bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Partition‐Based Deep Learning: An Automatic Nasopharyngeal MRI Recognition Scheme
Authors: Li Song , Hua Hong‐Li , Li Fen , Kong Yong‐Gang , Zhu Zhi‐Ling , Li Sheng‐Lan , Chen Xi‐Xiang , Deng Yu‐Qin , Tao Ze‐Zhang 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundTraining deep learning (DL) models to automatically recognize diseases in nasopharyngeal MRI is a challenging task, and optimizing the performance of DL models is difficult.PurposeTo develop a method of training anatomical partition‐based DL model which integrates knowledge of clinical anatomical regions in otorhinolaryngology to automatically recognize diseases in nasopharyngeal MRI.Study TypeSingle‐center retrospective study.PopulationA total of 2485 patients with nasopharyngeal diseases (age range 14–82 years, female, 779[31.3%]) and 600 people with normal nasopharynx (age range 18–78 years, female, 281[46.8%]) were included.Sequence3.0 T; T2WI fast spin‐echo sequence.AssessmentFull images (512 × 512) of 3085 patients constituted 100% of the dataset, 50% and 25% of which were randomly retained as two new datasets. Two new series of images (seg112 image [112 × 112] and seg224 image [224 × 224]) were automatically generated by a segmentation model. Four pretrained neural networks for nasopharyngeal diseases classification were trained under the nine datasets (full image, seg112 image, and seg224 image, each with 100% dataset, 50% dataset, and 25% dataset).Statistical TestsThe receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance of the models. Analysis of variance was used to compare the performance of the models built with different datasets. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsWhen the 100% dataset was used for training, the performances of the models trained with the seg112 images (average area under the curve [aAUC] 0.949 ± 0.052), seg224 images (aAUC 0.948 ± 0.053), and full images (aAUC 0.935 ± 0.053) were similar (P = 0.611). When the 25% dataset was used for training, the mean aAUC of the models that were trained with seg112 images (0.823 ± 0.116) and seg224 images (0.765 ± 0.155) was significantly higher than the models that were trained with full images (0.640 ± 0.154).Data ConclusionThe proposed method can potentially improve the performance of the DL model for automatic recognition of diseases in nasopharyngeal MRI.Level of Evidence4Technical Efficacy Stage1
Early evaluation of atrial high rate episodes using remote monitoring in pacemaker patients: Results from the RAPID study
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Rapacciuolo Antonio , Rago Anna , Tavoletta Vincenzo , De Vivo Stefano , Ammirati Giuseppe , Pergola Valerio , Ciriello Giovanni Domenico , Napoli Paola , Nigro Gerardo , D'Onofrio Antonio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimRemote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardiac devices has enabled continuous surveillance of atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) with well‐recognized clinical benefits. We aimed to add evidence on the role of the RM as compared to conventional follow‐up by investigating the interval from AHRE onset to physician’s evaluation and reaction time in actionable episodes.Methods and ResultsA total of 97 dual‐chamber pacemaker recipients were followed with RM (RM‐ON group; N = 64) or conventional in‐office visits (RM‐OFF group; N = 33) for 18 months. In‐office visits were scheduled at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months in the RM‐OFF group and at 1 and 18 months in the RM‐ON group. The overall AHRE rate was 1.98 per patient‐year (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–2.20) with no difference between the two groups (RM‐ON vs. RM‐OFF weighted‐HR, 0.88; CI, 0.36–2.13; p = .78). In the RM‐ON group, 100% AHREs evaluated within 11 days from onset, and within 202 days in the RM‐OFF group, with a median evaluation delay 79 days shorter in the RM‐ON group versus the RM‐OFF group (p < .0001). Therapy adjustment in actionable AHREs occurred 77 days earlier in the RM‐ON group versus the control group (p < .001). In the RM‐ON group, there were 50% less in‐office visits as compared to the RM‐OFF group (p < .001).ConclusionsIn our pacemaker population with no history of atrial fibrillation, RM allowed significant reduction of AHRE evaluation delay and prompted treatment of actionable episodes as compared to biannual in‐office visit schedule.
