bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of N‐acetyl cysteine on the volume of uterine leiomyoma: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Aghaamoo Shahrzad , Zandbina Azade , Saffarieh Elham , Nassiri Setare 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo conduct a clinical trial to investigate the effect of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC), a non‐hormonal drug, on the volume of leiomyoma, the most common benign tumor in women.MethodsThis study is a randomized clinical trial, which was performed in Semnan, Iran. Eligible women who were diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma using vaginal ultrasound were randomly assigned to receive NAC or placebo for 12 weeks. The change in the volume of Leiomyoma was considered to be the main variable in the efficacy evaluation. Reduction in the leiomyoma volume was calculated after intervention and data were entered in SPSS version 23.ResultsFifty individuals were enrolled in our study. 25 women received NAC, while 25 women took placebo. The mean volume of leiomyoma in group A was 5.71 cm3 and in group B was 6.56 cm3. The mean rate of volume reduction in the A and B groups was 25.25 % and 1.08 %, respectively, which demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.004).ConclusionAlthough this trial recommends the use of NAC as a non‐hormonal drug in the treatment of leiomyoma of the uterus, the possibility of treatment failure in controlling abnormal uterine bleeding cannot be ignored. Nevertheless, we can say it is feasible and effective in the reduction of leiomyoma volume.
Titanium complexes bearing 2,6‐bis(o‐hydroxyalkyl)pyridine ligands in vitro cytotoxicity against triple‐negative breast‐cancer cells
Authors: Chen I‐Ni , Ganta Prasanna Kumar , Chung Shou‐Jie , Chang Yu‐Lun , Chang Heng‐Yi , Ding Shangwu , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Chiu Chien‐Chih , Wu Kuo‐Hui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThree titanium (Ti) compounds bearing 2,6‐bis(o‐hydroxyalkyl)pyridine ligands were synthesized, and used in vitro cytotoxicity against triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA‐MB‐231 cells was studied. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes against TNBC cells revealed that (HLMeTi‐O)4 (IC50 = 0.91 μM) exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of TNBC cells. Thus, titanium alkoxide complexes as nonplatinum complex could be used for structural optimization for treating breast cancer cells in the future.
Assessing the effects of lake‐dredged sediments on soil health: Agricultural and environmental implications for northwestern Ohio
Authors: Brigham Russell D. , Pelini Shannon , Xu Zhaohui , Vázquez‐Ortega Angélica 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDredging operations produce large amounts of sediments, and when open lake disposal is used, it can pose a threat to water quality. This study examined the potential to use dredged sediment as a farm soil amendment. We conducted greenhouse experiments to determine (a) the physico‐chemical health of a farm soil amended with various dredged sediment ratios, (b) nutrient dynamics when the soil blends were subjected to simulated storm events, and (c) the effect of dredged sediment on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] belowground biomass and yield. The soil blends consisted of 100% farm soil, 90% farm soil to 10% dredged sediment, 80% farm soil to 20% dredged sediment, or 100% dredged sediment. After 123 d, the soybean plants were harvested, and physico‐chemical analyses were conducted on the soil, soybeans, and percolated stormwater. We found that dredged sediment amendment improved soil health by increasing soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and Ca content and by decreasing bulk density and P concentration in a farm soil with P concentration above the agronomic recommended value. Crop biomass and yield averages increased with increasing dredged sediment ratios. Nutrient loss (P and N) in the percolated solutions from the soil blends showed no significant changes when compared to the percolated solutions in the 100% farm soil treatment, indicating no significant contribution to the export of nutrients in percolated water.
