bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A performance comparison of convolutional neural network‐based image denoising methods: The effect of loss functions on low‐dose CT images
Authors: Kim Byeongjoon , Han Minah , Shim Hyunjung , Baek Jongduk 
Published: July 2019

PurposeConvolutional neural network (CNN)‐based image denoising techniques have shown promising results in low‐dose CT denoising. However, CNN often introduces blurring in denoised images when trained with a widely used pixel‐level loss function. Perceptual loss and adversarial loss have been proposed recently to further improve the image denoising performance. In this paper, we investigate the effect of different loss functions on image denoising performance using task‐based image quality assessment methods for various signals and dose levels.MethodsWe used a modified version of U‐net that was effective at reducing the correlated noise in CT images. The loss functions used for comparison were two pixel‐level losses (i.e., the mean‐squared error and the mean absolute error), Visual Geometry Group network‐based perceptual loss (VGG loss), adversarial loss used to train the Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty (WGAN‐GP), and their weighted summation. Each image denoising method was applied to reconstructed images and sinogram images independently and validated using the extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) simulation and Mayo Clinic datasets. In the XCAT simulation, we generated fan‐beam CT datasets with four different dose levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of a normal‐dose level) using 10 XCAT phantoms and inserted signals in a test set. The signals had two different shapes (spherical and spiculated), sizes (4 and 12 mm), and contrast levels (60 and 160 HU). To evaluate signal detectability, we used a detection task SNR (tSNR) calculated from a non‐prewhitening model observer with an eye filter. We also measured the noise power spectrum (NPS) and modulation transfer function (MTF) to compare the noise and signal transfer properties.ResultsCompared to CNNs without VGG loss, VGG‐loss‐based CNNs achieved a more similar tSNR to that of the normal‐dose CT for all signals at different dose levels except for a small signal at the 25% dose level. For a low‐contrast signal at 25% or 50% dose, adding other losses to the VGG loss showed more improved performance than only using VGG loss. The NPS shapes from VGG‐loss‐based CNN closely matched that of normal‐dose CT images while CNN without VGG loss overly reduced the mid‐high‐frequency noise power at all dose levels. MTF also showed VGG‐loss‐based CNN with better‐preserved high resolution for all dose and contrast levels. It is also observed that additional WGAN‐GP loss helps improve the noise and signal transfer properties of VGG‐loss‐based CNN.ConclusionsThe evaluation results using tSNR, NPS, and MTF indicate that VGG‐loss‐based CNNs are more effective than those without VGG loss for natural denoising of low‐dose images and WGAN‐GP loss improves the denoising performance of VGG‐loss‐based CNNs, which corresponds with the qualitative evaluation.
RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) blastocysts produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer and in vitro fertilization
Authors: Sood Tanushri Jerath , Lagah Swati Viviyan , Mukesh Manishi , Singla Suresh Kumar , Chauhan Manmohan Singh , Manik Radhey Sham , Palta Prabhat 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAcross farm animal species, the live birth rate obtained with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is only <2% compared with >40% obtained with in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos, primarily due to incomplete nuclear reprogramming which results in aberrant embryonic gene expression. We used RNA sequencing to compare the global transcriptome profile of SCNT and IVF buffalo blastocysts. SCNT blastocysts expressed 17,061 transcripts, of which 941 were unique whereas, IVF blastocysts expressed 17,303 transcripts, of which 1,183 were unique. At ≥2‐folds change (p < .05), 331 transcripts were differentially expressed in the two groups among which, 19 were unique, 188 were downregulated and 143 were upregulated in SCNT compared with IVF blastocysts. Many genes affecting pluripotency, trophectoderm development, developmental regulation, and epigenetic modifications were upregulated in SCNT compared with IVF blastocysts. Among the four functional categories analyzed, epigenetic regulators were the most affected. Most of the WNT signaling pathway genes were upregulated whereas, the inhibitors of this pathway, such as DKK1, were downregulated in SCNT blastocysts, suggesting that this pathway is overexpressed in SCNT embryos. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that 25 biological processes, 20 molecular functions, and 24 cellular compartment categories were enriched in SCNT blastocysts. This data can help identify reprogramming errors for improving cloning efficiency.