Tree‐ring oxygen isotope recorded precipitation variations over the past two centuries in the northeast Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Yu , Li Qiang , Song Huiming , Cai Qiufang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIt was shown in previous studies that tree‐ring oxygen isotope (δ18OTR) was a proxy of regional precipitation. Using two δ18OTR chronologies of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. in northeast Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), we synthesized a master series which had a high correlation with regional precipitation from previous‐year September to current‐year August (PSA) (r = −0.650, N = 52, p < .001). Thus we reconstructed the PSA over the past two centuries (AD 1808–2009) for the northeast CLP. The results of calibration–verification tests indicated that the precipitation reconstruction was stable and reliable. Compared with reconstructions based on the tree‐ring width and historical documents, the PSA reconstruction reserved more decadal low‐frequency climate signals such as the drying trend since the 1930s. Superposed epoch analysis (SEA) showed that the large tropical volcanic eruptions significantly reduced PSA in the first year after the eruptions. The contrast of the regional precipitation reconstructions in the west, northeast, and southeast CLP demonstrated that spatial and temporal differences of precipitation variation. In terms of extreme climate events, major droughts in the mid‐to‐late 1920s were recorded in all three regional precipitation records, while the Ding‐Wu Disaster (AD 1876–1878) was only found in the southeast CLP. Under the background of the weakening Asian monsoon and global warming, CLP was more prone to droughts in the last five decades.
The skin in Behçet's disease: Mucocutaneous findings and differential diagnosis
Authors: Vural Seçil , Boyvat Ayşe 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBehçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystemic inflammatory disease with vasculitis and skin findings. Attacks and remissions characterize the course of the disease. In general, the disease activity decreases with advanced age. Skin symptoms are characteristic of BD and they are the most common findings in the course of the disease. The earliest sign of the disease is almost always recurrent oral aphthous ulcers. Genital ulcers are very specific for BD and they are the equivalent of oral ulcers in the genital area. The most common location is labium majus in females and scrotum in males. The papulopustular lesions are mainly observed on the lower extremities in BD patients. Erythema nodosum‐like lesions and superficial thrombophlebitis are relatively common skin findings. Extragenital ulcerations presenting on the intertriginous area are rare but specific for the disease. The clinical skin manifestations are crucial for the diagnosis of BD, as there is no pathognomonic confirmatory laboratory test.
Declines in scavenging by endangered vultures in the Horn of Africa
Authors: Buechley Evan R. , Murgatroyd Megan , Ruffo Alazar Daka , Bishop Rebecca C. , Christensen Tara , Marra Peter P. , Sillett T. Scott , Şekercioğlu Çağan Hakkı 
Published: February 2022

AbstractScavenging is an important ecological process. By quickly locating and consuming carrion, vertebrate scavengers cycle nutrients, stabilize food webs, and may help mitigate disease transmission to humans. Across Africa, many scavengers feed at abattoirs (i.e. slaughterhouses), thereby aiding in waste removal. Little information exists on the scavenger community composition and dynamics at abattoirs, and, to our knowledge, the carrion removal that scavengers provide at these sites has never been quantified. We studied vertebrate scavenger ecology at 6 abattoirs in Ethiopia with time‐lapse photography and in‐person surveys from 2014–2019. Specifically, we investigated daily, seasonal, and inter‐annual patterns in use of abattoirs by vertebrate scavengers and estimated carrion consumption rates. We demonstrated the importance of abattoirs for supporting a large number and diversity of scavenger species, including 3 critically endangered, 2 endangered, 1 vulnerable, and 2 regionally endemic bird species. At the start of the study, vultures contributed 57% of carrion removal provided by vertebrate scavengers. Detections of critically endangered Rüppell's (Gyps rueppelli) and white‐backed (G. africanus) vultures declined by 73% and critically endangered hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) declined by 15% over the study period. Simultaneously, the detections of dogs more than doubled. Using estimates of species‐specific carrion consumption rates from the literature, coupled with changes in scavenger detections in our study, we estimated a 12% (54 kg/day) reduction in carrion consumption, or nearly 20,000 kg carrion less consumed per year by the end of the study at these 6 abattoirs. Our results indicate that ongoing vulture declines across Africa could significantly reduce carrion removal. We recommend that improving fencing around abattoir facilities could help restrict access by feral dogs, increase foraging by vultures, and, therefore, increase overall carrion removal rates.
