bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing windmill artifacts in clinical spiral CT using a deep learning‐based projection raw data upsampling: Method and robustness evaluation
Authors: Magonov Jan , Maier Joscha , Erath Julien , Sunnegårdh Johan , Fournié Eric , Stierstorfer Karl , Kachelrieß Marc 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) requires an interpolation between adjacent detector rows during backprojection. Not satisfying the Nyquist sampling condition along the z‐axis results in aliasing effects, also known as windmill artifacts. These image distortions are characterized by bright streaks diverging from high contrast structures.PurposeThe z‐flying focal spot (zFFS) is a well‐established hardware‐based solution that aims to double the sampling rate in longitudinal direction and therefore reduce aliasing artifacts. However, given the technical complexity of the zFFS, this work proposes a deep learning‐based approach as an alternative solution.MethodsWe propose a supervised learning approach to perform a mapping between input projections and the corresponding rows required for double sampling in the z‐direction. We present a comprehensive evaluation using both a clinical dataset obtained using raw data from 40 real patient scans acquired with zFFS and a synthetic dataset consisting of 100 simulated spiral scans using a phantom specifically designed for our problem. For the clinical dataset, we utilized 32 scans as training set and 8 scans as validation set, whereas for the synthetic dataset, we used 80 scans for training and 20 scans for validation purposes. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments are conducted on a test set consisting of nine real patient scans and six phantom measurements to validate the performance of our approach. A simulation study was performed to investigate the robustness against different scan configurations in terms of detector collimation and pitch value.ResultsIn the quantitative comparison based on clinical patient scans from the test set, all network configurations show an improvement in the root mean square error (RMSE) of approximately 20% compared to neglecting the doubled longitudinal sampling by the zFFS. The results of the qualitative analysis indicate that both clinical and synthetic training data can reduce windmill artifacts through the application of a correspondingly trained network. Together with the qualitative results from the test set phantom measurements it is emphasized that a training of our method with synthetic data resulted in superior performance in windmill artifact reduction.ConclusionsDeep learning‐based raw data interpolation has the potential to enhance the sampling in z‐direction and thus minimize aliasing effects, as it is the case with the zFFS. Especially a training with synthetic data showed promising results. While it may not outperform zFFS, our method represents a beneficial solution for CT scanners lacking the necessary hardware components for zFFS.
Research delivery secondments: A scoping review
Authors: Hare Naomi , Grieve Sharon , Valentine Janine , Menzies Julie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimTo explore and summarise published literature with regards to secondments to clinical research and to identify the gaps in research to inform further work.DesignSystematic scoping review.MethodA scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence and Research framework. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed, Medline and Embase. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied by two independent reviewers. Two reviewers independently retrieved full‐text studies for inclusion and applied the framework as a tool for synthesising Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence and Research recommendations.ResultsSix papers and one abstract published between 2003 and 2018 were included. All secondees (n = 34) were released from NHS posts, with secondments (where specified) ranging in duration from 0.25 to 2 years and for 40%–100% of their working hours. All seven papers reported benefits for personal and professional development, predominantly in the form of personal reflections. Few described involvement with research delivery teams.ConclusionPublished initiatives vary in nature and lack standardised reporting and measurement of impact. Further research is required to identify benefits at a departmental or organisational level, the facilitators for setting up secondments and the application of knowledge gained from secondment opportunities.Implications for the ProfessionUndertaking a research secondment is reported to offer professional and personal benefit for clinical staff. Research secondments are one way in which a research culture can practically be embedded within clinical settings.ImpactThis scoping review identified a lack of published empirical research seeking to understand research secondments as a tool to enhance research and evidence engagement. Although there is a suggestion that secondments could positively impact staff retention, there is limited evidence about the benefit for the organisation or for patient care. These findings have implications for staff, managers and their organisations.Reporting MethodThe PRISMA‐ScR guidelines were used to guide reporting.No Patient or Public ContributionThis was not relevant to the research design.
