bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apple quality identification and classification by image processing based on convolutional neural networks
Authors: Li Yanfei , Feng Xianying , Liu Yandong , Han Xingchang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis work researched apple quality identification and classification from real images containing complicated disturbance information (background was similar to the surface of the apples). This paper proposed a novel model based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) which aimed at accurate and fast grading of apple quality. Specific, complex, and useful image characteristics for detection and classification were captured by the proposed model. Compared with existing methods, the proposed model could better learn high-order features of two adjacent layers that were not in the same channel but were very related. The proposed model was trained and validated, with best training and validation accuracy of 99% and 98.98% at 2590th and 3000th step, respectively. The overall accuracy of the proposed model tested using an independent 300 apple dataset was 95.33%. The results showed that the training accuracy, overall test accuracy and training time of the proposed model were better than Google Inception v3 model and traditional imaging process method based on histogram of oriented gradient (HOG), gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features merging and support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The proposed model has great potential in Apple’s quality detection and classification.
Global metabolome profiling of exhaled breath condensates in male smokers with asthma COPD overlap and prediction of the disease
Authors: Ghosh Nilanjana , Choudhury Priyanka , Joshi Mamata , Bhattacharyya Parthasarathi , Roychowdhury Sushmita , Banerjee Rintu , Chaudhury Koel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAsthma—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap, termed as ACO, is a complex heterogeneous disease characterised by persistent airflow limitation, which manifests features of both asthma and COPD. These patients have a worse prognosis, in terms of more frequent and severe exacerbations, more frequent symptoms, worse quality of life, increased comorbidities and a faster lung function decline. In absence of clear diagnostic or therapeutic guidelines, ACO presents as a challenge to clinicians. The present study aims to investigate whether ACO patients have a distinct exhaled breath condensate (EBC) metabolic profile in comparison to asthma and COPD. A total of 132 age and BMI matched male smokers were recruited in the exploratory phase which consisted of (i) controls = 33 (ii) asthma = 34 (iii) COPD = 30 and (iv) ACO = 35. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, 8 metabolites (fatty acid, propionate, isopropanol, lactate, acetone, valine, methanol and formate) were identified to be significantly dysregulated in ACO subjects when compared to both, asthma and COPD. The expression of these dysregulated metabolites were further validated in a fresh patient cohort consisting of (i) asthma = 32 (ii) COPD = 32 and (iii) ACO = 40, which exhibited a similar expression pattern. Multivariate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated using these metabolites provided a robust ACO classification model. The findings were also integrated with previously identified serum metabolites and inflammatory markers to develop a robust predictive model for differentiation of ACO. Our findings suggest that NMR metabolomics of EBC holds potential as a platform to identify robust, non-invasive biomarkers for differentiating ACO from asthma and COPD.
Analysis of the need for soil moisture, salinity and temperature sensing in agriculture: a case study in Poland
Authors: Gałęzewski Lech , Jaskulska Iwona , Jaskulski Dariusz , Lewandowski Arkadiusz , Szypłowska Agnieszka , Wilczek Andrzej , Szczepańczyk Maciej 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEfficient use of scarce water resources is both a marketing objective and an environmental obligation for sustainable agriculture. In modern agricultural production, which is intensive and should at the same time be environmentally friendly, there is a need to monitor soil moisture, salinity and temperature. The aim of the study was to determine the demand of producers of agricultural and horticultural plants for equipment and systems for monitoring soil properties at an individual farm level in regions with highly developed agriculture. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1087 respondents, also direct interviews in Poland were undertaken. According to the producers' responses, it is important to know soil moisture, salinity and temperature, although currently only about 4% of the surveyed farmers have the equipment to evaluate these soil parameters. In their view cost is not the most important obstacle to the purchase of the necessary probes. More important is that the devices should be easy to install and use, and have an easy to use application for data collection, processing and transfer. The current market does not offer solutions that meet these producers expectations. The demand for suitable probes is very high as over 80% of the farmers declared their willingness to purchase such probes. Technical problems related to the operation and servicing of such equipment were the most frequently mentioned impediments in their use. However, farmers and horticulturists believe that knowledge of their soil properties would allow them to optimize the elements of cultivation technology, including the use of plant irrigation systems, the use of mineral fertilizers and plant protection products.
Handheld versus mounted laser speckle contrast perfusion imaging demonstrated in psoriasis lesions
Authors: Chizari Ata , Schaap Mirjam J. , Knop Tom , Boink Yoeri E. , Seyger Marieke M. B. , Steenbergen Wiendelt 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEnabling handheld perfusion imaging would drastically improve the feasibility of perfusion imaging in clinical practice. Therefore, we examine the performance of handheld laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) measurements compared to mounted measurements, demonstrated in psoriatic skin. A pipeline is introduced to process, analyze and compare data of 11 measurement pairs (mounted-handheld LSCI modes) operated on 5 patients and various skin locations. The on-surface speeds (i.e. speed of light beam movements on the surface) are quantified employing mean separation (MS) segmentation and enhanced correlation coefficient maximization (ECC). The average on-surface speeds are found to be 8.5 times greater in handheld mode compared to mounted mode. Frame alignment sharpens temporally averaged perfusion maps, especially in the handheld case. The results show that after proper post-processing, the handheld measurements are in agreement with the corresponding mounted measurements on a visual basis. The absolute movement-induced difference between mounted-handheld pairs after the background correction is $$16.4\pm 9.3~\%$$

