bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of thermal and optical properties in porcine pancreas tissue
Authors: Akhter Forhad , Manrique‐Bedoya Santiago , Moreau Chris , Smith Andrea Lynn , Feng Yusheng , Mayer Kathryn M. , Hood R. Lyle 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPhotothermal therapies have shown promise for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma when they can be applied selectively, but off‐target heating can frustrate treatment outcomes. Improved strategies leveraging selective binding and localized heating are possible with precision medical approaches such as functionalized gold nanoparticles, but careful control of optical dosage and thermal generation would be imperative. However, the literature review revealed many groups assume liver properties for pancreas tissue or rely on insufficiently rigorous characterization studies.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the thermal conductivity and optical properties at 808/1064 nm wavelengths in healthy samples of fresh and frozen porcine pancreas ex vivo.MethodsThermal conductivity of the porcine pancreas tissue was measured by utilizing a hot plate and two K‐type thermocouples. Experimental variables such as tissue sample thickness, hot plate temperature, and heat convection coefficient were estimated through the control experiments utilizing specimens with known thermal conductivity. Optical evaluations assessed light attenuation at the 808 and 1064 nm wavelengths (continuous wave, collimated beam) by measuring the light transmittance and reflectance of different tissue thicknesses. In turn, these measurements were input into an inverse adding‐doubling program to estimate the optical absorption and reduced scattering coefficients.ResultsInterestingly, pancreas tissue thermal conductivity was demonstrated to have no significant difference (p > 0.5) between samples that were fresh, frozen for 7 days, or frozen for 14 days. Conversely, optical property assessment exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.001) between fresh and frozen tissue samples, with increased absorbance and reflectance within the frozen group. However, the optical attenuation values measured were substantially less than that of the liver or reported in previous pancreas studies, suggesting a wide overestimation of these properties.ConclusionsThese thermal and optical properties are critical to the development of novel therapeutic strategies like plasmonic photothermal therapy, but perhaps more importantly, are invaluable towards informing better surgical planning and operative technique among the existing thermal approaches for treating pancreas tissue.
Brush‐Like Interface on Surface‐Attached Hydrogels Repels Proteins and Bacteria
Authors: Witzdam Lena , Meurer Yannick L. , Garay‐Sarmiento Manuela , Vorobii Mariia , Söder Dominik , Quandt Jonas , Haraszti Tamás , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInterfacing artificial materials with biological tissues remains a challenge. The direct contact of their surface with the biological milieu results in multiscale interactions, in which biomacromolecules adsorb and act as transducers mediating the interactions with cells and tissues. So far, only antifouling polymer brushes have been able to conceal the surface of synthetic materials. However, their complex synthesis has precluded their translation to applications. Here, it is shown that ultrathin surface‐attached hydrogel coatings of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) and carboxybetaine methacrylamide (CBMAA) provide the same level of protection as brushes. In spite of being readily applicable, these coatings prevent the fouling from whole blood plasma and provide a barrier to the adhesion of Gram positive and negative bacteria. The analysis of the components of the surface free energy and nanoindentation experiments reveals that the excellent antifouling properties stem from the strong surface hydrophilicity and the presence of a brush‐like structure at the water interface. Moreover, these coatings can be functionalized to achieve antimicrobial activity while remaining stealth and non‐cytotoxic to eukaryotic cells. Such level of performance is previously only achieved with brushes. Thus, it is anticipated that this readily applicable strategy is a promising route to enhance the biocompatibility of real biomedical devices.