Analysis of static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon black/carbon nanotubes hybrid filled natural rubber nanocomposites using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics
Authors: Cui Jianzheng , Zeng Fanlin , Wei Dahai , Wang Youshan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNanoparticle (NP)‐filled natural rubber (NR) has attracted much attention owing to their prominent mechanical strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. In this study, the static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon black (CB)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hybrid filled NR nanocomposites are investigated using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations. The non‐bonded coarse‐grained force fields for the CB/CNTs hybrid filled NR nanocomposites are constructed by combining several methods (i.e., effective force coarse‐graining, iterative Boltzmann inversion, and energy matching methods). The uniaxial tensile results indicate that the gradual replacement of CB by the same weight percentage of CNTs significantly improves the mechanical performances of the nanocomposites and increases the heterogeneity of the stress and strain distributions in the nanocomposites, which can be ascribed to the high mechanical strength of CNTs and the formation of the rigid interface networks between CNTs and the NR matrix due to the wrapping behavior of NR molecular chains on the surface of CNTs. Furthermore, the dynamic shear results demonstrate that the introduction of NPs significantly enhances the Payne effect of the nanocomposites, and the higher the CNT loading in hybrid NPs, the stronger the Payne effect. It is also found that the breakup of NP networks plays a dominant role for the Payne effect of filled rubber as compared to the interfacial separation between NPs and the rubber matrix. The present multiscale computational framework can be further extended to other polymer nanocomposites, and sheds new light on the design and exploration of polymer nanocomposites through bottom‐up prediction.
DNA barcoding of herbal supplements on the US commercial market associated with the purported treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Harris Calin M. , Kim Diane Y. , Jordan Chevon R. , Miranda Miranda I. , Hellberg Rosalee S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with an increased global use of traditional medicines, including Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Due to their growing demand, their processed nature, and the complexity of the global supply chain, there is an increased risk of adulteration in these products.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the use of DNA barcoding for species identification in herbal supplements on the US market associated with the Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory symptoms.MethodsA total of 54 commercial products containing Ayurvedic herbs were tested with four DNA barcoding regions (i.e., rbcL, matK, ITS2, and mini‐ITS2) using two composite samples per product. Nine categories of herbs were targeted: amla, ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, guduchi, tribulus, tulsi, turmeric, and vacha.ResultsAt least one species was identified in 64.8% of products and the expected species was detected in 38.9% of products. Undeclared plant species, including other Ayurvedic herbs, rice, and pepper, were detected in 19 products, and fungal species were identified in 12 products. The presence of undeclared plant species may be a result of intentional substitution or contamination during harvest or processing, while fungal DNA was likely associated with the plant material or the growing environment. The greatest sequencing success (42.6–46.3%) was obtained with the matK and rbcL primers.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that a combination of genetic loci should be used for DNA barcoding of herbal supplements. Due to the limitations of DNA barcoding in identification of these products, future research should incorporate chemical characterization techniques.
Accurate measurement of K/Ca in low‐[K] carbonate samples using laser‐ablation sector‐field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Nambiar Romi , Kniest Jorit F. , Schmidt Alexander , Raddatz Jacek , Müller Wolfgang , Evans David 
Published: January 2024

