bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the recovery of human-edible nutrients in milk and nitrogen efficiency throughout the lactation cycle by feeding fatty acid supplements
Authors: de Souza Jonas , Batistel Fernanda , Santos Flávio Augusto Portela
Published: June 2023

Dairy cows convert low-quality feedstuffs unsuitable for human consumption into milk, a high-quality protein source for humans. Even under grazing conditions of well-managed pastures, dietary energy limits the efficiency of animal production, contributing to the excretion of nutrients to the environment. Thus, our study aimed to assess the effect of supplying sources and levels of supplemental fat to grazing dairy cows during early lactation on nutrient excretion and recovery of human-edible (HE) nutrients in milk throughout the lactation cycle. Two experiments were conducted with grazing Jersey × Holstein dairy cows. In Experiment 1, five dairy cows were used in a 5 × 5 Latin Square design. Treatments were a control diet (concentrate without supplemental fat) or diets supplemented with calcium salts of either soybean fatty acids (CSSO) or palm fatty acids (CSPO) fed at two levels of supplementation (400 g/day or 700 g/day) for 24 days. In general, the level of supplemental fat had a minor effect on production parameters and methane emission and intensity. Feeding cows with CSPO increased milk yield by 8.1%, milk energy output by 20%, and milk fat yield by 35.2% compared with CSSO. A tendency was observed for CSPO to decrease methane per unit of milk energy compared with CSSO. In experiment 2, 24 dairy cows were used in a randomized block design. Treatments were a control diet or diets supplemented with calcium salts of either CSSO or CSPO fed at 400 g/day for 13 weeks. The carryover effect of the diets was evaluated until 42 weeks of lactation. During the supplementation period, feeding CSPO improved the recovery of HE energy, protein, and indispensable amino acids compared with control and CSSO. Interestingly, we demonstrated that feeding CSPO improved the recovery of HE energy, protein, and indispensable amino acids compared with control over the lactation cycle. Overall, our results suggested that the dose of supplemental fat used in our study had a minor influence on production and rumen fermentation parameters. We demonstrated that feeding dairy cows with a fatty acid source based on palm oil under tropical grazing conditions reduced nutrient excretion and improved the recovery of HE nutrients throughout the lactation cycle.
Neurosurgery training in Nepal: then and now
Authors: Chaurasia Bipin , Raut Rupesh , Chaurasia Raushan , Thapa Amit
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Neurosurgery training lacks uniformity across the world. Differences in the methods of training adopted during the training period is one of the major problems encountered in the field of neurosurgery all over the world. Moreover, neurosurgery is not “one neurosurgery”; in other words, it is not a unified whole.

Material and methods

In this study, we attempt to evaluate the present conditions of neurosurgery training in Nepal by exploring different institutions providing the training.

Results

Due to various factors and challenges, the neurosurgery training provided in Nepal varies in different institutions. Many travel abroad for training due to a lack of sufficient seats in training institutions.

Discussion and conclusions

Despite the challenges, the future is bright for neurosurgery training in Nepal. With continued investment in education and training, and the adoption of new technologies and techniques, it is likely that the field of neurosurgery will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the Nepali population.
Effects of tea residues-fermented feed on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, caecal microbiota, and ammonia emissions of laying hens
Authors: Chen Xianxin , Zhou Xinhong , Li Shiyi , Zhang Huaidan , Liu Zhenkun
Published: June 2023

This study was to assess the effects of tea residues-fermented feed (TR-fermented feed) on production performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity, caecal microbiota, and ammonia emissions of laying hens. A total of 1,296 Lohmann laying hens have randomly distributed four groups with six parallels and fed with diets TR-fermented feed at the rates of 0 (control), 1, 3, and 5%. The inclusion of 1% (TR)-fermented feed resulted in a significant increase in egg-laying rate and average egg weight of birds, and a reduction in the feed-to-egg ratio when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The addition of 1 and 3% of (TR)-fermented feed significantly improved the Haugh unit of eggs (p < 0.05). The eggshell thickness was observed to increase by almost one-fold upon the inclusion of 3 and 5% (TR)-fermented feed in the basal diet (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 3% (TR)-fermented feed significantly increased the content of methionine, tyrosine, proline, essential amino acids (EAA), alpha linoleic acid (C18:3n6), docosanoic acid (C22:0), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3), twenty-three carbonic acids (C23:0), ditetradecenoic acid (C24:1) and total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑ω-3 PUFA) in the eggs (p < 0.05). The addition of a certain amount of (TR)-fermented feed can enhance the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in chicken serum, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). The ammonia concentration in the hen house of laying hens in the treatment groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, the main phyla in the cecal bacterial community, were differentially abundant in each group, comprising greater than 55 and 33%, respectively. Collectively, this research indicates that (TR)-fermented feed supplementation improves the performance of laying hens and reduces ammonia emissions and can be used in industry-scale layer production.
Divergence and Convergence of the Public Health Leadership Competency Framework Against Others in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Feria Pablo , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Babich Suzanne , Rodríguez-Sánchez Daniela , Carreño Hernández Fredy Leonardo , Hernández Flórez Luis Jorge
Published: June 2023

Objective: The following scoping review is aimed at identifying leadership competency frameworks in Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) by analyzing the thematic scopes, target audiences, and methods involved. A further objective is to compare the frameworks against a standard framework.

