bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-High b-Value Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Based Abbreviated Protocols for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Ohlmeyer Sabine , Laun Frederik Bernd , Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Palm Theresa , Janka Rolf , Weiland Elisabeth , Uder Michael , Wenkel Evelyn 
Published: April 2021

Objectives
Contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most effective imaging modality for breast cancer detection. A contrast agent–free examination technique would be desirable for breast MRI screening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability to detect and characterize suspicious breast lesions with an abbreviated, non–contrast-enhanced MRI protocol featuring ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) compared with CE images.

Materials and Methods
The institutional review board–approved prospective study included 127 female subjects with different clinical indications for breast MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations included DWI sequences with b-values of 1500 s/mm2 (b1500) and 2500 s/mm2 (b2500), native T1- and T2-weighted images, and CE sequences at 1.5 T and 3 T scanners. Two reading rounds were performed, including either the b1500 or the b2500 DWI in consecutive assessment steps: (A) maximum intensity projections (MIPs) of DWI, (B) DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient maps, (C) as (B) but with additional native T1- and T2-weighted images, and (D) as (C) but with additional CE images (full-length protocol). Two readers independently determined the presence of a suspicious lesion. Histological confirmation was obtained for conspicuous lesions, whereas the full MRI data set was obtained for inconspicuous and clearly benign lesions. Statistical analysis included calculation of diagnostic accuracy and interrater agreement via the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results
The cohort comprised 116 cases with BI-RADS 1 findings and 138 cases with BI-RADS ≥2 findings, including 38 histologically confirmed malignancies. For (A), breasts without pathological findings could be recognized with high diagnostic accuracy (negative predictive value, ≥97.0%; sensitivity, ≥92.1% for both readers), but with a limited specificity (≥58.3%; positive predictive value, ≥28.6%). Within the native readings, approach (C) with b2500 performed best (negative predictive value, 99.5%; sensitivity, 97.4%; specificity, 88.4%). The intraclass correlation coefficient was between 0.683 (MIP b1500) and 0.996 (full protocol).

