bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A likelihood‐based particle imaging filter using prior information
Authors: Fullarton Ryan , Volz Lennart , Dikaios Nikolaos , Schulte Reinhard , Royle Gary , Evans Philip M. , Seco Joao , Collins‐Fekete Charles‐Antoine 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundParticle imaging can increase precision in proton and ion therapy. Interactions with nuclei in the imaged object increase image noise and reduce image quality, especially for multinucleon ions that can fragment, such as helium.PurposeThis work proposes a particle imaging filter, referred to as the Prior Filter, based on using prior information in the form of an estimated relative stopping power (RSP) map and the principles of electromagnetic interaction, to identify particles that have undergone nuclear interaction. The particles identified as having undergone nuclear interactions are then excluded from the image reconstruction, reducing the image noise.MethodsThe Prior Filter uses Fermi–Eyges scattering and Tschalär straggling theories to determine the likelihood that a particle only interacts electromagnetically. A threshold is then set to reject those particles with a low likelihood. The filter was evaluated and compared with a filter that estimates this likelihood based on the measured distribution of energy and scattering angle within pixels, commonly implemented as the 3σ filter. Reconstructed radiographs from simulated data of a 20‐cm water cylinder and an anthropomorphic chest phantom were generated with both protons and helium ions to assess the effect of the filters on noise reduction. The simulation also allowed assessment of secondary particle removal through the particle histories. Experimental data were acquired of the Catphan CTP 404 Sensitometry phantom using the U.S. proton CT (pCT) collaboration prototype scanner. The proton and helium images were filtered with both the prior filtering method and a state‐of‐the‐art method including an implementation of the 3σ filter. For both cases, a dE‐E telescope filter, designed for this type of detector, was also applied.ResultsThe proton radiographs showed a small reduction in noise (1 mm of water‐equivalent thickness [WET]) but a larger reduction in helium radiographs (up to 5–6 mm of WET) due to better secondary filtering. The proton and helium CT images reflected this, with similar noise at the center of the phantom (0.02 RSP) for the proton images and an RSP noise of 0.03 for the proposed filter and 0.06 for the 3σ filter in the helium images. Images reconstructed from data with a dose reduction, up to a factor of 9, maintained a lower noise level using the Prior Filter over the state‐of‐the‐art filtering method.ConclusionsThe proposed filter results in images with equal or reduced noise compared to those that have undergone a filtering method typical of current particle imaging studies. This work also demonstrates that the proposed filter maintains better performance against the state of the art with up to a nine‐fold dose reduction.
Utilization of an attentive map to preserve anatomical features for training convolutional neural‐network‐based low‐dose CT denoiser
Authors: Han Minah , Shim Hyunjung , Baek Jongduk 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based denoiser is to increase the diagnostic accuracy of low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging. To increase diagnostic accuracy, there is a need for a method that reflects the features related to diagnosis during the denoising process.PurposeTo provide a training strategy for LDCT denoisers that relies more on diagnostic task‐related features to improve diagnostic accuracy.MethodsAn attentive map derived from a lesion classifier (i.e., determining lesion‐present or not) is created to represent the extent to which each pixel influences the decision by the lesion classifier. This is used as a weight to emphasize important parts of the image. The proposed training method consists of two steps. In the first one, the initial parameters of the CNN denoiser are trained using LDCT and normal‐dose CT image pairs via supervised learning. In the second one, the learned parameters are readjusted using the attentive map to restore the fine details of the image.ResultsStructural details and the contrast are better preserved in images generated by using the denoiser trained via the proposed method than in those generated by conventional denoisers. The proposed denoiser also yields higher lesion detectability and localization accuracy than conventional denoisers.ConclusionsA denoiser trained using the proposed method preserves the small structures and the contrast in the denoised images better than without it. Specifically, using the attentive map improves the lesion detectability and localization accuracy of the denoiser.
