bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simplified Algorithm and Spiral Fractal in Transform Domain
Authors: selim ahmed , Taha Taha E. , El-Fishawy Adel , Zahran O. , Hadhoud M. M. , Dessouky M. I. , El-Samie F. E. Abd , El-Hag Noha A. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes a simplified fractal image compression algorithm which is implemented on a block by block basis. This algorithm achieves a compression ratio of up to 1:10 with a peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) as high as 35dB. The idea of the proposed algorithm is based on the segmentation of the image, first, into blocks to setup reference blocks. The image is then decomposed again into block ranges and a search process is carried out to find the reference blocks with best match. The transmitted or stored values, after compression, are the reference block values and the indices of the reference block that achieves the best match. If there is no match, the average value of the block range is transmitted or stored instead. It proposes also the effect of using the spiral architecture instead of square block decomposition and searching in fractal compression. Comparisons with other systems; conventional square, the proposed simplified fractal compression and the standard JPEG are introduced. We applied these types of fractal compression systems on a video sequence. Also the effect of using the fractal image compression algorithms in transform domain is proposed. The image is transferred firstly to the transform domain. The Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Wavelet Transform (DWT) are used. After transformation takes place the fractal algorithms is applied. Comparisons between three fractal algorithms; conventional square, spiral, and a simplified fractal compression are proposed. The comparisons are repeated in the two cases of transformation. The discrete wavelet is used also in this paper to increase the compression ratio in case of using the conventional method. We used the two dimension discrete wavelet to increase the compression ratio of the block domain pool transmission. We decompose the block domain by wavelet decomposition to two levels which gives a compression ratio of block domain transmission as high as 1:16. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are the simplicity of computation. We found that the using of spiral architecture in fractal compression, the produced or decoded image and so the video sequence visual quality are better than that produced with conventional square method and the proposed simplified system at the same compression ratio but with longer time consumed. We found also that all types of fractal compression system give better quality than the standard JPEG. We found also that the decoded images in case of using the wavelet transform are the best. And the in case of using DCT the decoded images has bad qualities.
Hypoxic preconditioned hUC-MSCs enhance its therapeutic efficacy in Lipopolysaccharide induced ALI via the TLR4/MyD88 and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt mediated by TREM-1
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Gao Rong , Yan Bingdi , Li Han , Yang Junling 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is caused by a variety of direct or indirect factors, such as infection including Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID19), trauma, inhalation of harmful gases, and shock. Progression of COVID19 severity can lead to ALI/ARDS. Owing to its unclear pathogenesis, there is currently no effective treatment established for this disease. As per a past report, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) can decrease the extent of the injury of ALI in the mice. Hypoxic preconditioning umbilical cord MSCs (HP-hUC-MSCs) demonstrated significantly enhanced proliferation and differentiation capabilities. Furthermore, the expression of several growth factors was significantly upregulated, which remarkably increased the repair of damaged lung tissues.
Methods
The hUC-MSCs were cultured by cell adhesion. The properties of hUC-MSCs were identified by morphology, flow cytometry, osteogenesis, and adipogenic differentiation. We employed a transwell chamber to establish a co-culture system of hUC-MSCs and BEAS-2B. Accordingly, we evaluated the hUC-MSCs ability to treat ALI/ARDS in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model. The measurements of lung histopathological changes and neutrophil infiltration, wet/dry(W/D), pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were performed.
Results
The cultured hUC-MSCs demonstrated excellent osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities. When compared with normal hUC-MSCs, HP-hUC- MSCs can further reduce the inflammatory response of BEAS-2B and ALI model mice induced by LPS and enhance their anti-apoptotic ability. The level of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) in patients with severe pneumonia increased, indicating a positive correlation with the disease severity.
Conclusions
Our positive preclinical results suggest that HP-hUC-MSCs can exert a stronger therapeutic effect on ALI by reducing the expression of TREM-1 and that the mechanism behind this phenomenon may be related to the TLR4/MyD88 and the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt.
