bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of hepatic extraction fraction with gadoxetate low‐temporal resolution DCE‐MRI‐based deconvolution analysis: validation with ALBI score and Child‐Pugh class
Authors: Phonlakrai Monchai , Ramadan Saadallah , Simpson John , Gholizadeh Neda , Arm Jameen , Skehan Kate , Goodwin Jonathan , Trada Yuvnik , Martin Jarad , Sridharan Swetha , Lamichhane Bishnu , Bollipo Steven , Greer Peter 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of gadoxetate low‐temporal resolution (LTR) DCE‐MRI for voxel‐based hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) quantification for liver sparing radiotherapy using a deconvolution analysis (DA) method.MethodsThe accuracy and consistency of the deconvolution implementation in estimating liver function was first assessed using simulation data. Then, the method was applied to DCE‐MRI data collected retrospectively from 64 patients (25 normal liver function and 39 cirrhotic patients) to generate HEF maps. The normal liver function patient data were used to measure the variability of liver function quantification. Next, a correlation between HEF and ALBI score (a new model for assessing the severity of liver dysfunction) was assessed using Pearson's correlation. Differences in HEF between Child‐Pugh score classifications were assessed for significance using the Kruskal–Wallis test for all patient groups and Mann–Whitney U‐test for inter‐groups. A statistical significance was considered at a P‐value <0.05 in all tests.ResultsThe results showed that the implemented method accurately reproduced simulated liver function; root‐mean‐square error between estimated and simulated liver response functions was 0.003, and the coefficient‐of‐variance of HEF was <20%. HEF correlation with ALBI score was r = −0.517, P < 0.0001, and HEF was significantly decreased in the cirrhotic patients compared to normal patients (P < 0.0001). Also, HEF in Child‐Pugh B/C was significantly lower than in Child‐Pugh A (P = 0.024).ConclusionThe study demonstrated the feasibility of gadoxetate LTR‐DCE MRI for voxel‐based liver function quantification using DA. HEF could distinguish between different grades of liver function impairment and could potentially be used for functional guidance in radiotherapy.
The interaction of trehalose and molten globule state soybean 11S globulin and its impact on foaming capacities
Authors: Zhu Pengyu , Ma Chunmin , Fan Jing , Yang Yang , Liu Xiaofei , Bian Xin , Ren Likun , Xu Yue , Yu Dehui , Liu Linlin , Fu Yu , Gao Jian , Zhang Na 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybean 11S globulin has good functional properties, which are widely used in the field of food. However, natural soybean 11S globulin (N‐11S) has low flexibility and is easy to aggregate, impacting its foaming process. Studies have shown that soybean 11S globulin in molten globule state (MG‐11S) has better molecular flexibility than N‐11S, and trehalose has been shown to improve the properties of proteins. Therefore, this study investigated the interaction mechanism between trehalose and MG‐11S, and its impact on rheological and foaming properties of MG‐11S.RESULTSThe molecular docking and intrinsic fluorescence results showed that hydrogen bonding was the main interaction force at lower than 0.5 mol L−1 trehalose added. Meanwhile, rheology and foaming showed that the MG‐11S–trehalose complexes had better viscoelasticity, foaming ability (66.67–86.67%) and foaming stability (75.00–89.29%) than N‐11S (16.67% foaming ability and 40.00% foaming stability); however, when the trehalose was higher than 0.5 mol L−1, molecular crowding occurred and H‐bonds were weakened, resulting in reduction of foaming capacities. Microstructure determination showed that trehalose attached to the surface of foam membrane; meanwhile, the foaming structure of the complex with 0.5 mol L−1 trehalose had a thicker liquid film with decreased drainage rate, less agglomeration and disproportionation of foam, illustrating the best foaming ability and foaming stability.CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that trehalose at different concentrations can interact with MG‐11S through different mechanisms, and improve the foaming capacity of MS‐11S. This provided a reference for the application of MS‐11S in foaming food. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Changes in partial properties of glycosylated egg white powder during storage