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT'S EFFECTS ON PATIENTS, PROVIDERS, AND THE ECONOMY: WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR
Authors: Gruber Jonathan , Sommers Benjamin D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAs we approach the tenth anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, it is important to reflect on what has been learned about the impacts of this major reform. In this paper, we review the literature on the impacts of the ACA on patients, providers, and the economy. We find strong evidence that the ACA's provisions have increased insurance coverage. There is also a clearly positive effect on access to and consumption of health care, with suggestive but more limited evidence on improved health outcomes. There is no evidence of significant reductions in provider access, changes in labor supply, or increased budgetary pressures on state governments, and the law's total federal cost through 2018 has been less than predicted. We conclude by describing key policy implications and future areas for research.
In vitro micropropagation and alkaloids analysis by GC–MS of Chilean Amaryllidaceae plants: Rhodophiala pratensis
Authors: Trujillo‐Chacón Lina M. , Pastene‐Navarrete Edgar R. , Bustamante Luis , Baeza Marcelo , Alarcón‐Enos Julio E. , Cespedes‐Acuña Carlos L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionPlants from Amaryllidaceae family are of interest since they produce a particular type of alkaloid useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as Galanthamine. Given the low content of these secondary metabolites in the plant, it is necessary to study mechanisms to increase the productivity of them.ObjectiveTo obtain fast qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alkaloids and extend the understanding of biosynthesis and metabolism in these kinds of plants. Furthermore, establish a reliable, simple and fast analytical method for the in vitro callus culture of vegetative organs for Rhodophiala pratensis species.MethodsThe alkaloids composition of the callus culture of R. pratensis were analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS).ResultsA methodology for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alkaloids present in fresh callus culture of this wild plant species was established. The analysis showed alternation in the alkaloids type ratio and number of compounds between wild bulbs, in vitro bulbs and callus. It was possible to identify 24 alkaloids from a pool of 60 signals whose fragmentation pattern corresponds to the alkaloids of Amaryllidaceae plants. Together with the aforementioned, the amount and type of alkaloid present in the plant material obtained by in vitro culture of R. pratensis was determined in the same way. The results show the high biosynthetic potential of in vitro grown bulbs and callus tissue that are able to produce significant amounts of pharmacologically relevant alkaloids from R. pratensis in various proportions that depend on the culture conditions such as supplementation with growth substances. The in vitro grown bulbs produce an alkaloidal extract that contain a 52.6% w/w of alkaloids.ConclusionThis study allowed the alkaloid content in callus culture of R. pratensis to be found by means of GC–MS. These results allowed a relationship between the type of growth regulator and the type of alkaloids found to be established. Finally, we can say that the results achieved to state that the production of alkaloids using different combinations of growth regulators could be directed during in vitro micropropagation from provided plant material.