Pancreatic β cells control glucose homeostasis via the secretion of exosomal miR‐29 family
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Yujing , Ye Yangyang , Li Dameng , Liu Yuchen , Lee Eunyoung , Zhang Mingliang , Dai Xin , Zhang Xiang , Wang Shibei , Zhang Junfeng , Jia Weiping , Zen Ke , Vidal‐Puig Antonio , Jiang Xiaohong , Zhang Chen‐Yu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSecreted microRNAs (miRNAs) are novel endocrine factors that play essential pathological and physiological roles. Here, we report that pancreatic β cell‐released exosomal miR‐29 family members (miR‐29s) regulate hepatic insulin sensitivity and control glucose homeostasis. Cultured pancreatic islets were shown to secrete miR‐29s in response to high levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) in vitro. In vivo, high levels of FFAs, promoted by either high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding (physiopathological) or fasting (physiological), increased the secretion of miR‐29s into plasma. Intravenous administration of exosomal miR‐29s attenuated insulin sensitivity. The overexpression of miR‐29s in the β cells of transgenic (TG) mice promoted the secretion of miR‐29s and inhibited the insulin‐mediated suppression of glucose output in the liver. We used selective overexpression of traceable heterogenous mutant miR‐29s in β cells to confirm that islet‐derived exosomal miR‐29s target insulin signalling in the liver and blunt hepatic insulin sensitivity. Moreover, in vivo disruption of miR‐29s expression in β cells reversed HFD‐induced insulin resistance. In vitro experiments demonstrated that isolated exosomes enriched in miR‐29s inhibited insulin signalling in the liver and increased hepatic glucose production. These results unveil a novel β cell‐derived secretory signal—exosomal miR‐29s—and provide insight into the roles of miR‐29s in manipulating glucose homeostasis.
Collision‐induced dissociation of [UO2(NO3)3]− and [UO2(NO3)2(O2)]− and reactions of product ions with H2O and O2
Authors: Bubas Amanda R. , Perez Evan , Metzler Luke J. , Rissler Scott D. , Van Stipdonk Michael J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElectrospray ionization (ESI) can produce a wide range of gas‐phase uranyl (UO22+) complexes for tandem mass spectrometry studies of intrinsic structure and reactivity. We describe here the formation and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of [UO2(NO3)3]− and [UO2(NO3)2(O2)]−. Multiple‐stage CID experiments reveal that the complexes dissociate in reactions that involve elimination of O2, NO2, or NO3, and subsequent reactions of interesting uranyl‐oxo product ions with (neutral) H2O and/or O2 were investigated. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reproduce experimental results and show that dissociation of nitrate ligands, with ejection of neutral NO2, is favored for both [UO2(NO3)3]− and [UO2(NO3)2(O2)]−. DFT calculations also suggest that H2O adducts to products such as [UO2(O)(NO3)]− spontaneously rearrange to create dihydroxides and that addition of O2 is favored over addition of H2O to formally U(V) species.
Molecularly imprinted polymers in miniaturized extraction and separation devices
Authors: Bouvarel Thomas , Delaunay Nathalie , Pichon Valérie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers are highly selective and cost‐effective materials, which have attracted significant interest in various areas such as sample pretreatment and chromatographic and electrophoretic separations. This review aims to present the state of the art concerning the miniaturization of these materials in order to meet the societal demand for reliable, fast, cheap, and solvent/sample saving analyses. The polymerization route specificities for the production of miniaturized molecularly imprinted polymers in capillaries or chip channels, such as open tubular, packed particles, magnetic nanoparticles, and in situ imprinted monoliths, are investigated. Their performances as selective supports in solid phase extraction and as stationary phases in electrochromatography and liquid chromatography, as well as their possible perspectives are discussed.
Performance comparison of RF energy harvesting rectifiers designed in CMOS FDSOI 28 nm with dynamic back gate biasing and BiCMOS 55 nm technology
Authors: Awad Mohamad , Benech Philippe , Duchamp Jean‐Marc 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA comparison between two Dickson voltage multipliers realized in two technologies, fully depleted silicon on insulator (FDSOI) 28 nm and Bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS) 55 nm is presented. The assessment is based on the I–V characteristics measurements of transistors configured as diodes; and on the measurements of one and two stages of Dickson multipliers designed for RF energy harvesting. The I–V characteristics show that FDSOI technology is profitable owing to its smaller threshold voltage (Vth), and a leakage current less than that of BiCMOS. Consequently, for the same input voltage, the output voltage acquired in FDSOI is greater than that achieved with BiCMOS. Moreover, for rectifiers designed in FDSOI, a dynamic back gate bias could be employed to enhance the performance by adjusting dynamically the Vth and the leakage current.
