bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEO Satellite Navigation Based on Optical Measurements of a Cooperative Constellation
Authors: Chen Pei , Mao Xuejian , Chen Siyu
Published: May 2023

Autonomous, anti-jamming, and high-precision satellite navigation are of great importance to current and future space technologies. This paper proposes a cooperative constellation navigation system for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that use only the optical measurements of cooperative satellites. Based on photometry, an optical transmission link model of the system is built. With the pixel coordinates of the cooperative satellites on the optical images, the line of sight (LoS) vectors of the cooperative satellites with respect to the LEO spacecraft are first calculated, and a single-point positioning method based on the LoS vectors’ inner products is proposed. The single-point positioning results are then fed into a least square batch filter to estimate a high-precision spacecraft orbit. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the potential navigation accuracy. With a cooperative satellite ephemeris error of 100 m and an optical measurement noise level of 5 arcsecs, position accuracies of single-point positioning and dynamic orbit determination in the order of hundreds of meters and eight meters, respectively, are realized. In addition, the influences of the orbital altitude of the cooperative constellation, the ephemeris error of the cooperative satellite, the noise level of the optical measurements, and the Earth’s gravitational model on navigation accuracy are investigated via comparative simulations.
The Histopathological Characteristic of Gastric Carcinoma in the Belgian Tervueren and Groenendael Dog: A Comparison of Two Classification Methods
Authors: Kijan Christina , Hugen Sanne , Thomas Rachel E. , Oberbauer Anita M. , Leegwater Peter A. J. , Fieten Hille , German Alexander J. , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: May 2023

Gastric carcinoma is generally considered to be a rare disease in dogs, carrying a grave prognosis. However, in the Tervueren and Groenendael varieties of the Belgian Shepherd dog breed, the disease is highly prevalent. While histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosing gastric carcinoma, there is no general consensus on the methods for histological classification in these cases. Biopsies of a group of 61 dogs with confirmed gastric carcinoma (45 Tervueren and 16 Groenendael) were examined and classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) and Laurén classifications. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare survival between the different subtypes and simple and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the association between age of onset and breed variant, sex, neuter status, location of the tumour, inflammation score, and Laurén and WHO classifications. Mean age at diagnosis was significantly different in Groenendael (10.1 ± 2.01) and Tervueren dogs (8.5 ± 1.90). The Laurén classification resulted in 29 (48%) diffuse- and 32 (52%) intestinal-type tumours. Applying the WHO classification resulted in 30 (49%) tubular carcinoma growth patterns and 31 (51%) others. Median survival time was significantly reduced for the diffuse type as compared to the intestinal type according to the Laurén classification, with the same median survival time results for tubular compared to non-tubular subtypes according to the WHO classification (median survival time of 61 vs. 182 days, respectively). Using the WHO and Lauren classification on tumour biopsies may help the practising clinician in the prognostication of gastric carcinoma in Tervueren and Groenendael dogs.
Ovarian and Energy Status in Lame Dairy Cows at Puerperium and Their Responsiveness in Protocols for the Synchronization of Ovulation
Authors: Praxitelous Anastasia , Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Tsaousioti Angeliki , Brozos Christos , Theodosiadou Ekaterini K. , Boscos Constantin M. , Tsousis Georgios
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the ovarian and energy status of multiparous lame dairy cows at the end of puerperium and investigate their responsiveness to estrous synchronization treatment regimens. Initial lameness scoring was performed at 28 ± 5 and 37 ± 5 d post partum, followed by lesion documentation and treatment. Cows were blocked by lameness severity and were randomly allocated to an estrous synchronization treatment regimen with seven days of progesterone supplementation (group LP, n = 26) or with an administration of PGF2α twice, 14 d apart (group LC, n = 26). Non-lame cows served as controls (group C, n = 27) and the same treatment regimen was imposed as that for group LC. Twelve days after estrous presynchronization, an Ovsynch treatment regimen and timed AI were imposed. Ultrasonography of the ovaries and blood sampling for progesterone were used to assess cyclicity status, whereas β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were used to assess energy status. Lame cows were to a greater proportion non-cycling (36.5% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.02), had greater overall NEFA concentrations (0.32 ± 0.02 vs. 0.26 ± 0.02 mEq/L; p = 0.02) and a greater incidence of elevated NEFA concentrations (53.9% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.04) compared to control cows. However, no interaction between energy and lameness status was evident regarding non-cycling cows. The percentage of cows responding to the presynchronization, synchronization and ovulating did not differ between groups LP, LC, and C. The first-service conception rate (FSCR) tended to be greater for group C (37.0%) compared to group LP (16.0%; p = 0.08). Long-term reproductive performance did not differ between lame and control cows, although culling rates did (21.2% vs. 0%, respectivly; p = 0.01). The severity of lameness had an effect on culling rates (30.6% vs. 0% for cows with marked vs. moderate lameness; p = 0.01), whereas the type of lesion largely explained poor reproductive performance (FSCR 13.9% vs. 40.0% for cows with claw horn disruptions vs. infectious lesions; p = 0.04). Conclusively, cows that were lame during puerperium are at a greater risk of not cycling irrespective of energy status. Treatment regimens for the synchronization of ovulation seem to be efficient at resuming ovarian cyclicity. Marked lameness was detrimental to survivability, whereas cows with claw horn lesions had compromised reproductive capacity.
Effect of Essential Oil from Lippia origanoides on the Transcriptional Expression of Genes Related to Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Martínez Andrés , Stashenko Elena E. , Sáez Rodrigo Torres , Zafra German , Ortiz Claudia
Published: May 2023