Methods: The authors extracted the thematic scope and methods of each framework based on the original author’s formulations in each selected paper. The target audience was divided into three sections: UME, medical education, and beyond medical education. The frameworks were converged and diverged against the public health leadership competency framework.

Results: Thirty-three frameworks covering thematic scopes such as refugees and migrants were identified. The most common methods to develop leadership frameworks were reviews and interviews. The courses targeted multiple disciplines including medicine and nurses. The identified competency frameworks have not converged among important domains of leadership such as systems thinking, political leadership, leading change, and emotional intelligence.

Conclusion: There is a variety of frameworks that support leadership in UME. Nevertheless, they are not consistent in vital domains to face worldwide health challenges. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary leadership competency frameworks which address health challenges should be used in UME.
Helical TomoTherapy Total Lymphoid Irradiation and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Kidney Transplant Tolerance in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Kaufman Dixon B. , Forrest Lisa J. , Fechner John , Post Jennifer , Coonen Jennifer , Haynes Lynn D. , Haynes W. John , Christensen Neil , Zhong Weixiong , Little Christopher J. , D’Alessandro Anthony , Fernandez Luis , Brunner Kevin , Jensen Kent , Burlingham William J. , Hematti Peiman , Strober Samuel
Published: June 2023

Development of a post-transplant kidney transplant tolerance induction protocol involving a novel total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) conditioning method in a rhesus macaque model is described. We examined the feasibility of acheiving tolerance to MHC 1-haplotype matched kidney transplants by establishing a mixed chimeric state with infusion of donor hematopoietic cells (HC) using TomoTherapy TLI. The chimeric state was hypothesized to permit the elimination of all immunosuppressive (IS) medications while preserving allograft function long-term without development of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) or rejection. An experimental group of 11 renal transplant recipients received the tolerance induction protocol and outcomes were compared to a control group (n = 7) that received the same conditioning but without donor HC infusion. Development of mixed chimerism and operational tolerance was accomplished in two recipients in the experimental group. Both recipients were withdrawn from all IS and continued to maintain normal renal allograft function for 4 years without rejection or GVHD. None of the animals in the control group achieved tolerance when IS was eliminated. This novel experimental model demonstrated the feasibility for inducing of long-term operational tolerance when mixed chimerism is achieved using a TLI post-transplant conditioning protocol in 1-haplotype matched non-human primate recipients of combined kidney and HC transplantation.
Test Activities on Hybrid Rocket Engines: Combustion Analyses and Green Storable Oxidizers—A Short Review
Authors: Paravan Christian , Hashish Anwer , Santolini Valerio
Published: June 2023

Hybrid rocket engines (HREs) offer a low-cost, reliable, and environmentally friendly solution for both launch and in-space applications. Hybrid propellants have been identified as green thanks to their use of non-toxic, non-carcinogenic oxidizers. Of particular relevance are storable oxidizers, namely high-concentration (≥90 wt.%) hydrogen peroxide (HP, H2O2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). This work provides a survey of experimental activities based on H2O2 and N2O for hybrid rocket propulsion applications. Open literature data are completed with original thermochemical calculations to support the discussion.
IDDES Investigation of Rotor Blade Tip Vortices in Hovering State with Tip Slots
Authors: Shi Wenbo , Zhang Heng , Li Yuanxiang
Published: June 2023

The slots on a blade tip can effectively suppress the tip vortices by diffusing the core structure of a vortex and thus mitigate the adverse impacts of vortex interactions. In this paper, the effect of a slotted tip on vortex diffusion in the hovering state is investigated numerically by implementing the IDDES method using the fifth-order WENO scheme. The resulting wake flow field show that the number of secondary turbulent structures of so-called vortex worms near the slotted tip reduces significantly, indicating the weakening of vortex core rotation. It was found that the slotted tip reduced the peak value of velocity profiles in the vicinity of the vortex core by about 50%. The numerical result is close to the experimental conclusion. Correspondingly, the diameter of the vortex core is approximately doubled at each wake age relative to the baseline blade because the local flow passing through the slots will disintegrate the stable structure of the core region during the early stages of tip vortex generation. This promotes the turbulence mixture, resulting in the reduction in the vorticity value and rotating effect near the vortex core. Based on the overall results, the study of the slot parameters demonstrated that reducing the slot number or diameter will weaken the diffusing effect, causing a decrease in the flow rate.
Stress Characteristics and Structural Optimization of Spacecraft Multilayer Insulation Components
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Liu Yue , An Qi , Huang Shouqing , Li Fangyong
Published: June 2023

