bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An optimized morphology transform‐based diagnostic computed tomography image enhancement using edge map
Authors: Rao Karishma , Bansal Manu , Kaur Gagandeep 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn computed tomography (CT) imaging, a low‐quality CT scan, or more precisely, a noisy low contrast CT image, may provide insufficient information for visual interpretation of impacted regions. The purpose of this article is to propose a novel optimal morphological transform‐based method for improving the noise and contrast of CT images in the wavelet domain. The low‐quality CT image is first transformed using the optimized morphology transform method, which determines the optimal value of the parameter included in the fundamental morphology transformation equation. The parameter's optimum value is determined using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. The proposed approach then employs the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to decompose the input and transformed CT image into higher and lower sub‐bands. Following that, the lower sub‐bands are modified by applying the correction factor via singular value decomposition (SVD). The input image's higher sub‐band (HH) is denoised using an edge map (EM)‐based method. This produces enhanced CT images with modified lower and higher sub‐band. Finally, the modified sub‐bands and remaining unprocessed higher frequency sub‐bands are processed using the inverse discrete wavelet transform (IDWT), resulting in an enhanced CT image. Experiments and validations are conducted on a CT images obtained from a publicly available database to assess the proposed scheme's effectiveness qualitatively and quantitatively. Significant quantitative study shows that the proposed approach surpasses existing image enhancement approaches in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio, discrete entropy, enhancement measurement, and contrast ratio. The proposed method generates higher‐quality CT images, which is advantageous for disease inspection and diagnosis.
Stable one dimensional (1D)/three dimensional (3D) perovskite solar cell with an efficiency exceeding 23%
Authors: Chen Qinghua , Deng Kaimo , Shen Ying , Li Liang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe interface properties of organic–inorganic mixed halide perovskite solar cells play a significant role in their photovoltaic performance. Defect states at the interface can decrease the power conversion efficiency through defect‐assisted charge recombination and degrade the long‐term stability. Low‐dimensional perovskites exhibit excellent stabilities. They can be combined with three dimensional (3D) perovskites to utilize their advantages for fabrication of high‐performance devices. In this study, we successfully construct a robust interface for perovskite films through mixed‐dimensional engineering. After the introduction of a one dimensional (1D)‐structured capping layer on the 3D perovskite through post‐treatment, the number of defect states in the perovskite film is significantly decreased, while the lifetime of the photocarriers is increased. In addition, the 1D capping layer can serve as a diffusion barrier to reduce the ion migration and protect the vulnerable 3D perovskite against moisture. Perovskite solar cells based on stacked 1D/3D structures exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 23.3% and maintain 80% of the initial efficiency after storage for over 800 h under ambient conditions with a humidity of 50%. Their performances are superior to those of the 3D devices. This study provides a simple approach to simultaneously enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells and may guide the development of other solar cells.image
Serum‐derived exosomes from SD rats induce inflammation in macrophages through the mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Ye , Liu Yan‐ping , Sun Zhan‐bing , Deng Wei‐hua , Yuan Xiao‐yan , Lei Yuan‐di , Cai Ying , Huang Lian , Zhang Zhao‐hui 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInhalation of beryllium and its compounds can cause lung injuries, resulting from inflammation and oxidative stress. Multivesicular bodies (MVB), such as exosomes, are membrane vesicles produced by early and late endosomes that mediate intercellular communications. However, the role of exosomes in beryllium toxicity has not been elucidated. This current study aimed to investigate the functional role of exosomes in lung injury resulting from beryllium sulfate (BeSO4). Here, Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to 4, 8, and 12 mg/kg BeSO4 by nonexposed intratracheal instillation. Murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells were pretreated with 50 nmol/L rapamycin (an mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor) for 30 min and then cultured for 24 h with 100 μg/mL exosomes, which had been previously isolated from the serum of 12 mg/kg BeSO4‐treated SD rats. Compared with those of the controls, exposure to BeSO4 in vivo increased LDH activity, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ) alongside inflammation‐related proteins expression (COX‐2 and iNOS), and enhanced secretion of exosomes from the SD rat's serum. Moreover, the BeSO4‐Exos‐induced upregulation of LDH activity and inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells can be alleviated following pretreatment with rapamycin. Collectively, these results suggest that serum exosomes play an important role in pulmonary inflammation induced by BeSO4 in RAW 264.7 cells via the mTOR pathway.