Microbial infections resistant to conventional antibiotics constitute one of the most important causes of mortality in the world. In some bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens, biofilm formation can favor their antimicrobial resistance. These biofilm-forming bacteria produce a compact and protective matrix, allowing their adherence and colonization to different surfaces, and contributing to resistance, recurrence, and chronicity of the infections. Therefore, different therapeutic alternatives have been investigated to interrupt both cellular communication routes and biofilm formation. Among these, essential oils (EO) from Lippia origanoides thymol-carvacrol II chemotype (LOTC II) plants have demonstrated biological activity against different biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. In this work, we determined the effect of LOTC II EO on the expression of genes associated with quorum sensing (QS) communication, biofilm formation, and virulence of E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213. This EO was found to have high efficacy against biofilm formation, decreasing—by negative regulation—the expression of genes involved in motility (fimH), adherence and cellular aggregation (csgD), and exopolysaccharide production (pgaC) in E. coli. In addition, this effect was also determined in S. aureus where the L. origanoides EO diminished the expression of genes involved in QS communication (agrA), production of exopolysaccharides by PIA/PNG (icaA), synthesis of alpha hemolysin (hla), transcriptional regulators of the production of extracellular toxins (RNA III), QS and biofilm formation transcriptional regulators (sarA) and global regulators of biofilm formation (rbf and aur). Positive regulation was observed on the expression of genes encoding inhibitors of biofilm formation (e.g., sdiA and ariR). These findings suggest that LOTCII EO can affect biological pathways associated with QS communication, biofilm formation, and virulence of E. coli and S. aureus at subinhibitory concentrations and could be a promising candidate as a natural antibacterial alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Accuracy of Soft Tissue Prediction in Skeletal Type III Relationship Using a Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Surgical Simulation Planning Program
Authors: Chantaraaumporn Jiratha , Putongkam Pongstorn , Tangjit Nathaphon , Tantidhnazet Syrina , Raocharernporn Somchart
Published: May 2023

Using a computer-aided, three-dimensional surgical simulation planning program, soft-tissue planning can help achieve adequate facial esthetics and patient satisfaction after orthognathic surgery. This study aimed to assess the Simplant O&O software’s soft tissue prediction accuracy. Fourteen skeletal type III patients who underwent orthognathic surgery by the same surgeons were included in this prospective study, and they were separated into two groups: the one-jaw (n = 5) and two-jaw (n = 9) groups. The software was used to analyze the preoperative (T0) and 4-month postoperative computed tomography data (T1), as well as intraoral scans. Data from cone-beam computed tomography and stereolithography from a scanned dental cast were used to reconstruct a composite skull model. Based on the presurgical CT data, the program generated a predicted soft tissue image (TP), which was then superimposed on the T1. The distances between seven T1 and TP landmarks were measured and evaluated using a one-sample t-test. In the one-jaw group, the mean error for all linear measurements was 1.73 ± 1.14 mm, whereas the mean error of the two-jaw group was 1.03 ± 0.83 mm, and both measurements were within clinically acceptable limits. Pronasele had the best correlation (mean error of 0.63 ± 0.45 mm) while soft tissue pogonion and soft tissue point B had the worst correlations (mean error of 2.87 ± 2.22 mm and 1.31 ± 0.98 mm, respectively). Even though there were some limitations, it was possible to conclude that the ability to accurately predict soft tissue changes using Simplant O&O for skeletal type III patients makes it adequate for use in clinical practice.
Multivariate Relationship in Big Data Collection of Ocean Observing System
Authors: Pietropolli Gloria , Manzoni Luca , Cossarini Gianpiero
Published: May 2023

Observing the ocean provides us with essential information necessary to study and understand marine ecosystem dynamics, its evolution and the impact of human activities. However, observations are sparse, limited in time and space coverage, and unevenly collected among variables. Our work aims to develop an improved deep-learning technique for predicting relationships between high-frequency and low-frequency sampled variables. Specifically, we use a larger dataset, EMODnet, and train our model for predicting nutrient concentrations and carbonate system variables (low-frequency sampled variables) starting from information such as sampling time and geolocation, temperature, salinity and oxygen (high-frequency sampled variables). Novel elements of our application include (i) the calculation of a confidence interval for prediction based on deep ensembles of neural networks, and (ii) a two-step analysis for the quality check of the input data. The proposed method proves capable of predicting the desired variables with relatively small errors, outperforming the results obtained by the current state-of-the-art models.
Multi-Terminal Nonwoven Stochastic Memristive Devices Based on Polyamide-6 and Polyaniline for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Prudnikov Nikita , Malakhov Sergey , Kulagin Vsevolod , Emelyanov Andrey , Chvalun Sergey , Demin Vyacheslav , Erokhin Victor
Published: May 2023