Multilayer insulation (MLI) components are important parts of spacecraft, in which thin films are the core elements. The film thicknesses are generally small, between 10 and 30 μm, to reduce the weight of the spacecraft. During the launch of a spacecraft, there is a rapid drop in the internal pressure, which causes the internal gas to flow out rapidly through the component. The resulting fluid force may cause film damage and failure, thereby directly affecting the normal operation of the spacecraft. Therefore, the mechanical characteristics of the thin films under rapid decompression conditions were investigated during this study. Considering the effects of the flow field stress distributions on the films during the rapid decompression, a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model for a component was first constructed. The results show that the stress is largest in the outlet film, which is the part of the overall structure most vulnerable to failure. Furthermore, the effects of the structural parameters of the component on the stresses in the different film layers were analyzed using the orthogonal experimental method. The results show that the film thickness had the largest influence, followed by the film hole diameter, the number of component layers, and finally the staggered hole distance. Finally, a structurally optimized design scheme for the component is proposed based on a parameter range analysis with respect to the maximum film stress. After optimization, the maximum stress of the thin film decreased by 97.6%. This research has practical engineering value for the structural design and optimization of MLI components.
Linear Contrails Detection, Tracking and Matching with Aircraft Using Geostationary Satellite and Air Traffic Data
Authors: Chevallier Rémi , Shapiro Marc , Engberg Zebediah , Soler Manuel , Delahaye Daniel
Published: June 2023

Climate impact models of the non-CO2 emissions of aviation are still subject to significant uncertainties. Condensation trails, or contrails, are one of these non-CO2 effects. In order to validate the contrail simulation models, a dataset of observations covering the entire lifetime of the contrails will be required, as well as the characteristics of the aircraft which produced them. This study carries on the work on contrail observation from geostationary satellite by proposing a new way to track contrails and identify the flight that produced it using geostationary satellite infrared images, weather data as well as air traffic data. It solves the tracking and the identification problem as one, each process leveraging information from the other to achieve a better overall result. This study is a new step towards a consistent contrail dataset that could be used to validate contrail models.
Rhizobia: A Promising Source of Plant Growth-Promoting Molecules and Their Non-Legume Interactions: Examining Applications and Mechanisms
Authors: Fahde Sara , Boughribil Said , Sijilmassi Badreddine , Amri Ahmed
Published: June 2023

For over a century, the scientific community has had a comprehensive understanding of how rhizobia can promote the growth of legumes by forming nitrogen fixing nodules. Despite this knowledge, the interaction of rhizobia with non-legumes has remained largely ignored as a subject of study until more recent decades. In the last few years, research has shown that rhizobia can also associate with non-legume roots, which ultimately leads to the stimulation of growth through diverse direct and indirect mechanisms. For example, rhizobia can enhance growth through phytohormones production, the improvement of plant nutrient uptake, such as the solubilization of precipitated phosphorus, the production of siderophores to address iron needs, and also the reduction of ethylene levels through the ACC deaminase enzyme to cope with drought stress. Additionally, rhizobia can improve, indirectly, non-legume growth through biocontrol of pathogens and the induction of systemic resistance in the host plant. It can also increase root adherence to soil by releasing exopolysaccharides, which regulate water and soil nutrient movement. The objective of this review is to assess and analyze the existing knowledge and information regarding the mechanisms through which rhizobia promote the growth of non-legumes. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of these findings, we aim to gain new insights into the development of Rhizobium/non-legume interactions.
Effect of Biosynthesized Nanoselenium on Controlling Tomato Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Daoush Asmaa Sh. M. , Hendawey Mohamed H. , Yaseen Rabaa , El-Nuby Ahmed S. M. , Bedair Tarek M. , Alwutayd Khairiah Mubarak , Al-Hoshani Nawal , Shaaban Ahmed , Bashir Anum , Li Lin
Published: June 2023

Tomato is a globally important fruit crop, which is easily susceptible to infection by plant-parasitic nematodes during growth. In this study, selenium nanoparticles were biosynthesized through the selenite reduction pathway in a wild-type Pseudomonas stutzeri BB19 and were characterized by uniform nanostructured needle-like forms with an average size of 95.2 nm. The nematicidal effect of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (BioSeNPs) at different concentrations (2, 6, and 10 ppm) during the pre- or post-infection of tomato root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, was assessed under greenhouse conditions. The BioSeNPs were applied as a foliar spray or a soil drench, compared to ethoprophos nematicide (100 mL/pot). The results showed that the ethoprophos nematicide significantly reduced the number of galls, egg mass, and eggs/egg mass of M. incognita by 94.2, 92.8, and 49.8%, respectively. BioSeNPs, as foliar sprays, significantly reduced the number of galls in post-treated infected tomato plants at 10 ppm and in pre-treated infected tomato plants at 2 ppm by 91.9 and 91.4%, respectively. Concerning the egg mass, BioSeNPs significantly reduced it in pre-treated infected tomato plants at 2 ppm as a foliar spray by 90.9%. Moreover, BioSeNPs significantly reduced the eggs/egg mass in pre-treated infected tomato plants at 2 ppm as a soil drench by 43.3%. On the other hand, the BioSeNPs considerably improved tomato growth, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid content, and enzymes (i.e., catalase and peroxidase) activity compared to untreated infected tomato plants (negative control). Hence, the BioSeNPs show a significant application potential as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent for RKN management in tomato plants.
Estimating Drought-Induced Crop Yield Losses at the Cadastral Area Level in the Czech Republic
Authors: Meitner Jan , Balek Jan , Bláhová Monika , Semerádová Daniela , Hlavinka Petr , Lukas Vojtěch , Jurečka František , Žalud Zdeněk , Klem Karel , Anderson Martha C. , Dorigo Wouter , Fischer Milan , Trnka Miroslav
Published: June 2023