Tracking mite trophic interactions by multiplex PCR
Authors: Gómez‐Martínez María Antonia , Pina Tatiana , Aguilar‐Fenollosa Ernestina , Jaques Josep A , Hurtado Mónica A 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDA thorough knowledge of trophic webs in agroecosystems is essential to achieve successful biological pest control. Phytoseiid mites are the most efficient natural enemies of tetranychid mites, which include several important pests worldwide. Nevertheless, phytoseiids may feed on other food sources including other microarthropods, plants and even other phytoseiids (intraguild predation), which can interfere with biological control services. Molecular gut content analysis is a valuable tool for characterizing trophic interactions, mainly when working on microarthropods such as mites. We have designed new primers for Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae and Thysanoptera identification and they have been multiplexed in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together with universal plant primers. Additionally, we have estimated prey DNA detectability success over time (DS50) considering the most probable events in Spanish citrus orchards: the phytoseiid Euseius stipulatus as a predator, the phytoseiid Phytoseiulus persimilis as intraguild prey, and the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and Anaphothrips obscurus as alternative prey to Tetranychus urticae.RESULTSThe designed multiplex PCR allows the identification of phytoseiids (both predator and intraguild prey) and detects alternative food sources mentioned above in the gut of the phytoseiid predator. DS50 for E. stipulatus as the predator were 1.3, 2.3 and 18.7 h post feeding for F. occidentalis, A. obscurus and P. persimilis as prey, respectively.CONCLUSIONTracking of the trophic relationships within the citrus acarofauna, and the unveiling of the role of alternative food sources will pave the way for enhancing T. urticae biological control. This multiplex PCR approach could be applicable for these purposes in similar agroecosystems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dual strategy for reduced signal‐suppression effects in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Bastrup Joakim , Birkelund Svend , Asuni Ayodeji A. , Volbracht Christiane , Stensballe Allan 
Published: July 2019

RationaleThe molecular complexity of tissue features several signal‐suppression effects which reduce the ionization of analytes significantly and thereby weakens the quality of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) imaging (MALDI imaging). We report a novel approach in MALDI imaging by reducing signal‐suppression effects for the analysis of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques, one pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsWe analyzed Aβ proteoforms from postmortem AD brains and brains from transgenic mice (APPPS1‐21) overexpressing familial AD mutations by combining two techniques: (1) laser capture microdissection (LCM) to accumulate Aβ plaques and (2) phosphoric acid (PA) as additive to the super‐2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid matrix.ResultsLCM and MALDI‐MS enabled tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation of stained Aβ plaques. PA improved the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio, especially of the Aβ1‐42 peptide, by three‐fold compared with the standard matrix additive trifluoroacetic acid. The beneficial effect of the PA matrix additive in MALDI imaging was particularly important for AD brain tissue. We identified several significant differences in Aβ plaque composition from AD compared with APPPS1‐21, underlining the value of reducing signal‐suppressing effects in MALDI imaging.ConclusionsWe present a novel strategy for overcoming signal‐suppression effects in MALDI imaging of Aβ proteoforms.
Active fault tolerant control for switched positive linear systems
Authors: Sobhanipour Hossein , Afzalian Ali A. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe main aim of this paper is to design an active fault tolerant controller for switched positive linear systems. A theorem is proved for fault and state estimation of switched positive linear systems in terms of matrix inequality by considering average dwell‐time approach. By utilizing the theorem results, not only a fast and exact estimation of fault and state is obtained but also the positivity of state estimation is ensured. The feasibility problem is solved by formulating it into a special sequential optimization problem subject to LMI constraints. Based on the fault estimation information, an observer‐based fault tolerant control guaranties the stability and positivity of the closed‐loop system. Finally, a practical example including a data communication network is presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Global sampled‐data output‐feedback stabilization for nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity
Authors: Wang Pan , Chai Lin , Chen Chih‐Chiang , Fei Shumin 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThis paper investigates the problem of global output‐feedback stabilization by sampled‐data control for nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity. By employing the technique of output‐feedback domination, a sampled‐data output‐feedback control law together with a sampled‐data state observer is explicitly constructed. By an exquisite selection of both the domination gain and sampling period, the resultant control law is a globally asymptotic stabilizer even in the presence of unknown measurement sensitivity. The novelty of this paper is the development of a distinct approach which can tackle the problem of output‐feedback stabilization for the nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity.
Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as Green and Efficient Solvent/Catalyst Systems for the Synthesis of Carbamates and Ureas from Carbonates
Authors: Dindarloo Inaloo Iman , Majnooni Sahar 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe use of sustainable deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as stable and green solvent/catalyst systems shows unprecedented high efficiency in the formation of carbamates and ureas from carbonates without any additional solvent. This new protocol provides a simple, fast, economically and eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of broad scope carbamates and ureas providing remarkable yields in the presence of choline chloride:Zinc(II) chloride ([ChCl][ZnCl2]2) under the mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the [ChCl][ZnCl2]2can be reused for over five consecutive cycles without any significant loss of activity.