16.4
±
9.3

%

(mean ± std, $$n=11$$

n
=
11

), with an absolute median difference of $$23.8\%$$

23.8
%

. Realization of handheld LSCI facilitates measurements on a wide range of skin areas bringing more convenience for both patients and medical staff.
Anatomical evaluation of the transpubic screw corridor based on a 3D statistical model of the pelvic ring
Authors: Arand Charlotte , Wagner Daniel , Richards Robert Geoff , Noser Hansrudi , Kamer Lukas , Gehweiler Dominic , Hopf Johannes , Rommens Pol M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRetrograde transpubic screw fixation is a common procedure for the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fractures. With its sparing surgical approach and significant pain relief after screw fixations allowing early mobilisation, it has gained importance especially in the treatment of insufficiency fractures in elderly patients. However, positioning of transpubic screw osteosynthesis is not always possible due to narrowness and curvature of the screw corridor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate availability and length of the screw corridor using a 3D statistical model of the pelvic ring consisting out of 150 uninjured pelves. Virtual bore probes with a diameter of 7.5 mm were analysed as to accessibility, length and grey value distribution in Hounsfield Unit (HU). A transpubic corridor with a diameter of ≥ 7.5 mm was available in 185 of 300 investigated superior pubic rami with mean screw length of 131.7 mm. Accessibility of the screw corridor was higher in males than in females. However, screw length showed no systematic differences between the sexes or ethnicities. Analysis of the grey value distribution demonstrated the strongest bone to be located at the lateral ilium and the supraacetabular region.
A comparative study for tension-reducing effect of Type I and Type II keystone perforator island flap in the human back
Authors: Yoon Chi Sun , Kong Yu Taek , Lim Soo Yeon , Kim Junekyu , Shin Hyun Woo , Kim Kyu Nam 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) is popular in reconstructive surgery. However, despite its versatility, its biomechanical effectiveness is unclear. We present our experience of KPIF reconstruction in the human back and evaluate the tension-reducing effect of the KPIF. Between September 2019 and August 2020, 17 patients (51.82 ± 14.72 years) underwent KPIF reconstruction for back defects. In all cases, we measured wound tension at the defect and donor sites before and after KPIF reconstruction using a tensiometer. All defects occurred after complete excision of complicated epidermoid cysts and debridement of surrounding tissues. The defects were successfully covered with Type IIA KPIFs. All flaps survived, and there were no significant postoperative complications. The mean “tension change at the defect after Type I KPIF” and “tension change at the defect after Type II KPIF” were − 2.97 ± 0.22 N and − 5.59 ± 0.41 N, respectively, (P < 0.001). The mean “rate of tension change at the defect after Type I KPIF” and “rate of tension change at the defect after Type II KPIF” were − 36.54 ± 1.89% and − 67.98 ± 1.63%, respectively, (P < 0.001). Our findings confirm the stepwise tension-reducing effect of KPIF and clarify the biomechanics of this flap.
A method to dynamically constrain black carbon aerosol sources with online monitored potassium
Authors: Zheng Huang , Kong Shaofei , Chen Nan , Fan Zewei , Zhang Ying , Yao Liquan , Cheng Yi , Zheng Shurui , Yan Yingying , Liu Dantong , Zhao Delong , Liu Chao , Zhao Tianliang , Guo Jianping , Qi Shihua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe result of Aethalometer model to black carbon (BC) source apportionment is highly determined by the absorption Ångström exponent (α) of aerosols from fossil fuel combustion (αff) and wood burning (αwb). A method using hourly measured potassium to calculate the αff and αwb values was developed in this study. Results showed that the optimal αff and αwb were 1.09 and 1.79 for the whole dataset. The optimal α values in the diurnal resolution were also calculated with αff and αwb varied in 1.02 –1.19 and 1.71–1.90, respectively. Using the dynamic α values, the Pearson correlation coefficient between BC and potassium from wood burning substantially improved compared to the results derived from the fixed α values. The method developed in this study is expected to provide more reasonable BC source identification results, which are helpful for air quality, climate, and human health modeling studies.
