bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma: Improving efficacy, applicability and extending ablation criteria
Authors: Gigante Elia , Sutter Olivier , Nahon Pierre , Seror Olivier , Nault Jean‐Charles 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe main curative treatments of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are liver resection, liver transplantation and percutaneous ablation. Monopolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was the most widely used percutaneous treatment but has limitations in terms of applicability and efficacy. These limitations could be responsible for downgrading the treatment of early HCC not amenable to usual monopolar RFA, transplantation or resection and to a shift to palliative treatment. However, improvement in ablation techniques during the last 10 years including the development of microwave ablation, multibipolar RFA, irreversible electroporation but also new technical tricks for ablation allowed to optimize the efficacy and promote the wide application of percutaneous treatments in patients with early HCC. It helped also to explore the ability of percutaneous ablation to treat HCC outside current guidelines in order to ablate more lesions of larger sizes. In this review, we aim to describe how the improvement of ablation methods helps to maximize the number of patients treated for early HCC and to discuss if we could extend the usual ablation criteria in order to allocate more patients in a curative setting.
Chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms differentially impact the likelihood of major depressive disorders
Authors: Liu David T. , Bartosik Tina J. , Campion Nicholas J. , Bayer Karina , Tu Aldine , Victoria Stanek , Besser Gerold , Mueller Christian A. , Gangl Katharina , Eckl‐Dorna Julia , Schneider Sven 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe extent to which sinonasal symptoms impact the likelihood of major depressive disorders in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we sought to determine whether individual symptom clusters differentially impact the likelihood of depression in a cohort of CRSwNP patients.MethodsWe retrospectively included 77 patients with CRSwNP. The severity of sinonasal symptoms was assessed using the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and grouped according to a previously validated four‐subdomain structure: nasal, otologic/facial pain, sleep, and emotional subdomains. The likelihood of major depressive disorders was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (PHQ‐2). The clinical characteristic of symptom severity (nasal polyp size) and disease‐specific information, such as the number of previous sinonasal surgeries, were also collected.ResultsThe sleep subdomain was most strongly associated with the likelihood of major depressive disorders, followed by the otologic/facial pain subdomain, after controlling for demographics and clinical indicators of symptom severity (nasal polyp size). We found a SNOT‐22 score ≥ 30.5 to be an accurate indicator of scoring higher than or equal to 2 on the PHQ‐2 in CRSwNP patients. This had a sensitivity of 83.33% and a specificity of 75.47%.ConclusionDistinct sinonasal symptom clusters differentially impact the likelihood of depression in CRSwNP patients. Raising awareness for those with severe sinonasal symptomatology might help identify more patients with a higher probability of comorbid depression.Level of Evidence: 4.
Thiol‐Ene Polymerization of Natural Monomers: A DFT Study
Authors: Mohaman Hamissou , Tuncer Dilan , Degirmenci Isa 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the thiol‐ene reaction mechanism of natural monomers using quantum chemical tools. The structure‐reactivity relationship for these monomers is elaborated by the aid of radical stabilization energies (RSEs), intermolecular interactions, the curve‐crossing model, Hammond Postulate, and Evans–Polanyi relationships. Geometry optimizations, frequency, and energy calculations are performed at the M06‐2X/6‐31++G(d,p) level of theory. A crucial parameter for thiol‐ene polymerization, which is the ratio of the propagation reaction (kp) and the chain transfer reaction (kct) rate constants (kp/kct), is calculated in order to elucidate the thiol‐ene reaction mechanism. In light of these energetic and kinetic calculations, it is suggested that linalool, d‐limonene, terpinolene, and γ‐terpinene are considered natural monomer candidates for thiol‐ene polymerization due to their almost equal magnitude of the rate constants (kp/kct≈1). The thiol‐ene polymerization potential of some specific unsaturated fatty acids is another prominent finding in this study.
Novel nitrite reductase domain structure suggests a chimeric denitrification repertoire in the phylum Chloroflexi
Authors: Schwartz Sarah L. , Momper Lily , Rangel Luiz Thiberio , Magnabosco Cara , Amend Jan P. , Fournier Gregory P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDenitrification plays a central role in the global nitrogen cycle, reducing and removing nitrogen from marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The flux of nitrogen species through this pathway has a widespread impact, affecting ecological carrying capacity, agriculture, and climate. Nitrite reductase (Nir) and nitric oxide reductase (NOR) are the two central enzymes in this pathway. Here we present a previously unreported Nir domain architecture in members of phylum Chloroflexi. Phylogenetic analyses of protein domains within Nir indicate that an ancestral horizontal transfer and fusion event produced this chimeric domain architecture. We also identify an expanded genomic diversity of a rarely reported NOR subtype, eNOR. Together, these results suggest a greater diversity of denitrification enzyme arrangements exist than have been previously reported.
