-Santiago Leticia , Lapeña-Rodríguez María , Bauzá-Collado Mireia , Huerta Marisol , Roselló-Keränen Susana , Espí-Macías Alejandro 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Determine differences in pathologic outcomes between laparoscopic (LAP) and open surgery (OPEN) for mid and low rectal cancer and its influence in long-term oncological outcomes.

Methods
Retrospective case matched study at a tertiary institution. Adults with rectal cancer below 12 cm from the anal verge operated between January 2005 and September 2018 were included. Primary outcomes were quality of specimen, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local recurrence (LR).

Results
The study included 311 patients, LAP = 108 (34.7%), OPEN = 203 (65,3%). A successful resection was accomplished in 81% of the LAP group and in 84.5% of the OPEN (p = 0.505). No differences in free distal margin (LAP = 100%, OPEN = 97.5%; p = 0.156) or circumferential resection margin (LAP = 95.2%, OPEN = 93.2%; p = 0.603) were observed. However, mesorectum quality was incomplete in 16.2% for LAP and in 8.1% for OPEN (p = 0.048). OS was 91.1% for LAP and 81.1% for OPEN (p = 0.360). DFS was 81.4% for LAP and 77.5% for OPEN (p = 0.923). Overall, LR was 2.3% without differences between groups.

Conclusions
Laparoscopic approach could affect the quality of surgical specimen due to technical aspects. However, if principles of surgical oncology are respected, minor pathologic differences in the quality of the mesorectum may not influence on the long-term oncologic outcomes.
The pilot study of group robot intervention on pediatric inpatients and their caregivers, using ‘new aibo’
Authors: Tanaka Kyoko , Makino Hitoshi , Nakamura Kazuaki , Nakamura Akio , Hayakawa Maoko , Uchida Hajime , Kasahara Mureo , Kato Hitoshi , Igarashi Takashi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe study on robot-assisted therapy in a pediatric field has not been applied sufficiently in clinical settings. The purpose of this pilot study is to explore the potential therapeutic effects of a group robot intervention (GRI), using dog-like social robot (SR) ‘aibo’ in pediatric ward. GRI by aibo was conducted for those children with chronic illness (127 in total) who are hospitalized in National Centre for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), and their caregivers (116 in total), from March to April 2018. The observer made structured behavioural observation records, based on which qualitative research on the features of their words and conducts, were carried out. As a result, first, during the GRI, about 2/3 of total expression by children were positive, while about 1/4 were negative or inappropriate. On the other hand, as seen in the ‘change’ group, those children who had originally responded with negative expression eventually came to express positive expression, while getting involved in a ternary relationship or participating in a session more than once. Secondly, as for the expression from the caregivers during the GRI, active expressions such as ‘participation’ and ‘exploration’ accounted for the 2/3, while 1/3 turned out to be rather placid expressions such as ‘watch over’ or ‘encourage.’Conclusion: There has not been any precedent study on the features of words and conducts expressed by patients and their caregivers during the GRI by aibo. The outcome suggests that aibo could possibly be used as a tool for group robot-assisted therapy in the pediatric treatment setting.

What is Known:• The study on robot-assisted therapy in a pediatric field has only just begun.• Though many kinds of social robot have been reportedly used so far, none has yet to be applied in clinical settings

