bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI pulse sequence integration for deep‐learning‐based brain metastases segmentation
Authors: Yi Darvin , Grøvik Endre , Tong Elizabeth , Iv Michael , Emblem Kyrre Eeg , Nilsen Line Brennhaug , Saxhaug Cathrine , Latysheva Anna , Jacobsen Kari Dolven , Helland Åslaug , Zaharchuk Greg , Rubin Daniel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeMagnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an essential diagnostic tool in clinical medicine. Recently, a variety of deep‐learning methods have been applied to segmentation tasks in medical images, with promising results for computer‐aided diagnosis. For MR images, effectively integrating different pulse sequences is important to optimize performance. However, the best way to integrate different pulse sequences remains unclear. In addition, networks trained with a certain subset of pulse sequences as input are unable to perform when given a subset of those pulse sequences. In this study, we evaluate multiple architectural features and characterize their effects in the task of metastasis segmentation while creating a method to robustly train a network to be able to work given any strict subset of the pulse sequences available during training.MethodsWe use a 2.5D DeepLabv3 segmentation network to segment metastases lesions on brain MR's with four pulse sequence inputs. To study how we can best integrate MR pulse sequences for this task, we consider (1) different pulse sequence integration schemas, combining our features at early, middle, and late points within a deep network, (2) different modes of weight sharing for parallel network branches, and (3) a novel integration level dropout layer, which will allow the networks to be robust to performing inference on input with only a subset of pulse sequences available at the training.ResultsWe find that levels of integration and modes of weight sharing that favor low variance work best in our regime of small amounts of training data (n = 100). By adding an input‐level dropout layer, we could preserve the overall performance of these networks while allowing for inference on inputs with missing pulse sequences. We illustrate not only the generalizability of the network but also the utility of this robustness when applying the trained model to data from a different center, which does not use the same pulse sequences. Finally, we apply network visualization methods to better understand which input features are most important for network performance.ConclusionsTogether, these results provide a framework for building networks with enhanced robustness to missing data while maintaining comparable performance in medical imaging applications.
Social, health and rehabilitation sector educators’ competence in evidence‐based practice: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Halvari Johanna , Mikkonen Kristina , Kääriäinen Maria , Kuivila Heli , Holopainen Arja , Immonen Kati , Koivula Meeri , Koskinen Camilla , Sjögren Tuulikki , Kyngäs Helvi , Tuomikoski Anna‐Maria 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe purpose of the study was to identify and describe the characteristic profiles of evidence‐based practice competence of educators in the social, health and rehabilitation sectors and to establish relevant background factors.DesignThis study was carried out as a descriptive cross‐sectional study.MethodsData were collected from social, health and rehabilitation sector educators working in the 21 Finnish universities of applied sciences and seven vocational colleges (n = 422; N = 2,330). A self‐assessment instrument measuring evidence‐based practice competence was used. Competence profiles were formed using a K‐cluster grouping analysis.ResultsThree distinct competence profiles were identified and delineated. Most educators feel that they can guide students' critical thinking and are able to seek and produce scientific knowledge. Evidence‐based practice competence was explained by background factors such as year of graduation (for higher degree), level of education, job title, current employer and current field of work.
Continuous quality improvement of nutrition management during radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ji Juan , Jiang Dan‐dan , Xu Zhe , Yang Yi‐qun , Qian Ke‐yan , Zhang Mu‐xing 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of implementing a model for continuous quality improvement in the nutritional management of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy.Design methodsIn the intervention group (n = 77), a model for the continuous quality improvement of efforts at nutrition management was implemented. These efforts included the development of a new process for nutrition management, a system to provide nutritional support and the use of targeted intervention plans to improve nutrition. The time from diagnosis to the administration of radiation therapy, the severity of oral mucositis and dietary factors were recorded and considered in the development of targeted nutrition intervention and nutrition education. The control group (n = 71) followed the original procedures for nutrition management.ResultsThe study found that the CQI model can decrease the severity of oral mucositis caused by radiation and improve nutritional status in affected patients.