Reservoir computing systems are promising for application in bio-inspired neuromorphic networks as they allow the considerable reduction of training energy and time costs as well as an overall system complexity. Conductive three-dimensional structures with the ability of reversible resistive switching are intensively developed to be applied in such systems. Nonwoven conductive materials, due to their stochasticity, flexibility and possibility of large-scale production, seem promising for this task. In this work, fabrication of a conductive 3D material by polyaniline synthesis on a polyamide-6 nonwoven matrix was shown. An organic stochastic device with a prospective to be used in reservoir computing systems with multiple inputs was created based on this material. The device demonstrates different responses (output current) when different combinations of voltage pulses are applied to the inputs. The approach is tested in handwritten digit image classification task in simulation with the overall accuracy exceeding 96%. This approach is beneficial for processing multiple data flows within a single reservoir device.
Hippocampus Parcellation via Discriminative Embedded Clustering of fMRI Functional Connectivity
Authors: Peng Limin , Hou Chenping , Su Jianpo , Shen Hui , Wang Lubin , Hu Dewen , Zeng Ling-Li
Published: May 2023

Dividing a pre-defined brain region into several heterogenous subregions is crucial for understanding its functional segregation and integration. Due to the high dimensionality of brain functional features, clustering is often postponed until dimensionality reduction in traditional parcellation frameworks occurs. However, under such stepwise parcellation, it is very easy to fall into the dilemma of local optimum since dimensionality reduction could not take into account the requirement of clustering. In this study, we developed a new parcellation framework based on the discriminative embedded clustering (DEC), combining subspace learning and clustering in a common procedure with alternative minimization adopted to approach global optimum. We tested the proposed framework in functional connectivity-based parcellation of the hippocampus. The hippocampus was parcellated into three spatial coherent subregions along the anteroventral–posterodorsal axis; the three subregions exhibited distinct functional connectivity changes in taxi drivers relative to non-driver controls. Moreover, compared with traditional stepwise methods, the proposed DEC-based framework demonstrated higher parcellation consistency across different scans within individuals. The study proposed a new brain parcellation framework with joint dimensionality reduction and clustering; the findings might shed new light on the functional plasticity of hippocampal subregions related to long-term navigation experience.
The Association of Influencer Marketing and Consumption of Non-Alcoholic Beer with the Purchase and Consumption of Alcohol by Adolescents
Authors: Hou Chun-Yin , Huang Tzu-Fu , Chang Fong-Ching , Yu Tsu-En , Chen Tai-Yu , Chiu Chiung-Hui , Chen Ping-Hung , Chiang Jeng-Tung , Miao Nae-Fang , Chuang Hung-Yi
Published: May 2023

In this study, we examined influencer marketing and consumption of non-alcoholic beer by adolescents to determine how these factors could affect the intentions of adolescents to purchase and drink alcohol. A total of 3121 high-school students recruited from 36 schools in Taiwan completed a self-administered questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. The results indicate that 19% of these adolescents consumed non-alcoholic beer and 28% consumed alcohol in the past year. Multivariate analysis positively associated adolescents’ exposure to influencer marketing with their purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beer. Adolescents’ exposure to influencer marketing of non-alcoholic beer combined with lower levels of parental restrictive mediation was associated with increased odds of the purchase and consumption of alcohol. For individuals who did not purchase alcohol in the past year, both the exposure to influencer marketing and the consumption of non-alcoholic beer were associated with intending to purchase alcohol in the future. Similarly, individuals who previously abstained from the consumption of alcohol, both the exposure to influencer marketing and the consumption of non-alcoholic beer were associated with intending to consume alcohol. In conclusion, when adolescents were exposed to influencer marketing of non-alcoholic beer they were more likely to consume it, which resulted in an increased likelihood that they would then purchase and consume alcohol.
Clinical Sexologists’ Perceptions of the Potentials, Downfalls, and Best Practices for Digitally Delivered Therapy: A Lesson from Lockdown Due to COVID-19 in Portugal
Authors: Costa Ivanilda B. , Manão Andreia A. , Pascoal Patrícia M.
Published: May 2023