Literature circles promote accountability and student engagement with assigned reading in a soil science class
Authors: Turk Judith K. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLiterature circles are student‐led, small‐group discussions that promote active learning and engagement with literary texts. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of literature circles on student engagement and learning outcomes in a pedology course. For various reading assignments throughout the semester, students either participated in a literature circle or watched a lecture. The two class formats were compared in terms of subject matter covered, student attitudes on a survey, and students’ use of material from the readings on essay‐style exam questions. The study was repeated over two semesters, in an online format the first year and in‐person the second year. The lectures and student discussions often focused on somewhat different aspects of the readings. Students felt that they learned more from the literature circles compared to the lectures and did more reading when preparing for the literature circles. However, on the final exam, students more frequently cited materials taught in the lecture format, and there was no significant difference in essay scores between students who primarily used content from literature circles compared to those who primarily used content taught as lectures. The literature circle format actively engages students in reading, is preferred by most students, and is readily adapted for online learning, but does not differ from lectures in terms of learning outcomes measured on a final exam.
Pain Management and Work Capacity: Evidence From Workers’ Compensation and Marijuana Legalization
Authors: Abouk Rahi , Ghimire Keshar M. , Maclean Johanna Catherine , Powell David 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe study whether the work capacity of the older working population responds to improved pain management therapy access. We use the adoption of state recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) as a large policy shock to access to a non‐pharmaceutical pain management option. We focus on workers’ compensation cash benefit receipt as a measure of work capacity, finding that receipt declines in response to RML adoption. Workers’ compensation cash benefits are awarded to workers who require time away from work to recover from an injury, which arguably captures a policy‐relevant aspect of work capacity. We observe similar shifts in complementary proxies for work capacity, including work‐limiting disability rates. After considering a range of alternative mechanisms, the evidence suggests that the primary driver of the reductions in workers’ compensation benefits is improvements in work capacity.
Effect of sumac powder on clinical symptoms, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, blood glucose, lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Afandak Fateme , Aryaeian Naheed , Kashanian Maryam , Janani Leila , Namizadeh Tandis , Karimi Mohammad Yahya , Morvaridi Mehrnaz 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders associated with a high risk of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sumac powder on clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters in women with PCOS. The double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 88 women with PCOS randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received three capsules each containing 1 g of sumac powder for 12 weeks. All data and serum levels of sex hormone, hs‐CRP, glucose, and lipid profiles were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. The ANCOVA test results showed that hs‐CRP level was significantly reduced in the intervention group (p = .008). Blood glucose and lipid profiles in the intervention group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p < .05). Insulin sensitivity and HDL levels were increased significantly in the Sumac group after the intervention (p < .05). Sumac powder can reduce the inflammatory effects, and glycemic status and lipid profile of polycystic ovaries in affected women, but has no significant effect on anthropometric parameters and sex hormones.
Structural confirmation of synthetic cannabinoids in seized electronic cigarette oil: A combined mass spectrometric and computational study
Authors: Xu Yu , Xu Jiawei , Chen Xianxin , Fan Yi Lei , Wu Hao 
Published: February 2023

RationaleSynthetic cannabinoids are some of the most used and abused new psychoactive substances, because they can produce a stronger intense pleasure than natural cannabis. Most of the new synthetic cannabinoids are structurally similar to existing synthetic cannabinoids and can be obtained by modifying partial structures of the latter without changing their effects. Therefore, the derivatization rules and common fragmentation patterns of synthetic cannabinoids could be used for rapid screening and structural identification of them.MethodsThe derivatization rules of synthetic cannabinoids are summarized, and the common fragmentation pattern of synthetic cannabinoids including three typical cleavage pathways was explored and extended in this work based on combined mass spectrometry (MS) and density functional theory studies. Five synthetic cannabinoids in electronic cigarette oil from a drug case were separated and characterized using gas chromatography with MS and liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution quadrupole Orbitrap MS.ResultsThe structures of five synthetic cannabinoids in seized electronic cigarette oil were deduced from electron impact ion source (EI) MS and high‐resolution electrospray ionization (ESI) MSn data, along with the derivatization rules and common fragmentation pattern of synthetic cannabinoids. The proposed structures of these synthetic cannabinoids were further verified via reference substances. Computational study showed that selective cleavage of these compounds was mainly controlled by spin population in EI‐MS, but a tunneling effect arose from proton transfer in ESI‐MSn detection, which has been rarely reported in previous works.ConclusionsOur results showed that EI‐MS was suitable for identifying synthetic cannabinoids with aromatic ketone structure, which could also be extended to adamantane linked group. Nevertheless, synthetic cannabinoids with carbamoyl linked group were better characterized by high‐resolution ESI‐MSn compared to EI‐MS. This study demonstrated a method with promising potential for rapid and reliable screening of synthetic cannabinoids in mixtures with enhanced detection throughput and operation simplicity.