In the Czech Republic, soil moisture content during the growing season has been decreasing over the past six decades, and drought events have become significantly more frequent. In 2003, 2015, 2018 and 2019, drought affected almost the entire country, with droughts in 2000, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014 and 2017 having smaller extents but still severe intensities in some regions. The current methods of visiting cadastral areas (approximately 13,000) to allocate compensation funds for the crop yield losses caused by drought or aggregating the losses to district areas (approximately 1000 km2) based on proxy data are both inappropriate. The former due to the required time and resources, the later due to low resolution, which leads to many falsely negative and falsely positive results. Therefore, the study presents a new method to combine ground survey, remotely sensed and model data for determining crop yield losses. The study shows that it is possible to estimate them at the cadastral area level in the Czech Republic and attribute those losses to drought. This can be done with remotely sensed vegetation, water stress and soil moisture conditions with modeled soil moisture anomalies coupled with near-real-time feedback from reporters and with crop status surveys. The newly developed approach allowed the achievement of a proportion of falsely positive errors of less than 10% (e.g., oat 2%, 8%; spring barley 4%, 3%; sugar beets 2%, 21%; and winter wheat 2%, 6% in years 2017, resp. 2018) and allowed for cutting the loss assessment time from eight months in 2017 to eight weeks in 2018.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Apple Snails (Ampullariidae)
Authors: Yao Fucheng , Chen Yingtong , Liu Jimin , Qin Zhong , Shi Zhaoji , Chen Qi , Zhang Jiaen
Published: June 2023

Apple snails (ASs), the freshwater snails of the family Ampullariidae, are widely spread in tropical and subtropical regions. Owing to their strong invasiveness and harmful effects on agricultural production and ecosystems, they have attracted considerable attention. However, less research has been conducted on the whole picture of the current research status and development trends in the ASs field. For this purpose, we conducted a bibliometric analysis based on a total of 1028 publications regarding ASs published between 1900 and 2021 using VOSviewer 1.6.18 and CiteSpace 6.1.R3 software. The results suggest that ASs research has received increasing attention in recent years. The most productive country has been the USA, while the institution with the most publications was Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas Conicet. “Zoology” was the category of the most popular subject, Journal of Molluscan Studies was the primary journal, and P.R. Martin was the most outstanding author in ASs field. Invasive alien species, alarm response, copper (Cu) exposure, taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis, Angiostrongylus cantonensis (parasite), control (including molluscicidal activity), growth and reproduction, and feeding preferences were the main research hotspots. Further, “Pomacea maculata”, “Evolution”, “Biology”, “Digestive gland”, “Phylogeny”, “Identification”, “Pomacea canaliculata caenogastropoda”, “Diversity”, and “Nonnative apple snail” have been emerging active topics in recent years. These findings can help researchers in this area to better understand the direction and advances of ASs research and are valuable for future research and agricultural practice of apple snail control.
Morphophysiological and Biochemical Responses of Zea mays L. under Cadmium and Drought Stresses Integrated with Fungal and Bacterial Inoculation
Authors: Kavian Saba , Zarei Mehdi , Niazi Ali , Ghasemi-Fasaei Reza , Shahriari Amir Ghaffar , Janda Tibor
Published: June 2023

Cadmium and drought stress are the most destructive of the abiotic stresses with negative effects on both metabolism and photosynthesis. The present experiment aimed to analyze the impact of inoculation with Bacillus paralicheniformis and Trichoderma asperellum on the growth and antioxidant response modulation of maize (Zea mays L.), under drought and Cadmium (Cd) stresses. Regarding plant biomass analysis, fungi inoculation increased leaf dry biomass significantly (11.92%) towards uninoculated ones. The leaf area was affected significantly by bacterial application, 12.15% more than the control. A significant trend (drought+ Cd stress) was observed between fungi-inoculated maize leaves (15.07 µmol/g FW) and bacterial-inoculated leaves (18.71 µmol/g FW) regarding the malondialdehyde quantity. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase were notably higher (9.63–40.88%) in microorganism-inoculated roots. Similarly, under drought + Cd stress, peroxidase demonstrated a higher activity under bacterial inoculation than fungal ones (92.11% more). The maximum translocation factor was observed in the uninoculated group (under Cd stress), while the bioconcentration factor under drought stress showed a significant increase by microorganisms. The maximum relative water content under bacterial inoculation (82.66%) was achieved. The fungi and bacterial inoculation minimized Cd accumulation in the leaf significantly under drought and drought + Cd stress. Generally, the microorganism inoculation positively and partially maintained the plant’s performance, despite the presence of drought and Cd stress.
An Exploratory Data Analysis from Ovine and Bovine RNA-Seq Identifies Pathways and Key Genes Related to Cervical Dilatation
Authors: Gonçalves Joedson Dantas , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Meirelles Flávio Vieira , Nociti Ricardo Perecin , Oliveira Maria Emilia Franco
Published: June 2023