EDA‐NOCV analysis of carbene‐borylene bonded dinitrogen complexes for deeper bonding insight: A fair comparison with a metal‐dinitrogen system
Authors: Devi Kavita , Gorantla Sai Manoj N. V. T. , Mondal Kartik Chandra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBinding of dinitrogen (N2) to a transition metal center (M) and followed by its activation under milder conditions is no longer impossible; rather, it is routinely studied in laboratories by transition metal complexes. In contrast, binding of N2 by main group elements has been a challenge for decades, until very recently, an exotic cAAC‐borylene (cAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene) species showed similar binding affinity to kinetically inert and non‐polar dinitrogen (N2) gas under ambient conditions. Since then, N2 binding by short lived borylene species has made a captivating news in different journals for its unusual features and future prospects. Herein, we carried out different types of DFT calculations, including EDA‐NOCV analysis of the relevant cAAC‐boron‐dinitrogen complexes and their precursors, to shed light on the deeper insight of the bonding secret (EDA‐NOCV = energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence). The hidden bonding aspects have been uncovered and are presented in details. Additionally, similar calculations have been carried out in comparison with a selected stable dinitrogen bridged‐diiron(I) complex. Singlet cAAC ligand is known to be an exotic stable species which, combined with the BAr group, produces an intermediate singlet electron‐deficient (cAAC)(BAr) species possessing a high lying HOMO suitable for overlapping with the high lying π*‐orbital of N2 via effective π‐backdonation. The BN2 interaction energy has been compared with that of the FeN2 bond. Our thorough bonding analysis might answer the unasked questions of experimental chemists about how boron compounds could mimic the transition metal of dinitrogen binding and activation, uncovering hidden bonding aspects. Importantly, Pauling repulsion energy also plays a crucial role and decides the binding efficiency in terms of intrinsic interaction energy between the boron‐center and the N2 ligand.
Group divisible designs with block size 4 and group sizes 2 and 5
Authors: Abel R. Julian R. , Britz Thomas , Bunjamin Yudhistira A. , Combe Diana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper we provide a 4‐GDD of type , thereby solving the existence question for the last remaining feasible type for a 4‐GDD with no more than 30 points. We then show that 4‐GDDs of type exist for all but a finite specified set of feasible pairs .
New index combining multiple inflammation‐based prognostic scores for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients
Authors: Kudou Kensuke , Kusumoto Tetsuya , Nambara Sho , Tsuda Yasuo , Kusumoto Eiji , Yoshida Rintaro , Sakaguchi Yoshihisa , Ikejiri Koji 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimSeveral inflammation‐based scores have prognostic value for patients diagnosed with various cancers. However, using only a single inflammation‐based prognostic score may be unreliable, as the cut‐off values and relative usefulness among various inflammation‐based prognostic scores vary. We established a new combined index of four inflammation‐based prognostic scores, namely the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, prognostic index, and prognostic nutritional index, and assessed its usefulness to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer.Methods and ResultsWe reviewed the data of 635 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer. We calculated the combined index as the total value of each of the four included inflammation‐based prognostic scores and analyzed the relationship between the combined index and postoperative prognosis of gastric cancer. The new combined index was represented as a value between 0 and 6 in each patient. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients whose combined index was 0 had good long‐term outcomes, while the prognosis of patients whose combined index ranged from 4 to 6 was poor.ConclusionThis new combined index was strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer. It is inferred that it can predict patient prognosis after surgical resection for gastric cancer with a stronger correlation and clearer stratification than a single inflammation‐based prognostic score.