Conclusions
A native abbreviated breast MRI protocol with advanced high b-value DWI might allow nearly equivalent diagnostic accuracy as CE breast MRI and seems to be well suited for lesion detection purposes.
Drug repositioning candidates identified using in-silico quasi-quantum molecular simulation demonstrate reduced COVID-19 mortality in 1.5M patient records
Authors: Alamgir Joy , Yajima Masanao , Ergas Rosa , Chen Xinci , Hill Nicholas , Munir Naved , Saeed Mohsan , Gersing Ken , Haendel Melissa , Chute Christopher G , Abid M. Ruhul 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundDrug repositioning is a key component of COVID-19 pandemic response, through identification of existing drugs that can effectively disrupt COVID-19 disease processes, contributing valuable insights into disease pathways. Traditional non in silico drug repositioning approaches take substantial time and cost to discover effect and, crucially, to validate repositioned effects.MethodsUsing a novel in-silico quasi-quantum molecular simulation platform that analyzes energies and electron densities of both target proteins and candidate interruption compounds on High Performance Computing (HPC), we identified a list of FDA-approved compounds with potential to interrupt specific SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Subsequently we used 1.5M patient records from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative to create matched cohorts to refine our in-silico hits to those candidates that show statistically significant clinical effect.ResultsWe identified four drugs, Metformin, Triamcinolone, Amoxicillin and Hydrochlorothiazide, that were associated with reduced mortality by 27%, 26%, 26%, and 23%, respectively, in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsTogether, these findings provide support to our hypothesis that in-silico simulation of active compounds against SARS-CoV-2 proteins followed by statistical analysis of electronic health data results in effective therapeutics identification.
Rapid screening for variants of concern in routine SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics
Authors: Naaber Paul , Lahesaare Andrio , Truu Laura , Soojärv Andres , Adamson Ainika , Beljaev Kaido , Aamisepp Rainar , Ratnik Kaspar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe emerging spread of variants of concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2 has been noted in several countries worldwide during last months. VOCs associated with increased transmissibility and morality. Sequencing is the gold standard for investigation of variants, however it is expensive and time-consuming. S-dropout routine monitoring in combination with VOC screening by RT-PCR is a useful tool for VOC surveillance.
Sublingual microcirculatory alterations during the immediate and early postoperative period: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chalkias Athanasios , Papagiannakis Nikolaos , Mavrovounis Georgios , Kolonia Konstantina , Mermiri Maria , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Laou Eleni , Arnaoutoglou Eleni 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTStudy objectiveTo systematically review the literature regarding the presence of sublingual microcirculatory alterations during the immediate and early postoperative period.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.Patients/interventionsStudies comparing sublingual microcirculation before and after surgery.MeasurementThe primary outcome was to investigate the severity of microcirculatory alterations during the immediate and early postoperative period in adult patients undergoing non-cardiac and cardiac surgery.Main resultsAmong 17 eligible studies, 13 were finally analyzed. A non-statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative total vessel density (p=0.084; estimate: −0.029; 95% CI: −0.31 to 0.26; I2= 22.55%, Q = 10.23, p=0.24). Perfused vessel density significantly decreased postoperatively (p=0.035; estimate: 0.344; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.66; I2= 65.66%, Q = 41.77, p<0.001), while perfused boundary region significantly increased postoperatively (p=0.031; estimate: −0.415; 95% CI: −0.79 to −0.03; I2= 37.21%, Q = 6.56, p=0.16). Microvascular flow index significantly decreased postoperatively (p=0.028; estimate: 0. 587; 95% CI: 0.06 to 1.11; I2= 86.09%, Q = 96.28, p<0.001), while a non-statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative proportion of perfused vessels (p=0.089; estimate: 0.53; 95% CI: −0.08 to 1.14; I2= 70.71%, Q = 18.99, p=0.002). The results in the non-cardiac surgery subgroup were comparable with the full group except that a statistically non-significant difference in PVD was found in the remaining seven studies (p=0.19; estimate: 0.26; 95% CI: −0.13 to 0.66; I2= 71.94%, Q = 33.42, p=0.002). The other parameters did not differ significantly from their respective full group results.ConclusionsSignificant sublingual microcirculatory alterations are present during the immediate and early postoperative period.
Unraveling Attributes of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the U.S.: A Large Nationwide Study
Authors: McCabe Sean D. , Hammershaimb Elizabeth A. , Cheng David , Shi Andy , Shyr Derek , Shen Shuting , Cole Lyndsey D. , Cataldi Jessica R. , Allen William , Probasco Ryan , Silbermann Ben , Zhang Feng , Marsh Regan , Travassos Mark A. , Lin Xihong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 vaccines are powerful tools to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, but vaccine hesitancy threatens these vaccines’ effectiveness. To address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and ensure equitable distribution, understanding the extent of and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy is critical. We report the results of a large nationwide study conducted December 2020-January 2021 of 34,470 users from COVID-19-focused smartphone-based app How We Feel on their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Nineteen percent of respondents expressed vaccine hesitancy, the majority being undecided. Vaccine hesitancy was significant among females, younger people, minority and low-income communities, healthcare and essential workers, rural residents, geographical regions with higher COVID-19 burden, those who did not use protective measures, and those who did not receive COVID-19 tests. Our findings support the need for targeted efforts to develop education and outreach programs to overcome vaccine hesitancy and improve equitable access, diversity, and inclusion in the national response to COVID-19.
Phylogenetic estimates of SARS-CoV-2 introductions into Washington State
Authors: Tordoff Diana M. , Greninger Alexander L. , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Shrestha Lasata , Xie Hong , Jerome Keith R. , Breit Nathan , Huang Meei-Li , Famulare Mike , Herbeck Joshua T. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe first confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 in North America was identified in Washington state on January 21, 2020. We aimed to quantify the number and temporal trends of out-of-state introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into Washington.MethodsWe conducted a phylogenetic analysis of 11,422 publicly available whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences from GISAID sampled between December 2019 and September 2020. We used maximum parsimony ancestral state reconstruction methods on time-calibrated phylogenies to enumerate introductions/exports, their likely geographic source (e.g. US, non-US, and between eastern and western Washington), and estimated date of introduction. To incorporate phylogenetic uncertainty into our estimates, we conducted 5,000 replicate analyses by generating 25 random time-stratified samples of non-Washington reference sequences, 20 random polytomy resolutions, and 10 random resolutions of the reconstructed ancestral state.ResultsWe estimated a minimum 287 separate introductions (median, range 244-320) into Washington and 204 exported lineages (range 188-227) of SARS-CoV-2 out of Washington. Introductions began in mid-January and peaked on March 29, 2020. Lineages with the Spike D614G variant accounted for the majority (88%) of introductions. Overall, 61% (range 55-65%) of introductions into Washington likely originated from a source elsewhere within the US, while the remaining 39% (range 35-45%) likely originated from outside of the US. Intra-state transmission accounted for 65% and 28% of introductions into eastern and western Washington, respectively.ConclusionsThere is phylogenetic evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Washington is continually seeded by a large number of introductions, and that there was significant inter- and intra-state transmission. Due to incomplete sampling our data underestimate the true number of introductions.
Inactive disease in lupus patients is linked to autoantibodies to type-I interferons that normalize blood IFNα and B cell subsets
Authors: Menon Madhvi , Bradford Hannah F. , Haljasmagi Liis , Vanker Martti , Peterson Pärt , Wincup Chris , Abida Rym , Gonzalez Raquel Fernandez , Bondet Vincent , Duffy Darragh , Isenberg David A. , Kisand Kai , Mauri Claudia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a prominent increase in expression of type-I interferon (IFN)-regulated genes in 50-75% of patients. Here we investigate the presence of autoantibodies (auto-Abs) against type I IFN in SLE patients and their possible role in controlling disease severity. We report that out of 491 SLE patients, 66 had detectable anti-IFNα-auto-Abs. The presence of neutralizing anti-IFNα-auto-Abs correlates with lower levels of circulating IFNα protein, inhibition of IFN down-stream signalling molecules and gene signatures and with an inactive global disease score. Previously reported B cell frequency abnormalities, found to be involved in SLE pathogenesis, including increased levels of immature, double negative and plasmablast B cell populations were partially normalized in patients with neutralising anti-IFNα-auto-Abs compared to other patient groups. We also show that sera from SLE patients with neutralising anti-IFNα-auto-Abs biasesin vitroB cell differentiation towards classical memory phenotype, while sera from patients without anti-IFNα-Abs drives plasmablasts differentiation. Our findings support a role for neutralising anti-IFNα-auto-Abs in controlling SLE pathogenesis and highlight their potential efficacy as novel therapy.
Vision-force guided precise robotic assembly for 2.5D components in a semistructured environment
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Choi Minyong , Son Seung-Woo , Yun Deokwon , Yoon Sukjune 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Many manufacturing sites require precision assembly. Particularly, similar to cell phones, assembly at the sub-mm scale is not easy, even for humans. In addition, the system should assemble each part with adequate force and avoid breaking the circuits with excessive force. The purpose of this study is to assemble high precision components with relatively reasonable vision devices compared to previous studies.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a vision-force guided precise assembly system using a force sensor and two charge coupled device (CCD) cameras without an expensive 3-dimensional (3D) sensor or computer-aided design model. The system accurately estimates 6 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) poses from a 2D image in real time and assembles parts with the proper force.

