bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft Hydrogel Environments that Facilitate Cell Spreading and Aggregation Preferentially Support Chondrogenesis of Adult Stem Cells
Authors: Aprile Paola , Whelan Ian T. , Sathy Binulal N. , Carroll Simon F. , Kelly Daniel J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising cell type for treating damaged synovial joints. The therapeutic potential of MSCs will be facilitated by the engineering of biomaterial environments capable of directing their fate. Here the interplay between matrix elasticity and cell morphology in regulating the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs when seeded onto or encapsulated within hydrogels made of interpenetrating networks (IPN) of alginate and collagen type I is explored. This IPN system enables the independent control of substrate stiffness (in 2D and in 3D) and cell morphology (3D only). The expression of chondrogenic markers SOX9, ACAN, and COL2 increases when MSCs are cultured onto the soft substrate, which correlates with increased SMAD2/3 nuclear localization, enhanced MSCs condensation, and the formation of larger cellular aggregates. The encapsulation of spread MSCs within a soft IPN increases the expression of cartilage‐specific genes, which is linked to cellular condensation and nuclear SMAD2/3 localization. Surprisingly, cells forced to adopt a more rounded morphology within the same soft IPNs expressed higher levels of the osteogenic markers RUNX2 and COL1. The insight provided by this study suggests that a mechanobiology informed approach to biomaterial development will be integral to the development of successful cartilage tissue engineering strategies.
Multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging for radiation treatment planning
Authors: Omari Eenas A. , Zhang Ying , Ahunbay Ergun , Paulson Eric , Amjad Asma , Chen Xinfeng , Liang Ying , Li X. Allen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn recent years, multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MpMRI) has played a major role in radiation therapy treatment planning. The superior soft tissue contrast, functional or physiological imaging capabilities, and the flexibility of site‐specific image sequence development has placed MpMRI at the forefront. In this article, the present status of MpMRI for external beam radiation therapy planning is reviewed. Common MpMRI sequences, preprocessing, and quality assurance strategies are briefly discussed, and various image registration techniques and strategies are addressed. Image segmentation methods including automatic segmentation and deep learning techniques for organs at risk and target delineation are reviewed. Due to the advancement in MRI‐guided online adaptive radiotherapy, treatment planning considerations addressing MRI only planning are also discussed.
Sonoporation based on repeated vaporization of gold nanodroplets
Authors: Liu Wei‐Wen , Ko Hung‐Chih , Li Pai‐Chi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundGold nanodroplets (AuNDs) have been proposed as agents for photothermal therapy and photoacoustic imaging. Previously, we demonstrated that the sonoporation can be more effectively achieved with synchronized optical and acoustic droplet vaporization. By applying a laser pulse at the rarefactional phase of the ultrasound (US) pulse, the vaporization threshold can be reached at a considerably lower laser average power. However, a large loading quantity of the AuNDs may increase the risk of air embolism. The destruction of phase‐shifted AuNDs at the inertial cavitation stage leads to a reduced drug delivery performance. And it also causes instability of echogenicity during therapeutic monitoring.PurposeIn this study, we propose to further improve the sonoporation effectiveness with repeated vaporization. In other words, the AuNDs repeatedly undergo vaporization and recondensation so that sonoporation effects are accumulated over time at lower energy requirements. Previously, repeated vaporization has been demonstrated as an imaging contrast agent. In this study, we aim to adopt this repeated vaporization scheme for sonoporation.MethodsPerfluoropentane NDs with a shell made of human serum albumin were used as the US contrast agents. Laser pulses at 808 nm and US pulses of 1 MHz were delivered for triggering vaporization and inertial cavitation of NDs. We detected the vaporization and cavitation effects under different activation firings, US peak negative pressures (PNPs), and laser fluences using 5‐ and 10‐MHz focused US receivers. Numbers of calcein‐AM and propidium iodide signals uptake by BNL hepatocarcinoma cancer cells were used to evaluate the sonoporation and cell death rate of the cells.ResultsWe demonstrate that sonoporation can be realized based on repeatable vaporization instead of the commonly adopted inertial cavitation effects. In addition, it is found that the laser fluence and the acoustic pressure can be reduced. As an example, we demonstrate that the acoustic and optical energy for achieving a similar level of sonoporation rate can be as low as 0.44 MPa for the US PNP and 4.01 mJ/cm2 for the laser fluence, which are lower than those with our previous approach (0.53 MPa and 4.95 mJ/cm2, respectively).ConclusionWe demonstrated the feasibility of vaporization‐based sonoporation at a lower optical and acoustic energy. It is an advantageous method that can enhance drug delivery efficiency, therapeutic safety and potentially deliver an upgraded gene therapy strategy for improved theragnosis.