What is New:• Our study revealed the features of words and behaviour expressed by the patients and their caregivers, when dog-like social robot ‘aibo’ was used for a group robot intervention in the pediatric ward.• The outcome suggests that aibo could possibly be used as a tool for group robot-assisted therapy in the pediatric treatment setting.
Sink or float: microtextural controls on the fate of pumice deposition during the 2012 submarine Havre eruption
Authors: Mitchell Samuel J. , Fauria Kristen E. , Houghton Bruce F. , Carey Rebecca J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSilicic submarine volcanic eruptions can produce large volumes of pumices that may rise buoyantly to the ocean surface and/or sink to the seafloor. For eruptions that release significant volumes of pumice into rafts, the proximal to medial submarine geologic record is thus depleted in large volumes of pumice that would have sedimented closer to source in any subaerial eruption. The 2012 eruption of Havre volcano, a submarine volcano in the Kermadec Arc, presents a unique opportunity to study the partitioning of well-constrained rafted and seafloor pumice. Macro- and microtextural analysis was performed on clasts from the Havre pumice raft and from coeval pumiceous seafloor units around the Havre caldera. The raft and seafloor clasts have indistinguishable macrotextures, componentry, and vesicularity ranges. Microtextural differences are apparent as raft pumices have higher vesicle number densities (109 cm−3 vs. 108 cm−3) and significantly lower pore space connectivity (0.3–0.95 vs. 0.9–1.0) than seafloor pumices. Porosity analysis shows that high vesicularity raft pumices required trapping of gas in the connected porosity to remain afloat, whereas lower vesicularity raft pumices could float just from gas within isolated porosity. Measurements of minimum vesicle throat openings further show that raft pumices have a larger proportion of small vesicle throats than seafloor pumices. Narrow throats increase gas trapping as a result of higher capillary pressures acting over gas–water interfaces between vesicles and lower capillary number inhibiting gas bubble escape. Differences in isolated porosity and pore throat distribution ultimately control whether pumices sink or float and thus whether pumice deposits are preserved or not on the seafloor.
Identifying missing links in the conceptualization of financial toxicity: a qualitative study
Authors: Lueckmann Sara L. , Schumann Nadine , Kowalski Christoph , Richter Matthias 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeFinancial toxicity can have a major impact on the quality of life of cancer survivors but lacks conceptual clarity and understanding of the interrelationships of the various aspects that constitute financial toxicity. This study aims to extract major drivers and mediators along the pathway from cancer-related costs to subjective financial distress from the patients’ experiences to establish a better understanding of financial toxicity as a patient-reported outcome.MethodsQualitative semistructured interviews with 39 cancer patients were conducted in Germany and addressed patient experiences with cancer-related financial burden and distress in a country with a statutory health care system. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsSeveral aspects of financial burden need to be considered to understand financial toxicity. The assessment of the ability to make ends meet now or in the future and the subjective evaluation of financial adjustments—namely, the burden of applied financial adjustments and the availability of financial adjustment options—mediate the connection between higher costs and subjective financial distress. Moreover, bureaucracy can influence financial distress through a feeling of helplessness during interactions with authorities because of high effort, non-traceable decisions, or one’s own lack of knowledge.ConclusionWe identified four factors that mediate the impact of higher costs on financial distress that should be addressed in further studies and targeted by changes in policies and support measures. Financial toxicity is more complex than previously thought and should be conceptualized and understood more comprehensively in measurements, including the subjective assessment of available adjustment options and perceived burden of financial adjustments.
Carbon nanodot–based electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor for miRNA-21 detection
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gálvez Laura , García-Mendiola Tania , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Cristina , Guerrero-Esteban Tamara , García-Diego Cristina , Buendía Irene , García-Bermejo M. Laura , Pariente Félix , Lorenzo Encarnación 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA simple carbon nanodot–based electrogenerated chemiluminescence biosensor is described for sensitive and selective detection of microRNA-21 (miRNA-21), a biomarker of several pathologies including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The photoluminescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) were obtained using a new synthesis method, simply by treating tiger nut milk in a microwave reactor. The synthesis is environmentally friendly, simple, and efficient. The optical properties and morphological characteristics of the CNDs were exhaustively investigated, confirming that they have oxygen and nitrogen functional groups on their surfaces and exhibit excitation-dependent fluorescence emission, as well as photostability. They act as co-reactant agents in the anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of [Ru(bpy)3]2+, producing different signals for the probe (single-stranded DNA) and the hybridized target (double-stranded DNA). These results paved the way for the development of a sensitive ECL biosensor for the detection of miRNA-21. This was developed by immobilization of a thiolated oligonucleotide, fully complementary to the miRNA-21 sequence, on the disposable gold electrode. The target miRNA-21 was hybridized with the probe on the electrode surface, and the hybridization was detected by the enhancement of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+/DNA ECL signal using CNDs. The biosensor shows a linear response to miRNA-21 concentration up to 100.0 pM with a detection limit of 0.721 fM. The method does not require complex labeling steps, and has a rapid response. It was successfully used to detect miRNA-21 directly in serum samples from heart failure patients without previous RNA extraction neither amplification process.