Findings
In this experiment, three connectors are assembled on a printed circuit board. This system obtains high accuracy under 1 mm and 1 degree error, which shows that this system is effective.

Originality/value
This is a new method for sub-mm assembly using only two CCD cameras and one force sensor.
Three-dimensional trans-Sasakian manifolds and solitons
Authors: Chaubey Sudhakar Kumar , De Uday Chand 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe authors set the goal to find the solution of the Eisenhart problem within the framework of three-dimensional trans-Sasakian manifolds. Also, they prove some results of the Ricci solitons, η-Ricci solitons and three-dimensional weakly  symmetric trans-Sasakian manifolds. Finally, they give a nontrivial example of three-dimensional proper trans-Sasakian manifold.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have used the tensorial approach to achieve the goal.FindingsA second-order parallel symmetric tensor on a three-dimensional trans-Sasakian manifold is a constant multiple of the associated Riemannian metric g.Originality/valueThe authors declare that the manuscript is original and it has not been submitted to any other journal for possible publication.
Association between fund attributes and fund's performance: a panel data approach
Authors: Singh Anurag Bhadur , Tandon Priyanka 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe present study tries to explore the various fund attributes that influence the mutual fund performance. Further, study examined the effect of mutual fund attributes namely, Net Asset Value (NAV), Portfolio turnover ratio (PTR), fund size (AUM), expense ratio (ExpR) and fund age (Age) on mutual fund's performance using gross return and risk-adjusted performance measures.Design/methodology/approachThe study evaluated balanced panel data (short panel) comprising 81 Indian equity mutual fund schemes for the period of 2013–2019. The study estimated relationship between fund attributes (Net asset value, Portfolio turnover ratio, Fund age, fund size and Expense ratio) and fund performance (using gross return and risk-adjusted performance measures), through panel data regression using fixed-effects model as suggested by Hausman specification test on transformed data (due to high multicollinearity), with cluster-robust estimators due to the presence of heteroskedasticity in the model.FindingsThe findings of the study suggested that using gross return as fund performance measure, PTR, NAV, AUM, Age exhibit significant relationship with the fund performance whereas using risk-adjusted performance measures (Treynor ratio and Jensen alpha) NAV and ExpR significantly influences the fund performance. Identification of the significant relationship between fund characteristics and fund performance offers valuable insights to the investors and fund managers for rationally managing their portfolio with the ultimate objective of the wealth maximization.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considered only 81 equity mutual fund schemes. Some of the data were not available at the time of the study due to the policy of the company. The present study contributes significantly in examining the expected association between fund attributes and fund performance in the context of Indian mutual fund industry where this relationship were explored less.Practical implicationsThe findings of the present study will help the investors to take the rational investment decision with the ultimate objective of maximum return with minimal risk. The findings also offer significant germane to the stakeholders in making rational decision-making process.Originality/valueThere is dearth of study concerning the relationship between mutual fund characteristics and fund performance with respect to Indian mutual fund industry. Therefore, study provides valuable insights to the area of the portfolio selection and management with respect to Indian mutual funds.
Chemsex, identity processes and coping among gay and bisexual men
Authors: Jaspal Rusi 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Chemsex constitutes a significant public health concern among gay and bisexual men (GBM). Using the identity process theory, this study focuses on GBM’s motivations for engaging in chemsex and the functions that the practice performs for constructing a positive sense of self and for coping with psychological stress.