Impact of antibiotics on the human microbiome and consequences for host health
Authors: Patangia Dhrati V. , Anthony Ryan Cornelius , Dempsey Eugene , Paul Ross Reynolds , Stanton Catherine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIt is well established that the gut microbiota plays an important role in host health and is perturbed by several factors including antibiotics. Antibiotic‐induced changes in microbial composition can have a negative impact on host health including reduced microbial diversity, changes in functional attributes of the microbiota, formation, and selection of antibiotic‐resistant strains making hosts more susceptible to infection with pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile. Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis and the increased use of antibiotics over time warrants investigation into its effects on microbiota and health. In this review, we discuss the adverse effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota and thus host health, and suggest alternative approaches to antibiotic use.
A portable magnet for radiation biology and dosimetry studies in magnetic fields
Authors: Causer Trent J. , Rosenfeld Anatoly B. , Metcalfe Peter E. , Oborn Bradley M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeIn the current and rapidly evolving era of real‐time MRI‐guided radiotherapy, our radiation biology and dosimetry knowledge is being tested in a novel way. This paper presents the successful design and implementation of a portable device used to generate strong localized magnetic fields. These are ideally suited for small‐scale experiments that mimic the magnetic field environment inside an MRI‐linac system, or more broadly MRI‐guided particle therapy as well.Materials and MethodsA portable permanent magnet‐based device employing an adjustable steel yoke and magnetic field focusing cones has been designed, constructed, and tested. The apparatus utilizes two banks of NdFeB permanent magnets totaling around 50 kg in mass to generate a strong magnetic field throughout a small volume between two pole tips. The yoke design allows adjustment of the pole tip gap and exchanging of the focusing cones. Further to this, beam portal holes are present in the yoke and focusing cones, allowing for radiation beams of up to 5 5 cm to pass through the region of high magnetic field between the focusing cone tips. Finite element magnetic modeling was performed to design and characterize the performance of the device. Automated physical measurements of the magnetic field components at various locations were measured to confirm the performance. The adjustable pole gap and interchangeable cones allows rapid changing of the experimental set‐up to allow different styles of measurements to be performed.ResultsA mostly uniform magnetic field of 1.2 T can be achieved over a volume of at least 3 3 3 cm. This can be reduced in strength to 0.3 T but increased in volume to 10 10 10 cm via removal of the cone tips and/or adjustment of the steel yoke. Although small, these volumes are sufficient to house radiation detectors, cell culture dishes, and various phantom arrangements targeted at examining small radiation field dosimetry inside magnetic field strengths that can be changed with ease. Most important is the ability to align the magnetic field both perpendicular to, or inline with, the radiation beam. To date, the system has been successfully used to conduct published research in the areas of radiation detector performance, lung phantom dosimetry, and how small clinical electron beams behave in these strong magnetic fields.ConclusionsA portable, relatively inexpensive, and simple to operate device has successfully been constructed and used for performing radiation oncology studies around the theme of MRI‐guided radiotherapy. This can be in either inline and perpendicular magnetic fields of up to 1.2 T with x‐ray and particle beams.
Patient‐specific collision zones for 4π trajectory optimized radiation therapy
Authors: Northway Cassidy , Lincoln John David , Little Brian , Syme Alasdair , Thomas Christopher G 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe 4π methodology determines optimized noncoplanar subarcs for stereotactic radiation therapy that minimize dose to organs‐at‐risk. Every combination of treatment angle is examined, but some angles are not appropriate as a collision would occur between the gantry and the couch or the gantry and the patient. Those combinations of couch and gantry angles are referred to as collision zones. A major barrier to applying 4π to stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the unknown shape of the collision zones, which are significant as patients take up a large volume within the 4π sphere. This study presents a system that determines patient‐specific collision zones, without additional clinical steps, to enable safe and deliverable noncoplanar treatment trajectories for SBRT patients.MethodsTo augment patient's computed tomography (CT) scan, full body scans of patients in treatment position were acquired using an optical scanner. A library of a priori scans (N = 25) was created. Based on the patients' treatment position and their body dimensions, a library scan is selected and registered to the CT scan of the patient. Next, a model of the couch and immobilization equipment is added to the patient model. This results in a patient model that is then aligned with a model of the treatment LINAC in a “virtual treatment room,” where both components can be rotated to test for collisions. To test the collision detection algorithm, an end‐to‐end test was performed using a cranial phantom. The registration algorithm was tested by comparing the registered patient collision zones to those generated by using the patient's matching scan.ResultsThe collision detection algorithm was found to have a 97.80% accuracy, a 99.99% sensitivity, and a 99.99% negative predictive value (NPV). Analysis of the registration algorithm determined that a 6 cm buffer was required to achieve a 99.65% mean sensitivity, where a sensitivity of unity is considered to be a requirement for safe treatment delivery. With a 6 cm buffer, the mean accuracy was 86.70% and the mean NPV was 99.33%.ConclusionsOur method of determining patient‐specific collision zones can be accomplished with minimal user intervention based on an a priori library of body surface scans, thus enabling the safe application of 4π SBRT.