A high-resolution melt curve toolkit to identify lineage-defining SARS-CoV-2 mutations
Authors: Fraser Alice , Greenland-Bews Caitlin , Kelly Daniel , Williams Christopher , Body Rick , Adams Emily , Cubas-Atienzar Ana , Edwards Thomas , Allen David , Group LSTM Diagnostics , Group CONDOR Steering 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs), with mutations linked to increased transmissibility, vaccine escape and virulence, has necessitated the widespread genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. This has placed a strain on global sequencing capacity, especially in areas lacking the resources for large scale sequencing activities. Here we have developed three separate multiplex high resolution melting (HRM) assays to enable the identification of Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron VOCs, assay based on HRM analysis, an endpoint RT-qPCR detection method. The assays were evaluated against whole genome sequencing on upper-respiratory swab samples collected at varying points of the UK pandemic. The sensitivities of the eight individual primer sets were all 100%, and specificity ranged from 94.6 to 100%. The multiplex HRM assays have potential as a tool for high throughput surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, particularly in areas with limited genomics facilities.
Dexamethasone degradation in aqueous solution via photocatalytic UV/H2O2 /MgO process: kinetic studies
Authors: Asgari Ghorban , Salari Mehdi , MollaMahmoudi Mohammad , jamshidi Reza , Dehdar Ali , Faraji Hossein , Zabihollahi Solmaz , Alizadeh Saber 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Wastewaters discharged from different industries and hospitals may contain pharmaceuticals, especially dexamethasone (DEX). Thus, we applied the UV/H2O2 photocatalytic method in the presence of the MgO nanoparticles to remove dexamethasone from synthetic wastewater. Moreover, the effects of parameters such as pH = 3–11, hydrogen peroxide concentration = 1–8 mM, initial DEX concentration (5–30 mg/L), catalyst dosage = 0.01–0.2 g/l were investigated at the contact times of 0–30 min. Furthermore, the efficiency of UV/H2O2 in the presence and absence of catalyst was investigated. Additionally, this catalyst was characterized by means of XRD and FT-IR analyses and SEM imaging. It was found that the removal rate was enhanced with decreasing pH and initial dexamethasone concentration. The removal rate was enhanced somewhat with concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and MgO. In the case of UV/H2O2/MgO, 87% removal efficiency achieved, under the optimal conditions: pH 3, contact time of 30 min, dexamethasone content of 20 mg/L, H2O2 of 0.5 mM, and UV radiation of 55 watts. The kinetic data indicated that the reaction followed the second-order kinetic model. The results showed that the UV/H2O2 photochemical process can efficiently remove dexamethasone from aqueous in the presence of MgO catalyst, and the mineralization efficiency was reached at about 98%.
Statistical Analysis Plan for the Motor Neuron Disease Systematic Multi-Arm Adaptive Randomised Trial (MND-SMART)
Authors: Parker Richard A. , Weir Christopher J , Pham Tra My , White Ian R , Stallard Nigel , Parmar Mahesh K.B. , Swingler Robert J. , Dakin Rachel S , Pal Suvankar , Chandran Siddharthan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
MND-SMART is a platform, multi-arm, multi-stage, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial recruiting people with motor neuron disease. Initially, the treatments memantine and trazodone will each be compared against placebo, but other investigational treatments will be introduced into the trial later. The co-primary outcomes are the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALS-FRS-R) functional outcome, which is assessed longitudinally, and overall survival.
Methods
Initially in MND-SMART, participants are randomised 1:1:1 via a minimisation algorithm to receive placebo or one of the two investigational treatments with up to 531 to be randomised in total. The comparisons between each research arm and placebo will be conducted in four stages, with the opportunity to cease further randomisations to poorly performing research arms at the end of stages 1 or 2. The final ALS-FRS-R analysis will be at the end of stage 3 and final survival analysis at the end of stage 4. The estimands for the co-primary outcomes are described in detail. The primary analysis of ALS-FRS-R at the end of stages 1 to 3 will involve fitting a normal linear mixed model to the data to calculate a mean difference in rate of ALS-FRS-R change between each research treatment and placebo. The pairwise type 1 error rate will be controlled, because each treatment comparison will generate its own distinct and separate interpretation. This publication is based on a formal statistical analysis plan document that was finalised and signed on 18th May 2022.