Biochar enhanced soil aggregation and C‐related enzyme activity in post‐mining land on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yan Meifang , Li Xiari , Liu Yang , Li Yan , He Linru , Zhang Jianbiao 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSoil organic carbon in aggregates of different size classes varies greatly in stabilization and resistance, and its mineralization depends highly on enzyme activity within aggregates. However, the dynamics of enzyme activities in response to aggregate turnover remain unclear. In this study, we explored four soil enzymes within different aggregates (>2, 2–0.25, 0.25–0.053, and <0.053 mm) in a biochar‐addition (1%, 3%, and 5%, respectively) experiment in post‐mining land. Soil aggregate size had significant effects on β‐glucosidase (BG) and urease (UR) (p < 0.01), and the enzyme activities were significantly higher in macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) than in microaggregates (<0.25 mm). Biochar addition increased the proportion and stability of macroaggregates. Moreover, BG, UR, and peroxidase activities were significantly stimulated across all aggregate fractions in treatment of 5% addition, increasing by 134.6%, 163.6%, and 35.7%, respectively (p < 0.01), while alkaline phosphatase activity in macroaggregates decreased by 45.8% compared with that in the control. In macroaggregates, higher enzyme activities were closely correlated with the increase of easily oxidized carbon (p < 0.01) due to biochar addition, and the increase in nitrogen content was also beneficial to promote microbial growth and activity. Our study suggests that biochar addition may improve soil structure and nutrient status, which would accelerate the recovery of microbial function in degraded lands.
Why do journals discontinue? A study of Australian ceased journals
Authors: Jamali Hamid R. , Wakeling Simon , Abbasi Alireza 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLittle is known about why journals discontinue despite its significant implications. We present an analysis of 140 Australian journals that ceased from 2011 to mid‐2021 and present the results of a survey of editors of 53 of them. The death age of journals was 19.7 (median = 16) with 57% being 10 years or older. About 54% of them belonged to educational institutions and 34% to non‐profit organizations. In terms of subject, 75% of the journals belonged to social sciences, humanities and arts. The survey showed that funding was an important reason for discontinuation, and lack of quality submission and lack of support from the owners of the journal also played a role. Too much reliance on voluntary works appeared to be an issue for editorial processes. The dominant metric culture in the research environment and pressure for journals to perform well in journal rankings negatively affect local journals in attracting quality submissions. A fifth of journals indicated that they did not have a plan for the preservation of articles at the time of publication and the current availability of the content of ceased journals appeared to be sub‐optimal in many cases with reliance on the website of ceased journals or web‐archive platforms.
Informed consent practices for exome sequencing: An interview study with clinical geneticists in the Netherlands
Authors: Bos Wendy , Bunnik Eline M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundGenomic sequencing is being used more frequently in the clinic, not only by clinical geneticists, but also by other specialists (“mainstreaming”). The use of genomic sequencing gives rise to challenges regarding informed consent, as it can yield more, and more complex results.MethodsThis study maps the informed consent process for exome sequencing in the Netherlands by means of semistructured interviews with 14 clinical geneticists. Interviewees were asked about their strategies for informing patients about exome sequencing and supporting patients in their decision making, about what they think of as essential information elements, about the challenges they experience, and about their preferences for future policy and practice.ResultsClinical geneticists typically discuss the following topics: the nature and aim of the test, the possible results (including unsolicited or incidental findings and Variants of Uncertain Significance) of the test and the consequences of those results for the patient and their family members. Some clinical geneticists use a layered approach to informed consent, meaning that they give short and concise information at first, and provide more detailed information depending on the situation or the needs of the patient.ConclusionDuring pre‐test counseling for genomic sequencing, clinical geneticists use various strategies to enhance patient understanding and personalization of the informed consent process. Going forward, layering information may be part of a solution to ethical challenges of informed consent, also in mainstream settings.