Professionals who work in clinical sexology intervene in situations related to mental health, such as sexual dysfunctions and marital conflicts, often with vulnerable populations, e.g., people with chronic illnesses or trans people. In this work, we wanted to understand the perceptions these professionals have about using Internet interventions and how they perceive—based on their COVID-related experience and the reflections it brought about non-face-to-face interventions—the use of online interventions. During the first lockdown due to COVID-19 in Portugal, we used an online survey and collected answers from 39 Portuguese sexual health professionals to open questions about the use of Internet interventions. The data were analyzed following the summative content analysis procedures. Our results showed that sexual health professionals had several difficulties in clinical practice during the lockdown period, such as the perception that sexuality moved to the backseat in people’s lives. Even so, they stated that Internet interventions have several advantages, such as easy accessibility and excellent promotion of social justice. However, disadvantages were also pointed out. The current study allowed us to understand clinicians’ perception of the impact of the pandemic on sexual healthcare access and brought recommendations for good practice of sexual medicine with e-health.
A Quantitative Positive Energy District Definition with Contextual Targets
Authors: Schneider Simon , Zelger Thomas , Sengl David , Baptista José
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the goals and components of a quantitative energy balance assessment framework to define Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) flexibly in three important contexts: the context of the district’s density and local renewable energy supply (RES) potential, the context of a district’s location and induced mobility, and the context of the district’s future environment and its decarbonized energy demand or supply. It starts by introducing the practical goals of this definition approach: achievable, yet sufficiently ambitious, to be inline with Paris 2050 for most urban and rural Austrian district typologies. It goes on to identify the main design parts of the definition—system boundaries, balancing weights, and balance targets—and argues how they can be linked to the definition goals in detail. In particular, we specify three levels of system boundaries and argue their individual necessity: operation, mobility, and embodied energy and emissions. It argues that all three pillars of PEDs, energy efficiency, onsite renewables, and energy flexibility, can be assessed with the single metric of a primary energy balance when using carefully designed, time-dependent conversion factors. Finally, it is discussed how balance targets can be interpreted as information and requirements from the surrounding energy system, which we identify as a “context factor”. Three examples of such context factors, each corresponding to the balance target of one of the previously defined system boundaries, operation, mobility, and embodied emissions, are presented: density (as a context for operation), sectoral energy balances and location (as a context for mobility), and an outlook on personal emission budgets (as a context for embodied emissions). Finally, the proposed definition framework is applied to seven distinct district typologies in Austria and discussed in terms of its design goals.
Stereoselective Approach to Hydroxyalkyl-1,2,3-triazoles Containing Cyclooctane Core and Their Use for CuAAC Catalysis
Authors: Ryzhikova Olga V. , Sedenkova Kseniya N. , Kositov Sergey V. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Grishin Yuri K. , Averina Elena B.
Published: May 2023

1,2,3-Triazoles bearing additional functional groups have found applications as the ligands in catalysis of a broad scope of reactions, synthesis of transition metals complexes for various practicable purposes, and design of metal-based drugs. Triazolyl ligands accelerating CuAAC reactions, such as TBTA and TTTA, are nowadays commonly used in organic synthesis, and the search for novel ligands with a less complicated structure represents an important task. In the present work a series of hydroxyalkyltriazoles, containing a cyclooctane core, were synthesized via cycloaddition of readily available individual diastereomers of azidoalcohols or diazidodiols with phenylacetylene. The obtained hydroxyalkyltriazoles were probed as ligands for CuAAC reactions of benzyl azide with acetylenes, and 1-[(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl]cyclooctanol was demonstrated to act as an effective ligand for these processes. The complex salt of the abovementioned triazole and CuCl2 was readily obtained. According to X-ray diffraction analysis data, the complex contained two molecules of triazole, in which only N1-atoms of the triazole ring acted as coordination centers. Such a molecular structure correlates well with the efficiency of 1-[(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl]cyclooctanol as a ligand in CuAAC reactions: it is able to coordinate copper ions and, at the same time, it forms a sufficiently labile complex to not withdraw copper ions from the catalytic cycle.
Visible-Light-Driven Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Accelerating Tetracycline Removal Using Co-TiO2 Nanospheres
Authors: Jiang Xueding , Li Jianghong , Li Jiesen , Xu Weicheng , Liu Zhang
Published: May 2023

Heterogeneous catalysts have been widely used for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to remove persistent contaminants in water. This study successfully prepared cobalt-doped TiO2 using a simple two-step approach for activating PMS to remove tetracycline (TC). The batch experiments showed complete TC degradation within 25 min caused by Co-TiO2 (0.1 g/L) activation of PMS (1 mM) under visible light. The system also demonstrated excellent catalytic efficiency in various water environments, such as artificial seawater, tap water, and wastewater. According to the radical capture tests and electron spin resonance analysis, the contribution of active species involved in the degradation of TC with the Vis/Co-TiO2/PMS system were in the following order: 1O2> SO4•−> O2•−> •OH. The possible TC degradation pathway was proposed using intermediate identification and Fukui function calculation. This study provides a promising method toward organic pollutants degradation and provides a novel perspective on the rational design of competent and stable catalysts.
Low-Lying Collective Excitations of Superconductors and Charged Superfluids
Authors: Klimin Serghei , Tempere Jacques , Kurkjian Hadrien
Published: May 2023