Molecular Optimization on Polymer Acceptor Enables Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cell with High Open‐Circuit Voltage of 1.10 V
Authors: Yang Hang , Bao Sunan , Fan Hongyu , Fan Chenling , Zhu Xianming , Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCurrently, rational design of polymer acceptors is desirable but there is still a challenge to develop high‐performance all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). In this work, brominated thienyl‐fused malononitrile‐based monomer is employed to copolymerize with indacenodithiophene (IDT) and benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based linking units to develop two polymerized small molecule acceptors (PSMAs) PIDT and PBDT, respectively, for all‐PSCs. The two PSMAs show similar absorption edges, while PBDT shows a slightly higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level than PIDT. Benefitted from the relatively high LUMO levels of the two polymer acceptors, notable open‐circuit voltage (Voc) values over 1.0 V are achieved when using them as acceptor to blend with PTQ10 as polymer donor. Particularly, the all‐PSC based on PTQ10:PIDT demonstrates a power conversion efficiency of 10.19%, with an outstanding Voc of 1.10 V benefitted from the higher LUMO energy level of PIDT acceptor. The results demonstrate a feasible strategy to design PSMAs by selecting appropriate linking units for increasing the Voc and improving the efficiency of all‐PSCs.
Origins of the Photocurrent Multiplication Effect in the Polythiophene‐Based Photodetectors
Authors: Cao Yu , Xu Xinjian , Shen Lening , Zhang Dong , Zheng Jie , Gong Xiong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe photocurrent multiplication (PM) effect has been used to boost the device performance of polymer‐based photodetectors (PDs), but its origin is rarely addressed. In this study, the origins of the PM effect in polymer PDs based on the P3HT:PC71BM bulk heterojunction (BHJ) composite thin film, where P3HT is poly(3‐hexylthiophene), and PC71BM is [6,6]phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester, through both computational simulation and experimental investigation are reported. Systematic studies indicate that two key factors play an important role in the realization of the PM effect in polymer PDs. One factor is the work function of the metal electrode, and the other is the PC71BM aggregations at the interface between the P3HT:PC71BM BHJ composite thin film and the metal electrode. Moreover, the results from both experimental and computational simulation indicate that the values of the current density under light illumination minus the current density in the dark of polymer PDs are increased simultaneously along with the reduction of the thickness of the P3HT:PC71BM BHJ composite thin film. The results provide an understanding of the PM effect in polymer PDs and guidance for the development of high‐performance polymer PDs based on BHJ composite thin film.
Improved structure for the dissipative soliton generation based on nonlinear polarization rotation effect
Authors: Ban Xiaoqiang , Li Xiaohui , Zhong Ming , Little Brent E. , Zhao Wei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) technique has been studied for several decades to investigate the ultrafast pulse in both scientific and industrial fields. However, some drawbacks such as sensitive to the environment, noncompact, difficult to reach all the polarization states limit the real applications of this methods. In this work, an improved NPR technique, with polarizar‐polarization controlar‐polarizar structure, has been proposed for the first time. The new structure is relatively more simple to reach all the polarization states and remains much more stable states than traditional NPR technique. We proposed all‐normal‐dispersion Yb‐doped fiber laser and rectangular‐shaped spectrum is obtained both experimentally and theoretically by improved NPR technique. The achieved stable pulse duration and pulse period are 11.69 ps and 37.2 ns, respectively. Signal‐to‐noise ratio is 64 dB at 26.9 MHz, thus the proposed fiber laser has very high stability. Besides, we investigate the output spectrum and pulse shape based on dispersive Fourier transformation, getting the right triangle and ordinary triangle spectrums that are symmetric with the corresponding pulse shapes.