Current occupational well‐being status and protective and risk factors of male nurses in Chengdu, China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Liang , Li Huiling , Li Xinyu , Zhang Jia , Lv Yu , Jia Ping , Xie Caixia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsThis study explores the current occupational well‐being status of male nurses in Chengdu, China, and identifies the concomitant protective and risk factors.DesignThis study has a cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsFrom 13 July to 21 July 2019, a cross‐sectional survey involving 209 male nurses in 7 tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, China, was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire‐II, the Professional Identity Scale and the Nurses' Occupational Well‐being Scale.ResultsThe score of male nurses' occupational well‐being was 78.7 ± 14.2. The higher the mindfulness and professional identity (p = .002,p < .001, respectively), the higher the occupational well‐being of male nurses. The lower the experiential avoidance, the higher the occupational well‐being (p = .001). The highest occupational well‐being was found among male nurses who had less than 5‐years' working experience.ConclusionsThe results suggest that male nurses' occupational well‐being was at a moderate level. Mindfulness and professional identity were the protective factors of male nurses' occupational well‐being, and experiential avoidance was the risk factor. Nursing managers should ascertain male nurses' current occupational well‐being and the influencing factors and formulate effective improvement strategies. Male nurse courses on enhancing mindfulness and professional identity and reducing experiential avoidance should be explored, with a focus on helping nurses improve their professional well‐being and, in turn, prospectively reducing the turnover rate.
An optimized MALDI MSI protocol for spatial detection of tryptic peptides in fresh frozen prostate tissue
Authors: Høiem Therese S. , Andersen Maria K. , Martin‐Lorenzo Marta , Longuespée Rémi , Claes Britt S.R. , Nordborg Anna , Dewez Frédéric , Balluff Benjamin , Giampà Marco , Sharma Animesh , Hagen Lars , Heeren Ron M.A. , Bathen Tone F. , Giskeødegård Guro F. , Krossa Sebastian , Tessem May‐Britt 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMALDI MS imaging (MSI) is a powerful analytical tool for spatial peptide detection in heterogeneous tissues. Proper sample preparation is crucial to achieve high quality, reproducible measurements. Here we developed an optimized protocol for spatially resolved proteolytic peptide detection with MALDI time‐of‐flight MSI of fresh frozen prostate tissue sections. The parameters tested included four different tissue washes, four methods of protein denaturation, four methods of trypsin digestion (different trypsin densities, sprayers, and incubation times), and five matrix deposition methods (different sprayers, settings, and matrix concentrations). Evaluation criteria were the number of detected and excluded peaks, percentage of high mass peaks, signal‐to‐noise ratio, spatial localization, and average intensities of identified peptides, all of which were integrated into a weighted quality evaluation scoring system. Based on these scores, the optimized protocol included an ice‐cold EtOH+H2O wash, a 5 min heating step at 95°C, tryptic digestion incubated for 17h at 37°C and CHCA matrix deposited at a final amount of 1.8 μg/mm2. Including a heat‐induced protein denaturation step after tissue wash is a new methodological approach that could be useful also for other tissue types. This optimized protocol for spatial peptide detection using MALDI MSI facilitates future biomarker discovery in prostate cancer and may be useful in studies of other tissue types.
Conservation practices induce tradeoffs in soil function: Observations from the northern Great Plains
Authors: Liebig Mark A. , Acosta‐Martinez Veronica , Archer David W. , Halvorson Jonathan J. , Hendrickson John R. , Kronberg Scott L. , Samson‐Liebig Susan E. , Vetter Jennifer M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOver the past 30 years, agricultural land use in the northern Great Plains has negatively affected soil health and associated ecosystem services through grassland conversion to cropland and a transition away from small‐grain cropping systems to warm‐season crops. Mitigating these effects requires adoption of conservation practices, but information about how conservation practices influence on soil condition and function are needed. This study sought to quantify near‐surface soil responses to crop diversity and intensity, cover crops, and livestock integration under controlled experimental conditions, and land use (dryland cropping vs. perennial agroecosystems) on working farms and ranches, all on a common Haplustoll soil in southcentral North Dakota, USA. Among dryland cropping practices, diverse, continuous cropping led to improvements in soil structure, nutrient supply potential, and biological habitat, but increased soil acidification and soil NO3–N accumulation. Cover crops had a negligible effect on soil condition and function, while livestock integration on cropland improved nutrient supply potential and biological habitat but impaired water intake into soil. Relative to dryland cropping, soil conditions and functions were consistently improved under perennial agroecosystems. Retention of perennial agroecosystems and adoption of diverse, nutrient‐efficient dryland cropping practices should be prioritized to enhance soil health in the northern Great Plains.