We investigate theoretically the momentum-dependent frequency and damping of low-lying collective excitations of superconductors and charged superfluids in the BCS–BEC crossover regime. The study is based on the Gaussian pair-and-density fluctuation method for the propagator of Gaussian fluctuations of the pair and density fields. Eigenfrequencies and damping rates are determined in a mutually consistent nonperturbative way as complex poles of the fluctuation propagator. Particular attention is paid to new features with respect to preceding theoretical studies, which were devoted to collective excitations of superconductors in the far BCS regime. We find that at a sufficiently strong coupling, new branches of collective excitations appear, which manifest different behavior as functions of the momentum and the temperature.
The Influence of Foundry Scrap Returns on Chemical Composition and Microstructure Development of AlSi9Cu3 Alloy
Authors: Šmalc Jan , Vončina Maja , Mrvar Primož , Balaško Tilen , Krutiš Vladimír , Petrič Mitja
Published: May 2023

Recycling is now, more than ever, an important part of any foundry process due to the high cost of energy. The basis of the work presented here is a study of the addition of foundry scrap returns to the melt in order to reduce material and energy costs. The most important issue in such a process is the quality of both the prepared melt and final product. In this work, scrap returns were added to the AlSi9Cu3 base alloy in different proportions. Chemical composition was monitored, the solidification path was predicted by CALPHAD calculations and monitored by thermal analysis, and the formed microstructure was studied. The mechanical properties were also determined. The results showed that as the amount of scrap returns increased, elements such as Fe, Ni, Pb, Sr, etc. were more built up and elements such as Mg, Mn, Cr, etc. were decreased due to oxidation. The different chemical composition led to a reduced Mn:Fe ratio, resulting in the formation of needle-like Fe-rich phases and a decrease in mechanical properties.
Single-Crystal Growth of a Cubic Laves-Phase Ferromagnet HoAl2 by a Laser Floating-Zone Method
Authors: Kikugawa Naoki , Kato Takashi , Hayashi Momoko , Yamaguchi Hitoshi
Published: May 2023

The successful growth of single crystals of a cubic Laves-phase material HoAl2 with the space group Fd-3m is reported in this study. The crystals were grown by a floating-zone method with five laser diodes as a heat source. Al-rich feed rods were prepared as compensation for heavy evaporation during the growth. The nominal ratio for the feed rods was optimized as Ho:Al = 1:2.5. Single crystals of HoAl2 with a length of 50 mm were first grown in this technique. Obtaining the large-sized crystal by the floating-zone method enabled us to systematically explore the physical properties using the same batch crystal. The crystal possessed a second-ordered ferromagnetic transition at 29 K and a first-ordered spin-reorientation transition at 20 K. The bulk physical properties, such as specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, isothermal magnetization, and thermal expansion measurements, were measured. Additionally, a magnetocaloric effect was evaluated by the magnetic entropy change. We demonstrate that anisotropic physical properties along the principal axes ([100], [110], and [111]) emerged below the magnetically ordered states, in contrast to the isotropic behavior in the paramagnetic state.
Mechanical Characteristics Generation in the Workpiece Subsurface Layers through Cutting
Authors: Storchak Michael
Published: May 2023

The cutting process generates specific mechanical characteristics in the subsurface layers of the shaped parts. These characteristics have a decisive influence on the working properties and product durability of these parts. The orthogonal cutting process of structural heat-treated steel’s effect on the mechanical properties of the machined subsurface layers was evaluated by instrumented the nanoindentation method and sclerometry (scratch) method. As a result of this study, the relationship between the specific work in the tertiary cutting zone and the total deformation work during indenter penetration during the instrumented nanoindentation was established. The dependence of the indenter penetration depth during sclerometry of the machined subsurface layers of the workpiece was also studied. The orthogonal cutting process was carried out at different cutting speeds and tool rake angles. The cutting speed increase and the increase in the tool rake angle cause an increase in the indenter penetration work during the instrumented nanoindentation and an increase in the maximum indenter penetration depth during sclerometry. Simultaneously, the measured microhardness of the machined surfaces decreases with both an increase in cutting speed and an increase in the tool rake angle.
Impact of [18F]FDG PET/CT in the Assessment of Immunotherapy-Induced Arterial Wall Inflammation in Melanoma Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Ranjbar Shaghayegh , Zakavi Seyed Rasoul , Eisazadeh Roya , Mirshahvalad Seyed Ali , Pilz Julia , Jamshidi-Araghi Zahra , Schweighofer-Zwink Gregor , Koelblinger Peter , Pirich Christian , Beheshti Mohsen
Published: May 2023

