bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty‐guided symmetric multilevel supervision network for 3D left atrium segmentation in late gadolinium‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Liu Yashu , Wang Wei , Luo Gongning , Wang Kuanquan , Liang Dong , Li Shuo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and requires volumetric imaging to guide the therapy procedure. Late gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (LGE MRI) is an efficient noninvasive technology for imaging the diseased heart. Three‐dimensional segmentation of the left atrium (LA) in LGE MRI is a fundamental step for guiding the therapy of patients with AF. However, the low contrast and fuzzy surface of the LA in LGE MRI make accurate and objective LA segmentation a challenge. The purpose of this study is to propose an automatic and efficient LA segmentation model based on a convolutional neural network to obtain a more accurate predicted surface and improve the LA segmentation results.MethodsIn this study, we proposed an uncertainty‐guided symmetric multilevel supervision (SML) network for 3D LA segmentation in LGE MRI. First, we constructed an SML structure to combine the corresponding features from the encoding and decoding stages to learn the multiscale representation of LA. Second, we formulated the discrepancy of predictions of our model as model uncertainty. Then we proposed an uncertainty‐guided objective function to further increase the segmentation accuracy on the surface.ResultsWe evaluated our proposed model on the public LA segmentation database using four universal metrics. The proposed model achieved Hausdorff Distance (HD) of 11.68 mm, average symmetric surface distance of 0.92 mm, Dice score of 0.92, and Jaccard of 0.85. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art models, our model achieved the best HD that is sensitive to surface accuracy. For the other three metrics, our model also achieved better or comparable performance.ConclusionsWe proposed an efficient automatic LA segmentation model that consisted of an SML structure and an uncertainty‐guided objective function. Compared to other models, we designed an additional supervision branch in the encoding stage to learn more detailed representations of LA while learning global context information through the multilevel structure of each supervision branch. To address the fuzzy surface challenge of LA segmentation in LGE MRI, we leveraged the model uncertainty to enhance the distinguishing ability of the model on the surface, thereby the predicted accuracy of the LA surface can be further increased. We conducted extensive ablation and comparative experiments with state‐of‐the‐art models. The experiment results demonstrated that our proposed model could handle the complex structure of LA and had superior advantages in improving the segmentation performance on the surface.
A systematic review of obesity as a barrier to accessing cancer screening services
Authors: Graham Yitka , Hayes Catherine , Cox Julie , Mahawar Kamal , Fox Ann , Yemm Heather 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionObesity is a known risk factor for the development of cancers, and a significant proportion of the population may be at risk of developing cancer owing to their weight status. There is acknowledged societal stigma towards people living with obesity, which can influence health behaviors and deter help seeking, such as cancer screening. Healthcare professionals’ attitudes and views toward people living with obesity may adversely affect the patient–professional interface and treatment.MethodsA systematic review was carried out which aimed to explore the impact of living with obesity on the uptake of three main cancer‐screening services: breast, cervical, and colorectal.ResultsTen studies were included in the review. Three main areas were identified from both a patient and healthcare professional perspective: barriers and challenges to screening, gender issues, and disparities in the population living with obesity.ConclusionFurther research is needed to improve uptake of cancer screening services, and for education on weight bias, which is often unconscious, to be considered for healthcare professionals working in cancer screening services. This may help to increase the incidence of early differential diagnosis of potential cancers and improve health outcomes for people living with obesity.
Participation of students with extensive support needs in SWPBIS: Administrator and educator perspectives
Authors: Walker Virginia L. , Loman Sheldon L. , Mickelson Ann M. , Lyon Kristin J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe explored the involvement of students with extensive support needs (ESN) in School‐wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). We interviewed 15 administrators and special and general educators from elementary schools implementing SWPBIS during the 2019–2020 school year and analyzed responses using qualitative content analysis. In spite of reported challenges related to student characteristics and low expectations among school personnel, participants indicated that students with ESN were taught school‐wide expectations and received public acknowledgement at Tier 1, often with adaptations and evidence‐based practices, and were considered for Tier 2. Although participants reported commitment to inclusion as a central aspect of SWPBIS, inclusion primarily occurred outside academic classrooms, which limited student involvement across SWPBIS activities. Finally, few participants indicated that students with ESN were involved in SWPBIS data collection activities. Implications include that schools should systematically include students with ESN in all tiers of SWPBIS in such a way that focuses on students' meaningful benefit rather than solely on their physical inclusion and create systems that ensure special and general educators collaborate in SWPBIS implementation. Our findings provide a framework for future studies to identify conditions and effective strategies that ensure SWPBIS benefits all students.
Isolation and molecular characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki toxic to lepidopteran pests Spodoptera spp. and Plutella xylostella
Authors: Park Min Gu , Choi Jae Young , Kim Jong Hoon , Park Dong Hwan , Wang Minghui , Kim Hyun Ji , Kim Sang Hee , Lee Ho Yeon , Je Yeon Ho 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been widely used as a biological control agent for lepidopteran pests. However, resistance to Bt is a major concern associated with Spodoptera spp. (Noctuidae) and Plutella xylostella (Plutellidae). For efficient control of Noctuidae and Plutellidae, novel Bt strains which have high toxicity and a broad host range are needed.ResultsTo develop novel Bt strains as used for bio‐insecticides, the Bt IMBL‐B9 with high toxicity against Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and P. xylostella was isolated and characterized. The Bt kurstaki IMBL‐B9 strain produced bipyramidal and cuboidal crystals consisting of cry toxins with molecular weights of 130 and 65 kDa, respectively. This strain harbors eight crystal protein genes in total, including cry1Ea and one vegetative insecticidal protein gene. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of IMBL‐B9 against S. exigua and S. frugiperda were 21.8‐ and 19.3‐fold lower than those of the Bt kusrstaki strain, and 5.6‐ and 4.9‐fold lower than those of Bt aizawai strain, respectively. To evaluate the insecticidal activity of Cry proteins from IMBL‐B9, cry gene‐sourced recombinant Bt strains were constructed. These strains have insecticidal activity and synergic action against lepidopteran pests.ConclusionIn this study, a novel Bt kurstaki IMBL‐B9 strain was isolated and this could be useful for the development of new bio‐insecticide or cry gene‐based recombinant products as an alternative solution against lepidopterans, including Noctuidae and Plutellidae. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sugar alcohols have the potential as bee‐safe baits for the common wasp