FMRI based on transition‐band balanced SSFP in comparison with EPI on a high‐performance 0.55 T scanner
Authors: Wang Yicun , van Gelderen Peter , de Zwart Jacco A. , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E. , Duyn Jeff H. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeLow‐field (<1 tesla) MRI scanners allow more widespread diagnostic use for a range of cardiac, musculoskeletal, and neurological applications. However, the feasibility of performing robust fMRI at low field has yet to be fully demonstrated. To address this gap, we investigated task‐based fMRI using a highly sensitive transition‐band balanced steady‐state free precession approach and standard EPI on a 0.55 tesla scanner equipped with modern high‐performance gradient coils and a receive array.MethodsTR and flip‐angle of transition‐band steady‐state free precession were optimized for 0.55 tesla by simulations. Static shimming was employed to compensate for concomitant field effects. Visual task‐based fMRI data were acquired from 8 healthy volunteers. For comparison, standard EPI data were also acquired with TE = . Retrospective image‐based correction for physiological effects (RETROICOR) was used to quantify physiological noise effects.ResultsActivation was robustly detected using both methods in a 4‐min scan time. Transition‐band steady‐state free precession was found to be sensitive to interference from subtle spatial and temporal (field drift, respiration) variations in the magnetic field, counteracting potential advantages of the reduced magnetic susceptibility effects compared to its utilization at high field. These adverse effects could be partially remedied with static shimming and postprocessing approaches. Standard EPI proved more robust against the sources of interference.ConclusionBOLD contrast is sufficiently large at 0.55 tesla for robust detection of brain activation and may be employed to broaden the spectrum of applications of low‐field MRI. Standard EPI outperforms transition‐band steady‐state free precession in terms of signal stability.
23Na MRI in ischemic stroke: Acquisition time reduction using postprocessing with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Adlung Anne , Paschke Nadia K. , Golla Alena‐Kathrin , Bauer Dominik , Mohamed Sherif A. , Samartzi Melina , Fatar Marc , Neumaier‐Probst Eva , Zöllner Frank G. , Schad Lothar R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractQuantitative 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides tissue sodium concentration (TSC), which is connected to cell viability and vitality. Long acquisition times are one of the most challenging aspects for its clinical establishment. K‐space undersampling is an approach for acquisition time reduction, but generates noise and artifacts. The use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is increasing in medical imaging and they are a useful tool for MRI postprocessing. The aim of this study is 23Na MRI acquisition time reduction by k‐space undersampling. CNNs were applied to reduce the resulting noise and artifacts. A retrospective analysis from a prospective study was conducted including image datasets from 46 patients (aged 72 ± 13 years; 25 women, 21 men) with ischemic stroke; the 23Na MRI acquisition time was 10 min. The reconstructions were performed with full dataset (FI) and with a simulated dataset an image that was acquired in 2.5 min (RI). Eight different CNNs with either U‐Net–based or ResNet‐based architectures were implemented with RI as input and FI as label, using batch normalization and the number of filters as varying parameters. Training was performed with 9500 samples and testing included 400 samples. CNN outputs were evaluated based on signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and structural similarity (SSIM). After quantification, TSC error was calculated. The image quality was subjectively rated by three neuroradiologists. Statistical significance was evaluated by Student’s t‐test. The average SNR was 21.72 ± 2.75 (FI) and 10.16 ± 0.96 (RI). U‐Nets increased the SNR of RI to 43.99 and therefore performed better than ResNet. SSIM of RI to FI was improved by three CNNs to 0.91 ± 0.03. CNNs reduced TSC error by up to 15%. The subjective rating of CNN‐generated images showed significantly better results than the subjective image rating of RI. The acquisition time of 23Na MRI can be reduced by 75% due to postprocessing with a CNN on highly undersampled data.