Authors: Su Yujie , Zhang Wanqiu , Chang Cuihua , Li Junhua , Sun Yuanyuan , Cai Yundan , Xiong Wen , Gu Luping , Yang Yanjun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDGlycosylation is an effective method to modify protein. However, there is a lack of research on the property changes of glycosylated protein during storage. In the present study, the changes in the physicochemical, functional, and structural properties of xylo‐oligosaccharide (XOS) glycosylated egg white powder (EWP) (XOS‐EWP conjugates) prepared with different glycosylation conditions (XOS/EWP ratio and reaction time) were investigated when stored at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity.RESULTSIn the 12 weeks of storage, the degree of grafting, browning, and the formation of Maillard reaction products of XOS‐EWP conjugates increased. The increase in XOS/EWP ratio and reaction time led to an increase in protein aggregation, though a decrease in solubility, due to increased degree of glycosylation and structural changes. Furthermore, improved gel hardness of XOS‐EWP conjugates deteriorated, while improved emulsification ability was kept stable during storage. For the sample with a lower XOS/EWP ratio and reaction time, the gel hardness and emulsifying properties underwent little or no deterioration even improving during storage. The results could be attributed to the limited degree of glycosylation, further unfolding of the protein structure, increased surface hydrophobicity of protein, and improved thermal characteristics.CONCLUSIONDuring storage, the Maillard reaction would continue to occur in the glycosylated EWP, further affecting the performance of modified EWP. Modified EWP prepared under different glycosylation conditions performed differently during storage. Modified EWP with a larger XOS/EWP ratio and reaction time meant it was harder to maintain good performance. Modified EWP with a smaller XOS/EWP ratio and reaction time changed significantly to better performances. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Emodin modulates gut microbial community and triggers intestinal immunity
Authors: Mabwi Humphrey A. , Lee Hee Ju , Hitayezu Emmanuel , Mauliasari Intan Rizki , Pan Cheol‐Ho , Mwaikono Kilaza Samson , Komba Erick V. G. , Lee Choong‐Gu , Cha Kwang Hyun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe gut microbiota (GM) plays an important role in human health and is being investigated as a possible target for new therapies. Although there are many studies showing that emodin can improve host health, emodin–GM studies are scarce. Here, the effects of emodin on the GM were investigated in vitro and in vivo.RESULTSIn vitro single bacteria cultivation showed that emodin stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria Akkermansia, Clostridium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus but inhibited major gut enterotypes (Bacteroides and Prevotella). Microbial community analysis from a synthetic gut microbiome model through co‐culture indicated the consistent GM change by emodin. Interestingly, emodin stimulated Clostridium and Ruminococcus (which are related to Roseburia and Faecalibacterium) in a mice experiment and induced anti‐inflammatory immune cells, which may correlate with its impact on specific gut bacteria.CONCLUSIONEmodin (i) showed similar GM changes in monoculture, co‐culture, and in an in vivo mice experiment and (ii) simulated regulatory T‐cell immune responses in vivo. This suggest that emodin may be used to modulate the GM and improve health. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Changing rural livelihood activities may reduce the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects
Authors: Dang Dongliang , Li Xiaobing , Li Shengkun , Li Xiang , Lyu Xin , Dou Huashun , Li Mengyuan , Liu Siyu , Xuan Xiaojing , Wang Kai 
Published: September 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms of ecological restoration project (ERP) effectiveness is essential for designing, implementing, and sustainably managing ERPs. It is worth noting that ERPs and parallel policies always lead to an interplay between socioeconomic systems and the ecosystem, and such processes can also have a significant impact on ERP effectiveness in addition to local environmental conditions. However, few studies have focused on this mechanism. Here, the agro‐pastoral ecotone in northern China, which is a key area containing several national ERPs, was used to analyze the above problem from the perspective of rural livelihood activities. Specifically, we identified changes in rural livelihood activities in the context of ERPs and analyzed the impact of changing activities' feedback effect on ERP effectiveness. The results showed that in addition to the afforestation and local environmental factors, changing rural livelihood activities significantly affected the ERP effectiveness through the direct or indirect pathway. Based on our results, we suggest policymakers need an integrated and systemic perspective and focus on the dynamic changes in rural livelihood activities in the context of ERPs and parallel policies. Our study helps to elucidate the complex mechanisms of ERP effectiveness with a social‐ecological perspective, thereby providing new insights and a theoretical basis for improving ERP effectiveness in China and around the world.
