bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Improvement of Recycled Concrete Aggregates and Their Potential Applications in Infrastructure: A Review
Authors: Han Shuxia , Zhao Songbo , Lu Dong , Wang Daiyu
Published: May 2023

In the construction industry, natural aggregates (NA) can be replaced by recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), which can address the issue of construction-waste disposal and resolve the dilemma between demand and supply. This paper aims to systematically review the modification of RCA techniques and their application in producing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). First, the pretreatment approaches for enhancing the properties of RCA are introduced. Next, the improved efficiency of these approaches and their influences on the workability, mechanical strengths, and permeability of RAC are analyzed and discussed. Subsequently, the effectiveness of different techniques and their cost/environmental impact are compared. Finally, some case studies of the application of RCA in infrastructure are presented, and the remaining challenges and perspectives are discussed. The results of this review work can extend the knowledge of RCA and RAC, as well as serving as a source of inspiration for further studies.
Calculation of Linear Buckling Load for Frames Modeled with One-Finite-Element Beams and Columns
Authors: Urruzola Javier , Garmendia Iñaki
Published: May 2023

Critical linear buckling load calculation is one of the possible ways to check structural stability. Structural analysis programs usually model beams and columns with just one element, but this is not enough to obtain an accurate value of the critical buckling load when the buckling mode is associated with an effective length that is less than twice the element length. This paper presents a method for the accurate calculation of the buckling load of frames modeled with only one finite element per structural element. For this purpose, a local correction is applied to some elements a few times until convergence is achieved. The validity of the presented method is confirmed by several examples ranging from simple canonical cases to large structures.
Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruits as a Potential Lipid-Lowering Therapy: Effect on High-Fat Diet and Triton-WR-1339-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Bouhlali Eimad Dine Tariq , Hmidani Abdelbassat , Bourkhis Bouchra , Moussafir Zineb , Filali-Zegzouti Younes , Alem Chakib
Published: May 2023

The present study was designed to establish the phenolic profile and explore the potential lipid-lowering effect of two Moroccan date fruit varieties (Majhoul and Bousrdoun). HPLC-DAD has been used for phenolic profiling. Lipid peroxidation was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) by using egg yolk homogenate as lipid-rich media. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the methanolic extract was examined using both models Triton-WR-1339 and chronic high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipemic rats. Further, the serum lipid profile was determined. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of seven phenolic acids and three flavonoids, of which gallic, caffeic acids and rutin were found to be the most abundant compounds. The gathered results indicate that rats treated with both varieties showed a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with Triton and high-fat diet controls. Moreover, a significant decrease in body weight was observed in the date-treated groups when compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. A thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test showed that these extracts significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation. Bousrdoun, which showed the highest lipid-lowering effects, is the one that displayed the greatest inhibition of lipid peroxidation and contains the largest amount of caffeic, p-coumaric, gallic, vanillic acids, rutin and luteolin. Accordingly, dates could be used as a potential functional food, which may be used to prevent lipid disorders and oxidation.
Inflammatory Ratios as Survival Prognostic Factors in Resectable Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nechita Vlad-Ionuţ , Al-Hajjar Nadim , Leucuța Daniel-Corneliu , Moiş Emil , Fetti Alin , Nechita Mihaela-Ancuţa , Graur Florin
Published: May 2023

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers (NLR—neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, PLR—platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, LMR—lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, SII—systemic immune-inflammation index) and overall survival in gastric cancer patients. Methods: Over a six-year period (2016–2021), we conducted a longitudinal retrospective cohort research on 549 patients with resectable stomach adenocarcinoma. The overall survival was determined using the univariate and multivariate COX proportional hazards models. Results: The age of the cohort varied between 30 and 89 years old, with an average age of 64.85 ± 10.51 years. Four hundred seventy-six patients (86.7%) had R0 resection margins. Eighty-nine (16.21%) subjects received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two hundred sixty-two (47.72%) patients died during the follow-up period. The median survival time in the cohort was 390 days. A significantly lower (p = 0.029—Logrank test) median survival was observed for R1 resections (355 days) in comparison with R0 resections (395 days). Significant differences in survival were observed regarding tumor differentiation, tumoral (T), and node (N) stage. No differences in survival were observed between the low or high value of inflammatory biomarkers (dichotomized by median value in the sample). In the COX univariate and multivariate regression models, elevated NLR proved an independent prognostic factor for lower overall survival [HR = 1.068, (95% CI 1.011–1.12)]. In this study, the other inflammatory ratios (PLR, LMR, and SII) did not prove as prognostic factors for gastric adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: In resectable gastric adenocarcinoma, elevated NLR before surgery was associated with lower overall survival. PLR, LMR, and SII had no prognostic value for the patient’s survival.
Skin Cancer Detection Using Deep Learning—A Review
Authors: Naqvi Maryam , Gilani Syed Qasim , Syed Tehreem , Marques Oge , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: May 2023