Do visiting monks give better sermons? “Street‐level bureaucrats from higher‐up” in targeted poverty alleviation in China
Authors: Cai Changkun , Shen Qiyao , Tang Na 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn those countries lacking democratic institutions and with weak professional bureaucracy and low governance capacity at the rural grassroots level, do different types of street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) exist? If so, how do they work? To answer these questions, this article constructs an institution‐practice framework to understand the different types of SLBs. Based on fieldwork in three Chinese counties concerning their implementation of the Targeted Poverty Alleviation Policy, we found that the street‐level bureaucracy from higher‐up is the key to addressing China’s inadequate street‐level governance capacity. The organizational structure, mechanisms, and strategies of SLBs from higher‐up are differ from other types of SLBs. The institutional arrangements of the SLBs from higher‐up are campaign‐style and informal; their institutional mechanisms are mainly idea loading and carrying, and policy learning; their motivation is politicalized, that is, they are politically committed and incentivized; they are also coping, but they are entrepreneurs. The SLBs from higher‐up expands our understanding of the street‐level bureaucracy as it relates to institutional embeddedness, diversified types, and escaping the trap of street‐level governance capacity limitations.
Photoluminescence imaging of silicon modules in a string
Authors: Vuković Marija , Eriksdatter Høiaas Ingeborg , Jakovljević Marko , Svarstad Flø Andreas , Olsen Espen , Burud Ingunn 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSpectral imaging techniques are a powerful tool for surveillance and monitoring of degradation mechanisms in PV modules. Luminescence images of solar modules have until recently been predominantly acquired in controlled laboratory settings. Recent attempts have been made in detecting luminescence in daylight. This study aims to present a proof of concept for detection of photoluminescence with sunlight excitation. It enables imaging of several modules in a string as well as several strings simultaneously by changing the operating point through wireless and contactless communication with one or more string inverters. This new approach is validated with the electroluminescence technique as well as with an already established photoluminescence technique under sunlight excitation. Due to the string inverter's reaction time, the change in illumination results in lower image quality. However, with a more up‐to‐date imaging equipment, this approach is promising for identification of certain degradation mechanisms which can be detected with lower resolution such as large area damage and inactive areas. Further studies are needed to optimize the method and potentially use it in connection with an unmanned aerial vehicle inspection.
Ginseng in vascular dysfunction: A review of therapeutic potentials and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Zhang He , Hu Cheng , Xue Jiaojiao , Jin Di , Tian Lulu , Zhao Daqing , Li Xiangyan , Qi Wenxiu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVascular dysfunction can lead to a variety of fatal diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Although a large number of studies have reported the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on vascular‐related diseases, ginseng is still the focus of research. Ginseng and its active substances have bioactive effects against different diseases with vascular dysfunction. In this review, we summarized the key molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of ginseng, its different active ingredients or formula in the prevention and treatment of vascular‐related diseases, including cardiac‐cerebral vascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes complications, and cancer. Moreover, the bidirectional roles of ginseng in promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis have been highlighted. We systematically teased out the relationship between ginseng and vascular dysfunction, which could provide a basis for the clinical application of ginseng in the future.