Bottleneck analysis: Simple prediction of the precision of a planned case–control or cohort study based on healthcare registers
Authors: Hallas Jesper , Hansen Morten Rix , Pottegård Anton , Støvring Henrik 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeIn pharmacoepidemiological studies, the precision of effect estimates usually depends on the lowest number in the underlying two by two table. We denote this the “bottleneck count” (BNC). We describe how to translate the BNC into an achievable precision and provide empirical examples.MethodsFirst, we derive a theoretical prediction of the precision in a study where only the BNC determines precision. As an illustration, we calculated the expected precision of a null‐effect study on retinoids and peptic ulcer bleeding, expressed as the upper/lower confidence limit ratio (ULCLR). Finally, we reviewed 126 effect estimates from the literature, analyzing the relationship between the predicted and achieved precision.ResultsThe log–log transformed ULCLR was shown to be a simple linear function of log(BNC). The expected annual number of retinoid‐users experiencing a peptic ulcer bleeding was 9.8, yielding an estimated ULCLR for a 1‐year study of 3.84. The literature review showed an inverse linear relationship between the logarithmic BNC and the log–log transformed ULCLR, which was largely independent of study design, effect measure and category of BNC. Achieved precision deviated little from predictions but was usually lower than predicted, particularly with low BNC.ConclusionThe precision of a study can be predicted simply and with good accuracy from the BNC, which is useful for determining whether a study is worth pursuing or not.
Nonmonetary poverty in Ethiopia: Multidimensional approach
Authors: Workneh Migbaru Alamirew 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aims to estimate the nonmonetary multidimensional poverty index (MPI) for Ethiopia using the counting approach of Alkire and Foster and the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data. Fourteen country‐specific indicators are used for the poverty estimation using equal and unequal weighting approaches. It is found that, the estimation with unequal weighting gives a much higher level of MPI compared to the equal weighting approach. The results also show that cooking fuel, electricity, housing, and women's literacy are more relevant indicators of multidimensional poverty in Ethiopia. The contribution of place of delivery, domestic violence, and women's right to make decisions is also not minimal. It is also found that the MPI estimation depends on the specific weighting method used, number of dimensions and indicators selected for estimation, and cross‐dimensional cut‐off applied. Hence, policies that lessen poverty by improving cooking fuel, electricity, housing, and women's literacy, which are particularly focussed on rural areas, are needed. In addition, the application of unequal weighting, which enables us to see the trade‐off between dimensions, is better to determine the indicators in which society is more deprived than equal weighting.
Two economically optimized nonparametric schemes for monitoring process variability
Authors: Li Chenglong , Mukherjee Amitava 
Published: January 2021

AbstractControlling and reducing process variability is an essential aspect for maintaining the product or service quality. Even though most practitioners believe that an increasing process variability is often a more severe concern than a shift in location, barely a few research paid attention to the cost‐efficient monitoring of process variability. Some of the existing studies addressed the dispersion aspect, assuming that the quality characteristic is Gaussian. Non‐normal and complex distributions are not uncommon in modern production processes, time to event processes, or processes involving service quality. Unfortunately, we find no literature on economically designed nonparametric (distribution‐free) schemes for monitoring process variability. This article introduces two Shewhart‐type cost‐optimized nonparametric schemes for monitoring the variability of any unknown but continuous processes to fill the research gap. The proposed monitoring schemes are based on two popular two‐sample rank statistics for differences in scale parameters, known as the Ansari–Bradley statistic and the Mood statistic. We assess their actual performance for a set of process scenarios and illustrate the design along with the implementation steps. We discuss a practical problem related to product quality management. It is expected that the proposed schemes will be beneficial in various industrial operations.