Skin cancer is one the most dangerous types of cancer and is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. The number of deaths can be reduced if skin cancer is diagnosed early. Skin cancer is mostly diagnosed using visual inspection, which is less accurate. Deep-learning-based methods have been proposed to assist dermatologists in the early and accurate diagnosis of skin cancers. This survey reviewed the most recent research articles on skin cancer classification using deep learning methods. We also provided an overview of the most common deep-learning models and datasets used for skin cancer classification.
The Double Dyson Index β Effect in Non-Hermitian Tridiagonal Matrices
Authors: Goulart Cleverson A. , Pato Mauricio P.
Published: May 2023

The Dyson index, β, plays an essential role in random matrix theory, as it labels the so-called “three-fold way” that refers to the symmetries satisfied by ensembles under unitary transformations. As is known, its 1, 2, and 4 values denote the orthogonal, unitary, and symplectic classes, whose matrix elements are real, complex, and quaternion numbers, respectively. It functions, therefore, as a measure of the number of independent non-diagonal variables. On the other hand, in the case of β ensembles, which represent the tridiagonal form of the theory, it can assume any real positive value, thus losing that function. Our purpose, however, is to show that, when the Hermitian condition of the real matrices generated with a given value of β is removed, and, as a consequence, the number of non-diagonal independent variables doubles, non-Hermitian matrices exist that asymptotically behave as if they had been generated with a value 2β. Therefore, it is as if the β index were, in this way, again operative. It is shown that this effect happens for the three tridiagonal ensembles, namely, the β–Hermite, the β–Laguerre, and the β–Jacobi ensembles.
Enhanced Primary Frequency Control Using Model Predictive Control in Large-Islanded Power Grids with High Penetration of DFIG-Based Wind Farm
Authors: Ali Youssef Ait , Ouassaid Mohammed , Cabrane Zineb , Lee Soo-Hyoung
Published: May 2023

A new primary frequency controller in power grids undergoing massive wind power penetration is the focus of this paper. The inescapable problem in a largely wind penetrated power grid is to ensure the maintenance of its frequency in the nominal band prescribed by the power system operator (PSO). However, with the massive arrival of wind farms with conventional control schemes, the operation of maintaining and restoring the frequency to the regulatory regimes remains very complicated. In order to overcome the above problem, this paper proposes a new strategy for primary frequency control in power grids using model predictive control (MPC) for a multi-cluster doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farm (WF), with a main objective of reducing the frequency nadir (FN), eliminating the second frequency dip (SFD), and providing the optimal support during wind speed variations. In this approach, a rolling prediction and optimization control strategy is developed based on the dynamic power system model to ideally predict the additional power to be provided. Moreover, in order to avoid second frequency dips, the wind turbines (WTs) are not allocated to extract additional power from the grid during the frequency event, the rotor speeds are not recovered to the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operating points during the primary frequency control. The performance of the proposed controller was evaluated using a two-zone electrical system in MATLAB/Simulink®. The obtained results disclose that the frequency nadir is enhanced with more than 6.1% compared to the conventional schemes. In addition, the frequency response settling time has been improved with more than 10.51 s.
Monitoring Pumping Units by Convolutional Neural Networks for Operating Point Estimations
Authors: Ma Hanbing , Gaisser Lukas , Riedelbauch Stefan
Published: May 2023