Discussion
In developing the statistical analysis plan, we had to carefully consider several issues such as multiple testing, estimand specification, interim analyses, and statistical analysis of the repeated measurements of ALS-FRS-R. This analysis plan attempts to balance multiple factors, including minimisation of bias, maximising power and precision, and deriving clinically interpretable summaries of treatment effects.
Trial registration
EudraCT Number: 2019-000099-41. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04302870.
Catalytic pyrolysis of single-use waste polyethylene for the production of liquid hydrocarbon using modified bentonite catalyst
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mahmudur , Shuva Zunayed Mahmud , Rahman Md. Arifur , Ahmed Nafees , Sharmin Ayesha , Laboni Aysha Akter , Khan Mala , Islam Md Waliul , Al-Mamun Md , Roy Subrata Chandra 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Bentonite has been modified using H2SO4 at various concentrations to alter Si/Al ratio that is responsible for catalytic pyrolysis of single-use waste polyethylene (SUWP). The XRF analysis confirmed a gradual decrease of Al2O3 content with an increasing concentration of H2SO4. The highest liquid hydrocarbon yield (87.48%) was obtained at Si/Al ratio of 34.24. To further activate acid-modified bentonite, bimetals (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni, and Co/Ni) impregnation was conducted. The catalytic performance was compared with monometals (Ru, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe) impregnated bentonite counterparts. The Co, Ni, or Cu impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 86, 83, and 86% yield) outperformed Fe and Ru impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 68% and 79% yield). However, bimetallic (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni and Co/Ni) catalysts enhanced severe cracking leading to the formation of more gaseous hydrocarbons and thus less amount of liquid (70–80%) is obtained. Incorporation of iron into bentonite or Ni/bentonite increased the amount of 2-Octene, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)- compared to acid-treated bentonite and Ni/ bentonite catalysts. Moreover, Fe/Ni/bentonite has also increased the amount of 2-Octene, 2,6-dimethyl- compounds. The BET analysis shows that both surface area and pore diameter increased due to acid treatment resulting in an increase in the percent yield of liquid compared to raw bentonite. The FTIR and GC-MS analysis confirmed that the liquid hydrocarbon consists of linear and branched alkanes and alkenes with some cyclic hydrocarbons. The NMR analysis showed the liquid hydrocarbon is free from the aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
Factors Associated with Worsening Sexual Function During Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in a Prospective Clinic-Based Cohort of Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Verma Neha , Blackford Amanda L. , Thorner Elissa , Lehman Jennifer , Snyder Claire , Stearns Vered , Smith Karen Lisa 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose:Sexual function problems are common but under-reported among women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Worsening scores on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may identify those at risk for sexual function problems during treatment. We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected PROs in women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy to identify factors associated with worsening sexual function. Methods:Women with stage 0-III breast cancer initiating adjuvant endocrine therapy participating in a prospective cohort completed PROs at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Sexual function was evaluated by the MOS-SP measure. Other measures included PROMIS pain interference, fatigue, depression, anxiety, physical function, and sleep disturbance and the Endocrine Symptom Subscale of the FACT-ES. We evaluated associations between score worsening of at least the minimal important difference (MID) in PROMIS T-scores (4 points) and FACT-ES scores (5 points) with score worsening of at least the MID in MOS-SP scores (8 points) using logistic regression. Results:Among 300 participants, 45.7% experienced ≥8 point worsening of MOS-SP score at any time point compared to baseline. Worsening endocrine symptoms (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.22-1.49, p<0.001), worsening physical function (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.18, p=0.06), and prior mastectomy (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.94-2.23, p=0.09) were associated with MOS-SP score worsening by at least the MID. Conclusion:Worsening endocrine symptoms and physical function identified on PROs are associated with worsening sexual function during adjuvant endocrine therapy. Routine assessment of these domains with PROs may identify women at risk for sexual function problems. Trial Registration Number: NCT01937052; Date of Registration: 09/09/2013
Physicochemical and Dielectric study on Nigerian Thevetia Peruviana as a potential green alternative fluid for transformer cooling/insulation