Transfer learning for data‐efficient abdominal muscle segmentation with convolutional neural networks
Authors: McSweeney Dónal M. , Henderson Edward G. , van Herk Marcel , Weaver Jamie , Bromiley Paul A. , Green Andrew , McWilliam Alan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle segmentation is an important procedure for assessing sarcopenia, an emerging imaging biomarker of patient frailty. Data annotation remains the bottleneck for training deep learning auto‐segmentation models.PurposeThere is a need to define methodologies for applying models to different domains (e.g., anatomical regions or imaging modalities) without dramatically increasing data annotation.MethodsTo address this problem, we empirically evaluate the generalizability of various source tasks for transfer learning: natural image classification, natural image segmentation, unsupervised image reconstruction, and self‐supervised jigsaw solving. Axial CT slices at L3 were extracted from PET‐CT scans for 204 oesophago‐gastric cancer patients and the skeletal muscle manually delineated by an expert. Features were transferred and segmentation models trained on subsets () of the manually annotated training set. Four‐fold cross‐validation was performed to evaluate model generalizability. Human‐level performance was established by performing an inter‐observer study consisting of ten trained radiographers.ResultsWe find that accurate segmentation models can be trained on a fraction of the data required by current approaches. The Dice similarity coefficient and root mean square distance‐to‐agreement were calculated for each prediction and used to assess model performance. Models pre‐trained on a segmentation task and fine‐tuned on 10 images produce delineations that are comparable to those from trained observers and extract reliable measures of muscle health.ConclusionsAppropriate transfer learning can generate convolutional neural networks for abdominal muscle segmentation that achieve human‐level performance while decreasing the required data by an order of magnitude, compared to previous methods (). This work enables the development of future models for assessing skeletal muscle at other anatomical sites where large annotated data sets are scarce and clinical needs are yet to be addressed.
Clinical significance of pancreatic ductal metaplasia
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Wei Fang , Xie Keping 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPancreatic ductal metaplasia (PDM) is the stepwise replacement of differentiated somatic cells with ductal or ductal‐like cells in the pancreas. PDM is usually triggered by cellular and environmental insults. PDM development may involve all cell lineages of the pancreas, and acinar cells with the highest plasticity are the major source of PDM. Pancreatic progenitor cells are also involved as cells of origin or transitional intermediates. PDM is heterogeneous at the histological, cellular, and molecular levels and only certain subsets of PDM develop further into pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and then pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The formation and evolution of PDM is regulated at the cellular and molecular levels through a complex network of signaling pathways. The key molecular mechanisms that drive PDM formation and its progression into PanIN/PDAC remain unclear, but represent key targets for reversing or inhibiting PDM. Alternatively, PDM could be a source of pancreas regeneration, including both exocrine and endocrine components. Cellular aging and apoptosis are obstacles to PDM‐to‐PanIN progression or pancreas regeneration. Functional identification of the cellular and molecular events driving senescence and apoptosis in PDM and its progression would help not only to restrict the development of PDM into PanIN/PDAC, but may also facilitate pancreatic regeneration. This review systematically assesses recent advances in the understanding of PDM physiology and pathology, with a focus on its implications for enhancing regeneration and prevention of cancer. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Hybrid nanocellulose/carbon nanotube/natural rubber nanocomposites with a continuous three‐dimensional conductive network
Authors: Kazemi Hossein , Mighri Frej , Park Keun Wan , Frikha Slim , Rodrigue Denis 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, the hybrid effect of nanocellulose/carbon nanotube (NCC/CNT) reinforcement on natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites was investigated. To this end, three series of NR nanocomposites were prepared: NCC/NR, CNT/NR and NCC/CNT/NR. First, the nanocomposites morphology and the filler–rubber interactions were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the swelling behavior in toluene, respectively. The results showed that the presence of NCC improved the NCC/CNT hybrid filler dispersion forming a 3D network, while the presence of CNT increased the filler–matrix interaction. The curing results also confirmed that the degree of crosslinking increased when hybrid fillers were used, but the curing time was not modified. In addition, it was observed that using a NCC/CNT hybrid system led to superior mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity than each material used separately. When 10 phr hybrid filler (with a filler ratio of 1) was added to NR, the tensile strength, modulus at 300% elongation (M300), storage modulus at 10% strain and thermal conductivity were all increased by 57%, 137%, 120%, and 30%, respectively. The results also showed that the NR nanocomposites properties can be controlled by tuning the NCC/CNT filler ratio.