Development of MADB of P‐I controller using LMI technique in a renewable energy based AGC system and study its application in a deregulated environment including energy storage device
Authors: Biswas Soumen , Roy Provas Kumar , Chatterjee Kalyan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn recent decades, inclusion of renewable resources is considered as one of the most promising options for the long run uninterrupted power supply without depending on conventional resources. Thus, the renewable energy generation will get more attention and massive growing, so that the goal of 40% share of electricity in the worldwide energy portfolio in 2050 would be realized. But during replacement of renewable energy by conventional energy, engineers are facing a lot of problem due to solar generation, wind generation change their characteristic rapidly with weather condition, which may cause large synchronizing imbalance between different units and generate large system delay or communication delay in large interconnected grid. In this article, the authors propose linear matrix inequalities techniques to developed margin of allowable delay for delay dependent stable hybrid system. Initially, to judge the efficacy of proposed chaotic atomic search optimization (CASO) algorithm over other evolutionary algorithms with PID controller, a thermal‐hydro gas system is considered. The second part of this article is motivated by the fact that proposed CASO algorithm with P‐I controller is superior in contrast to bacterial foraging algorithm technique. In addition to this, some energy storage devices such as fuel cell, aqua electrolyzer, and ultra‐capacitor are used to achieve a better dynamic response within specified delay margin. Moreover, to study the impact of communication delays (delay margin) due to the loss of synchronism between solar‐wind (for their unpredicted environmental features) and thermal unit (nonlinearities like generation rate constraints, boiler dynamics, and governor with the dead band) are considered in thermal unit and the simulation results verify with the effectiveness of the proposed approach on providing a balance between the delay margin and the damping performances is evaluated under deregulated environment. The simulation results help to make an inter‐relation between the delay margin and the controller gain (P‐I) which help the system operator in designing controllers gain for stable operation of the proposed hybrid system.
Two In Cis Variants—Two Worlds Apart
Authors: Lo Ying-Chun , Narayan Rupa , Nardi Valentina , Lennerz Jochen K. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Precision oncology emphasizes genotyping as one of the mainstays of oncological decision-making. The core information element exchanged between the laboratory and the oncologist is the precise mutation. Specifically, it is the written representation typically in the form of a variant description at the DNA or protein level. These annotations can be confusing, and many commercial laboratories have abandoned DNA-level annotations. Here we present a complex double-point mutation to illustrate a situation where a formally “correct” reporting nomenclature can obscure clinically relevant and potentially clinically actionable information.

Key Points
Social conflict on the front lines of reform: Institutional activism and girls' education in rural India
Authors: Mangla Akshay 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHow do states realize social reforms for marginalized groups in settings of entrenched inequality? This article argues that reform implementation is a conflict‐ridden process driven by the institutional activism of street‐level bureaucrats. Through an ethnographic case study of Mahila Samakhya, a novel government program for women's empowerment in Uttar Pradesh, India, I find that local fieldworkers committed to reform promoted girls' education by mobilizing marginalized citizens and mediating local conflicts. Organizational processes of gender‐based training and deliberation enabled fieldworkers to challenge village patriarchy and exclusion and forge programmatic ties with lower caste women. By altering rules to address the practical needs of households, fieldworkers effectively integrated disadvantaged girls into the education system. Institutional activism also engendered conflicts over rules within the bureaucracy, prompting senior officials to advocate for marginalized groups. The findings suggest that institutional commitment to activism is critical for agencies working on the front lines of reform.
Graphene functionalized with nanosilver particle‐modified methacrylate‐based bonding agent improves antimicrobial capacity and mechanical strength at tooth orthodontic bracket interface
Authors: Sawan Nozha M. , AlSagob Eman I. , Ben Gassem Afnan A. , Alshami Abeer A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to formulate and characterize functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and evaluate the antimicrobial and mechanical properties of GNP‐Ag‐modified adhesives bonded to orthodontic brackets. The morphology and physiochemical properties of nanoparticles were studied. The functionalized nanoparticles were incorporated at 0.25 and 0.5 wt% into experimental orthodontic adhesives (Transbond XT) and characterized for their biological, antimicrobial capacity, degree of conversion (DC), shear bond strength (SBS), and adhesive remnant index (ARI). Among the experimental groups, the specimen treated with 0.25 wt% modified experimental adhesive had the highest mean DC score (40.8 ± 6.5), shear bond strength (9.8 ± 1.8), lowest mean adhesive remnant index scores (1.35 ± 0.78), and the lowest cytotoxicity effect after 72 h (p < 0.001). However, 0.5 wt% GNP‐Ag modified experimental adhesive specimens showed a greater relative antibiofilm viability against S. mutans after 24 h and 30 days in comparison to 0.25 wt%. Our study found that 0.25 wt% revealed substantial increase in antibacterial properties and therefore could be used for bonding orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface without compromising bond strength.