To avoid the failure of pumping units, the monitoring of operating points with a subsequent assessment of the condition of the pump may support the decision for required maintenance. For that purpose, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are implemented to predict the operating points of pumping units. Instead of using traditional flowmeter and manometer, vibration and acoustic signals are used to estimate the head and volume flow rate. An appropriate pre-processing of raw data is applied, enabling our method to predict well on different datasets. For the datasets measured in an anechoic chamber, the best model of each subset achieves relative errors smaller than 4.9% for the prediction of head and 7.6% for the volume flow rate. For cases where only small amounts of data exist, it is furthermore demonstrated that transfer learning from one dataset to another dataset provides an improvement in performance.
Numerical Studies on the Effect of Leading Edge Tubercles on a Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade
Authors: Duan Wenhua , Chen Weijie , Zhao Xinyu , Qiao Weiyang
Published: May 2023

The influence of the bionic leading edge tubercles on the aerodynamic performance of a high-speed low-pressure turbine has been numerically studied. Nine different tubercle configurations were designed to reduce the loss of the cascade at high Mach and low Reynolds numbers. Firstly, the effect of the geometric parameters of the bionic leading edge tubercles on the total pressure loss of the turbine cascade is discussed. Then, the flow control mechanism of the bionic leading edge tubercles is discussed. The results indicate that the total pressure loss of the turbine cascade could be reduced effectively by the leading edge tubercles. A larger tubercle size and larger amplitude-to-wavelength ratio can achieve a better loss reduction effect. The streamwise vortex generated by the leading edge tubercles continuously promotes the momentum exchange of the boundary layer in the process of downstream development, which makes the boundary layer shape plumper, and the ability to resist separation is enhanced. At the same time, the disturbance introduced by the streamwise vortex enables the separated boundary layer to transition quickly.
Intermediate Care in Italy: Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities for Person-Tailored Care
Authors: Boccardi Virginia , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: May 2023

The concept of intermediate care is gaining increasing recognition in Italy as a critical strategy for improving quality of care and promoting the integration of healthcare services across different settings. This is driven by demographic changes and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions. One of the key challenges in delivering intermediate care in Italy is ensuring that care is person-tailored, which requires a shift towards a more holistic approach that prioritizes individual preferences and values. This requires greater collaboration and communication across different healthcare settings and a coordinated approach to the delivery of care that promotes innovation and the use of technology to support remote monitoring and care delivery. Despite these challenges, intermediate care offers significant opportunities with which to enhance the quality of care, reduce healthcare costs, and promote social cohesion as well as community engagement. Overall, a coordinated and comprehensive approach is required to address the challenges and opportunities associated with intermediate care and to deliver person-tailored care that improves health outcomes as well as sustainability in Italy.
Telemedicine for Optimizing Secondary Prevention in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Iliuță Luminița , Andronesi Andreea Gabriella , Rac-Albu Marius , Rac-Albu Mădălina-Elena , Scafa-Udriște Alexandru , Moldovan Horațiu , Furtunescu Florentina Ligia , Rădulescu Bogdan Constantin , Panaitescu Eugenia
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a major disruption to the delivery of secondary prevention measures in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). It required a rapid and widespread adoption of new medical services, including the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on secondary prevention in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to evaluate the effectiveness of the telemedicine application for the implementation of lifestyle change measures, remote monitoring, and treatment regimen adjustment; (2) Methods: This prospective study on 194 CABG patients evaluated three consecutive years between 2019 and 2022 in the pre-pandemic period by face-to-face visits and during the pandemic by teleconsultations or hybrid follow-up. Variables of interest were compared between four periods: pre-pandemic—pre-P (1 March 2019–29 February 2020), lockdown—Lock (1 March–31 August 2020), restrictive-pandemic—Restr-P (1 September 2020–28 February 2021), and relaxed–pandemic—Rel-P (1 March 2021–1 March 2022). (3) Results: The average values of the lipidogram, blood sugar, and uric acid increased during Lock and Restr-P, but, through the use of teleprevention, they returned to the pre-pandemic level or even below this level. The exception was blood sugar, which remained high in Rel-P. The number of newly diagnosed patients with diabetes also increased, with most of them having moderate forms of COVID. During Lock and Res-P, the percentage of obese, smoking, or hypertensive patients increased, but, through the use of teleprevention, we managed to reduce it, although it remained slightly higher than the pre-pandemic level. Physical activity decreased in the first year of the pandemic, but, in Rel-P, CABG patients became more active than before the pandemic (4) Conclusions: The use of telemedicine for cardiovascular secondary prevention allowed us to not only continue seeing CABG patients but, also, to adjust their medication and to expand cardiovascular preventive counseling and testing with favorable results, especially during the second year of the pandemic.
Lines of Credit and Family Firms: The Case of an Emerging Market
Authors: Tayem Ghada , Tayeh Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Lines of credit constitute an integral part of a firm’s liquidity policy; however, there is limited research on lines of credit in emerging markets. This study fills this gap by examining firm incentives to access and draw from lines of credit using the context of Jordan, a bank-based emerging market, focusing on the impact of family firms. To account for the endogeneity of family control, this study estimates the probability of accessing a line of credit using seemingly unrelated bivariate probit regression and its usage using treatment effect regression. The article documents that family firms are less likely to obtain a line of credit and their drawdowns are smaller compared to non-family firms. These findings support the agency’s view on having and using lines of credit. Other findings are consistent with a substitution effect between internal and external liquidity sources which implies a cost wedge between the two sources of liquidity.
Conjugated Dienoic Acid Peroxides as Substrates in Chaetopterus Bioluminescence System
Authors: Zagitova Renata I. , Purtov Konstantin V. , Shcheglov Aleksandr S. , Mineev Konstantin S. , Dubinnyi Maxim A. , Myasnyanko Ivan N. , Belozerova Olga A. , Pakhomova Vera G. , Petushkov Valentin N. , Rodionova Natalia S. , Lushpa Vladislav A. , Guglya Elena B. , Kovalchuk Sergey , Kozhemyako Valeri B. , Mirza Jeremy D. , Oliveira Anderson G. , Yampolsky Ilia V. , Kaskova Zinaida M. , Tsarkova Aleksandra S.
Published: May 2023