E‐shaped patch to reduction of higher mode H‐plane radiation and low cross‐polarization
Authors: Tan Dongsheng , Guo Chaozong , Zhai Huiqing , Liu Changyuan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this study, a method is proposed to reduce the high cross‐polarization (XP) of the microstrip patch antenna by changing the current of the higher‐order resonant mode. The interference of the TM1/2,2 mode of the antenna to the TM3/2,0 mode is reduced by loading a pair of wide gaps and two short‐ended stubs. The lateral current that excites the nonradiation edge is effectively bent, which can reduce the XP while not damaging the main polarization radiation. The simulation and measurement results show that the cross‐polarization ratio of the antenna reaches 45.3 dB, and the suppression effect can be achieved over the entire range of the elevation angle. In addition, the proposed technology is simple, effective, and integrable.
Dual composite right/left‐handed unit with improved spurious performance and its application in wide‐stopband bandpass filter
Authors: Guo Fangzhou , Wu Qingzhi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA compact dual composite right/left‐handed (D‐CRLH) unit with improved spurious performance is presented in this study. The proposed D‐CRLH unit consists of an interdigital capacitance (IDC) and a microstrip section inductor (MSI). Compared with the traditional IDC, the proposed IDC is improved by connecting the ends of the alternate fingers through the metallic paths on the back of the substrate. Thus, the spurious resonance at low frequency is eliminated and the usable bandwidth of the IDC is extended. The meander slots are also exploited in each finger of the IDC to increase the series capacitance, which contributes to reducing the circuit size. Furthermore, the proposed D‐CRLH unit is applied in the wide stopband bandpass filter (BPF) design to demonstrate its practicability. The BPF is fabricated and measured for demonstration. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results.
Conformal transmitarray based on metasurface fed by miniaturized filtering antenna
Authors: Chengtian Song , Xiaowen Wang , Mengqian Deng , Zhihua Pang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTo realize the requirements of 5G MIMO technology for high‐performance antennas, a novel high‐gain transmissive array antenna with conformal capability is designed in this study. The antenna consists of a single‐layer dielectric‐based conformal transmission array and a substrate‐integrated waveguide filter antenna. The transmission array is composed of a cross element and spiral elements that can achieve conformal capability. Each metasurface element is a single‐layer medium, and the same metasurface patches above and below are connected by four metal pillars. A filter antenna array fed by a substrate integrated with a waveguide fed by small‐scale low‐temperature cofired ceramic technology is used as the feed antenna of the transmission array. The physical test results are consistent with the simulation results, and the directivity of the antenna is greatly improved. The frequency range where the reflection coefficient S11 is less than −10 dB is 26.6–29.1 GHz. At the center frequency of 28.0 GHz, the gain of the conformal antenna array is greatly improved, and the peak gain is increased from 8.2 to 24.5 dB. The sidelobe level is substantially suppressed. Its high gain and beamforming characteristics make it have a high application value in 5G MIMO technology.
Ising Machines for Diophantine Problems in Physics
Authors: Abel Steven A. , Nutricati Luca A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDiophantine problems arise frequently in physics, in for example anomaly cancellation conditions, string consistency conditions and so forth. We present methods to solve such problems to high order on annealers that are based on the quadratic Ising Model. This is the intrinsic framework for both quantum annealing and for common forms of classical simulated annealing. We demonstrate the method on so‐called Taxicab numbers (discovering some apparently new ones), and on the realistic problem of anomaly cancellation in U(1) extensions of the Standard Model.