Water quality analysis of pucang river, sidoarjo regency to control water pollution
Authors: Wikurendra Edza Aria , Syafiuddin Achmad , Nurika Globila , Elisanti Alinea Dwi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze water quality and control water pollution in the Pucang River in Sidoarjo Regency. The method was used to identify water quality of the 11 parameters and compared them the Government Regulation number 22 of 2021 about water quality standards in Indonesia. Secondary data from 2018 to 2020 were used in this study. Determination of water quality status using the pollution indices method attached in Decree of the State Minister of the Environment number 115 of 2003. Analysis of water pollution control strategies using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats approach. The condition of the water quality of the Pucang River in 2018–2020, based on the water pollution parameter test, experienced a decrease in the rate indicated by the presence of parameters that exceeded the quality standard. Determination of the quality status of water quality in 2018–2020, there was an increase in water quality marked by the rise in the pollution indices value where the water quality was moderately polluted heavily polluted. The conclusion is that the water quality of the Pucang River in 2018–2020 has decreased from the moderately polluted category to the heavily polluted, and the condition of river water cannot be used for its designation.
Todesfälle in der stationären Psychiatrie
Authors: Hoffmann E. H. A. , Massing P. , Veit F. , Dettmeyer R. , Birngruber C. G. 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungTodesfälle in stationärer psychiatrischer Behandlung sind wesentlich seltener als in nichtpsychiatrischen Kliniken. In dieser Arbeit wurden 44 Obduktionsfälle des Instituts für Rechtsmedizin Gießen von Verstorbenen in der stationären Psychiatrie aus einem Zeitraum von 7 Jahren zusammengetragen und ausgewertet. In knapp der Hälfte der Fälle lag eine nichtnatürliche Todesart vor. Affektive Störungen, Schizophrenien und Psychosen waren häufige Grunderkrankungen und Ursache eines Suizids. Im Rahmen der Begutachtung zeigte sich, dass im Einzelfall in den Krankenunterlagen eine lückenlose Dokumentation fehlte. Um Todesfälle im stationären Bereich der Psychiatrie aufzuarbeiten, sind eine vollständig geführte Dokumentation des Aufenthalts des Patienten sowie eine Obduktion mit weiterführenden toxikologischen Untersuchungen unumgänglich.
Future energy: in search of a scenario reflecting current and future pressures and trends
Authors: Morris Jennifer , Hone David , Haigh Martin , Sokolov Andrei , Paltsev Sergey 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGrowing societal pressures, technological trends and government and industry actions are moving the world toward decarbonization and away from the “business-as-usual”. As such, the concept of a single/obvious “business as usual” or “reference” scenario is no longer relevant. Instead, there are multiple plausible futures that should be explored. We contribute one such scenario that carefully considers emission-reduction trends and actions that are likely in the future, absent globally coordinated mitigation effort. We explore the long-term implications for energy, emissions, and temperature outcomes if the world continues to address climate change in the way it has so far—through piecemeal actions and growing social and technological pressures. This Growing Pressures scenario results in a central scenario outcome of about 3 °C of surface temperature warming, which is higher than the “well below 2 °C” level aspired by the Paris Agreement, but lower than many widely used “no-policy” scenarios. Ongoing and growing pressures of change, the roots of which are clearly visible today, could deliver a plausible energy transition scenario to near zero emissions that plays out over the coming century. While a more aggressive transition is clearly required, this finding highlights the need to bring actions forward in time to achieve an improved outcome making use of clearly identifiable policies and technologies.
The Practice of Pre-trial Detention in England & Wales - Changing Law and Changing Culture
Authors: Smith Tom 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPre-trial detention empowers criminal courts to imprison defendants before they have been convicted of an offence. This is a significant power which should be subject to a rigourous decision-making process. A 2016 study of pre-trial detention practice in England and Wales highlighted concerns about such processes, recommending changes to law and practice in that jurisdiction. In 2017, several of these recommendations became law. This article details a follow-up empirical study, conducted in 2020, which sought to examine the impact of these changes on day-to-day pre-trial detention practice in criminal courts. After analysing the data, the article concludes that the changes in fact had minimal impact on practice, and suggests that changing the law does not necessarily translate into a change in the culture of pre-trial detention practice.
Humanoid robots go to school
Authors: Chalmers Christina , Keane Therese , Boden Marie , Williams Monica 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHumanoid robots are being used in some schools, however, research on the use of these robots is relatively new. In this three-year study, humanoid robots were deployed in 10 schools, involving 29 teachers across early childhood to Year 10. This study aimed to ascertain teachers’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges, the pedagogical practices that helped with student engagement, and where the robots fitted in the curriculum. Through multiple case studies, teachers’ views were explored and results from the study supports the deployment of humanoid robots. The study advocates a constructivist inquiry approach to using humanoid robots across the curriculum.