The present study developed a review and exploration of data in public and already validated repositories. The main objective was to identify the pathways involved in ruminants’ cervical dilatation, which are conserved between cattle and sheep in the follicular and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle. In cattle, 1961 genes were more differentially expressed in the follicular phase and 1560 in the luteal phase. An amount of 24 genes were considered exclusively expressed from these. A total of 18 genes were in the follicular phase and 6 genes were in the luteal phase. In sheep, 2126 genes were more differentially expressed in the follicular phase and 2469 genes were more differentially expressed in the luteal phase. Hoxb genes were identified in both species and are correlated with the PI3K/Akt pathway. PI3K/Akt was also found in both cattle and sheep, appearing prominently in the follicular and luteal phases of both species. Our analyses have pointed out that the PI3K/Akt pathway and the Hoxb genes appear in prominence in modulating mechanisms that involve estrus alterations in the cervix. PI3K/Akt appears to be an important pathway in the cervical relaxation process.
Mechanistic Understanding of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity Using Co-Cultures of Hepatocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Villanueva-Badenas Estela , Donato M. Teresa , Tolosa Laia
Published: June 2023

Hepatotoxicity or drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major safety issue in drug development as a primary reason for drug failure in clinical trials and the main cause for post-marketing regulatory measures like drug withdrawal. Idiosyncratic DILI (iDILI) is a patient-specific, multifactorial, and multicellular process that cannot be recapitulated in current in vitro models; thus, our major goal is to develop and fully characterize a co-culture system and to evaluate its suitability for predicting iDILI. For this purpose, we used human hepatoma HepG2 cells and macrophages differentiated from a monocyte cell line (THP-1) and established the appropriate co-culture conditions for mimicking an inflammatory environment. Then, mono-cultures and co-cultures were treated with model iDILI compounds (trovafloxacin, troglitazone) and their parent non-iDILI compounds (levofloxacin, rosiglitazone), and the effects on viability and the mechanisms implicated (i.e., oxidative stress induction) were analyzed. Our results show that co-culture systems including hepatocytes (HepG2) and other cell types (THP-1-derived macrophages) help to enhance the mechanistic understanding of iDILI, providing better hepatotoxicity predictions.
Digital Design of Laser-Sintered Metal-Printed Dento-Alveolar Anchorage Supporting Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Yordanova Greta , Chalyovski Milen , Gurgurova Gergana , Georgieva Mirela
Published: June 2023

In interceptive treatments in which impacted teeth (incisor or first permanent molar) should be included into the dental arch, the main clinical problem is the provision of an anchorage area and a suitable appliance. The use of a laser-sintered metal orthodontic printed dento-alveolar anchorage (PDaA), designed and printed digitally, has expanded the boundaries of orthodontic treatment, especially in its interceptive phase. Our aim is to describe a laser-sintered metal appliance to provide anchorage during orthodontic surgical traction of impacted teeth in the mixed dentition period. The presented clinical cases were treated with digitally projected and printed metal PDaA. In the described clinical cases, individually designed anchorage systems were used. They were created through design software and, after that, the metal appliances were printed. The devices were placed in the oral area and did not disturb the aesthetics of the patient. The advantages of individual designed metal PDaA allow the accommodation of the morphology of the hard palate and alveolar bone. This makes the PDaA comfortable for the patient and rigid enough to perform orthodontic traction at the same time. The PDaA is applicable in mixed dentition and, in complicated clinical cases, in permanent dentition. Their individuality allows for segmental treatments or treatments in cases requiring additional anchorage further away from the active force.
Pan-Cancer Classification of Gene Expression Data Based on Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Cava Claudia , Salvatore Christian , Castiglioni Isabella
Published: June 2023

Although precision classification is a vital issue for therapy, cancer diagnosis has been shown to have serious constraints. In this paper, we proposed a deep learning model based on gene expression data to perform a pan-cancer classification on 16 cancer types. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to decrease data dimensionality before building a neural network model for pan-cancer prediction. The performance of accuracy was monitored and optimized using the Adam algorithm. We compared the results of the model with a random forest classifier and XGBoost. The results show that the neural network model and random forest achieve high and similar classification performance (neural network mean accuracy: 0.84; random forest mean accuracy: 0.86; XGBoost mean accuracy: 0.90). Thus, we suggest future studies of neural network, random forest and XGBoost models for the detection of cancer in order to identify early treatment approaches to enhance cancer survival.
Effective Use of Flax Biomass in Biorefining Processes
Authors: Batog Jolanta , Wawro Aleksandra , Gieparda Weronika , Bujnowicz Krzysztof , Foksowicz-Flaczyk Joanna , Rojewski Szymon , Chudy Magdalena , Praczyk Marcin
Published: June 2023