Accelerate treatment planning process using deep learning generated fluence maps for cervical cancer radiation therapy
Authors: Yuan Zengtai , Wang Yuxiang , Hu Panpan , Zhang Duoer , Yan Bing , Lu Hsiao‐Ming , Zhang Hongyan , Yang Yidong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to develop a deep learning method that skips the time‐consuming inverse optimization process for automatic generation of machine‐deliverable intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans.MethodsNinety cervical cancer clinical IMRT plans were collected to train a two‐stage convolution neural network, of which 66 plans were assigned for training, 11 for validation, and 13 for test. The neural network took patients’ computed tomography (CT) anatomy as the input and predicted the fluence map for each radiation beam. The predicted fluence maps were then imported into a treatment planning system and converted to multileaf collimators motion sequences. The automatic plan was evaluated against its corresponding clinical plan, and its machine deliverability was validated by patient‐specific IMRT quality assurance (QA).ResultsThere were no significant differences in dose parameters between automatic and clinical plans for all 13 test patients, indicating a good prediction of fluence maps and a decent quality of automatic plans. The average dice similarity coefficient of isodose volumes encompassed by 0%–100% isodose lines ranged from 0.94 to 1. In patient‐specific IMRT QA, the mean gamma passing rate of automatic plans achieved 99.5% under 3%/3 mm criteria, and 97.3% under 2%/2 mm criteria, with a low dose threshold of 10%.ConclusionsThe proposed deep learning framework can produce machine‐deliverable IMRT plans with quality similar to the clinical plans in the test set. It skips the inverse plan optimization process and provides an effective and efficient method to accelerate treatment planning process.
An improved homogeneity design method for fast field‐cycling coils in molecular MRI
Authors: McCready Matthew A. , Handler William B. , Chronik Blaine A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPurposeDelta relaxation‐enhanced MR (dreMR) is a field‐cycling quantitative method for molecular imaging. The dreMR method uses a B0 insert coil to shift the magnitude of the main magnetic field as a magnetization preparation phase of the pulse sequence. Here, an improved coil design method is presented that minimizes field inhomogeneities and allows for explicit control of the ROI.MethodsA solenoid produces the bulk field shift, and a boundary element method is employed to design in‐series shim and shield layers. A design is presented and compared to the current generation dreMR coil design on field inhomogeneity maps, shield performance, and simulated dreMR image. A proof‐of‐concept design is also presented with an ROI shifted from isocenter.ResultsThe new design is able to image a sphere of 8.5 cm in diameter with field inhomogeneity of < 1% versus the previous design’s 5 cm. The new design presented an increase in shielding capabilities, whereas inductance and resistance increased. For a simulated dreMR image, the new design presented errors < 10% compared to an ideal field simulation, whereas the previous design had errors > 18%. The shifted ROI design produced a region of < 1% inhomogeneity much larger than a design with no shim layer.ConclusionThe new design method was found to greatly improve the insert coil field homogeneity and reduce errors in dreMR imaging in simulation without detriment to shielding. This method’s capability to increase ROI and control its location will be used to design human dreMR coils going forward.
Perspective‐taking of a similarly‐situated single victim increases donations for multiple victims
Authors: Jang Hyunkyu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPrior research has shown that people are more willing to help a single beneficiary than multiple beneficiaries. The present research provides a strategy for charities to collect as many donations for multiple beneficiaries as for a single beneficiary, namely, prompting potential donors to engage in perspective‐taking of a single victim prior to requesting donations for similarly situated multiple beneficiaries. This prior‐perspective‐taking intervention significantly increases donations for multiple beneficiaries. Although people do not tend to naturally take the perspectives of multiple beneficiaries, an intervention requesting individuals to do so was effective. This prior perspective‐taking intervention resulted in greater self‐other overlap, that is, potential donors had the psychological sense of increased merged identity with the multiple beneficiaries, and in turn led to greater donations for those multiple beneficiaries. The present research proposes that charities use prior‐perspective‐taking interventions on campaigns where a single beneficiary cannot be identified (e.g., clear water projects). In each of the two experimental studies (total N = 800), two factors (the number of beneficiaries and prior perspective‐taking) were manipulated and a mediator (self‐other overlap or the degree of perspective‐taking) was measured.