We aimed to investigate the role of [18F]FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the early detection of arterial wall inflammation (AWI) in melanoma patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Our retrospective study enrolled 95 melanoma patients who had received ICIs. Inclusion criteria were ICI therapy for at least six months and at least three [18F]FDG PET/CTs, including one pretreatment session plus two scans three and six months after treatment initiation. AWI was assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods in the subclavian artery, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. We found three patients with AWI visual suspicion in the baseline scan, which increased to five in the second and twelve in the third session. Most of these patients’ treatments were terminated due to either immune-related adverse events (irAEs) or disease progression. In the overall population, the ratio of arterial-wall maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)/liver-SUVmax was significantly higher three months after treatment than the pretreatment scan in the thoracic aorta (0.83 ± 0.12 vs. 0.79 ± 0.10; p-value = 0.01) and subclavian artery (0.67 ± 0.13 vs. 0.63 ± 0.12; p-value = 0.01), and it remained steady in the six-month follow-up. None of our patients were diagnosed with definite clinical vasculitis on the dermatology follow-up reports. To conclude, our study showed [18F]FDG PET/CT’s potential to visualise immunotherapy-induced subclinical inflammation in large vessels. This may lead to more accurate prediction of irAEs and better patient management.
The Role of Radiomics in Fibrosis Crohn’s Disease: A Review
Authors: Alyami Ali S.
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health concern that has been on the rise in recent years. In addition, imaging is the established method of care for detecting, diagnosing, planning treatment, and monitoring the progression of IBD. While conventional imaging techniques are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive information, cross-sectional imaging plays a crucial role in the clinical management of IBD. However, accurately characterizing, detecting, and monitoring fibrosis in Crohn’s disease remains a challenging task for clinicians. Recent advances in artificial intelligence technology, machine learning, computational power, and radiomic emergence have enabled the automated evaluation of medical images to generate prognostic biomarkers and quantitative diagnostics. Radiomics analysis can be achieved via deep learning algorithms or by extracting handcrafted radiomics features. As radiomic features capture pathophysiological and biological data, these quantitative radiomic features have been shown to offer accurate and rapid non-invasive tools for IBD diagnostics, treatment response monitoring, and prognosis. For these reasons, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the emerging radiomics methods in intestinal fibrosis research that are highlighted and discussed in terms of challenges and advantages.
U-Net-Based Models towards Optimal MR Brain Image Segmentation
Authors: Yousef Rammah , Khan Shakir , Gupta Gaurav , Siddiqui Tamanna , Albahlal Bader M. , Alajlan Saad Abdullah , Haq Mohd Anul
Published: May 2023

Brain tumor segmentation from MRIs has always been a challenging task for radiologists, therefore, an automatic and generalized system to address this task is needed. Among all other deep learning techniques used in medical imaging, U-Net-based variants are the most used models found in the literature to segment medical images with respect to different modalities. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to examine the numerous advancements and innovations in the U-Net architecture, as well as recent trends, with the aim of highlighting the ongoing potential of U-Net being used to better the performance of brain tumor segmentation. Furthermore, we provide a quantitative comparison of different U-Net architectures to highlight the performance and the evolution of this network from an optimization perspective. In addition to that, we have experimented with four U-Net architectures (3D U-Net, Attention U-Net, R2 Attention U-Net, and modified 3D U-Net) on the BraTS 2020 dataset for brain tumor segmentation to provide a better overview of this architecture’s performance in terms of Dice score and Hausdorff distance 95%. Finally, we analyze the limitations and challenges of medical image analysis to provide a critical discussion about the importance of developing new architectures in terms of optimization.
Fractal Geometric Model for Statistical Intermittency Phenomenon
Authors: Tarraf Walid , Queiros-Condé Diogo , Ribeiro Patrick , Absi Rafik
Published: May 2023

The phenomenon of intermittency has remained a theoretical concept without any attempts to approach it geometrically with the use of a simple visualization. In this paper, a particular geometric model of point clustering approaching the Cantor shape in 2D, with a symmetry scale θ being an intermittency parameter, is proposed. To verify its ability to describe intermittency, to this model, we applied the entropic skin theory concept. This allowed us to obtain a conceptual validation. We observed that the intermittency phenomenon in our model was adequately described with the multiscale dynamics proposed by the entropic skin theory, coupling the fluctuation levels that extended between two extremes: the bulk and the crest. We calculated the reversibility efficiency γ with two different methods: statistical and geometrical analyses. Both efficiency values, γstat and γgeo, showed equality with a low relative error margin, which actually validated our suggested fractal model for intermittency. In addition, we applied the extended self-similarity (E.S.S.) to the model. This highlighted the intermittency phenomenon as a deviation from the homogeneity assumed by Kolmogorov in turbulence.
Modeling Categorical Variables by Mutual Information Decomposition
Authors: Liou Jiun-Wei , Liou Michelle , Cheng Philip E.
Published: May 2023

This paper proposed the use of mutual information (MI) decomposition as a novel approach to identifying indispensable variables and their interactions for contingency table analysis. The MI analysis identified subsets of associative variables based on multinomial distributions and validated parsimonious log-linear and logistic models. The proposed approach was assessed using two real-world datasets dealing with ischemic stroke (with 6 risk factors) and banking credit (with 21 discrete attributes in a sparse table). This paper also provided an empirical comparison of MI analysis versus two state-of-the-art methods in terms of variable and model selections. The proposed MI analysis scheme can be used in the construction of parsimonious log-linear and logistic models with a concise interpretation of discrete multivariate data.
Influence of Changes in Stiffness and Damping of Tyre Wheels on the Outcome of the Condition Assessment of Motor Vehicle Shock Absorbers
Authors: Zuska Andrzej , Jackowski Jerzy
Published: May 2023