Flax is one of the few plants that are entirely a source of raw materials for further production. Promising directions for the use of flax biomass may be the production of bioenergy in the form of 2G biofuels and the production of “green” composites. The aim of the study is to compare the biomass of fiber flax, linseed and dual-purpose varieties of cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) susceptibility to the biorefining processes. In the first stage of the research, based on the results of yield structure features and biometric measurements of plants, the most optimal flax line was selected for the fiber flax, linseed and dual purpose. Next, the forms of flax were pretreated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the chemical composition was determined and SEM images were taken. The obtaining of bioethanol process SFF (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation) was carried out. In addition, biodegradable polymers were modified with flax biomass, shapes were prepared, and the rheological and mechanical properties, as well as microbiological activity of biocomposites, were determined. The highest concentration of ethanol (8.72 g·L−1) and the greatest susceptibility to mold fungi of the biocomposites were obtained for the fiber flax variety PET 16/20.
Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with a Hamstring Tendon Autograft Predispose to a Knee Valgus Alignment on Initial Contact during Landing? A Drop Vertical Jump Movement Analysis
Authors: Andrade Daniel , Fonseca Pedro , Sousa Filipa , Gutierres Manuel
Published: June 2023

The mechanism most correlated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is the simultaneous valgus and external rotation of the knee. This study investigated if ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft predisposes to “knee-in & toe-out” compared to ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft and to healthy individuals during a drop vertical jump. A three-dimensional markerless motion capture was used to conduct a case control study, collecting data from 11 healthy participants and 14 participants who underwent ACL reconstruction, 8 with a hamstring tendon autograft and 6 with a patellar tendon autograft, while performing a bilateral drop vertical jump. Joint kinematic variables such as angular positions, moments and velocities were obtained by processing video recordings with the Theia Markerless system and Visual3D. Differences between groups were calculated using the independent Sample T-test and One-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc adjustments. No significant differences were found at the peak knee valgus for the maximum valgus (mean difference (md): −2.14 ± 1.57 deg, t (23): 0.171, p = 0.187, d = 0.548), rotation (md: 1.04 ± 1.97°, t (23): 0.001, p = 0.601, d = 0.214) and flexion (md: −10.29 ± 11.82°, t (23): 0.917, p = 0.393, d = 0.351) of the knee, when comparing healthy participants with those who underwent ACL reconstruction. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher in the healthy group when compared to the ACL reconstruction group (md: 20.11 ± 6.29 N/kg, t (23): 1.264, p = 0.049, d = 0.836). The knee extension angular moment and angular velocity were significantly higher for the healthy participants, when compared to participants who underwent ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft (md: 0.65 ± 0.18 Nm/kg, F (2.22): 7.090, p = 0.004, d = 0.804; md: −111.51 ± 38.31°/s, F (2.22): 4.431, p = 0.024, d = 1.000, respectively). ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft does not increase the risk of a valgus knee alignment movement on initial contact during landing. Differences found in various parameters may justify the evaluation of the quality movement with a motion capture system while performing the drop vertical jump for the creation of specialized rehabilitation programs.
A Novel Approach for Gut Ecosystem Resilience: Evaluating Lacti-plantibacillus plantarum-12INH as a Promising Natural Antibacterial Agent
Authors: Hanidah In-In , Kamal Ghea Raihan , Nurhadi Bambang , Lani Mohd Nizam , Andriyono Sapto , Moody Sumanti Debby , Harlina Putri Widyanti
Published: June 2023

A healthy colon aids in the body’s absorption of nutrients from food and the development of the immune system, which in turn helps the neurological system and hormones to function normally. The presence of natural antibacterial agents in the digestive tract can activate the human immune system. Antibiotic resistance can develop in the body, and probiotic bacteria in the digestive system can decline as a result of incorrect antibiotic use, which can also limit the creation of lactic acid and bacteriocins. Our research’s aim was to identify local Indonesian probiotic bacteria isolated from breast milk and to evaluate the efficacy of the bacteriocin generated. The findings revealed that the isolated probiotic bacterium was Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-12INH, which differed from species listed in the NCBI in terms of its Gram-positive cell size, resistance to high temperatures (30, 37, and 45 °C), low pH tolerance (2, 3, and 4), and tolerance to 0.3% bile salts. In addition, it is capable of producing bacteriocins with an inhibition zone against E. coli ATCC 25922 bacterial pathogens of 12.48 mm similar to amoxicillin and tetracycline antibiotics, pH 2–10, and stability at high temperatures (40, 60, 80, 100, and 121 °C). Future applications for L. plantarum-12INH in processed food products include balancing colonic microbiota, repairing the colon wall, and promoting immune system development.
Neutronic Activity for Development of the Promising Alternative Water-Cooled DEMO Concepts
Authors: Pereslavtsev Pavel , Hernández Francisco Alberto , Moscato Ivo , Park Jin Hun
Published: June 2023