Design/methodology/approach
Sixteen GBM were interviewed, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings
Individuals reported facing various stressors, such as homonegativity, rejection and HIV stigma, which were threatening for self-esteem and distinctiveness. There was habitual use of deflection (e.g. denial and self-concealment) for coping with these stressors. Chemsex enabled some interviewees to engage in more elaborate forms of deflection, such as transient depersonalization, compartmentalization and fantasy.

Originality/value
In contrast to the risk-focused analyses of chemsex, this study provides a novel identity-based approach to understanding GBM’s motivations for engaging in chemsex and focuses on the functions that chemsex may perform for identity processes.
Student engagement and perceived gains in transnational education in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Agyeman Yaw , Amoakohene Gertrude 
Published: April 2021

PurposeFollowing recent calls for partner institutions to address the seeming weaknesses in transnational education (TNE) delivery especially in host institutions, this article was developed to generate new insights into how student engagement could explain perceived gains in TNE in a host university in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was used to gather and analyse data from students (n = 197) who were enrolled in different masters' programmes with three different TNE partners from Europe. We relied on a survey to collect data from participants who were sampled by way of simple random sampling method. Consequently, the data was analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsResults revealed that the psychological, behavioural and sociocultural perspectives of student engagement have positive effect on students' perceived gains in TNE. Across the findings, student–lecturer engagement, student' assessment, students' sense of belonging and peer engagement demonstrated strong positive effect on students' perceived gains in TNE. The study further revealed that a supportive campus environment and cross-cultural interaction among students enhance students' sense of belonging.Originality/valueThe findings of this article add to an emerging body of literature that suggest that student engagement provides rich information for enhancing the experiences of students who enrol in TNE programmes. Additionally, by integrating supportive campus environment as part of the multidimensional construct which has not been addressed in previous TNE student engagement literature, this shows the significance of institutional structures and commitment to supporting student engagement.
Brokers’ list price setting in an auction context
Authors: Hungria-Gunnelin Rosane , Kopsch Fredrik , Enegren Carl Johan 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The role of list price is often discussed in a narrative describing sellers’ preferences or sellers’ price expectations. This paper aims to investigate a set of list price strategies that real estate brokers have available to influence the outcome of the sale, which may be many times self-serving.

Design/methodology/approach
By analyzing real estate brokers’ arguments on the choice of the list price level, a couple of hypotheses are formulated with regard to different expected outcomes that depend on the list price. This study empirically tests two hypotheses for the underlying incentives in the choice of list price from the real estate broker’s perspective: lower list price compared to market value leads to the higher sales price, lower list price compared to market value leads to a quicker sale. To investigate the two hypotheses, this paper adopts different methodological frameworks: H1 is tested by running a classical hedonic model, while H2 is tested through a duration model. This study further tests the hypotheses by splitting the full sample into two different price segments: above and below the median list price.

Findings
The results show that H1 is rejected for the full sample and for the two sub-samples. That is, contrary to the common narrative among brokers that underpricing leads to a higher sales price, underpricing lower sales price. H2, however, receives support for the full sample and for the two sub-samples. The latter result points to that brokers may be tempted to recommend a list price significantly below the expected selling price to minimize their effort while showing a high turnover of apartments.

Originality/value
Although there are a large number of previous studies analyzing list price strategies in the housing market, this paper is one of the few empirical studies that address the effect of list price choice level on auction outcomes of non-distressed housing sales.