This article deals with the influence of the elastic-damping properties (energy losses) of tired wheels on the results of the evaluation of the technical condition (dynamic properties) of automotive suspensions carried out on the diagnostic line. The purpose of this paper is to point out the inadequacies of test stands for assessing the technical condition of vehicle suspensions. The diagnostic line used in the testing featured two testing stations. The test object was a passenger car with hydro-pneumatic suspension. This enabled the conducting of suspension tests for two settings (comfort and dynamic positions). The tests were conducted for four different air pressures in the tyres of tired wheels. This made it possible to determine, for each wheel, four graphs of the load versus tyre deflection (radial stiffness characteristics). These graphs were used to determine the values of the stiffness coefficients, energy loss, and damping characteristics as well as to identify the correlation between the directional coefficient of the regression line of the elastic and damping characteristics of the tyres and the indices characterising the damping properties of the suspension of the test car. This paper shows that the result of the shock absorber condition assessment is significantly influenced by the elastic and damping properties of the tired wheels, caused by changes in tyre pressure.
Experimental Analysis and Simulation of Mixed Storage with Lithium-Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors for a PHEV
Authors: Martellucci Leone , Dell’Aria Mirko , Capata Roberto
Published: May 2023

This work focuses on the simulation and testing of an innovative storage system for a PHEV vehicle, investigating the possibility of replacing the car’s original storage system with a mixed-storage system with lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors connected in direct parallel without the use of an intermediate DC/DC converter. The aim is to evaluate the behavior of the supercapacitors’ branch compared with that of the Li-ion cells, both in the discharge/charge transients and over an entire WLTP cycle (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure). The analysis started with the definition of the digital models of a lithium cell and a supercapacitor. The parameters of the models were tuned through experimental characterization of the two storage cells, Li-ion and supercapacitor. Subsequently, the overall models of the branch with the lithium cells and the branch with the supercapacitors were constructed and connected. The overall storage system was sized for application to a PHEV, and a reduced-scale storage system was realized and tested. Finally, the results obtained from the simulations were validated and compared with experimental tests.
Modelling and Numerical Simulation of a Compartment Fire: Flow Rate Behaviour at Opening
Authors: Iya Ahmed El-kebir , Epée Alban Fabrice , Mvogo Philippe Onguéné , Zaida Justin Tégawendé , Mouangue Ruben
Published: May 2023

The modelling of fire behaviour in a compartment is the subject of this work. A small-scale experimental study was carried out in a compartment sized 0.5 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m with a single door with a width of 0.2 m and a height of 0.4 m. The collected results were converted to full-scale results using Froude modelling. The objective of this study was to see how ventilation affects fuel decomposition rate, gas flow rate at the opening and the power generated inside the compartment. This small-scale experimental study allowed us to determine four values of the fuel’s (diesel) mass loss rate, which correspond to four values of the ventilation factor. Numerical simulation using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software was used to show the gas’ behaviour at the opening and the variation of the power generated inside the compartment. The vertical profiles of the experimental and numerical temperatures were compared. It was found that the dimensions of the opening have a significant influence on the power generated inside the compartment.
Comparative Numerical Study on the Weakening Effects of Microwave Irradiation and Surface Flux Heating Pretreatments in Comminution of Granite
Authors: Pressacco Martina , Kangas Jari , Saksala Timo
Published: May 2023

Thermal pretreatments of rock, such as conventional heating and microwave irradiation, have received considerable attention recently as a viable method of improving the energy efficiency of mining processes that involve rock fracturing. This study presents a numerical analysis of the effects of thermal shock and microwave heating on the mechanical properties of hard, granite-like rock. More specifically, the aim is to numerically assess the reduction of uniaxial compressive strength of thermally pretreated specimens compared to intact ones. We also compare the performance of these two pretreatments (conventional heating and microwave irradiation) in terms of consumed energy and induced damage. Rock fracture is modelled by a damage-viscoplasticity model, with separate damage variables in tension and compression. A global solution strategy is developed for solving the thermo-mechanical problem (conventional heating) and the electromagnetic–thermo-mechanical problem (microwave heating). The electromagnetic part of the microwave heating problem is solved in COMSOL Multiphysics software Version 6.1 first. The electromagnetic solution is used as an input for the thermo-mechanical problem, which is finally solved by means of a staggered explicit solution method. Due to the predominance of the external thermal sources, the thermal and the mechanical parts of the problem in both cases are considered as uncoupled. Three-dimensional finite element simulations are utilized to study the damage-viscoplasticity model. An ore-shaped three-mineral numerical rock specimen is used in uniaxial compression tests.
Cell Therapy as Target Therapy against Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Garza Treviño Elsa N. , Quiroz Reyes Adriana G. , Rojas Murillo Juan Antonio , de la Garza Kalife David A , Delgado Gonzalez Paulina , Islas Jose F. , Estrada Rodriguez Ana Esther , Gonzalez Villarreal Carlos A.
Published: May 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs have been proposed as a plausible therapeutic target as they are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and conventional therapy resistance. Selectively targeting CSCs is a promising strategy to eliminate the propagation of tumor cells and impair overall tumor development. Recent research shows that several immune cells play a crucial role in regulating tumor cell proliferation by regulating different CSC maintenance or proliferation pathways. There have been great advances in cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells for the selective targeting of tumor cells or CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes the CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from said therapy and the main vehicles used in cell therapy against CSCs. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and advantages of combining conventional and/or current targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.
Understanding of Ovarian Cancer Cell-Derived Exosome Tropism for Future Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Ren Xiaoyu , Kang Changsun , Garcia-Contreras Lucila , Kim Dongin
Published: May 2023