RationalePotassium (K) is a major component of several silicate minerals and seawater, and, therefore, constraining past changes in the potassium cycle is a promising way of tracing large‐scale geological processes on Earth. However, [K] measurement using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is challenging due to an ArH+ interference, which may be of a similar magnitude to the K+ ion beam in samples with <0.1% m/m [K].MethodsIn this work, we investigated the effect of the ArH+ interference on K/Ca data quality by comparing results from laser‐ablation (LA)‐ICP‐MS measured in medium and high mass resolution modes and validating our LA results via solution ICP‐optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and solution ICP‐MS measurements. To do so, we used a wide range of geological reference materials, with a particular focus on marine carbonates, which are potential archives of past changes in the K cycle but are typically characterised by [K] < 200 μg/g. In addition, we examine the degree to which trace‐element data quality is driven by downhole fractionation during LA‐ICP‐MS measurements.ResultsOur results show that medium mass resolution (MR) mode is sufficiently capable of minimising the effect of the ArH+ interference on K+. However, the rate of downhole fractionation for Na and K varies between different samples as a result of their differing bulk composition, resulting in matrix‐specific inaccuracy. We show how this can be accounted for via downhole fractionation corrections, resulting in an accuracy of better than 1% and a long‐term reproducibility (intermediate precision) of <6% (relative standard deviation) in JCp‐1NP using LA‐ICP‐MS in MR mode.ConclusionOur [K] measurement protocol is demonstrably precise and accurate and applicable to a wide range of materials. The measurement of K/Ca in relatively low‐[K] marine carbonates is presented here as a key example of a new application opened up by these advances.
Formulation of Gelled Microemulsion for Effective Permeation of Celecoxib Across the Skin Barrier
Authors: Siddique Muhammad Yasir , Nazar Muhammad Faizan , Saleem Muhammad Atif , Haider Sajjad , Sumrra Sajjad Hussain , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Farooqi} Zahoor H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicroemulsion‐based gels (μEGs) are smart colloidal carriers, superior to traditional topical formulations due to formulation simplicity, structural flexibility, high stability, and controlled delivery of topical drugs through biofilms. Here, we report a new μEG formulation for topical application of an anti‐inflammatory drug, celecoxib (CXB). For this, the μE system was formulated using olive oil (~10 %), Water (~15 %), Tween‐80 (~67.5 %) and Span‐80 (~7.5 %) to enhanced the loading of CXB (~2.0 wt.%), and then gelled to semisolid μEG by the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG‐6000) (2.0 wt.%) to modulate CXB passage across the skin‐barriers. Optical microscopy showed the transition from water‐in‐oil (w/o) to oil‐in‐water (o/w) through bicontinuous networks. Dynamic light scattering and electron micrographs demonstrate very fine unimodal assembly of CXB‐μE nanodroplets (~65 nm), which didn't amalgamate to form spherical CXB‐μEG (~95 nm) after gelation. Moreover, FTIR analysis showed effective encapsulation of CXB into hydrophobic microenvironment with no observable chemical interaction between CXB and μE excipients, which was further verified by the peak‐to‐peak measurement of fluorescence. Further, ex‐vivo permeation of CXB‐μEG showed enhanced and persistent permeation (>99 %) within 10 hours at pH=5.5 into rabbit skin barrier. This demonstrates the sustained release of CXB in μEG and the enhancement in transdermal delivery over its conventional topical formulations.
Research Progress on Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye Wastewater by Light‐assisted Composite‐modified Ag3PO4
Authors: Ban Fuchen , Wei Yu , Xin Jing , Ye Chenjian , Xiao Ao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA new type of modified catalyst was prepared by a silver ammonia‐assisted precipitation method through a custom‐built electrochemical reactor, and the catalytic degradation of the azo dye methyl orange was studied under the synergistic effect of visible light. The optimum doping ratio for the loading of graphene oxide (GO) is 1.0 %. Under the optimum conditions, the degradation rate of Ag3PO4/GO/NiFe2O4 to methyl orange is 97.56 % when the light reaction time is 50 min. After three cycles, the degradation rate of methyl orange by Ag3PO4/GO/NiFe2O4 is 94.47 %. Through the free radical capture experiment, it is known that the contribution degree of the main active substances in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange is h + >⋅O2− >⋅OH. By forming a Z‐type heterojunction between Ag3PO4 and NiFe2O4, the recombination probability of photogenerated carriers is greatly reduced, and the stability of Ag3PO4 is improved.
Hydrodeoxygenation of Carbonyl Compounds Biomass Derivatives Using CaH2 over Pd/C
Authors: Lezana‐Tobar Nicolás , López Roger , Robles‐Henríquez Ramiro , Lühr Susan , Vilches‐Herrera M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe high content of oxygenated compounds present in the biomass constitutes an important drawback to transforming it into a suitable alternative of chemical entities. In this sense, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an important reaction for the cleavage of the strong C−O bond. Herein we report our findings about the use of Pd/C and CaH2 system for the HDO of several aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and ketones.
Bispecific Nanobody‐Aptamer Conjugates for Enhanced Cancer Therapy in Solid Tumors