Quantum Chaos and the Spectrum of Factoring
Authors: Rosales Jose Luis , Briongos Samira , Martín Vicente 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe factorization ensemble is a set to which integer factorable numbers , having the same trivial factorization complexity, belong. Hence, the Rivest‐Shamir‐Adleman (RSA) cryptographic moduli pertain to this set. A function can be defined therein which will be associated to the energy of a system of ions in a Penning trap. This is the quantum factoring simulator hypothesis connecting quantum mechanics with number theory. Here, a possible setup of the simulator from the magnetron energies of a Coulomb crystal in a cylindrical trap is described. Then, quantum mechanically, these energies may have only discrete values. To test the validity of the simulator hypothesis, evidence of this kind of discreteness from the statistics of the of a large random sample of RSA moduli is reported; indeed, their unfolded distance probability distribution fits to a Gaussian Unitary Ensemble, exactly as required if they actually correspond to the quantum energy levels spacing of a magnetically confined system that exhibits chaos. The confirmation of these predictions is consistent with the quantum simulator hypothesis and, thereby, it points to the existence of a liaison between quantum mechanics and number theory.
Spatial Mode Correction of Single Photons Using Machine Learning
Authors: Bhusal Narayan , Lohani Sanjaya , You Chenglong , Hong Mingyuan , Fabre Joshua , Zhao Pengcheng , Knutson Erin M. , Glasser Ryan T. , Magaña‐Loaiza Omar S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSpatial modes of light constitute valuable resources for a variety of quantum technologies ranging from quantum communication and quantum imaging to remote sensing. Nevertheless, their vulnerabilities to phase distortions, induced by random media, impose significant limitations on the realistic implementation of numerous quantum‐photonic technologies. Unfortunately, this problem is exacerbated at the single‐photon level. Over the last two decades, this challenging problem has been tackled through conventional schemes that utilize optical nonlinearities, quantum correlations, and adaptive optics. In this article, the self‐learning and self‐evolving features of artificial neural networks are exploited to correct the complex spatial profile of distorted Laguerre–Gaussian modes at the single‐photon level. Furthermore, the potential of this technique is used to improve the channel capacity of an optical communication protocol that relies on structured single photons. The results have important implications for real‐time turbulence correction of structured photons and single‐photon images.
Development of a novel deployable arm for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
Authors: Lei Yanqiang , Li Yibin , Song Rui , Du Fuxin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundNatural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is aided by the instrument channel of an endoscope. Limited by the diameter of the endoscope, the construction of the operation triangle is affected. This paper presents a deployable arm that can increase the distance between the arms.MethodsThe manipulation arm is composed of a continuum arm and a deployable arm. The deployable arm can be locked by a stay cable and a mechanical structure. The angle between the end‐effectors and the common workspace of the two manipulation arms are comprehensively analysed. Through experiments, the design parameters are validated and justified.ResultsThe experiment shows that the deployment arm can maintain the deformation within 3.5 mm under a 300 g load, and the angle between the two end‐effectors can be maintained within the range of [88°, 110°].ConclusionsThe novel deployment arms enlarge the angle between the end effectors, which significantly improves the flexibility of the arms.
Effects of strain rate, temperature and freeze–thaw cycle on the mechanical properties of cement mortar composite specimen
Authors: Xiong Liangxiao , Wei Meng , Xu Zhongyuan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe effects of the strain rate, water/cement ratio, temperature and number of freeze–thaw cycle on the ultimate compressive strength, peak strain and elastic modulus of cement mortar composite specimens were studied using uniaxial compression test. Test results show that: (a) The strength difference of cement mortar composite specimens is not significant when the axial loading direction is parallel to the interface of two components with different water/cement ratios under low strain rate loading. The strength of cement mortar composite specimens mainly depends on the one with lower strength, and the strength of cement mortar specimen with high strength is more sensitive to the strain rate than that of cement mortar specimen with low strength. (b) With the increase of temperature from 25°C (room temperature) to 500°C, the strength of the specimen with high compressive strength will increase first and then decrease. Nevertheless the strength of the specimen with low compressive strength will gradually decrease. The strength of cement mortar composite specimen will decrease with increased number of freeze–thaw cycle. (c) Under the same strain rate, after the same high temperature or the same number of freeze–thaw cycle, the peak strain of the composite specimens composed of two water/cement ratio components is much larger than that of the specimen composed of only one component; conversely, the elastic modulus shows an opposite trend.