Authors: Neupert Stefanie , Jandt Jennifer M , Szyszka Paul 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPest insects are often baited with poisoned feeding stimulants, the most common of which are sugars. However, sugars are attractive for most animal species, which makes it difficult to target only a specific pest insect species. Here, we assessed different sugar alcohols for their potential as more species‐selective feeding stimulants for pest insects.ResultsWe tested the attractiveness of the sugar alcohols sorbitol, xylitol and erythritol with a capillary feeder assay in wasps (as potential pest insects, because introduced wasps are a pest in many regions) and bees (as non‐target insects). For the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), sorbitol and xylitol acted as nutritive feeding stimulants, and erythritol acted as a non‐nutritive feeding stimulant. For the buff‐tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris), sorbitol acted as a feeding stimulant, while for the honey bee (Apis mellifera), none of the sugar alcohols acted as feeding stimulant.ConclusionThe species‐specific preferences for sugar alcohols suggest their potential as species‐selective insect baits. The wasp‐specific preference for xylitol suggests its potential as a bee‐safe alternative to sugar‐containing bait for controlling the common wasp. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterization of Brucella spp. and other abortigenic pathogens from aborted tissues of cattle and goats in Rwanda
Authors: Ntivuguruzwa Jean Bosco , Kolo Francis Babaman , Mwikarago Emil Ivan , van Heerden Henriette 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAbortions cause tremendous economic losses in food‐producing animals and may lead to food insecurity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize Brucella spp. and other abortigenic pathogens from aborted tissues of cattle.MethodsFor cattle, aborted tissues (n = 19) were cultured, and Brucella spp. were detected using the genus‐specific 16S‐23S ribosomal DNA interspacer region (ITS) assay and speciated using Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, Brucella ovis, and Brucella suis (AMOS) and Bruce‐ladder PCR assays. Brucella negative samples were screened using the eight abortigenic pathogens PCR panel. Samples from an abortion outbreak that occurred within a goat tribe were included in this investigation. Sera of females (n = 8) and males (n = 2) were analyzed using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (i‐ELISA), while vaginal swabs (n = 3) and aborted tissues (n = 1) were cultured and characterized.ResultsThe ITS‐PCR detected Brucella DNA in cultures from two aborted tissues of cattle (10.5%, [2/19]), which were identified as B. melitensis (n = 1), and B. abortus (n = 1) using AMOS and Bruce‐ladder PCR assays. Campylobacter fetus (n = 7) and Leptospira spp. (n = 4) including co‐infections (n = 2) of C. fetus and Leptospira spp. were identified from the Brucella negative samples of cattle. Goats (100.0%, 10/10) were brucellosis seropositive on RBT and i‐ELISA. Mixed infections caused by B. melitensis and B. abortus were isolated from the vaginal swabs (n = 3) and aborted tissues (n = 1).Discussion and conclusionsThis is the first identification of abortion‐associated pathogens in aborted cattle indicating the enormous financial losses and a threat to public health. It is therefore essential to include these identified pathogens in the surveillance scheme of veterinary and human services.
Latent heat must be visible in climate communications
Authors: Matthews Tom , Byrne Michael , Horton Radley , Murphy Conor , Pielke Roger , Raymond Colin , Thorne Peter , Wilby Robert L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAnthropogenic forcing is driving energy accumulation in the Earth system, including increases in the sensible heat content of the atmosphere, as measured by dry‐bulb temperature—the metric that is almost universally used for communications about climate change. The atmosphere is also moistening, though, representing an accumulation of latent heat, which is partly concealed by dry‐bulb temperature trends. We highlight that, consistent with basic theory, latent heat gains are outpacing sensible heat gains over about half of the Earth's surface. The difference is largest in the tropics, where global “hotspots” of total heat accumulation are located, and where regional disparities in heating rates are very poorly represented by dry‐bulb temperatures. Including latent heat in climate‐change metrics captures this heat accumulation and therefore improves adaptation‐relevant understanding of the extreme humid heat and precipitation hazards that threaten these latitudes so acutely. For example, irrigation can lower peak dry‐bulb temperatures, but amplify latent heat content by a larger margin, intensifying dangerous heat stress. Based on a review of the research literature, our Perspective therefore calls for routine use of equivalent temperature, a measure that expresses the combined sensible and latent heat content of the atmosphere in the familiar units of °C or K. We recognize that dry‐bulb air temperature must remain a key indicator of the atmospheric state, not least for the many sectors that are sensitive to sensible heat transfer. However, we assert here that more widespread use of equivalent temperature could improve process understanding, public messaging, and adaptation to climate change.This article is categorized under:
Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change
Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Earth System Behavior
Human adaptative behavior to Antarctic conditions: A review of physiological aspects
Authors: Spinelli Eliani , Werner Junior Jairo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe Antarctic environment induces adaptive metabolic and neuroendocrine changes associated with survival, as well as increased risks to physical and mental health. Circadian disruption has been observed in Antarctic expeditioners. The main consequences appear in quality of sleep, which can affect physical and cognitive performance. Physiological adaptation to cold is mediated by the norepinephrine and thyroid hormones (T3 and 3,5‐T2 metabolite). The observed changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis of expeditioners varied according to temperature, photoperiod, time spent in the cold environment and stress level. The decrease in T3 levels has frequently been associated with mood swings. Psychological and physical stressors cause disturbances in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, with consequent maintenance of high cortisol levels, leading to memory impairment, immunosuppression, and cardiometabolic and reproductive disorders. Preventive measures, such as provision of adequate food, well‐established eating times, physical activity and even the use of phototherapy, can all help maintain the circadian rhythm. In addition, the use of high‐tech clothing and room temperature control in research stations provide greater protection against the effects of intense cold. However, psychological stress requires a more individualized approach based on the crew's sociocultural characteristics, but it can be mitigated by mental healthcare and training in coping strategies.This article is categorized under:
Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Cardiovascular Diseases > Environmental Factors
Metabolic Diseases > Environmental Factors
A prospective cohort study to evaluate the incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients receiving pegfilgrastim on-body injector versus other options for prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia: breast cancer subgroup analysis
Authors: Mahtani Reshma L. , Belani Rajesh , Crawford Jeffrey , Dale David , DeCosta Lucy , Gawade Prasad L. , Huynh Chanh , Lawrence Tatiana , Lewis Sandra , MacLaughlin William W. , Narang Mohit , Rifkin Robert 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer chemotherapy often carries a high risk of febrile neutropenia (FN); guidelines recommend prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), such as pegfilgrastim. Neulasta® Onpro® on-body injector (OBI) is a delivery device administering pegfilgrastim approximately 27 h after application.