Authors: Wang Ya , Chen Jie , Zhang Sen , Jiang Hang , Zhu Jianqing , Jiang Guangyi , Liu Yichang , Zhu Yingdi , Li Juan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBispecific antibodies possess exceptional potential as therapeutic agents due to their capacity to bind to two different antigens simultaneously. However, challenges pertain to unsatisfactory stability, manufacturing complexity, and limited tumor penetration hinder their broad applicability. In this study, a versatile technology is presented for the rapid generation of bispecific nanobody‐aptamer conjugates with efficient tumor penetration. The approach utilizes microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and click chemistry to achieve site‐specific conjugation of nanobodies and aptamers, which are termed nanotamers. The nanotamers recognize and bind to two types of molecular targets expressed on cancer cells. As a prototype, a bispecific nanotamer is developed that binds both clusters of differentiation 47 (CD47) and mesenchymal epithelial transition receptor (Met) expressed on the tumor cell membrane. This CD47‐Met nanotamer demonstrates high affinity and specificity toward tumor cells expressing both targets, exhibits improved receptor functional inhibition through a strong steric hindrance effect. Moreover, its capacity for deep tumor penetration greatly enhances the impact of conventional chemotherapy on antitumor efficacy. The as‐developed nanotamer synthesis approach shows promise to customize bispecific molecular probes targeting different cancer types and different therapeutic goals.
Interpretation of large‐scale, long‐term electrical geophysical monitoring guided by a process simulation
Authors: Robinson Judith , Johnson Timothy , Thomle Jonathan , Cambeiro Joaquin , Peta Kelsey , Jaysaval Piyoosh , Mackley Rob 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSurface electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used at a waste site to monitor vadose zone changes in electrical properties as a proxy for contaminant flux over a span of 17 years. The BC Cribs and Trenches (BCCT) site at the Hanford site contains 20 disposal trenches and six disposal cribs. Wastes include a large inventory of technetium‐99 and large masses of nitrate and uranium‐238. ERT data were collected along 41 profiles in 2005 to characterize regions of elevated bulk electrical conductivity (BEC) associated with past liquid waste discharges. Previous analyses performed on samples from four boreholes showed a high correlation between nitrate concentration and BEC. In 2022, ERT data were re‐collected along the same profiles and six additional profiles in an area not previously surveyed. Compared to background uncontaminated areas, BEC was higher in contaminated areas at the waste sites. Given the correlation between nitrate concentration and BEC previously found at this site, ERT images show the spatial distribution and relative ionic concentration of vadose zone contaminants at BCCT. Between 2005 and 2022, ERT difference images showed a decrease in BEC surrounding most waste sites, with exceptions where there were known anthropogenic surface changes. An evaluation of recharge‐driven nitrate migration using synthetic flow and transport simulations showed that downward migration causes a decrease in BEC from the decrease in ionic strength at the trailing end of the plume where contaminants migrated downward. From this, we interpret ERT difference images as showing the predominant regions of downward ion flux.
Evaluate the effectiveness of soil and water conservation interventions in the upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Alebachew Shumye , Wondimagegn Sisay Assefa , Getahun Yitea Seneshaw 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe central highland of Ethiopia is facing significant challenges due to land degradation, which resulted in changes to the soil's physicochemical properties. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of different conservation methods in enhancing soil physicochemical properties, reducing soil loss and erosion, and maximizing land productivity in Ankober District of Kenseta watershed. For this study, two land uses (conserved and non‐conserved land), three slope positions, and three replication with the soil depth of 0–30 cm were used for undisturbed and disturbed soil samples data collection and analysis. The survey data were collected and evaluated from 106 randomly selecting respondents' households. The results showed significant variation in the mean value of soil physical properties (bulk density, soil moisture content, soil texture) within and between conserved and non‐conserved land. The chemical properties, including pH, EC, exK, CEC, OC, OM, and available P, also changed significant across land management types and along slope position (p < 0.05). Soil managed with stone face soil bund demonstrated significant improvement in soil physicochemical properties. The results were statistically significant difference at (p < 0.05) level of significance. Majority of the respondents' households explained the soil loss and rate of soil erosion were declined and land productivity status increased after the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the study area. Therefore, proper conservation practices are vital in minimizing the rate of soil loss, ameliorating physical and chemical properties of the soils, and enhancing land productivity.
Weight $$\mathbf {1/2}$$ multiplier systems for the group $$\mathbf {\Gamma _0^+({\varvec{p}})}$$ and a geometric formulation
Authors: Mertens Michael H. , Norfleet Mark A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe construct a weight 1/2 multiplier system for the group $$\Gamma _0^+(p)$$