Detecting alternative attractors in ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Säterberg Torbjörn , McCann Kevin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDynamical systems theory suggests that ecosystems may exhibit alternative dynamical attractors. Such alternative attractors, as for example equilibria and cycles, have been found in the dynamics of experimental systems. Yet, for natural systems, where multiple biotic and abiotic factors simultaneously affect population dynamics, it is more challenging to distinguish alternative dynamical behaviors. Although recent research exemplifies that some natural systems can exhibit alternative states, a robust methodology for testing whether these constitute distinct dynamical attractors is currently lacking. Here, using attractor reconstruction techniques we develop such a test. Applications of the methodology to simulated, experimental and natural time series data, reveal that alternative dynamical behaviors are hard to distinguish if population dynamics are governed by purely stochastic processes. However, if population dynamics are brought about also by mechanisms internal to the system, alternative attractors can readily be detected. Since many natural populations display evidence of such internally driven dynamics, our approach offers a method for empirically testing whether ecosystems exhibit alternative dynamical attractors.
Integrated multi-omics analysis of RB-loss identifies widespread cellular programming and synthetic weaknesses
Authors: Rajasekaran Swetha , Siddiqui Jalal , Rakijas Jessica , Nicolay Brandon , Lin Chenyu , Khan Eshan , Patel Rahi , Morris Robert , Wyler Emanuel , Boukhali Myriam , Balasubramanyam Jayashree , Ranjith Kumar R. , Van Rechem Capucine , Vogel Christine , Elchuri Sailaja V. , Landthaler Markus , Obermayer Benedikt , Haas Wilhelm , Dyson Nicholas , Miles Wayne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInactivation of RB is one of the hallmarks of cancer, however gaps remain in our understanding of how RB-loss changes human cells. Here we show that pRB-depletion results in cellular reprogramming, we quantitatively measured how RB-depletion altered the transcriptional, proteomic and metabolic output of non-tumorigenic RPE1 human cells. These profiles identified widespread changes in metabolic and cell stress response factors previously linked to E2F function. In addition, we find a number of additional pathways that are sensitive to RB-depletion that are not E2F-regulated that may represent compensatory mechanisms to support the growth of RB-depleted cells. To determine whether these molecular changes are also present in RB1−/− tumors, we compared these results to Retinoblastoma and Small Cell Lung Cancer data, and identified widespread conservation of alterations found in RPE1 cells. To define which of these changes contribute to the growth of cells with de-regulated E2F activity, we assayed how inhibiting or depleting these proteins affected the growth of RB1−/− cells and of Drosophila E2f1-RNAi models in vivo. From this analysis, we identify key metabolic pathways that are essential for the growth of pRB-deleted human cells.
New Fe–Cu bimetallic coordination compounds based on ω-ferrocene carboxylic acids and 2-thioimidazol-4-ones: structural, mechanistic and biological studies
Authors: Guk Dmitry A. , Krasnovskaya Olga O. , Moiseeva Anna A. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Ul'yanovskii Nikolay V. , Kosyakov Dmitriy S. , Pergushov Vladimir I. , Ya. Melnikov Mikhail , Zyk Nikolay V. , Skvortsov Dmitry A. , Lopatukhina Elena V. , Vaneev Alexander N. , Gorelkin Petr V. , Erofeev Alexander S. , Majouga Alexander G. , Beloglazkina Elena K. 
Published: August 2021