Functional Graphene for Peritumoral Brain Microenvironment Modulation Therapy in Glioblastoma
Authors: Chin Shan Min , Reina Giacomo , Chau Ngoc Do Quyen , Chabrol Tanguy , Wion Didier , Bouamrani Ali , Gay Emmanuel , Nishina Yuta , Bianco Alberto , Berger François 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPeritumoral brain invasion is the main target to cure glioblastoma. Chemoradiotherapy and targeted therapies fail to combat peritumoral relapse. Brain inaccessibility and tumor heterogeneity explain this failure, combined with overlooking the peritumor microenvironment. Reduce graphene oxide (rGO) provides a unique opportunity to modulate the local brain microenvironment. Multimodal graphene impacts are reported on glioblastoma cells in vitro but fail when translated in vivo because of low diffusion. This issue is solved by developing a new rGO formulation involving ultramixing during the functionalization with polyethyleneimine (PEI) leading to the formation of highly water‐stable rGO‐PEI. Wide mice brain diffusion and biocompatibility are demonstrated. Using an invasive GL261 model, an anti‐invasive effect is observed. A major unexpected modification of the peritumoral area is also observed with the neutralization of gliosis. In vitro, mechanistic investigations are performed using primary astrocytes and cytokine array. The result suggests that direct contact of rGO‐PEIUT neutralizes astrogliosis, decreasing several proinflammatory cytokines that would explain a bystander tumor anti‐invasive effect. rGO also significantly downregulates several proinvasive/protumoral cytokines at the tumor cell level. The results open the way to a new microenvironment anti‐invasive nanotherapy using a new graphene nanomaterial that is optimized for in vivo brain delivery.
Mesoporous Gold Film with Surface Sulfur Modification to Enable Dendrite‐Free Lithium Plating/Stripping for Long‐Life Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Na Zhaolin , Li Wenjing , Wang Xinran , Liu Dayong , Sun Jing , Lang Mingfei , Liu Wanqiang , Huang Gang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe formation of a lithiophilic phase is an effective method to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites and obtain high‐performance Li metal anodes (LMAs). Nonetheless, previous studies have overlooked the underlying mechanistic studies that modulate the structure of the lithiophilic phase as well as lithiophilicity. A self‐supporting sulfur‐modified mesoporous gold film on nickel foam (SMGF@NF) for LMAs is created with mesoporous structure, which can provide sufficient active sites for uniform lithium deposition. The synergistic promotion of lithiophilic gold and sulfur leads to uniform lithium nucleation and induces consistent lithium removal during lithium stripping. The doping of S promotes the decomposition of bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide lithium salt to generate lithium fluorde, thus forming a more stable solid electrolyte interface. Combining the multifaceted advantages of SMGF@NF, its lithium‐plated electrode can achieve ultralong cycle life in symmetrical batteries (over 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2) and ultralow overpotential (≈10 mV). Meanwhile, the Li‐SMGF@NF||LiFePO4 full cell achieves a high cycling performance and rate capability (92.4% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 C). The study probes into the composite electrode surface composition and structure, revealing the mechanism of high‐performance LMAs.