An emerging breeding blanket that fulfills performance criteria, meets the safety requirements, and is reliable enough to meet the plant availability is a challenging issue that assumes complex studies involving numerous neutronic analyses based on the Monte Carlo simulations with MCNP code. Two different concepts are now candidates to be implemented as a driver blanket for DEMO fusion reactor: WCLL (Water-Cooled Lithium Lead) and HCPB (Helium-Cooled Pebble Bed). The current R&D work within the EUROfusion DEMO project is concentrated on a search for the new water-cooled blanket layouts: a deep upgrade of the WCLL blanket to ensure a sufficient tritium breeding capability and an elaboration of the hybrid concept coupling technological advantages of water coolant, lead neutron multiplier, and ceramic breeder. To this end, very detailed, fully heterogeneous MCNP geometry models were developed for the newest designs of the WCLL-db (WCLL-double bundle) and WLCB (Water-cooled liquid Lead Ceramic Breeder) DEMO blankets to verify the new engineering solutions. This makes rigorous calculations possible to find an optimal breeder blanket layout. The basic response, tritium breeding ratio (TBR), was assessed for both concepts, and it appeared to be TBR = 1.16 for the WCLL-db and TBR ≤ 1.13 for the WLCB DEMOs, respectively. Several geometry layouts of the WLCB breeder blanket were investigated to reach the TBR sufficient for a sustainable tritium fuel cycle. Two promising novel solutions were suggested to enhance the tritium breeding performance of the WLCB blanket and to achieve TBR ≥ 1.16: heavy water coolant and an advanced breeder ceramic. Various nuclear safety aspects of the technologies utilized in both blanket concepts are addressed in this work to facilitate engineering decisions aimed at the consolidated blanket design for the upcoming DEMO reactor.
Resilient Formation Reconfiguration for Leader–Follower Multi-UAVs
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Zhang Guangling , Yang Ruohan , Feng Zhichao , He Wei
Published: June 2023

Among existing studies on formation reconfiguration for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (multi-UAVs), the majority are conducted on the assumption that the swarm scale is stationary. In fact, because of emergencies, such as communication malfunctions, physical destruction, and mission alteration, the scale of the multi-UAVs can fluctuate. In these cases, the achievements of formation reconfiguration for fixed-scale multi-UAVs are no longer applicable. As such, in this article, the formation reconfiguration problem of leader–follower multi-UAVs is investigated with a variable swarm scale taken into consideration. First, a streamlined topological structure is designed on the basis of the parity of the vertex numbers. Then, three formation reconfiguration strategies corresponding to the scenarios covering leader disengagement, follower detachment, and new member additions are developed with the aim of reducing the frequency of connection changes. Moreover, in terms of the leader election link of the leader disengagement scenario, a knowledge-based performance assessment model for UAVs is constructed with the help of the hierarchical belief rule base (BRB). Finally, the proposed formation reconfiguration strategies for leader disengagement, new member addition, and follower disengagement are demonstrated through simulations. The connection retention rate (CRR) for swarm communication topology under the three formation reconfiguration strategies can reach 67%, 90%, and 100%, respectively.
Assessment of Carbonaceous Aerosol Properties across an Urban Environment during the Cold Season
Authors: Pauraite Julija , Dudoitis Vadimas , Byčenkienė Steigvilė
Published: June 2023

For air quality management it is becoming increasingly important to be able to assess the quantity and properties of biomass-burning-related aerosol. Due to different chemical compositions and morphologies, black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) demonstrate diverse optical properties as well as an impact on air quality. In this study, we analyzed the chemical composition and light-absorbing properties of carbonaceous aerosol at an urban background station during the residential heating season. In addition, BC and BrC levels were assessed in six different areas in the city characterized by different predominant domestic heating systems. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) and BrC attribution analysis revealed that BrC mainly consisted of biomass-burning-related organic aerosol (BBOA) (up to 95%). The mass absorption cross-section at 370 nm for BBOA factors varied between 1.41 m2g−1 and 2.63 m2g−1. The study of six different areas in the city showed that the input of BrC to the total light absorption coefficient within the city varied between 33% and 70%. In addition, the worst air quality was present in areas with numerous old wooden houses with outdated heating systems where significantly increased BC and BrC levels were observed.
Cut-Free Gentzen Sequent Calculi for Tense Logics
Authors: Lin Zhe , Ma Minghui
Published: June 2023

The cut-free single-succedent Gentzen sequent calculus GKt for the minimal tense logic Kt is introduced. This sequent calculus satisfies the displaying property. The proof proceeds in terms of a Kolmogorov translation and three intermediate sequent systems. Finally, we show that tense logics axiomatized by strictly positive implication have cut-free Gentzen sequent calculi uniformly.
Matrix Approaches for Gould–Hopper–Laguerre–Sheffer Matrix Polynomial Identities
Authors: Nahid Tabinda , Alam Parvez , Choi Junesang
Published: June 2023