Polymer‐based nanocomposites with ultra‐high in‐plane thermal conductivity via highly oriented boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Gou Bin , Xu Huasong , Zhou Jiangang , Xie Congzhen , Wang Rui 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNovel polymer‐based materials with highly thermally conductive and high‐mechanical properties have attracted extensive attention in the field of electronic packaging as thermal interface materials (TIMs), due to the development of electronic equipment to miniaturization and higher power density. However, how to achieve high‐thermal conductivity (exceed 5 W/m·K) with low‐filling content (below 30 vol%) is still the focus of attention. Herein, polymer‐based materials with excellent in‐plane thermal conductivity were prepared by a simple hot‐pressing strategy, and a series of nanocomposites with different orientations were controlled by the hot‐pressing times. As expected, compared with that of randomly dispersed 25 vol% BNNS/P(VDF‐HFP) nanocomposite and pristine P(VDF‐HFP), the in‐plane thermal conductivity of oriented 25 vol% BNNS/P(VDF‐HFP) is promoted by 249% and 3057%, respectively. In contrast to randomly dispersed composites, oriented BNNS/P(VDF‐HFP) at loadings above 10 vol% begin to show an encouraging upward trend. This is because the orientation of BNNS can significantly reduce the percolation threshold and construct an efficient heat conduction network under low‐filling volume. Therefore, this technology can provide new ideas for the development of electronic packaging technology.
Centering trauma‐informed approaches in schools within a social justice framework
Authors: Davis Whitney , Petrovic Lea , Whalen Kathleen , Danna Laura , Zeigler Karaline , Brewton Avery , Joseph Maureen , Baker Courtney N. , Overstreet Stacy ,   and the New Orleans Trauma‐Informed Learning Collaborative
Published: February 2022

AbstractGrowing evidence establishing the prevalence and educational consequences of childhood trauma has led to a national focus on equipping schools to support the specific needs of students who have experienced trauma. Despite clear evidence of disproportionate trauma exposure among students of color, most models of trauma‐informed schools do not explicitly address the intersection of race and trauma within their system‐level efforts to help staff realize the prevalence and impact of trauma, recognize the signs of trauma exposure, or respond in ways to avoid retraumatization. This manuscript will review existing efforts to integrate a social justice focus within our ongoing work as part of the Safe Schools NOLA project. We present our conceptual framework and describe how principles relevant to social justice are intentionally integrated into strategies that support the adoption and implementation of trauma‐informed approaches in schools. We also discuss limitations in our current approach and offer suggestions to support the development of trauma‐informed schools that can advance a social justice agenda.
Fake news blues: A GUS staining protocol to reduce false‐negative data
Authors: Dedow Lauren K. , Oren Emily , Braybrook Siobhan A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe β‐glucuronidase gene, uidA (GUS), has remained a favorite reporter gene in plants since its introduction in 1987 for its stability and versatility in a variety of fluorometric, spectrophotometric, and histochemical techniques. One of the most popular uses is as a reporter gene for visualizing endogenous promoter activities within plant tissues. Despite this popularity, specific protocols for minimizing nonrepresentative staining patterns, including false negatives, in challenging tissue types are not common. This became a large issue during our work on dark‐grown Arabidopsis hypocotyls, and we set out to develop a protocol that would ensure accurate staining in a tissue that is biologically resistant to reagent penetration. Through extensive testing using a variety of constitutive and endogenous promoter::GUS fusion lines, we have developed an optimized GUS staining protocol that combines the use of acetone as a fixative, deliberate physical damage, and proper positive and negative controls to help ensure accurate staining along the hypocotyl while minimizing false negatives. Hopefully, our recommendations will allow for improved staining that more accurately reflects the true activity of cloned endogenous promoters and thus facilitate a more accurate understanding of promoter activity in Arabidopsis hypocotyls and other hard‐to‐stain tissues.