Smart Energy‐Absorbing Aerogel‐Based Honeycombs with Selectively Nanoconfined Shear‐Stiffening Gel
Authors: Cheng Qingqing , Lyu Jing , Shi Nan , Zhang Xuetong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAerogels, shaped as fibers, films, as well as monoliths, have demonstrated a plethora of applications in both academia and industry due to charming properties including ultralow density, large specific surface area, high porosity, etc., however studies on more complicated aerogel forms (e.g., honeycombs) with more powerful applications have not been fully explored. Herein, the Kevlar aerogel honeycomb is firstly constructed through a dry ice‐assisted 3D printing method, where the Kevlar nanofiber ink is printed directly in dry ice freezing atmosphere, followed by supercritical fluid drying. The subsequent 3D Kevlar/shear‐stiffening gel (SSG) honeycomb (3D‐KSH) can be obtained by selective nanoconfining of SSG into nanopores of the aerogel skeleton wall (with the loading amount of 93 wt%) rather than into open honeycomb channels, solving the leakage, creep deformation, and shape design infeasibility of the SSG. Combining the advantages of Kevlar, honeycomb and SSG, the fabricated 3D‐KSH shows obvious smart responsive behavior to external stimulus. Additionally, the 3D‐KSH has high strain rate sensitivity (sensitivity factor of 4.16 × 10−4) and excellent impact protection performance (energy absorption value up to 176 J g−1 at the strain rate of 6300 s−1), which will significantly broaden application prospect in some intelligent protection fields.
Insulin decreases epileptiform activity in rat layer 5/6 prefrontal cortex in vitro
Authors: Villalobos N. , Ramírez‐Sánchez E. , Mondragón‐García A. , Garduño J. , Castillo‐Rolón D. , Trujeque‐Ramos S. , Hernández‐López S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAccumulating evidence indicates that insulin‐mediated signaling in the brain may play important roles in regulating neuronal function. Alterations to insulin signaling are associated with the development of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Also, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance have been associated with seizure activity and brain injury. In recent work, we found that insulin increased inhibitory GABAA‐mediated tonic currents in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In this work, we used local field potential recordings and calcium imaging to investigate the effect of insulin on seizure‐like activity in PFC slices. Seizure‐like events (SLEs) were induced by perfusing the slices with magnesium‐free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) containing the proconvulsive compound 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP). We found that insulin decreased the frequency, amplitude, and duration of SLEs as well as the synchronic activity of PFC neurons evoked by 4‐AP. These insulin effects were mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and mimicked by gaboxadol (THIP), a δ GABAA receptor agonist. The effect of insulin on the number of SLEs was partially blocked by L‐655,708, an inverse agonist with high selectivity for GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit. Our results suggest that insulin reduces neuronal excitability by an increase of GABAergic tonic currents. The physiological relevance of these findings is discussed.
Amentoflavone induces caspase‐dependent/−independent apoptosis and dysregulates cyclin‐dependent kinase‐mediated cell cycle in colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Hsun , Lin Kuang‐Hsuan , Ku Hsiang‐Ju , Lee Kun‐Ching , Lin Song‐Shei , Hsu Fei‐Ting 
Published: February 2023

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as the third most common malignancy and the second most deadly in highly developed countries. Although the treatment of CRC has improved in the past decade, the mortality rate of CRC is still increasing. Amentoflavone, one of the flavonoids detected in medical plants, is reported to possess potential anticancer properties in various cancers. However, its role in CRC has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of amentoflavone on CRC in vitro and in vivo. We identified the cytotoxicity, apoptosis effect, cell cycle alteration, DNA damage induction and tumor progression inhibition of amentoflavone in HT‐29 model by using MTT assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, Western blotting and animal experiments. Amentoflavone induced cytotoxicity is caused by triggering G1 arrest, DNA damage and apoptosis in HT‐29 cells. The expression of cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6 was decreased by amentoflavone; in contrast, the phosphorylation of ATM and CHK2 and the expression of p21 and p27 were increased. The apoptosis induction of amentoflavone in CRC is not only caspase‐dependent but also increases EndoG and AIF nuclear translocation in a caspase‐independent manner. Importantly, the apoptosis induction of amentoflavone is not affected by the activity of p53 in CRC. Amentoflavone suppressed the progression of CRC by initiating G1 arrest and ATM/CHK2‐mediated DNA damage‐responsive, caspase‐dependent/independent apoptotic effects. We uncovered a novel tumor‐inhibitory role of amentoflavone in CRC that is not associated with p53 activity, which may serve as a potential treatment for CRC.