Biochemistry of bioluminescence of the marine parchment tubeworm Chaetopterus has been in research focus for over a century; however, the results obtained by various groups contradict each other. Here, we report the isolation and structural elucidation of three compounds from Chaetomorpha linum algae, which demonstrate bioluminescence activity with Chaetopterus luciferase in the presence of Fe2+ ions. These compounds are derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxides. We have also obtained their structural analogues and demonstrated their activity in the bioluminescence reaction, thus confirming the broad substrate specificity of the luciferase.
The Product of the Fission Yeast fhl1 Gene Binds to the HomolE Box and Activates In Vitro Transcription of Ribosomal Protein Genes
Authors: Maldonado Edio , Morales-Pison Sebastian , Urbina Fabiola , Arias Claudia , Castillo Christian , Jara Lilian , Solari Aldo
Published: May 2023

Fission yeast ribosomal protein genes (RPGs) contain a HomolD box as a core promoter element required for transcription. Some of the RPGs also contain a consensus sequence named HomolE, located upstream of the HomolD box. The HomolE box acts as an upstream activating sequence (UAS), and it is able to activate transcription in RPG promoters containing a HomolD box. In this work, we identified a HomolE-binding protein (HEBP) as a polypeptide of 100 kDa, which was able to bind to the HomolE box in a Southwestern blot assay. The features of this polypeptide were similar to the product of the fhl1 gene of fission yeast. The Fhl1 protein is the homolog of the FHL1 protein of budding yeast and possesses fork-head-associated (FHA) and fork-head (FH) domains. The product of the fhl1 gene was expressed and purified from bacteria, and it was demonstrated that is able to bind the HomolE box in an electrophoretic mobility assay (EMSA), as well as being able to activate in vitro transcription from an RPG gene promoter containing HomolE boxes upstream of the HomolD box. These results indicate that the product of the fhl1 gene of fission yeast can bind to the HomolE box, and it activates the transcription of RPGs.
Quality Characteristics of Black Soldier Flies Produced by Different Substrates
Authors: Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Ha Sang Hun , Mun Jun Young , Kim Jin Soo
Published: May 2023

Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) has a high capacity for amino acids and fatty acid accumulation. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of tofu by-products, food waste, and vegetables for BSF growth and conversion efficiency. BSFs under tofu by-product treatments showed the greatest weight at d 12 and the harvest period. Moreover, BSF larval weight was greater in the food waste treatment compared with the vegetable treatment at d 12 and harvest. The larva yield result was greater in the vegetable treatment compared with the tofu by-product. The bioconversion rate was higher in the tofu by-product treatment compared with the food waste and vegetable treatments. The protein conversion rate and lipid conversion rate were the highest in the vegetable treatment. The protein yield and lipid yield were greatest in the tofu by-product treatment. The lauric acid content was increased in BSFs fed tofu by-products compared with the food waste treatment. The concentration of C16:1 was the highest in the tofu by-product treatment. The content of oleic acid and α-linolenic acid was higher in BSFs fed tofu by-products compared with the vegetable treatment. In conclusion, the tofu by-products show benefits for larval growth and nutrient accumulation, which can improve larval quality for livestock feed ingredients.
Body Weight Reduction by Bariatric Surgery Reduces the Plasma Levels of the Novel Orexigenic Gut Hormone Insulin-like Peptide 5 in Patients with Severe Obesity
Authors: Vincenzo Angelo Di , Crescenzi Marika , Granzotto Marnie , Zancaner Sara , Fabris Roberto , Foletto Mirto , Prevedello Luca , Capone Federico , Vettor Roberto , Rossato Marco
Published: May 2023

Insulin-like factor 5 (INSL5), a novel hormone secreted by the enteroendocrine cells of the distal colon, has been implicated in appetite and body weight regulation in animals given its orexigenic properties. We investigated basal INSL5 plasma levels in a group of morbidly obese subjects before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression of INSL5 in human adipose tissue. Before bariatric surgery, obese subjects showed basal INSL5 plasma levels that were positively correlated with BMI, fat mass, and leptin plasma levels. After weight loss by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, INSL5 plasma levels in obese subjects were significantly lower than those observed before surgery. Finally, we did not detect any expression of the INSL5 gene in human adipose tissue, both at the mRNA and protein levels. The present data show that subjects with obesity have INSL5 plasma levels positively correlating with adiposity markers. After bariatric surgery, INSL5 plasma levels decreased significantly, and this decrease was not directly due to the loss of adipose tissue since this tissue does not express INSL5. Considering the orexigenic properties of INSL5, the reduction of its plasma levels after bariatric surgery in obese subjects could participate in the still unclear mechanisms leading to appetite reduction that characterize bariatric surgery procedures.
A Comprehensive Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Endoscopic Ultrasound
Authors: Khalaf Kareem , Terrin Maria , Jovani Manol , Rizkala Tommy , Spadaccini Marco , Pawlak Katarzyna M. , Colombo Matteo , Andreozzi Marta , Fugazza Alessandro , Facciorusso Antonio , Grizzi Fabio , Hassan Cesare , Repici Alessandro , Carrara Silvia
Published: May 2023