Graphical abstract
Complete genome sequence of GII.9 norovirus
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Liu Danlei , Zhang Zilei , Tian Peng , Li Shenwei , Wu Qingping , Wang Dapeng , Tian Zhengan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNorovirus is recognized as one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks. Genotype GII.9 was first detected in Norfolk, VA, USA, in 1997. However, the complete genome sequence of this genotype has not yet been determined. In this study, a complete genome sequence of GII.9[P7] norovirus, SCD1878_GII.9[P7], from a patient was determined using high-throughput sequencing and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technology. The complete genome sequence of SCD1878_GII.9[P7] is 7544 nucleotides (nt) in length with a 3’ poly(A) tail and contains three open reading frames. Sequence comparisons indicated that SCD1878_GII.9[P7] shares 92.1%-92.3% nucleotide sequence identity with GII.P7 (AB258331 and AB039777) and 96.7%-97.4% identity with GII.9 (AY038599 and DQ379715). The results suggested that SCD1878_GII.9[P7] is a member of P genotype GII.P7 and G genotype GII.9. This viral sequence fills a gap at the whole-genome level for the GII.9 genotype.
Immersive audio-visual scene reproduction using semantic scene reconstruction from 360 cameras
Authors: Kim Hansung , Remaggi Luca , Dourado Aloisio , Campos Teofilo de , Jackson Philip J. B. , Hilton Adrian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs personalised immersive display systems have been intensely explored in virtual reality (VR), plausible 3D audio corresponding to the visual content is required to provide more realistic experiences to users. It is well known that spatial audio synchronised with visual information improves a sense of immersion but limited research progress has been achieved in immersive audio-visual content production and reproduction. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end pipeline to simultaneously reconstruct 3D geometry and acoustic properties of the environment from a pair of omnidirectional panoramic images. A semantic scene reconstruction and completion method using a deep convolutional neural network is proposed to estimate the complete semantic scene geometry in order to adapt spatial audio reproduction to the scene. Experiments provide objective and subjective evaluations of the proposed pipeline for plausible audio-visual VR reproduction of real scenes.
Characteristics and health care costs in patients with a diagnostic imaging for low back pain in Switzerland
Authors: Di Gangi Stefania , Bagnoud Christophe , Pichierri Giuseppe , Rosemann Thomas , Plate Andreas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLow back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and a frequent cause for health care utilization with a high economic burden. A large proportion of diagnostic imaging in patients with LBP is inappropriate and can cause more harm than good, which in turn can lead to higher health care costs. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics and health care costs for patients with a diagnostic imaging for LBP in Switzerland. Groupe Mutuel, one of the biggest health care insurance companies in Switzerland and covering approximately 12% of the population, provided data for this analysis. Patients were identified by diagnostic imaging for the lumbar spine in 2016 or 2017. The study period was 2015–2019, that is one year before and two years after the year of imaging. Regression analysis models were used to identify patient variables associated with higher health care costs. A total of 75,296 patients (57% female, mean age: 54.5 years) were included into the study. Magnetic resonance imaging was the most commonly used diagnostic method (44.3%). Patients generated annual mean health care costs of 518,488,470 CHF (466,639,621 Euro) in the whole observation period; 640 million CHF (576 million Euro) in the index year. Overall, costs for LBP patients were 72% higher compared with the costs of no LBP patients. Our findings confirm the economic burden of LBP and highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to improve prevention, diagnostics and patient care in patients with LBP.
Interspecific hybridization in natural sturgeon populations of the Eastern Black Sea: the consequence of drastic population decline?
Authors: Beridze Tamar , Boscari Elisa , Scheele Fleur , Edisherashvili Tamari , Anderson Cort , Congiu Leonardo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe eastern part of the Black Sea and its tributaries are suitable habitats for several sturgeon species, among which Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus, A. nudiventris, A. persicus, A. sturio, and H. huso are well documented. However, different threats have led these species to a dramatic decline, all of them are currently listed as Critically Endangered, and some Locally Extinct, in that area. We tested 94 wild sturgeon samples from the Black Sea and Rioni River by analyzing the mitochondrial Control Region and nuclear markers for hybrid identification. The data analyses (1) assessed mitochondrial diversity among samples, (2) identified their species, as well as (3) indicated instances of hybridization. The data collected, besides confirming a sharp decrease of catches of Beluga and Stellate sturgeon in recent years, also revealed four juvenile hybrids between Russian and Stellate sturgeon, providing the first evidence of natural interspecific hybridization in the Rioni. The present communication raises concerns about the status of sturgeon species in this area and underlines the urgent need for conservation programs to restore self-sustaining populations.
Osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells cultured on poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffolds
Authors: Rodrigues Ana A. , Batista Nilza A. , Malmonge Sônia M. , Casarin Suzan A. , Agnelli José Augusto M. , Santos Arnaldo R. , Belangero William D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBioresorbable biomaterials can fill bone defects and act as temporary scaffold to recruit MSCs to stimulate their differentiation. Among the different bioresorbable polymers studied, this work focuses on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). Were prepared blends of PHBV and PCL to obtain PHBV based biomaterials with good tenacity, important for bone tissue repair, associated with biocompatible properties of PCL. This study assesses the viability of Vero cells on scaffolds of PHBV, PCL, and their blends and the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Materials were characterized in surface morphology, DSC and Impact Strength (IS). Vero cells and MSCs were assessed by MTT assay, cytochemical and SEM analysis. MSC osteogenic differentiation was evaluated through alizarin red staining and ALP activity. We found some roughness onto surface materials. DSC showed that the blends presented two distinct melting peaks, characteristic of immiscible blends. IS test confirmed that PHBV-PCL blends is an alternative for increase the tenacity of PHBV. MTT assay showed cells with high metabolic activities on extract toxicity test, but with low activity in the direct contact test. SEM analysis showed spreading cells with irregular and flattened morphology on different substrates. Cytochemical study revealed that MSCs maintained their morphology, although in smaller number for MSCs. The development of nodules of mineralized organic matrix in MSC cultures was identified by alizarin red staining and osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by the quantification of ALP activity. Thus, our scaffolds did not interfere on viability of Vero cells or the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Variational approach to relative entropies with an application to QFT
Authors: Hollands Stefan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe define a new divergence of von Neumann algebras using a variational expression similar in nature to Kosaki’s formula for Umegaki’s relative entropy. Our divergence satisfies several of the usual desirable properties, upper bounds the sandwiched Renyi entropy and reduces to the fidelity in a limit. As an illustration, we use the formula in quantum field theory to compute our divergence between the vacuum in a bipartite system and an “orbifolded”—in the sense of a conditional expectation—system in terms of the Jones index. We take the opportunity to point out an entropic certainty relation associated with an inclusion of von Neumann factors related to the relative entropy. This certainty relation has an equivalent formulation in terms of error correcting codes.
The Intriguing Relation Between Counterfactual Explanations and Adversarial Examples
Authors: Freiesleben Timo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe same method that creates adversarial examples (AEs) to fool image-classifiers can be used to generate counterfactual explanations (CEs) that explain algorithmic decisions. This observation has led researchers to consider CEs as AEs by another name. We argue that the relationship to the true label and the tolerance with respect to proximity are two properties that formally distinguish CEs and AEs. Based on these arguments, we introduce CEs, AEs, and related concepts mathematically in a common framework. Furthermore, we show connections between current methods for generating CEs and AEs, and estimate that the fields will merge more and more as the number of common use-cases grows.
Time trade-off with someone to live for: impact of having significant others on time trade-off valuations of hypothetical health states
Authors: Hansen Tonya Moen , Stavem Knut , Rand Kim 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
The TTO task involves giving up life years, i.e. living a shorter life, to avoid an undesirable health state. Despite being a hypothetical task, some respondents take other life factors into account when completing the task. This study explored the effect of having children and/or a partner on TTO valuations of hypothetical EQ-5D-5L health states in a valuation study of the general population.

Methods
The study used TTO data collected in a Norwegian EQ-5D-5L valuation study in 2019–2020, by one-to-one pc-assisted interviews following the EQ-VT protocol. We used regression modelling to determine the effect of significant others (having children or a partner) on disutility per health state from the TTO valuations.

Results
430 respondents were included [mean age 43.8 (SD 15.9) years, 58% female, 48% with children, 68% with a partner, 25% with neither children nor partner]. Having children and/or a partner was associated with lowered willingness to trade life years translating to higher elicited health state utilities (p < 0.01).

Conclusion
Having significant others, or the lack of having significant others, was associated with respondents’ valuation of hypothetical health states using TTO, more so than traditional sampling variables such as age and sex. Inadequate representativeness in terms of having significant others could bias health state preference values in valuation studies.