N‐type silk fibroin/TiO2 nanocomposite transparent films: electrical and optical properties
Authors: Yadav Reetu , Batra Radhika , Bansal Priya , Purwar Roli 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper highlights the effect of different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the electrical and optical properties of silk fibroin (SF). TiO2 based SF nanocomposite films were prepared using the solvent casting method. Uniform dispersion and agglomeration of nanoparticles, in nanocomposite films, were observed by field emission SEM. The conductivity of pure SF and nanocomposite films was determined by a four‐point probe and the TiO2 nanoparticles were found to bring high conductivity to the nanocomposite films. Dielectric strength improved with the addition of nanoparticles to the SF matrix. Dielectric constant and capacitance of the pure SF and nanocomposite films were measured using an LCR meter, which showed a 10‐fold enhancement on the addition of nanoparticles in SF. A very unusual property, i.e. negative resistance, was observed during LCR meter analysis for the nanocomposite films for a particular range of frequency (200–550 kHz), voltage (1 V) and current (0.5–1.5 μA). TiO2 nanoparticles changed the semiconducting behavior of the SF films from p‐type to n‐type as measured by the Hall effect experiment. The optical properties of pure SF and nanocomposite films were measured using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The increased concentration of nanoparticles in the SF has effectively enhanced the absorbing coefficient, refractive index and percentage transmittance and reduced the bandgap energy. These SF/TiO2 nanocomposite films have shown the potential to be used as dielectric and high refractive index material for optoelectronics applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Flexible thin films based on poly(ester imide) materials for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Serbezeanu Diana , Homocianu Mihaela , Macsim Ana‐Maria , Enache Alexandru Alin , Vlad‐Bubulac Tăchiță 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA series of high‐performance poly(ester imide)s bearing cycloaliphatic moieties was manufactured by a two‐step procedure via solution polycondensation of an aromatic–aliphatic dianhydride containing preformed ester units and cyclohexanone ring in the main chain, with various aromatic diamines. The new dianhydride monomer, namely 2‐oxocyclohexane‐1,3‐bis[4,4′‐bis(trimellitate)benzylidene] dianhydride, was synthesized by the reaction between 2,6‐bis(4‐hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone and trimellitic anhydride chloride. The chemical structure of the resulting dianhydride was confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The poly(ester imide)s from the series exhibited water uptake capacity in the range 3.45–10.09%. The onset temperatures, corresponding to the first detected thermal weight loss in the samples, ranged from 367 to 441 °C. Besides the cycloaliphatic moieties coming from the dianhydride monomer, the other aliphatic segments present in the diamine structures were responsible for improved optical performance in the resulting poly(ester imide)s, the transmittance being higher than 80% at 684 nm. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Comprehensive analysis of trends in Medicare utilization and reimbursement in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: 2012 to 2017
Authors: Han Alex , Carayannopoulos Alexios G. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionThere is an absence of literature describing Medicare utilization by physiatrists, despite their key role in treating Medicare enrollees with qualifying disabilities and common neuromusculoskeletal conditions.ObjectiveTo analyze Medicare data regarding physiatrists and their beneficiaries, services, and reimbursement, as well as trends in utilization and geographic distribution.Design and SettingRetrospective analysis of publicly available Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data for Medicare beneficiaries receiving physiatric services from 2012 to 2017.Main Outcome MeasuresAfter adjustment for inflation, variables assessed for changes over time included provider and beneficiary demographics, total Medicare reimbursement, and the number of services provided, subsequently separated by drug and medical service metrics. Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients were computed to study reimbursement inequality. Choropleth maps were generated to assess geographic differences in physician density and reimbursement, both by state and ZIP code.ResultsThe number of physiatrists utilizing Medicare increased from 7230 to 7895 from 2012 to 2017, whereas the average number of unique beneficiaries per clinician remained constant (307 vs. 310; p = .51). The beneficiaries' mean hierarchical conditions category (HCC) health risk score, normalized to 1.0 for the average beneficiary, increased significantly from 2012 to 2017 (1.72 vs. 1.80; p < .01). The mean Medicare reimbursement per physiatrist decreased significantly from 2012 to 2017 ($131,960 vs. $117,623; p < .001), whereas the mean number of services remained constant (3243 vs. 3077; p = .132). Botulinum toxin and baclofen injections were the two most reimbursed drug‐related services. Gini coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.53 for 2012 to 2017, suggesting moderate reimbursement inequality, with the 75th percentile receiving on average two times the median. Both physician density and top earners were concentrated in urban and metropolitan areas.ConclusionsDespite rising health care costs and the increasing medical complexity of physiatrists' beneficiaries, Medicare payments have decreased over time. These trends are relevant to both providers and policymakers, particularly in light of unequal geographic distribution of physiatrists across the country.