Exosomes, a subtype of extracellular vesicles, ranging from 50 to 200 nm in diameter, and mediate cell-to-cell communication in normal biological and pathological processes. Exosomes derived from tumors have multiple functions in cancer progression, resistance, and metastasis through cancer exosome-derived tropism. However, there is no quantitative information on cancer exosome-derived tropism. Such data would be highly beneficial to guide cancer therapy by inhibiting exosome release and/or uptake. Using two fluorescent protein (mKate2) transfected ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCA4 and OVCA8), cancer exosome tropism was quantified by measuring the released exosome from ovarian cancer cells and determining the uptake of exosomes into parental ovarian cancer cells, 3D spheroids, and tumors in tumor-bearing mice. The OVCA4 cells release 50 to 200 exosomes per cell, and the OVCA8 cells do 300 to 560 per cell. The uptake of exosomes by parental ovarian cancer cells is many-fold higher than by non-parental cells. In tumor-bearing mice, most exosomes are homing to the parent cancer rather than other tissues. We successfully quantified exosome release and uptake by the parent cancer cells, further proving the tropism of cancer cell-derived exosomes. The results implied that cancer exosome tropism could provide useful information for future cancer therapeutic applications.
Supplementary UV-B Radiation Effects on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Important Secondary Metabolites in Eucommia ulmoides Leaves
Authors: Xiao Siqiu , Li Dewen , Tang Zhonghua , Wei Hongling , Zhang Ying , Yang Jing , Zhao Chunjian , Liu Ying , Wang Wei
Published: May 2023

To explore the effects of ultraviolet light supplementation on the photosynthetic characteristics and content of secondary metabolites in the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides), the effects of supplementary UV-B (sUV-B) radiation on the medicinally active components of E. ulmoides were comprehensively evaluated. In our study, we selected leaves of five-year-old E. ulmoides seedlings as experimental materials and studied the effect of supplemental ultraviolet-B (sUV-B) radiation on growth, photosynthetic parameters, photosynthetic pigments, fluorescence parameters, and secondary metabolites of E. ulmoides using multivariate analysis. The results showed that the leaf area and the number of branches increased after sUV-B radiation, which indicated that sUV-B radiation was beneficial to the growth of E. ulmoides. The contents of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b increased by 2.25% and 4.25%, respectively; the net photosynthetic rate increased by 5.17%; the transpiration rate decreased by 35.32%; the actual photosynthetic efficiency increased by 10.64%; the content of the secondary metabolite genipin increased by 12.9%; and the content of chlorogenic acid increased by 75.03%. To identify the genes that may be related to the effects of sUV-B radiation on the growth and development of E. ulmoides leaves and important secondary metabolites, six cDNA libraries were prepared from natural sunlight radiation and sUV-B radiation in E. ulmoides leaves. Comparative analysis of both transcriptome databases revealed a total of 3698 differential expression genes (DEGs), including 1826 up-regulated and 1872 down-regulated genes. According to the KOG database, the up-regulated unigenes were mainly involved in signal transduction mechanisms [T] and cell wall/membrane biogenesis [M]. It is also involved in plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis metabolic pathways by the KEGG pathway, which might further affect the physiological indices and the content of chlorogenic acid, a secondary metabolite of E. ulmoides. Furthermore, 10 candidate unigenes were randomly selected to examine gene expression using qRT-PCR, and the six libraries exhibited differential expression and were identical to those obtained by sequencing. Thus, the data in this study were helpful in clarifying the reasons for leaf growth after sUV-B radiation. And it was beneficial to improve the active components and utilization rate of E. ulmoides after sUV-B radiation.
Zebrafish: A Powerful Model for Genetics and Genomics
Authors: Choe Seong-Kyu , Kim Cheol-Hee
Published: May 2023

Our understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms and the pathogenesis of human diseases has been greatly improved by studying the genetics and genomics of zebrafish [...]