Γ
0
+

(
p
)

, the normalizer of the congruence subgroup $$\Gamma _0(p)$$

Γ
0

(
p
)

where p is an odd prime, and we define an analogue of the eta function and Rademacher symbol and relate it to the geometry of edge paths in a triangulation of the upper half-plane.
Exploring metabolic effects of dipeptide feed media on CHO cell cultures by in silico model-guided flux analysis
Authors: Park Seo-Young , Song Jinsung , Choi Dong-Hyuk , Park Uiseon , Cho Hyeran , Hong Bee Hak , Silberberg Yaron R. , Lee Dong-Yup 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
There is a growing interest in perfusion or continuous processes to achieve higher productivity of biopharmaceuticals in mammalian cell culture, specifically Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, towards advanced biomanufacturing. These intensified bioprocesses highly require concentrated feed media in order to counteract their dilution effects. However, designing such condensed media formulation poses several challenges, particularly regarding the stability and solubility of specific amino acids. To address the difficulty and complexity in relevant media development, the biopharmaceutical industry has recently suggested forming dipeptides by combining one from problematic amino acids with selected pairs to compensate for limitations. In this study, we combined one of the lead amino acids, L-tyrosine, which is known for its poor solubility in water due to its aromatic ring and hydroxyl group, with glycine as the partner, thus forming glycyl-L-tyrosine (GY) dipeptide. Subsequently, we investigated the utilization of GY dipeptide during fed-batch cultures of IgG-producing CHO cells, by changing its concentrations (0.125 × , 0.25 × , 0.5 × , 1.0 × , and 2.0 ×). Multivariate statistical analysis of culture profiles was then conducted to identify and correlate the most significant nutrients with the production, followed by in silico model-guided analysis to systematically evaluate their effects on the culture performance, and elucidate metabolic states and cellular behaviors. As such, it allowed us to explain how the cells can more efficiently utilize GY dipeptide with respect to the balance of cofactor regeneration and energy distribution for the required biomass and protein synthesis. For example, our analysis results uncovered specific amino acids (Asn and Gln) and the 0.5 × GY dipeptide in the feed medium synergistically alleviated the metabolic bottleneck, resulting in enhanced IgG titer and productivity. In the validation experiments, we tested and observed that lower levels of Asn and Gln led to decreased secretion of toxic metabolites, enhanced longevity, and elevated specific cell growth and titer.

Key points
• Explored the optimal Tyr dipeptide for the enhanced CHO cell culture performance
• Systematically analyzed effects of dipeptide media by model-guided approach
• Uncovered synergistic metabolic utilization of amino acids with dipeptide

Graphical abstract