Design of a bioaugmented soil aquifer treatment for efficient removal of p‐nitrophenol
Authors: Shi Min , Yang Yuesuo , Lu Ying , Zhang Xi , Shi Jinyu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSecondary effluent reclamation and reuse is an effective solution to the water shortage problem, and the safety of reused water is a matter of increasing concern. p‐Nitrophenol (PNP), a common secondary effluent pollutant, can be efficiently removed using the eco‐friendly bioaugmented soil aquifer treatment (SAT) system at the laboratory scale. In this study, a sewage treatment plant in Changchun was selected as a case study to apply the bioaugmented SAT system for field scenarios efficiently. The bioaugmented SAT system was simulated using HYDRUS‐1D code. Biodegradation and adsorption coefficient were conducted from the batch experiment. Based on the degradation experiments, the concentration of bacteria injected into SAT system was designed to be 6 × 1018 colony‐forming units (CFU) m−3. To enhance the efficiency of the bioaugmented SAT system, the key parameters were optimized based on the sensitivity analysis and the response surface methodology, which showed that the optimal operating conditions were an initial concentration of 86.11 mg L−1, a medium of 4.27‐m thickness, and a wet/dry ratio of 0.28. Specifically, alternated wetting–drying conditions and increasing the medium thickness reduced PNP within a specific range. This work demonstrates the performance and applicability of the bioaugmented SAT system for removal PNP in secondary sewage effluent.
The influence of vacancy generation on the impurity distribution in the target under the conditions of surface treatment by a particle beam
Authors: Parfenova Elena S. , Knyazeva Anna G. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe paper presents a nonlinear coupled isothermal model of the process of surface treatment by a particle beam. The model takes into account the interaction between the diffusion of impurity and propagation of mechanical disturbances, as well as the transfer of the introduced impurity with the vacancy mechanism and under the action of stresses. The nonlinear problem is solved numerically using an implicit symmetric difference scheme of the second order approximation in time and spatial coordinates. The finite time of mass flux relaxation and the dependence of diffusion coefficient on the composition and on the concentration of vacancies lead to peculiarities in the propagation of both the concentration wave and the wave of mechanical disturbances. Vacancy generation contributes to the acceleration of impurity propagation and increased strain/stresses.
Gender and Climate Change Vulnerability: A Case Study of a Coastal Community in Pramuka Island, the Seribu Islands
Authors: Saputro Tri , Kurian Priya 
Published: February 2023

AbstractClimate change poses a significant threat to people’s lives and livelihoods around the globe, and communities of small low-lying islands of the developing world are especially vulnerable. As a growing scholarship demonstrates, the impacts of climate change on people’s lives vary along gender lines, among other factors. Thus, understanding the gendered implications of climate change risks and impacts is essential to inform policies that are responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups. This chapter explores the implications of climate change impacts for the lives of women and men on a small and vulnerable coastal community on Pramuka Island, a part of the group of Seribu Islands, Jakarta, Indonesia. The study examines how changes in women’s and men’s employment, income, and time management reflect the ways in which environmental changes, including climate change, shape the everyday lived experiences of vulnerable local communities of small islands.