Differentiating Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions in Diffusion Kurtosis MRI: Does the Averaging Procedure Matter?
Authors: Pistel Mona , Laun Frederik Bernd , Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Dada Anes , Weiland Elisabeth , Niederdränk Torsten , Uder Michael , Janka Rolf , Wenkel Evelyn , Ohlmeyer Sabine 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDiffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is used to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions. DKI fits are performed either on voxel‐by‐voxel basis or using volume‐averaged signal.PurposeInvestigate and compare DKI parameters' diagnostic performance using voxel‐by‐voxel and volume‐averaged signal fit approach.Study typeRetrospective.Study populationA total of 104 patients, aged 24.1–86.4 years.Field Strength/SequenceA 3 T Spin‐echo planar diffusion‐weighted sequence with b‐values: 50 s/mm2, 750 s/mm2, and 1500 s/mm2. Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequence.AssessmentLesions were manually segmented by M.P. under supervision of S.O. (2 and 5 years of experience in breast MRI). DKI fits were performed on voxel‐by‐voxel basis and with volume‐averaged signal. Diagnostic performance of DKI parameters (kurtosis corrected diffusion coefficient) and kurtosis was compared between both approaches.Statistical TestsReceiver operating characteristics analysis and area under the curve (AUC) values were computed. Wilcoxon rank sum and Students t‐test tested DKI parameters for significant (P <0.05) difference between benign and malignant lesions. DeLong test was used to test the DKI parameter performance for significant fit approach dependency. Correlation between parameters of the two approaches was determined by Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsDKI parameters were significantly different between benign and malignant lesions for both fit approaches. Median benign vs. malignant values for voxel‐by‐voxel and volume‐averaged approach were 2.00 vs. 1.28 ( in μm2/msec), 2.03 vs. 1.26 ( in μm2/msec), 0.54 vs. 0.90 (), 0.55 vs. 0.99 (). AUC for voxel‐by‐voxel and volume‐averaged fit were 0.9494 and 0.9508 (); 0.9175 and 0.9298 (). For both, AUC did not differ significantly (P = 0.20). Correlation of values between the two approaches was very high (r = 0.99 for and r = 0.97 for ).Data ConclusionVoxel‐by‐voxel and volume‐averaged signal fit approach are equally well suited for differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions in DKI.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 3
Characterizing tourniquet induced hemodynamics during total knee arthroplasty using diffuse optical spectroscopy
Authors: Philipopoulos George P. , Sharareh Behnam , Ganesan Goutham , Tromberg Bruce J. , O'Sullivan Thomas D. , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTourniquet use creates a reduced blood surgical field during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), however, prolonged ischemia may cause postoperative tourniquet complications. To understand the effects of tourniquet‐induced ischemia, we performed a prospective observational study using quantitative broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) to measure tissue hemodynamics and water and lipid concentrations before, during, and after tourniquet placement in subjects undergoing TKA. Data was collected for 6 months and, of the total subjects analyzed (n = 24), 22 were primary TKAs and 2 were revision TKA cases. We specifically investigated tourniquet‐induced hemodynamics based upon subject‐specific tissue composition and observed a significant relationship between the linear rate of deoxygenation after tourniquet inflation and water/lipid ratio (W/L,p < 0.0001) and baseline somatic tissue oxygen saturation, StO2(p = 0.05). Subjects with a low W/L ratio exhibited a lower tissue metabolic rate of oxygen consumption, (tMRO2) (p = 0.008). Changes in deoxyhemoglobin [HbR] (p = 0.009) and lipid fraction (p = 0.001) were significantly different between high and low W/L subject groups during deoxygenation. No significant differences were observed for hemodynamics during reperfusion and total tourniquet time was neither significantly related to the hemodynamic hyperemic response (p = 0.73) nor the time to max StO2after tourniquet release (p = 0.57). In conclusion, we demonstrate that DOS is capable of real‐time monitoring of tissue hemodynamics distal to the tourniquet during TKA, and that tissue composition should be considered. DOS may help surgeons stratify hemodynamics based upon tissue composition and eventually aid the preoperative risk assessment of vascular occlusions from tourniquet use during TKA.