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxic investigation of a series of new ferrocene-containing derivatives based on ω-ferrocene carboxylic acids and 2-alkylthioimidazolin-4-ones and their copper complexes have been reported.
Enhanced birefringence and suppressed second harmonic generation response mechanism in nonlinear optical materials via structural fine-tuning
Authors: Li Fuming , Pan Shilie , Yang Zhihua 
Published: August 2021

The microscopic anionic groups with special arrangement are crucial in determining optical properties of optical functional materials. The fluorooxo-functional units BOxF4-x affect optical properties for nonlinear optical material fluorooxoborates.
Fe3O4 assembly for tumor accurate diagnosis by endogenous GSH responsive T2/T1 magnetic relaxation conversion
Authors: Wang Chengbin , Yan Chenglin , An Lu , Zhao Huifeng , Song Shaoli , Yang Shiping 
Published: August 2021

An ultra-small-sized Fe3O4 assembly as a new MR contrast agent that can be activated by GSH to have a T2 to T1 effect, which provides a more accurate diagnosis method for the clinical diagnosis of tumors.
Blocking of interleukin-1 suppresses angiotensin II-induced renal injury
Authors: Akita Koji , Isoda Kikuo , Ohtomo Fumie , Isobe Sarasa , Niida Tomiharu , Sato-Okabayashi Yayoi , Sano Motoaki , Shimada Kazunori , Iwakura Yoichiro , Minamino Tohru 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Clinical hypertension (HT) is associated with renal inflammation and elevated circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines and plays a crucial role in inflammation. Inhibition of IL-1 may contribute to modulation of the Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced HT response. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of IL-1Ra and anti-IL-1β antibody (01BSUR) on Ang II-induced renal injury.
To determine the contribution of IL-1Ra to Ang II-induced renal inflammation, male wildtype (WT) and IL-1Ra-deficient (IL-1Ra−/−) mice were infused with Ang II (1000 ng/kg/min) using subcutaneous osmotic pump for 14 days. We checked renal function, histological change, and several mRNA expressions 14 days after infusion. Fourteen days after infusion, systolic blood pressure (197 ± 5 vs 169 ± 9 mmHg, P&lt;0.05) in IL-1Ra−/− mice significantly increased compared with WT mice. Furthermore, on day 14 of Ang II infusion, plasma IL-6 was 5.9-fold higher in IL-1Ra−/− versus WT mice (P&lt;0.001); renal preproendothelin-1 mRNA expression was also significantly higher in IL-1Ra−/− mice (P&lt;0.05). In addition, renal histology revealed greater damage in IL-1Ra−/− mice compared with WT mice 14 days after infusion. Finally, we administrated 01BSUR to both IL-1Ra−/− and WT mice, and 01BSUR treatment decreased Ang II-induced HT and renal damage (glomerular injury and fibrosis of the tubulointerstitial area) in both IL-1Ra−/− and WT mice compared with IgG2a treatment. Inhibition of IL-1 decreased Ang II-induced HT and renal damage in both IL-1Ra−/− and WT mice, suggesting suppression of IL-1 may provide an additional strategy to protect against renal damage in hypertensive patients.
Allosteric activation of PP2A inhibits experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Zhou Xianming , Zhang Chao , Xie Fei , Wei Wei , Li Rui , Xu Qian , Wang Yu , Klenotic Philip A. , Narla Goutham , Dong Nianguo , Lin Zhiyong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Although extremely important, the molecular mechanisms that govern aortic aneurysm (AA) formation and progression are still poorly understood. This deficit represents a critical roadblock toward the development of effective pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of AA. While dysregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is thought to play a role in cardiovascular disease, its role in aortic aneurysm is unknown. The objective of the present study is to test the hypothesis that PP2A regulates abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression in a murine model. In an angiotensin II-induced AAA murine model, the PP2A inhibitor, LB-100, markedly