Depth‐Resolved Enhanced Spectral‐Domain OCT Imaging of Live Mammalian Embryos Using Gold Nanoparticles as Contrast Agent
Authors: Huang Yali , Li Minghui , Huang Doudou , Qiu Qi , Lin Wenzhen , Liu Jiyan , Yang Wensheng , Yao Youliang , Yan Guoliang , Qu Ning , Tuchin Valery V. , Fan Shanhui , Liu Gang , Zhao Qingliang , Chen Xiaoyuan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHigh‐resolution and real‐time visualization of the morphological changes during embryonic development are critical for studying congenital anomalies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to investigate the process of embryogenesis. However, the structural visibility of the embryo is decreased with the depth due to signal roll‐off and high light scattering. To overcome these obstacles, in this study, combined is a spectral‐domain OCT (SD‐OCT) with gold nanorods (GNRs) for 2D/3D imaging of live mouse embryos. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is used to confirm that GNRs can be effectively delivered to the embryos during ex vivo culture. OCT signal, image contrast, and penetration depth are all enhanced on the embryos with GNRs. These results show that after GNR treatment, more accurate spatial localization and better contrasting of the borders among organs can be observed on E9.5 and E10.5 mouse embryos. Furthermore, the strong optical absorbance of GNRs results in much clearer 3D images of the embryos, which can be used for calculating the heart areas and volumes of E9.5 and E10.5 embryos. These findings provide a promising strategy for monitoring organ development and detecting congenital structural abnormalities in mice.
Changing the Blood Test: Accurate Determination of Mercury(II) in One Microliter of Blood Using Oriented ZnO Nanobelt Array Film Solution‐Gated Transistor Chips
Authors: Li Yi‐Xiang , Yang Meng , Li Pei‐Hua , Chen Shi‐Hua , Li Yong‐Yu , Guo Zheng , Li Shan‐Shan , Jiang Min , Lin Chu‐Hong , Huang Xing‐Jiu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe measurement of ultralow concentrations of heavy metal ions (HMIs) in blood is challenging. A new strategy for the determination of mercury ions (Hg2+) based on an oriented ZnO nanobelt (ZnO‐NB) film solution‐gated field‐effect transistor (FET) chip is adopted. The FET chips are fabricated with ZnO‐NB film channels with different orientations utilizing the Langmuir–Blodgett (L–B) assembly technique. The combined simulation and I–V behavior results show that the nanodevice with ZnO‐NBs parallel to the channel has exceptional performance. The sensing capability of the oriented ZnO‐NB film FET chips corresponds to an ultralow minimum detectable level (MDL) of 100 × 10−12 m in deionized water due to the change in the electrical double layer (EDL) arising from the synergism of the field‐induced effect and the specific binding of Hg2+ to the thiol groups (‐SH) on the film surface. Moreover, the prepared FET chips present excellent selectivity toward Hg2+, excellent repeatability, and a rapid response time (less than 1 s) for various Hg2+ concentrations. The sensing performance corresponds to a low MDL of 10 × 10−9 m in real samples of a drop of blood.
A systematic mapping study on crowdsourced requirements engineering using user feedback
Authors: Wang Chong , Daneva Maya , van Sinderen Marten , Liang Peng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCrowdsourcing is an appealing concept for achieving good enough requirements and just‐in‐time requirements engineering (RE). A promising form of crowdsourcing in RE is the use of feedback on software systems, generated through a large network of anonymous users of these systems over a period of time. Prior research indicated implicit and explicit user feedback as key to RE‐practitioners to discover new and changed requirements and decide on software features to add, enhance, or abandon. However, a structured account on the types and characteristics of user feedback useful for RE purposes is still lacking. This research fills the gap by providing a mapping study of literature on crowdsourced user feedback employed for RE purposes. On the basis of the analysis of 44 selected papers, we found nine pieces of metadata that characterized crowdsourced user feedback and that were employed in seven specific RE activities. We also found that the published research has a strong focus on crowd‐generated comments (explicit feedback) to be used for RE purposes, rather than employing application logs or usage‐generated data (implicit feedback). Our findings suggest a need to broaden the scope of research effort in order to leverage the benefits of both explicit and implicit feedback in RE.