A study of a hierarchical structure of proteins and ligand binding sites of receptors using the triangular spatial relationship‐based structure comparison method and development of a size‐filtering feature designed for comparing different sizes of protein structures
Authors: Kondra Sarika , Chen Feng , Chen Yixin , Chen Yuwu , Collette Caleb J. , Xu Wu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe presence of receptors and the specific binding of the ligands determine nearly all cellular responses. Binding of a ligand to its receptor causes conformational changes of the receptor that triggers the subsequent signaling cascade. Therefore, systematically studying structures of receptors will provide insight into their functions. We have developed the triangular spatial relationship (TSR)‐based method where all possible triangles are constructed with Cα atoms of a protein as vertices. Every triangle is represented by an integer denoted as a “key” computed through the TSR algorithm. A structure is thereby represented by a vector of integers. In this study, we have first defined substructures using different types of keys. Second, using different types of keys represents a new way to interpret structure hierarchical relations and differences between structures and sequences. Third, we demonstrate the effects of sequence similarity as well as sample size on the structure‐based classifications. Fourth, we show identification of structure motifs, and the motifs containing multiple triangles connected by either an edge or a vertex are mapped to the ligand binding sites of the receptors. The structure motifs are valuable resources for the researchers in the field of signal transduction. Next, we propose amino‐acid scoring matrices that capture “evolutionary closeness” information based on BLOSUM62 matrix, and present the development of a new visualization method where keys are organized according to evolutionary closeness and shown in a 2D image. This new visualization opens a window for developing tools with the aim of identification of specific and common substructures by scanning pixels and neighboring pixels. Finally, we report a new algorithm called as size filtering that is designed to improve structure comparison of large proteins with small proteins. Collectively, we provide an in‐depth interpretation of structure relations through the detailed analyses of different types of keys and their associated key occurrence frequencies, geometries, and labels. In summary, we consider this study as a new computational platform where keys are served as a bridge to connect sequence and structure as well as structure and function for a deep understanding of sequence, structure, and function relationships of the protein family.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of DMI and SDHI fungicide resistance of Zymoseptoria tritici throughout Europe based on frequencies of key target‐site alterations
Authors: Hellin Pierre , Duvivier Maxime , Heick Thies M , Fraaije Bart A , Bataille Charlotte , Clinckemaillie Aurélie , Legrève Anne , Jørgensen Lise N , Andersson Björn , Samils Berit , Rodemann Bernd , Berg Gunilla , Hutton Fiona , Garnault Maxime , El Jarroudi Moussa , Couleaud Gilles , Kildea Steven 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDOver the past decade, demethylation inhibitor (DMI) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides have been extensively used to control to septoria tritici blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat. This has led to the development and selection of alterations in the target‐site enzymes (CYP51 and SDH, respectively).RESULTSTaking advantage of newly and previously developed qPCR assays, the frequency of key alterations associated with DMI (CYP51‐S524T) and SDHI (SDHC‐T79N/I, C‐N86S and C‐H152R) resistance was assessed in Z. tritici‐infected wheat leaf samples collected from commercial crops (n = 140) across 14 European countries prior to fungicide application in the spring of 2019. This revealed the presence of a West to East gradient in the frequencies of the most common key alterations conferring azole (S524T) and SDHI resistance (T79N and N86S), with the highest frequencies measured in Ireland and Great Britain. These observations were corroborated by sequencing (CYP51 and SDH subunits) and sensitivity phenotyping (prothioconazole‐desthio and fluxapyroxad) of Z. tritici isolates collected from a selection of field samples. Additional sampling made at the end of the 2019 season confirmed the continued increase in frequency of the targeted alterations. Investigations on historical leaf DNA samples originating from different European countries revealed that the frequency of all key alterations (except C‐T79I) has been gradually increasing over the past decade.CONCLUSIONWhilst these alterations are quickly becoming dominant in Ireland and Great Britain, scope still exists to delay their selection throughout the wider European population, emphasizing the need for the implementation of fungicide antiresistance measures. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Segmentation of brain tumour in 3D Intraoperative Ultrasound imaging
Authors: Angel‐Raya Erick , Chalopin Claire , Avina‐Cervantes Juan Gabriel , Cruz‐Aceves Ivan , Wein Wolfgang , Lindner Dirk 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative ultrasound (iUS), using a navigation system and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI), supports the surgeon intraoperatively in identifying tumour margins. Therefore, visual tumour enhancement can be supported by efficient segmentation methods.MethodsA semi‐automatic and two registration‐based segmentation methods are evaluated to extract brain tumours from 3D‐iUS data. The registration‐based methods estimated the brain deformation after craniotomy based on pMRI and 3D‐iUS data. Both approaches use the normalised gradient field and linear correlation of linear combinations metrics. Proposed methods were evaluated on 66 B‐mode and contrast‐mode 3D‐iUS data with metastasis and glioblastoma.ResultsThe semi‐automatic segmentation achieved superior results with dice similarity index (DSI) values between [85.34, 86.79]% and contour mean distance values between [1.05, 1.11] mm for both modalities and tumour classes.ConclusionsBetter segmentation results were obtained for metastasis detection than glioblastoma, preferring 3D‐intraoperative B‐mode over 3D‐intraoperative contrast‐mode.