Mapping of antibody epitopes based on docking and homology modeling
Authors: Desta Israel T. , Kotelnikov Sergei , Jones George , Ghani Usman , Abyzov Mikhail , Kholodov Yaroslav , Standley Daron M. , Sabitova Maria , Beglov Dmitri , Vajda Sandor , Kozakov Dima 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAntibodies are key proteins produced by the immune system to target pathogen proteins termed antigens via specific binding to surface regions called epitopes. Given an antigen and the sequence of an antibody the knowledge of the epitope is critical for the discovery and development of antibody based therapeutics. In this work, we present a computational protocol that uses template‐based modeling and docking to predict epitope residues. This protocol is implemented in three major steps. First, a template‐based modeling approach is used to build the antibody structures. We tested several options, including generation of models using AlphaFold2. Second, each antibody model is docked to the antigen using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) based docking program PIPER. Attention is given to optimally selecting the docking energy parameters depending on the input data. In particular, the van der Waals energy terms are reduced for modeled antibodies relative to x‐ray structures. Finally, ranking of antigen surface residues is produced. The ranking relies on the docking results, that is, how often the residue appears in the docking poses' interface, and also on the energy favorability of the docking pose in question. The method, called PIPER‐Map, has been tested on a widely used antibody–antigen docking benchmark. The results show that PIPER‐Map improves upon the existing epitope prediction methods. An interesting observation is that epitope prediction accuracy starting from antibody sequence alone does not significantly differ from that of starting from unbound (i.e., separately crystallized) antibody structure.
Accuracy of intraoperative bone registration and stereotactic boundary reconstruction during total knee arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Herregodts Stijn , Vermue Hannes , Herregodts Jan , De Coninck Bert , Chevalier Amélie , Verstraete Matthias , De Baets Patrick , Victor Jan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe intraoperative registration of the bones play a crucial role in image‐based computer‐assisted knee arthroplasty to achieve accurate implant placement and to create reliable stereotactic bone boundaries for robot‐assisted surgical systems.MethodThis study assessed the intraoperative registration accuracy on six intact fresh frozen cadavers.ResultsRotational errors around the mechanical axis were the largest, with a standard deviation of 1.2° and outliers up to 3.7°. The mean translational errors were lower than 1 mm, with outliers up to 1.5 mm. These errors were amplified to 2 mm for the registration‐based reconstruction of the posterior bone surface at the resection levels.ConclusionGiven the cumulative behaviour of surgical errors, registration errors can affect the final implant positioning. Furthermore, inaccuracies in the reconstructed bone boundary directly affect the virtual stereotactic boundaries used in robotic‐assisted surgery and can result in an incomplete resection or inadvertent soft tissue damage.
The role of risk mitigation actions in engineering projects: An empirical investigation
Authors: Shafqat Ali , Oehmen Josef , Welo Torgeir , Ringen Geir 
Published: September 2022

AbstractEngineering‐heavy new product development (NPD) projects face unplanned design iterations, which can cause failure in terms of missed targets for cost, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction. These unplanned design iterations can be understood as the occurrence of a specific category of engineering project risks. As a result, companies employ structured actions to mitigate these risks in projects. However, even with such strategies in place, projects can still struggle to achieve their targets. This study aims to explore how companies employ risk mitigation actions to manage risks in engineering‐based NPD projects. To investigate this topic, a survey of employees in the aerospace and defense industries was conducted. We analyzed the responses using statistical methods. The results indicate that risk mitigation actions are used according to thematic clusters, in line with our findings from the literature. Furthermore, the selected mitigation measures show collective explanatory power for handling engineering project risks, suggesting that while some projects that employ mitigation actions may still fail, their use of such measures does still reduce the overall impact of risks. Interestingly, the results of the statistical analysis show no significant difference in the employment of risk mitigation actions in engineering‐based NPD projects, whether they employ waterfall or agile NPD methods, or a mixture of both. These results suggest that companies should consider all classes of risk mitigation actions to manage engineering project risks. On this basis, the wider contextualization of individual mitigating actions should be taken into account when planning risk mitigation for engineering‐based NPD projects.