Methods
This prospective study examined patients with breast cancer who received chemotherapy with a high risk of FN, receiving OBI (“OBI”) or other options (other G-CSF or none; “other”). The primary endpoint was FN incidence; secondary endpoints included chemotherapy delivery, adherence (G-CSF in all cycles), compliance (G-CSF day after chemotherapy), and FN incidence in patients receiving curative or palliative treatment.

Results
A total of 1776 patients with breast cancer were enrolled (OBI, n = 1196; other, n = 580). Across all cycles, FN incidence was lower for OBI (4.4% [95% CI, 3.3–5.6%]) than other (7.4% [5.3–9.6%]). For curative treatment, the FN incidence across all cycles was lower for OBI (4.6% [3.4–5.8%]) than for other (7.1% [5.0–9.3%]). For palliative treatment (OBI, n = 33; other, n = 20), 3 patients (15%) in the other and none in the OBI group had FN. After adjusting for baseline covariates, FN incidence remained lower for OBI (4.6% [3.5–6.1%]) versus other (7.8% [5.7–10.5%]). Adherence was higher for OBI (93.8%) than for other G-CSF (69.8%), as was compliance (90.5 and 53.2%, respectively). Chemotherapy dose delays/reductions were similar for OBI (4.7%/32.3%, respectively) and other (4.7%/30.0%) groups.