Authors: OPARANTI SAMSON OKIKIOLA , Salaudeen Ismail Kola , Adekunle Andrew Adewunmi , Oteikwu Victoria Ene , Galadima Abdulsalam Ismaila , Abdelmalik Abdelghaffar Amoka 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Vegetable oil has shown a promising behaviour in replacing mineral insulating oil for transformer insulation due to the environmental unfriendliness of mineral oil. However, attention was placed mostly on the edible oil which may eventually lead to food competition. In this work ester from Thevetia Peruviana oil, non-edible vegetable oil was considered as alternative oil for transformer insulation. The functional groups and the fingerprints of the synthesized methyl ester from the Yellow oleander oil were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry and the fatty acid composition was determined with Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The viscosity of the methyl ester and mineral oil were obtained to be 4.8 mPas and 9.8 mPas at 30°C. The pour point of methyl ester was obtained to be 1.4°C which could be enhanced by a pour point depressant when considering it for use in a low temperate region. The adequacy of this synthesized oil as an insulating oil was further explored by measuring the dielectric properties. The result revealed that methyl ester has a higher dielectric constant relative to mineral oil and a dielectric loss of 0.0045 at 30°C. The dielectric strength of the oil was analysed using two-parameter Weibull plots. The characteristic breakdown strength of mineral oil and yellow oleander methyl ester was obtained to be 21.9 kV and 23.3 kV respectively. The result obtained from this work is an indication that methyl ester from the non-edible vegetable oil is a promising alternative insulating oil for oil-filled transformer insulation.
Intelligent metasurface system for automatic tracking of moving targets and wireless communications based on computer vision
Authors: li weihan , Ma Qian , Zhang Yunfeng , Wu Xianning , Wang Wei , Gao Shizhao , Qiu Tianshuo , Liu Tonghao , Xiao Qiang , Wei Jiaxuan , Gu Ting Ting , Zhou Zhize , Li Fashuai , Cheng Qiang , Li Lianlin , Tang Wenxuan , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication has an urgent need for target tracking. Digital programmable metasurface (DPM) may offer an intelligent and efficient solution owing to its powerful and flexible controls of electromagnetic waves and advantages of lower cost, less complexity and smaller size than the traditional antenna array. Here, we report an intelligent metasurface system to perform target tracking and wireless communications, in which computer vision integrated with a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to automatically detect the locations of moving targets, and the dual-polarized DPM integrated with a pre-trained artificial neural network (ANN) serves to realize smart beam tracking and wireless communications. Three groups of experiments are conducted for demonstrating the intelligent system: detection of moving targets, detection of radio-frequency signals, and real-time wireless communications. The proposed method sets the stage for an integrated implementation of target identification, radio environment tracking, and wireless communications. This strategy opens up a new avenue for intelligent wireless networks and self-adaptive systems.
Facile synthesis of nanoporous Zn-decorated Y zeolite: A strategy towards the enhancement of photocatalytic performance and antibacterial activity
Authors: moosavifar maryam , Pezeshki Bahar , Khani Ali , Khanmohammadi Afsaneh , Ahmad Jahangir 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Isomorphous substitution of Zn-Y zeolite (Zn-DYZ) was successfully conducted with different Zn/Al ratios of 0.5:9.5, 1:9, 1.5:8.5, and 2:8 ratios (hereafter designed as Zn-DZY-1, Zn-DZY-2, Zn-DZY-3, and Zn-DZY-4, respectively) by the hydrothermal synthesis method. Spectroscopic studies indicate that Zn is decorated into the zeolite framework. The insertion of Zn instead of Al in the zeolite framework in the low amounts has no impact on the zeolite framework. However, it is collapsed in the high loading of Zn due to an unbalanced electrical charge of the zeolite. Therefore, Zn-DZY-2 has been determined as the optimum ratio, because in this ratio, not only improves the catalytic activity and antibacterial behavior but also preserves the structure of the zeolite. Therefore, functionalizing Y-type zeolite with zinc can be a promising method for designing and producing high-performance photocatalytically active materials. The photocatalytic activity of Zn-decorated Y zeolite was investigated in the removal of methyl orange. The effects of several parameters, including catalyst loading, solution pH, dye concentration, and zinc loading, were studied in the photodegradation reaction. It is found that the photodegradation kinetics follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. COD experiment was used to measure the salinity of methyl orange. In addition, the activation energy was calculated based on the Arrhenius equation to describe the photodegradation process.