Kommunale Akteure verstehen: Vorgeschichte der Arbeit in Kommunen beachten
Authors: Eckart Jochen , Häußler Elke , Erl Thorsten , Gonser Monika , Riel Jan 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungEine Akteursanalyse liefert wertvolle Grundlagen für die Gestaltung der Partizipation in einem Reallabor. Bleiben dabei relevante Besonderheiten unbeachtet, entstehen ‚blinde Flecken‘. Der Kurz-Beitrag erörtert den ‚blinden Flecken‘, der entsteht, wenn ausgeblendet wird, dass es in einer Kommune höchstwahrscheinlich Erfahrungen aus anderen Projekten und Aktivitäten gibt, die für die (Zusammen-)Arbeit im Projekt von Bedeutung sind. Der Beitrag zeigt, welche Aspekte der Vorgeschichte kommunaler Akteure zu erkunden sind und weshalb es wichtig ist, sich mit dieser Vorgeschichte auseinanderzusetzen. Die weiteren ‚blinden Flecken‘, die im Buch beleuchtet werden, sind die, die durch einen verkürzten Blick auf die Entscheidungswege bzw. auf die Verteilung der Wissensbestände in Kommunen entstehen.
Local Social Inequality, Economic Inequality, and Disparities in Child Height in India
Authors: Coffey Diane , Deshpande Ashwini , Hammer Jeffrey , Spears Dean 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study investigates disparities in child height—an important marker of population-level health—among population groups in rural India. India is an informative context in which to study processes of health disparities because of wide heterogeneity in the degree of local segregation or integration among caste groups. Building on a literature that identifies discrimination by quantifying whether differences in socioeconomic status (SES) can account for differences in health, we decompose height differences between rural children from higher castes and rural children from three disadvantaged groups. We find that socioeconomic differences can explain the height gap for children from Scheduled Tribes (STs), who tend to live in geographically isolated places. However, SES does not fully explain height gaps for children from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Among SC and OBC children, local processes of discrimination also matter: the fraction of households in a child’s locality that outrank her household in the caste hierarchy predicts her height. SC and OBC children who are surrounded by other lower-caste households are no shorter than higher-caste children of the same SES. Our results contrast with studies from other populations where segregation or apartheid are negatively associated with health.
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale for EMS Redirection of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke
Authors: Nehme Ahmad , Deschaintre Yan , Labrie Marilyn , Daneault Nicole , Odier Céline , Poppe Alexandre Y. , Ross Dave , Stapf Christian , Jacquin Grégory , Gioia Laura C. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT:Introduction:Prehospital identification of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke may expedite treatment by direct transport to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) with endovascular capabilities. The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) is commonly used for prehospital stroke detection. We aimed to assess whether (1) a high CPSS score can identify LVO and (2) an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) redirection protocol based on high CPSS accelerated endovascular treatment (EVT).Methods:A retrospective comparison of patients transported by EMSs for suspected stroke to a high-volume CSC over a 16-month period, before and after implementation of an EMS redirection protocol based on high CPSS score (3/3). Charts were reviewed to determine the presence of LVO. Time to EVT and 3-month outcomes were compared before and after implementation.Results:A prehospital CPSS 3/3 score was found in 223 (59%) patients, demonstrating positive and negative predictive values for LVO of 29% and 94%, respectively. CPSS-based EMS redirection increased the proportion of EVT performed after direct transport to CSC [before: 21 (36%), after: 45 (63%), p < 0.01] and decreased median first door-to-groin puncture time by 28 minutes [109 (interquartile range (IQR) 64–116) versus 81 (IQR 56–130), p = 0.03]. At 3 months, the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (modified Rankin score 0–2) went from 20/57 (35%) to 29/68 (43%) (p = 0.39) following implementation.Conclusions:CPSS-based EMS redirection accelerated identification of LVO strokes in the out-of-hospital setting and decreased time to EVT. Nevertheless, this protocol was also associated with high rates of non-LVO stroke. Impact on clinical outcomes should be evaluated in a larger cohort.