Conclusion
Pegfilgrastim OBI was associated with a lower FN incidence in patients with breast cancer compared to other options for FN prophylaxis.

Trial registration
www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02178475, registered 30 June, 2014
Neuropsychologie der Epilepsien im höheren Lebensalter
Authors: Heerwig Carina , Möller Hendrik , Brückner Katja 
Published: April 2022

ZusammenfassungInfolge des demografischen Wandels nimmt die Häufigkeit von Epilepsien im höheren Alter zu. Zudem wird ein Zusammenhang von Epilepsien und einem beschleunigten kognitiven Alterungsprozess angenommen. Kognitive Einschränkungen betreffen dabei überwiegend die Gedächtnisleistungen und die exekutiven Funktionen. Die ältere Patientengruppe stellt eine Herausforderung für die neuropsychologische Diagnostik dar, da nur wenige Testverfahren mit altersspezifischen Normen vorhanden sind und neben der Diagnose der Epilepsie weitere Risikofaktoren für einen kognitiven Leistungsabbau berücksichtigt werden müssen. Ältere Menschen mit Epilepsie können neben kognitiven Einschränkungen auch an damit einhergehenden komorbiden affektiven Störungen leiden. Bei älteren (50+) und alten (65+) Menschen mit Epilepsie können diese Einschränkungen zunehmen und stärker als bei Jüngeren Auswirkungen auf den Alltag und die Alltagskompetenzen haben. Aufgrund der zunehmenden Einschränkungen sowie eines höheren Risikos für kognitive Konsequenzen und Komplikationen werden epilepsiechirurgische Eingriffe weiterhin bei Älteren kontrovers diskutiert. Mehrere Studien konnten jedoch ein postoperatives stabiles kognitives Leistungsprofil und eine Verbesserung der Stimmung bei älteren Menschen mit Epilepsie beobachten.
Klimaschutzinstrumente aus KSG, TEHG und BEHG
Authors: Guckelberger Annette 
Published: April 2022