accelerated AAA progression as demonstrated by increased abdominal aortic dilation and mortality. AAA progression was associated with elevated inflammation and extracellular matrix fragmentation, concomitant with increases in both metalloproteinase activity and reactive oxygen species production. Conversely, administration of a novel class of small molecule activators of PP2A (SMAPs) resulted in an antithetical effect. SMAPs effectively reduced AAA incidence along with the corresponding pathologies that were increased with LB-100 treatment. Mechanistically, modulation of PP2A activities in vivo functioned in part via alteration of the ERK1/2 and NFκB signaling pathways, known regulators of AAA progression. These studies, for the first time, demonstrate a role of PP2A in AAA etiology and demonstrate that PP2A activation may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The immunogenicity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and the implications for neural grafting trials in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Qarin Shamma , Howlett Sarah K. , Jones Joanne L. , Barker Roger A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDopaminergic (DA) cell replacement therapies are a promising experimental treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a number of different types of DA cell-based therapies have already been trialled in patients. To date, the most successful have been allotransplants of foetal ventral midbrain but even then, the results have been inconsistent. This coupled to the ethical and logistical problems with using this tissue has meant that an alternative cell source has been sought of which human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) sources have proven very attractive. Robust protocols for making mesencephalic DA (mesDA) progenitor cells from hPSCs now exist and the first in-human clinical trials have or are about to start. However, while their safety and efficacy are well understood, relatively little is known about their immunogenicity and in this review, we briefly summarise this with reference mainly to the limited literature on human foetal DA cells.
The Combination of Neural Tracking and Alpha Power Lateralization for Auditory Attention Detection
Authors: Drgas Szymon , Blaszak Magdalena , Przekoracka-Krawczyk Anna 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The acoustic source that is attended to by the listener in a mixture can be identified with a certain accuracy on the basis of their neural response recorded during listening, and various phenomena may be used to detect attention. For example, neural tracking (NT) and alpha power lateralization (APL) may be utilized in order to obtain information concerning attention. However, these methods of auditory attention detection (AAD) are typically tested in different experimental setups, which makes it impossible to compare their accuracy. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of AAD based on NT, APL, and their combination for a dichotic natural speech listening task.

Method
Thirteen adult listeners were presented with dichotic speech stimuli and instructed to attend to one of them. Electroencephalogram of the subjects was continuously recorded during the experiment using a set of 32 active electrodes. The accuracy of AAD was evaluated for trial lengths of 50, 25, and 12.5 s. AAD was tested for various parameters of NT- and APL-based modules.

Results

The obtained results suggest that NT of natural running speech provides similar accuracy to APL. The statistically significant improvement of the accuracy of AAD using a combined method has been observed not only for the longest duration of test samples (50 s,
p
= .005) but also for shorter ones (25 s,
p
= .011).

Conclusions
It seems that the combination of standard NT and APL significantly increases the effectiveness of accurate identification of the traced signal perceived by a listener under dichotic conditions. It has been demonstrated that, under certain conditions, the combination of NT and APL may provide a benefit for AAD in cocktail party scenarios.