Diagnostic yield of exome sequencing for prenatal diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mellis Rhiannon , Oprych Kathryn , Scotchman Elizabeth , Hill Melissa , Chitty Lyn S 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES) for prenatal diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies, where karyotype/chromosomal microarray (CMA) is normal.MethodsFollowing electronic searches of four databases, we included studies with ≥10 structurally abnormal fetuses undergoing ES or whole genome sequencing. The incremental diagnostic yield of ES over CMA/karyotype was calculated and pooled in a meta‐analysis. Sub‐group analyses investigated effects of case selection and fetal phenotype on diagnostic yield.ResultsWe identified 72 reports from 66 studies, representing 4350 fetuses. The pooled incremental yield of ES was 31% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26%–36%,p < 0.0001). Diagnostic yield was significantly higher for cases pre‐selected for likelihood of monogenic aetiology compared to unselected cases (42% vs. 15%,p < 0.0001). Diagnostic yield differed significantly between phenotypic sub‐groups, ranging from 53% (95% CI 42%–63%,p < 0.0001) for isolated skeletal abnormalities, to 2% (95% CI 0%–5%,p = 0.04) for isolated increased nuchal translucency.ConclusionPrenatal ES provides a diagnosis in an additional 31% of structurally abnormal fetuses when CMA/karyotype is non‐diagnostic. The expected diagnostic yield depends on the body system(s) affected and can be optimised by pre‐selection of cases following multi‐disciplinary review to determine that a monogenic cause is likely.
A survey: Understanding the health and perspectives of people with CF not benefiting from CFTR modulators
Authors: Kramer‐Golinkoff Emily , Camacho Amanda , Kramer Liza , Taylor‐Cousar Jennifer L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhile the advent of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use has improved daily life and long‐term prognosis of CF for many with approved CFTR mutations, approximately 10% of people with CF (pwCF) have only symptomatic treatments available.MethodsBetween June 10 and July 1, 2021, Emily's Entourage distributed a 38‐question anonymous survey targeted at pwCF not benefitting from approved modulators via social media and email to pwCF and CF advocacy groups in and outside the United States regarding health status, impact of CF, unmet needs, and clinical research interest.ResultsThere were 431 survey respondents representing pwCF on five continents. The majority of pwCF had moderate lung disease (50.3%). Ineligibility based on CFTR mutation (64.1%) was the most frequently reported reason pwCF were not on modulators. PwCF reported the most impacted aspects of life were mental (66.7%) and physical (40.7%) health. Financial concerns and feelings of isolation were commonly reported. Witnessing improvements for peers with access to modulators was both uplifting and disheartening. The majority of pwCF would be interested in participating in future clinical research (77.6%), although some living outside of the United States cited lack of opportunity to participate in clinical trials as a barrier.ConclusionsPwCF who are ineligible, intolerant, or lack access to modulators have a high burden of disease impacting their physical and mental health. Although most are happy for those who are benefiting from modulators, they are eager for the opportunity to experience similar improvements for themselves, and willing to participate in clinical trials of new therapies.
Expression and immobilization of trypsin‐like domain of serine protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa for improved stability and catalytic activity
Authors: Mahmood Malik Siddique , Asghar Hunza , Riaz Sheeba , Shaukat Iqra , Zeeshan Nadia , Gul Roquyya , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Saleem Mahjabeen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractProtein engineering and enzyme immobilization strategies have produced numerous biocatalysts for modern industrial applications. In this study, we have also used these two strategies for improving the operational stability and catalytic efficiency of serine protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The enzyme serine protease was truncated to separate its trypsin‐like domain from the PDZ1 and PDZ2 domains. The truncated trypsin‐like domain was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21, and its catalytic activity and thermostability were estimated. Later this trypsin‐like domain was immobilized with 2% Na‐alginate. The immobilized domain showed 10°C increase in optimum temperature compared to its free counterpart. Kinetic studies showed two‐folds increased Vmax of the immobilized domain. Likewise, the Km value of this domain was 11.5 folds lower compared to the free trypsin‐like domain. The catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of the immobilized enzyme also elevated to 311 folds. Additionally, the immobilized trypsin‐like domain remained active in the presence of surfactants (Triton‐X 100, SDS, and Tween‐40) and metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, and Zn2+). It also efficiently removes gelatin layer from X‐ray film and hair from sheepskin. Thus, the immobilized trypsin‐like domain of serine protease, with increased thermostability and catalytic efficiency, is operationally more stable than the soluble truncated trypsin‐like domain.