ZusammenfassungUm die Erderwärmung zu stoppen, sind Treibhausgasreduzierungen in fast allen Lebensbereichen
notwendig. Dazu bedarf es enormer Anstrengungen und zahlreicher Maßnahmen unterschiedlichster Art.
Nachfolgend soll beleuchtet werden, welche Möglichkeiten das KSG als Rahmengesetz bietet, um zu einem
möglichst optimalen Instrumentenmix zu gelangen. Unter den diversen Klimaschutzinstrumenten soll dabei
der Emissionshandel im Fokus stehen.
Fabrication of cornstarch biopolymer-derived nano porous carbon as electrode material for supercapacitor application
Authors: Nath Gaurav , Singh Pramod K. , Dhapola Pawan Singh , Dohare Sushil , Noor I. M. , Sharma Tejas , Singh Abhimanyu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPorous carbon is prepared from the cornstarch biopolymer by simple carbonization process initially at 800 °C. This carbon sample has been activated by gasification with the help of oxidizing gas and by reaction with certain chemicals for its pore development. The final product of activated carbon is then characterized by techniques like XRD, RAMAN, BET, TGA, FESEM, and EDX to study all its behavior. The results of these characterizations have been thoroughly studied in the Sect. 3. The carbon is used as an electrode material to decorate the supercapacitor electrode by 1 mg of coating. Polymer electrolyte film of PVDF-HFP doped with 300 wt% of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide (TCM) (optimized for better conductivity) ionic liquid is used as a separator. A supercapacitor device is then fabricated at laboratory scale with the prepared porous carbon electrodes sandwiched with the electrolyte film which yield a specific capacitance of 188.4 F/gm at 10 mHz confirmed from the electrochemical low-frequency impedance spectroscopy plot. Cyclic voltammetry results were also measured, yielding a high specific capacitance of 184.8 F/gm at 5 mV/s.
Disparity in Obesity and Hypertension Risks Observed Between Pacific Islander and Asian American Health Fair Attendees in Los Angeles, 2011–2019
Authors: Yang Hong-Ho , Dhanjani Suraj Avinash , Chwa Won Jong , Cowgill Burton , Gee Gilbert 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
The Pacific Islander American population is understudied due to being aggregated with Asian Americans. In this study, we conduct a comparative analysis of directly measured body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), and blood pressure (BP) between Pacific Islander Americans and Asian Americans from health screenings in Los Angeles, California. We hope to reveal intra-APIA health disparities masked by this data aggregation.

Methods
We analyzed BMI, %BF, and BP that were objectively measured by trained personnel at health screenings in Los Angeles between January 2011 and December 2019. We performed multivariable multinomial logistic regression models with obesity and hypertensive categories as outcome variables and ethnicity as the primary independent variable of interest. Models controlled for year of visit, participant age, sex, income, education level, years living in the USA, employment status, English proficiency, regular doctor access, and health insurance status.

Results
A total of 4,832 individuals were included in the analysis. Multivariable analyses revealed that Pacific Islander participants were at significantly higher risks for being classified as obese compared with all Asian American subgroups studied, including Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Japanese. Pacific Islanders also exhibited significantly lower predicted probability of having a normal blood pressure compared with Chinese and Thai participants. Some variation between Asian subgroups were also observed.

Conclusions
Pacific Islander participants had higher risk of several sentinel health problems compared to Asian American participants. Disaggregation of PI Americans from the APIA umbrella category in future studies is necessary to unmask the critical needs of this important community.