Retracted: Dynamics of professional motivation of technical university students
Authors: Demchenko Irina V. , Demchenko Oleg N. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractModern knowledge‐intensive industrial production technologies increase the demand for engineering personnel in the labour market which actualises the problem of training competent, highly qualified specialists. This process is strongly determined by the motives that guide future engineers in their professional learning activities. The study analyses the dynamics of professional motivation of technical students of I–III courses. This study presents the results of research conducted by assessing the professional motivations of students at the Norilsk State Industrial Institute. The survey was conducted by the authors in September–October 2020. Fourteen motives were assessed and grouped into seven groups: social, moral, collectivist, cognitive, material, prestige motivation, and those associated with the peculiarities of professional activity. The study of professional motivation helped to identify the dominant motives of future engineers, trace their dynamics among students of different courses and analyse the peculiarity of professional motivation of students of different technical training areas. Based on the results of the study and analysis of the data obtained in the structure of future engineers’ professional motivation, the dominance of social, material and moral motivations, growth of collectivist and cognitive motives, insufficient degree of cognitive and work‐related motivation, low level of assessment of the prestige of the chosen profession are stated. The comparative data presented in the study with the 2009–2010 academic year's research on professional motivation identifies the need for further systematic vocational guidance work with future engineers.
Retracted: Professional training of future engineers‐teachers: The societal needs of modern educational technologies introduction
Authors: Kuleshova Viktoriia , Aksakova Natalia , Malazoniia Svitlana , Kovalenko Serhii 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn modern times, new means and techniques for optimising the educational process are required because one of the purposes of professional training is to increase the effectiveness of the educational process. Good‐quality professional training requires the introduction and implementation of modern educational technologies. The authors studied this, using the example of future engineers‐teachers' training, and implementation of modern educational technologies into this process was the purpose of the study. Such methods as analysis, synthesis, empirical method, concretisation, generalisation, survey and questionnaire were used. The aspects of readiness for the introduction of modern educational technologies were studied. The first condition is the readiness of university teachers to organise the process of training future engineers‐teachers with the use of modern educational technologies and their active introduction into the educational process. Another aspect is the development of individual approaches to each student with the use of modern educational technologies. Also, a desire for professional self‐improvement and self‐education should be developed in students which will contribute to successful training. The results of the study allowed to conclude that the level of students' readiness to the introduction of modern educational technologies does not fully meet societal needs.
A systematic review of augmented reality in chemistry education
Authors: Mazzuco Alex , Krassmann Aliane Loureiro , Reategui Eliseo , Gomes Raquel Salcedo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAugmented reality (AR) technology is increasingly present in chemistry teaching and learning processes. It is seen as an important pedagogical resource that allows enhancing the understanding of complex concepts at most educational levels. However, even though numerous benefits related to AR in education have been reported, no systematic review has been conducted specifically addressing the use of this technology in chemistry education. Thus, a systematic literature review was carried out in order to grasp the particularities of this scenario, such as those related to the main topics in chemistry in which AR is used, the most frequently used devices and the main advantages and challenges of this technology. Forty‐nine papers were analysed, recovered from five databases, between the years 2011 and 2020. Among the results, an increase in publications was identified in the last three years, with smartphones and tablets being the predominant devices. Molecular structures were the topic of chemistry to which AR has been most frequently applied for teaching and learning, and the advantages of using this technology were concentrated in the affective learning domain. Regarding the challenges identified, they were related to students’ difficulty of use, distraction and technical problems. The research conclusions also address gaps in research and present suggestions and directions for future work.
Conditional power and friends: The why and how of (un)planned, unblinded sample size recalculations in confirmatory trials
Authors: Kunzmann Kevin , Grayling Michael J. , Lee Kim May , Robertson David S. , Rufibach Kaspar , Wason James M. S. 
Published: January 2022

Adapting the final sample size of a trial to the evidence accruing during the trial is a natural way to address planning uncertainty. Since the sample size is usually determined by an argument based on the power of the trial, an interim analysis raises the question of how the final sample size should be determined conditional on the accrued information. To this end, we first review and compare common approaches to estimating conditional power, which is often used in heuristic sample size recalculation rules. We then discuss the connection of heuristic sample size recalculation and optimal two‐stage designs, demonstrating that the latter is the superior approach in a fully preplanned setting. Hence, unplanned design adaptations should only be conducted as reaction to trial‐external new evidence, operational needs to violate the originally chosen design, or post hoc changes in the optimality criterion but not as a reaction to trial‐internal data. We are able to show that commonly discussed sample size recalculation rules lead to paradoxical adaptations where an initially planned optimal design is not invariant under the adaptation rule even if the planning assumptions do not change. Finally, we propose two alternative ways of reacting to newly emerging trial‐external evidence in ways that are consistent with the originally planned design to avoid such inconsistencies.