Australian pharmacy student perceptions of employment in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Tan Andrea W. , Dwan Corinna A. , Ling Tristan R. , Thompson Angus J. , Peterson Gregory M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn Australia, the predicted oversupply of pharmacists is contributing to concern regarding employment prospects. Traditionally, there have been low numbers of pharmacists employed in the Australian pharmaceutical industry and a lack of data on pharmacy students’ perceptions of employment within this sector.AimTo determine pharmacy students’ understanding and perceptions of the pharmaceutical industry as an employment option.MethodAustralian pharmacy students graduating in 2018 were invited to complete an online survey. Participants were recruited via Facebook sites for the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association, the Early Career Pharmacists group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and through intern training networks of the PSA, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Chemist Warehouse. Australian universities were also approached via e‐mail to assist in distribution of the survey to their 2018 graduates.ResultsComplete responses were received from 124 students, representing 17 universities. Most respondents perceived the pharmaceutical industry as a good employment option (61%). However, they generally lacked understanding (77%), information and sufficient exposure to industry to fully comprehend the potential employment opportunities available. Furthermore, placements in the pharmaceutical industry are not universally available to pharmacy students, and less than 20% had undertaken such a placement. Respondents desired industry placements (81%), education (86%) and more exposure to this career option during their studies (86%).ConclusionFurther research is needed on how Australian universities, the pharmaceutical industry and the pharmacy profession can collaborate to raise awareness of industry as a career option and equip graduates for these employment opportunities.
Radio frequency as an innovative method to produce low‐fat French fries
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Lyu Xiaomei , Zhao Wei , Yang Ruijin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDA large amount of evidence shows that excessive fat intake can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. The main purpose of this study was to use radio frequency (RF) technology to prepare low‐fat French fries.RESULTSRF treatment for 10 min significantly decreased the force required to cut potatoes and inhibited the enzymatic browning of fresh‐cut potatoes. Moreover, RF treatment increased the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of French fries from 388.55 g, 85.67, and 33.27 to 776.93 g, 159.36, and 70.11, respectively. Furthermore, RF treatment for 10 min reduced the oil content of French fries by 28.0% compared to that of the control group. This result was related to the pre‐gelatinized potato starch content after RF treatment. Pre‐gelatinized starch forms a ‘protective film’, that prevents oil from entering the fries during frying.CONCLUSIONModerate RF treatment (10 min) reduced the oil content of French fries without making their texture significantly different from that of commercial French fries. These findings may provide a new perspective for the application of RF technology in the development of low‐fat fried foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Purification and characterization of a fungal aspartic peptidase from Trichoderma reesei and its application for food and animal feed protein hydrolyses
Authors: Ahmed Uzair , Pfannstiel Jens , Stressler Timo , Eisele Thomas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDVarious neutral and alkaline peptidases are commercially available for use in protein hydrolysis under neutral to alkaline conditions. However, the hydrolysis of proteins under acidic conditions by applying fungal aspartic peptidases (FAPs) has not been investigated in depth so far. The aim of this study, thus, was to purify a FAP from the commercial enzyme preparation, ROHALASE® BXL, determine its biochemical characteristics, and investigate its application for the hydrolysis of food and animal feed proteins under acidic conditions.RESULTSA Trichoderma reesei derived FAP, with an apparent molecular mass of 45.8 kDa (sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SDS‐PAGE) was purified 13.8‐fold with a yield of 37% from ROHALASE® BXL. The FAP was identified as an aspartate protease (UniProt ID: G0R8T0) by inhibition and nano‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS studies. The FAP showed the highest activity at 50°C and pH 4.0. Monovalent cations, organic solvents, and reducing agents were tolerated well by the FAP. The FAP underwent an apparent competitive product inhibition by soy protein hydrolysate and whey protein hydrolysate with apparent Ki‐values of 1.75 and 30.2 mg*mL−1, respectively. The FAP showed promising results in food (soy protein isolate and whey protein isolate) and animal feed protein hydrolyses. For the latter, an increase in the soluble protein content of 109% was noted after 30 min.CONCLUSIONOur results demonstrate the applicability of fungal aspartic endopeptidases in the food and animal feed industry. Efficient protein hydrolysis of industrially relevant substrates such as acidic whey or animal feed proteins could be conducted by applying fungal aspartic peptidases. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Simultaneous separation of glycyrrhizic acid, baicalein and wogonin from Radix Glycyrrhizae and Radix Scutellariae using foam fractionation and in vitro activity evaluation
Authors: Chen Caiyun , Li Gaotian , Dai Long , Zhao Huijuan , Li Ning , Mi Wei , Yin Shuying , Wang Shaoping , Zhang Jiayu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study, the optimal conditions for the extraction and purification of glycyrrhizic acid from Radix Glycyrrhizae (RG) and baicalein and wogonin from Radix Scutellariae (RS) by foam fractionation were studied on the basis of central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology.RESULTSThe results showed that herbal proportion (RG:RS), gas flow and ethanol concentration were the main factors guiding the foam fractionation of RG and RS. The optimum technological parameters were obtained as follows: herbal proportion (RG:RS), 1.86:1.14; gas flow, 109 mL min−1; and ethanol concentration, 53%. Under the optimal operating conditions, the maximal extraction yields of baicalein, glycyrrhizic acid and wogonin were 56.67, 13.25 and 9.51 mg g−1, respectively, which were 2.32‐, 1.22‐ and 1.84‐fold higher than those of ultrasonic extraction and 17.28‐, 1.15‐ and 9.91‐fold higher than those of ultrasonic extraction without hydrolysis, respectively. Investigations on the antioxidant activity showed that the foam‐fractionated extract exhibited better free radical scavenging activity (IC50 13.80 μg mL−1) than that of the ultrasonic extract (IC50 223.00 μg mL−1). Antibacterial activity showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the foam fractionated extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Group A Streptococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 1.38, 1.38, 0.69 and 5.50 mg mL−1, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that the foam fractionated extract exhibited better extraction yields and free radical scavenging activity than did the ultrasonic extract. Therefore, this fast and eco‐friendly method was established and could be a basis for the extraction and separation of other active constituents from herbal medicines. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The involvement of immune system in intervertebral disc herniation and degeneration
Authors: Ye Fubiao , Lyu Feng‐Juan , Wang Hua , Zheng Zhaomin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntervertebral disc (IVD) herniation and degeneration contributes significantly to low back pain (LBP), of which the molecular pathogenesis is not fully understood. Disc herniation may cause LBP and radicular pain, but not all LBP patients have disc herniation. Degenerated discs could be the source of pain, but not all degenerated discs are symptomatic. We previously found that disc degeneration and herniation accompanied by inflammation. We further found that anti‐inflammatory molecules blocked immune responses, alleviated IVD degeneration and pain. Based on our recent findings and the work of others, we hypothesize that immune system may play a prominent role in the production of disc herniation or disc degeneration associated pain. While the nucleus pulposus (NP) is an immune‐privileged organ, the damage of the physical barrier between NP and systemic circulation, or the innervation and vascularization of the degenerated NP, on one hand exposes NP as a foreign antigen to immune system, and on the other hand presents compression on the nerve root or dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which both elicit immune responses induced by immune cells and their mediators. The inflammation can remain for a long time at remote distance, with various types of cytokines and immune cells involved in this pain‐inducing process. In this review, we aim to revisit the autoimmunity of the NP, immune cell infiltration after break of physical barrier, the inflammatory activities in the DRG and the generation of pain. We also summarize the involvement of immune system, including immune cells and cytokines, in degenerated or herniated IVDs and affected DRG.