Tamsulosin and risk of priapism: A causality assessment using Austin Bradford Hill Criteria
Authors: Russom Mulugeta , Fitsum Yodit , Debesai Merhawi , Russom Natnael , Bahta Merhawi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTamsulosin hydrochloride, a selective alpha‐adrenergic blocking agent has been previously associated with priapism. Priapism is a medically serious condition that, if not intervened, can cause permanent erectile dysfunction. This study was conducted to investigate whether the association of tamsulosin and priapism is causal. All currently available evidence such as experimental, biological, toxicological, published studies, and safety data mined from the WHO global pharmacovigilance database was systematically organized into the Austin Bradford Hill causality assessment framework. In the international pharmacovigilance database, a strong association between tamsulosin and priapism (IC025 = 4.1; PRR025 = 19.9; ROR025 = 20) was observed. There were 122 cases of priapism associated with tamsulosin submitted to the database from 23 countries. In 87.7% of the cases, tamsulosin was reported as a ‘sole suspect,’ and in 50.8%, it was the only drug administered. In several patients, priapism resolved following discontinuation of tamsulosin and recurred after its reintroduction. Both in the published and unpublished data, for majority of the cases, the time to onset of priapism was within few days following the first intake of tamsulosin. Cases of priapism, particularly those published, were consistent in their clinical features with patients experiencing prolonged painful erection that required aspiration of cavernosal blood, irrigation of the corpora cavernosa, and treatment with vasopressors. Other alpha‐adrenergic blocking agents that are structurally analogous with tamsulosin have also been associated with priapism. In several cases, tamsulosin was used off‐label, for the treatment of ureteral calculi expulsion. Eight patients experienced priapism that ended up with serious complications such as ejaculation disorders and erectile dysfunction. The currently available totality of evidence suggests that the association of tamsulosin and priapism is causal. Healthcare professionals are therefore recommended to cautiously prescribe tamsulosin and ensure that consumers are aware of the potential risk of priapism.
Utility of roller wiper applications of dicamba for Palmer amaranth control in soybean
Authors: Farr Rodger , Norsworthy Jason K. , Barber L. Tom , Butts Thomas R. , Roberts Trent 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe commercialization of dicamba‐resistant soybean has resulted in increased concern for off‐target movement of dicamba onto sensitive vegetation. To mitigate the off‐target movement through physical drift, one might consider use of rope wicks and other wiper applicators. Although wiper‐type application methods have been efficacious in pasture settings, the utility of dicamba using wiper applicators in agronomic crops is not available in scientific literature. To determine the utility of roller wipers for dicamba applications in dicamba‐resistant soybean, two separate experiments were conducted in the summer of 2020 and replicated in both Keiser and Fayetteville, AR, USA.RESULTSUtilizing opposing application directions and a 2:1:1 ratio of water: formulated glyphosate: formulated dicamba were the most efficacious practices for controlling Palmer amaranth. The high herbicide concentrations and wiping in opposing directions increased dicamba‐resistant soybean injury when the wiper contacted the crop, but no yield loss was observed because of this injury. Broadcast applications resulted in greater Palmer amaranth mortality than roller wiper applications, and the most effective roller wiper treatments were when two sequential applications were made inside the crop canopy.CONCLUSIONSDicamba applications require adequate coverage for optimum weed control. While efforts can be made to increase roller wiper efficacy by optimizing coverage and timing of applications, broadcast applications are superior to roller wiper applicators for weed control. Roller wiper applications did not reduce soybean yield, thus wiper‐type applications may be safely used in dicamba‐resistant soybean, albeit the likelihood for off‐target damage caused by volatilization of these treatments would need to be investigated. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.