Exploring the Mechanism of Active Components from Ginseng to Improve Diabetes Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Li Ming-han , Jin Ming-hui , Hu Rui-yi , Tang Shan , Li Ke-ke , Gong Xiao-Jie , Sun Yin-shi , Wang Ying-ping , Wang Zi , Li Wei 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This study systematically explored the underlying mechanism of ginseng's active ingredients in improving diabetes through network pharmacology combing with molecular docking technology. In this work, we retrieved and screened active compounds of ginseng and corresponding diabetes targets across multiple databases. PPI networks of the genes were constructed using STRING, and the core targets were screened out through topological analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by using the R language. Finally, molecular docking was performed after bioinformatics analysis for verification. Our research results showed that 28 ginsenosides in ginseng might be against diabetes by modulating related proteins such as VEGFA, Caspase 3, and TNF. Among the 28 ginsenosides, 20(R)-Protopanaxatriol (PPT), (20R)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), and Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) might play a significant role. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis showed that the improvement of diabetes by ginsenosides may be related to the positive regulation of reactive oxygen metabolic processes, associated with the insulin signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that all ginsenosides could stably bind to the core target, mainly hydrogen bonding. This study suggests the improvement of ginseng on diabetes. We believe that our results can contribute to the systematic study of the mechanism of ginsenosides in improving diabetes. At the same time, it can provide a theoretical basis for subsequent studies on the improvement of ginsenosides in diabetes.
Evaluating the Antioxidative Defense Response of Selected Indoor Plants Against Benzene and Formaldehyde: Indoor Air Pollutants
Authors: Khan Taimoor , Shah Shahid Masood , Khan Sabaz Ali , Hassan Amjad , Khan Abdul Rehman , Akhtar Gulzar , Imtiaz Hifza , Sajjad Yasar 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene are among the key contributors to indoor air pollution. The current situation of environmental pollution is alarming, where especially the indoor air pollution is becoming challenge as affecting the plants and humans. VOCs are known to adversely affect indoor plants such as causing necrosis and chlorosis. In order to withstand these organic pollutants, plants are naturally equipped with antioxidative defense system. The current research study was aimed to evaluate the combined effect of formaldehyde and benzene on antioxidative response of selected indoor plants namely Chlorophytum, Dracaena and Ficus. After the combined application of different levels (2, 2; 2, 4; 4, 2 & 4, 4 ppm) of formaldehyde and benzene in an airtight glass chamber, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were analyzed. Analysis of various non enzymatic assays showed significant increase in the total phenolics to 10.72 mgGAE/g in Ficus; Chlorophytum (9.20 mgGAE/g) & Dracaena (8.74 mgGAE/g) as compared to their respective controls i-e, 3.76, 5.39 & 6.07 mgGAE/g. Total flavonoids in Ficus were also increased to1545.72 µg/g from 724 µg/g (in control) followed by 322.66 µg/g in Dracaena (control having only 167.11 µg/g) while total carotenoids content also increased in Dracaena (0.67 mg/g) followed by Chlorophytum (0.63 mg/g) while increasing the combined dose as compared to their control plants having only 0.62 and 0.24 mg/g content. The maximum increase in enzymatic antioxidants including total antioxidants (87.89%), catalase (59.21 U/mg) and guaiacol peroxidase (52.16 U/mg) was observed in Dracaena plant under combined dose of benzene (2 ppm) and formaldehyde (4 ppm). Although the experimental indoor plants have been reported to metabolize the indoor pollutants, but the current findings indicate that both benzene and formaldehydes are also affecting the physiology of indoor plants.