Towards Developing Metrics to Evaluate Digital Engineering
Authors: Henderson Kaitlin , McDermott Tom , Van Aken Eileen , Salado Alejandro 
Published: September 2022

AbstractModel‐based systems engineering (MBSE) is an increasingly accepted practice in the Systems Engineering (SE) community, however, little has been done to empirically show that MBSE provides value. Furthermore, as the industry continues in the direction of digital transformation, MBSE will become a critical component of the larger Digital Engineering (DE) approach. This paper presents a measurement framework for selecting and developing appropriate metrics to assess the value/benefits of MBSE and subsequently DE. Utilizing expected benefits identified in a review of MBSE literature, a causal map was hypothesized to show how expected benefits (potential metrics) influence and relate to each other. This was done in order to systematically determine which benefits would be the most impactful to measure. The hypothesized causal model was presented for feedback to subject‐matter experts from a working group developing the first DE measurement framework. This group is a joint effort with industry, academia, and the USA government to develop DE metric standards. Once the causal map was finalized, a case study was used to partially validate the causal model. Based on the causal map and subsequent analysis, we can recommend the first metrics to be employed for DE/MBSE based on the most influential nodes of the causal model. The potential metric candidates include: system quality, defects, time, rework, ease of making changes, system understanding, Effort, accessibility of information, collaboration, project methods/processes, and use of DE/MBSE tools. We believe a concerted effort across the industry to focus on measuring these variables is the most effective way to establish proof of the value of MBSE and DE.
Glycine protects the male reproductive system against lead toxicity via alleviating oxidative stress, preventing sperm mitochondrial impairment, improving kinematics of sperm, and blunting the downregulation of enzymes involved in the steroidogenesis
Authors: Ommati Mohammad Mehdi , Ahmadi Hassan Nategh , Sabouri Samira , Retana‐Marquez Socorro , Abdoli Narges , Rashno Sajjad , Niknahad Hossein , Jamshidzadeh Akram , Mousavi Khadijeh , Rezaei Mohammad , Akhlagh Alireza , Azarpira Negar , Khodaei Forouzan , Heidari Reza 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal widely dispersed in the environment because of human industrial activities. Many studies revealed that Pb could adversely affect several organs, including the male reproductive system. Pb‐induced reproductive toxicity could lead to infertility. Thus, finding safe and clinically applicable protective agents against this complication is important. It has been found that oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Pb‐induced reprotoxicity. Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been found that glycine could attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in various experimental models. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of glycine in Pb‐induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Male BALB/c mice received Pb (20 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days) and treated with glycine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days). Then, reproductive system weight indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and isolated sperm, sperm kinetic, sperm mitochondrial indices, and testis histopathological alterations were monitored. A significant change in testis, epididymis, and Vas deferens weight was evident in Pb‐treated animals. Markers of oxidative stress were also significantly increased in the testis and isolated sperm of the Pb‐treated group. A significant disruption in sperm kinetic was also evident when mice received Pb. Moreover, Pb exposure caused significant deterioration in sperm mitochondrial indices. Tubular injury, tubular desquamation, and decreased spermatogenic index were histopathological alterations detected in Pb‐treated mice. It was found that glycine significantly blunted oxidative stress markers in testis and sperm, improved sperm mitochondrial parameters, causing considerable higher velocity‐related indices (VSL, VCL, and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm, and decreased testis histopathological changes in Pb‐exposed animals. These data suggest glycine as a potential protective agent against Pb‐induced reproductive toxicity. The effects of glycine on oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial function play a key role in its protective mechanism.