Applications of Model-Based Meta-Analysis in Drug Development
Authors: Chan Phyllis , Peskov Kirill , Song Xuyang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractModel-based meta-analysis (MBMA) is a quantitative approach that leverages published summary data along with internal data and can be applied to inform key drug development decisions, including the benefit-risk assessment of a treatment under investigation. These risk–benefit assessments may involve determining an optimal dose compared against historic external comparators of a particular disease indication. MBMA can provide a flexible framework for interpreting aggregated data from historic reference studies and therefore should be a standard tool for the model-informed drug development (MIDD) framework.In addition to pairwise and network meta-analyses, MBMA provides further contributions in the quantitative approaches with its ability to incorporate longitudinal data and the pharmacologic concept of dose–response relationship, as well as to combine individual- and summary-level data and routinely incorporate covariates in the analysis.A common application of MBMA is the selection of optimal dose and dosing regimen of the internal investigational molecule to evaluate external benchmarking and to support comparator selection. Two case studies provided examples in applications of MBMA in biologics (durvalumab + tremelimumab for safety) and small molecule (fenebrutinib for efficacy) to support drug development decision-making in two different but well-studied disease areas, i.e., oncology and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively.Important to the future directions of MBMA include additional recognition and engagement from drug development stakeholders for the MBMA approach, stronger collaboration between pharmacometrics and statistics, expanded data access, and the use of machine learning for database building. Timely, cost-effective, and successful application of MBMA should be part of providing an integrated view of MIDD.
Polarity-based graph neural network for sign prediction in signed bipartite graphs
Authors: Zhang Xianhang , Wang Hanchen , Yu Jianke , Chen Chen , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Wenjie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAs a fundamental data structure, graphs are ubiquitous in various applications. Among all types of graphs, signed bipartite graphs contain complex structures with positive and negative links as well as bipartite settings, on which conventional graph analysis algorithms are no longer applicable. Previous works mainly focus on unipartite signed graphs or unsigned bipartite graphs separately. Several models are proposed for applications on the signed bipartite graphs by utilizing the heuristic structural information. However, these methods have limited capability to fully capture the information hidden in such graphs. In this paper, we propose the first graph neural network on signed bipartite graphs, namely Polarity-based Graph Convolutional Network (PbGCN), for sign prediction task with the help of balance theory. We introduce the novel polarity attribute to signed bipartite graphs, based on which we construct one-mode projection graphs to allow the GNNs to aggregate information between the same type nodes. Extensive experiments on five datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed techniques.
Human–Robot Companionship: Cultural Ideas, Limitations, and Aspirations. An Analysis of Sex Robot Marketing Videos
Authors: Andreallo Fiona 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAs society moves swiftly towards incorporating an increased number of social robots, the need for a deeper cultural understanding of companionship as a critical social aspect of human–robot connection is urgent. This cultural study examines how three of the most popular and publicly available sex robot marketing videos mobilise the meaning of companionship. Videos of "Roxxxy", “Harmony”, and “Emma” were examined employing a social semiotic discourse analysis based on a long history of identifying how advertisements tap into social and cultural ideals. Companionship is identified as: (i) enjoyed through attention, reliability, usefulness, support, trust, and kindness; (ii) including ideas of long-term commitment and endurance through the mundane, every day, and ordinary aspects of life; (iii) occurring where the meanings of connection for humans and robots are conflated even though they differ for humans and technology; and (iv) a vulnerability for both robot and human. Furthermore, the representations of robot companions remain limited to stereotypical concepts of women; viewers are positioned as desiring a product that claims agency but has none, and is marketed ‘as good as’ a human woman. In all, the representations are complex and far too simple—simple because this is an ideological model of companionship and complex because the ideas of technology are conflated with human–human ideals of companionship. Where technological design aspires towards a better future for humans, there is an urgency to move beyond the limited anthropomorphic cultural concepts presently aspired to in the design and marketing of companion robots.
Abortion Law and Human Rights in Poland: The Closing of the Jurisprudential Horizon
Authors: Bucholc Marta 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOn 22 October 2020, the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland ruled that an abortion due to foetal impairment was unconstitutional. This article discusses the context of this controversial ruling as well as its main tenets, focusing on the interpretation of the human rights proffered by the Tribunal and on the rule of law concerns raised by the Tribunal’s decision. Against the backdrop of a brief history of the legal regulation of abortion in Poland since 1945, the article offers a critical assessment of the human rights framework used in the Polish abortion debate. Based on a close reading of the Tribunal’s ruling and the dissenting opinions, the article points out the particularities in the Tribunal’s engagement with international law and human rights jurisprudence. The article argues that the Tribunal’s decision is yet another symptom of the crisis in which the rule of law in Poland has found itself since 2015. It bears evidence to the closing of the jurisprudential horizon caused by the political change which has been taking place in Poland since 2015, consisting of the reduction of the role of international human rights debates as a reference in Polish constitutional jurisprudence. The ruling is therefore a portent of Poland’s future compliance with its international commitments in human rights matters.