The Gould–Hopper–Laguerre–Sheffer matrix polynomials were initially studied using operational methods, but in this paper, we investigate them using matrix techniques. By leveraging properties of Pascal functionals and Wronskian matrices, we derive several identities for these polynomials, including recurrence relations. It is highlighted that these identities, acquired via matrix techniques, are distinct from the ones obtained when using operational methods.
Laplacian Split-BREAK Process with Application in Dynamic Analysis of the World Oil and Gas Market
Authors: Stojanović Vladica S. , Bakouch Hassan S. , Ljajko Eugen , Božović Ivan
Published: June 2023

This manuscript deals with a novel, nonlinear, and non-stationary stochastic model with symmetric, Laplacian distributed innovations. The obtained model, named Laplacian Split-BREAK (LSB) process, is intended for dynamic analysis of time series with pronounced and permanent fluctuations. By using the method of characteristic functions (CFs), the basic stochastic properties of the LSB process are proven, with a special emphasis on its asymptotic behaviour. The different procedures for estimating its parameters are also given, along with numerical simulations of the obtained estimators. Finally, it has been shown that the LSB process, as an adequate stochastic model, can be applied in the analysis of dynamics in the world market of crude oil and natural gas.
Li-Ion Cell Safety Monitoring Using Mechanical Parameters, Part 3: Battery Behaviour during Abusive Overcharge
Authors: Kirchev Angel , Guillet Nicolas , Lonardoni Loic , Dumenil Sebastien
Published: June 2023

The electrochemical and mechanical behaviour of 18,650 Li-ion cells subjected to abusive overcharge has been studied in constant current and constant voltage mode. The results from the cell deformation monitoring via a rectangular rosette strain gauges indicate an over-swelling process starting shortly after the cell voltage increases above 4.2 V. The acoustic ultrasound interrogation measurement and data treatment using clustering and mapping software, carried out in parallel, showed an abnormal evolution of the signals’ power density spectral patterns, suggesting changes in the structure of the cell jellyroll induced by the overcharge reactions. The increase in cell skin temperature due to the overcharge process starts considerably later. The results suggest that the monitoring of the mechanical behaviour of cylindrical-format Li-ion cells can be used for the detection and alerting of early overcharge safety events.
Deep Learning Techniques with Genomic Data in Cancer Prognosis: A Comprehensive Review of the 2021–2023 Literature
Authors: Lee Minhyeok
Published: June 2023

Deep learning has brought about a significant transformation in machine learning, leading to an array of novel methodologies and consequently broadening its influence. The application of deep learning in various sectors, especially biomedical data analysis, has initiated a period filled with noteworthy scientific developments. This trend has majorly influenced cancer prognosis, where the interpretation of genomic data for survival analysis has become a central research focus. The capacity of deep learning to decode intricate patterns embedded within high-dimensional genomic data has provoked a paradigm shift in our understanding of cancer survival. Given the swift progression in this field, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review that focuses on the most influential studies from 2021 to 2023. This review, through its careful selection and thorough exploration of dominant trends and methodologies, strives to fulfill this need. The paper aims to enhance our existing understanding of applications of deep learning in cancer survival analysis, while also highlighting promising directions for future research. This paper undertakes aims to enrich our existing grasp of the application of deep learning in cancer survival analysis, while concurrently shedding light on promising directions for future research in this vibrant and rapidly proliferating field.
The Outstanding Chemodiversity of Marine-Derived Talaromyces
Authors: Nicoletti Rosario , Bellavita Rosa , Falanga Annarita
Published: June 2023

Fungi in the genus Talaromyces occur in every environment in both terrestrial and marine contexts, where they have been quite frequently found in association with plants and animals. The relationships of symbiotic fungi with their hosts are often mediated by bioactive secondary metabolites, and Talaromyces species represent a prolific source of these compounds. This review highlights the biosynthetic potential of marine-derived Talaromyces strains, using accounts from the literature published since 2016. Over 500 secondary metabolites were extracted from axenic cultures of these isolates and about 45% of them were identified as new products, representing a various assortment of chemical classes such as alkaloids, meroterpenoids, isocoumarins, anthraquinones, xanthones, phenalenones, benzofurans, azaphilones, and other polyketides. This impressive chemodiversity and the broad range of biological properties that have been disclosed in preliminary assays qualify these fungi as a valuable source of products to be exploited for manifold biotechnological applications.
Trigeminal Function in Sino-Nasal Health and Disease
Authors: Shusterman Dennis
Published: June 2023

The upper airway (nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and glottis) provides the sentinel portion of the human respiratory tract, with the combined senses of olfaction (cranial nerve I) and trigeminal sensation (cranial nerve V) signaling the quality of inspired air. Trigeminal function also complements the sense of taste (in turn mediated by cranial nerves VII, IX and X), and participates in the genesis of taste aversions. The ability of trigeminal stimulation in the upper aero-digestive tract to trigger a variety of respiratory and behavioral reflexes has long been recognized. In this context, the last three decades has seen a proliferation of observations at a molecular level regarding the mechanisms of olfaction, irritation, and gustation. Concurrently, an ever-widening network of physiological interactions between olfaction, taste, and trigeminal function has been uncovered. The objective of this review is to summarize the relatively recent expansion of research in this sub-field of sensory science, and to explore the clinical and therapeutic implications thereof.