Background: Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is widely used for the diagnosis of bilio-pancreatic and gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases, for the evaluation of subepithelial lesions, and for sampling of lymph nodes and solid masses located next to the GI tract. The role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare in growing. This review aimed to provide an overview of the current state of AI in EUS from imaging to pathological diagnosis and training. Methods: AI algorithms can assist in lesion detection and characterization in EUS by analyzing EUS images and identifying suspicious areas that may require further clinical evaluation or biopsy sampling. Deep learning techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have shown great potential for tumor identification and subepithelial lesion (SEL) evaluation by extracting important features from EUS images and using them to classify or segment the images. Results: AI models with new features can increase the accuracy of diagnoses, provide faster diagnoses, identify subtle differences in disease presentation that may be missed by human eyes, and provide more information and insights into disease pathology. Conclusions: The integration of AI in EUS images and biopsies has the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy, leading to better patient outcomes and to a reduction in repeated procedures in case of non-diagnostic biopsies.
Effect of Biosilicate® Addition on Physical–Mechanical and Biological Properties of Dental Glass Ionomer Cements
Authors: Magalhães Gabriela de Alencar Pinto , Thomson Joshua J. , Smoczer Cristine , Young Laura Ann , Matos Adaias O. , Pacheco Rafael Rocha , Souza Maria Trevelin , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Puppin Rontani Regina Maria
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the influence of incorporating Biosilicate® on the physico-mechanical and biological properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC). This bioactive glass ceramic (23.75% Na2O, 23.75% CaO, 48.5% SiO2, and 4% P2O5) was incorporated by weight (5%, 10%, or 15%) into commercially available GICs (Maxxion R and Fuji IX GP). Surface characterization was made by SEM (n = 3), EDS (n = 3), and FTIR (n = 1). The setting and working (S/W time) times (n = 3) and compressive strength (CS) were analyzed (n = 10) according to ISO 9917-1:2007. The ion release (n = 6) was determined and quantified by ICP OES and by UV-Vis for Ca, Na, Al, Si, P, and F. To verify cell cytotoxicity, stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP) were exposed to eluates (n = 3, at a ratio of 1.8 cm2/mL) and analyzed 24 h post-exposure. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175, NCTC 10449) was analyzed by direct contact for 2 h (n = 5). The data were submitted for normality and lognormality testing. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test were applied for the working and setting time, compressive strength, and ion release data. Data from cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity were submitted for Kruskal–Wallis’ testing and Dunn’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Among all experimental groups, only those with 5% (wt) of Biosilicate® showed better surface quality. Only M5% showed a comparable W/S time to the original material (p = 0.7254 and p = 0.5912). CS was maintained for all Maxxion R groups (p > 0.0001) and declined for Fuji IX experimental groups (p < 0.0001). The Na, Si, P, and F ions released were significantly increased for all Maxxion R and Fuji IX groups (p < 0.0001). Cytotoxicity was increased only for Maxxion R with 5% and 10% of Biosilicate®. A higher inhibition of S. mutans growth was observed for Maxxion R with 5% of Biosilicate® (less than 100 CFU/mL), followed by Maxxion R with 10% of Biosilicate® (p = 0.0053) and Maxxion R without the glass ceramic (p = 0.0093). Maxxion R and Fuji IX presented different behaviors regarding Biosilicate® incorporation. The impacts on physico-mechanical and biological properties were different depending on the GIC, but therapeutic ion release was increased for both materials.
PMOT2023: A Large-Scale Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) Dataset with Application to Phytoplankton Observation
Authors: Yu Jiaao , Lv Qingxuan , Li Yuezun , Dong Junyu , Zhao Haoran , Li Qiong
Published: May 2023

Phytoplankton play a critical role in marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles, and their abundance must be monitored to prevent disasters and improve the marine environment. Although existing algorithms for automatic phytoplankton identification at the image level are available, there are currently no video-level algorithms. This lack of datasets is a significant obstacle to the development of video-level automatic identification algorithms for phytoplankton observations. Deep learning-based algorithms, in particular, require high-quality datasets to achieve optimal results. To address this issue, we propose the PMOT2023 (Phytoplankton Multi-Object Tracking), a multi-video tracking dataset based on 48,000 micrographs captured by in situ observation devices. The dataset comprises 21 classes of phytoplankton and can aid in the development of advanced video-level identification methods. Multi-object tracking algorithms can detect, classify, count, and estimate phytoplankton density. As a video-level automatic identification algorithm, multi-object tracking addresses trajectory tracking, concentration estimation, and other requirements in original phytoplankton observation, helping to prevent marine ecological disasters. Additionally, the PMOT2023 dataset will serve as a benchmark to evaluate the performance of future phytoplankton identification models and provide a foundation for further research on automatic phytoplankton identification algorithms.
Multi-Sensor Data Fusion Method Based on Improved Evidence Theory
Authors: Qiao Shuanghu , Fan Yunsheng , Wang Guofeng , Zhang Haoyan
Published: May 2023

To achieve autonomous navigation in complex marine environments, unmanned surface vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors for sensing the surrounding environment and their own state. To address the issue of unsatisfactory multi-sensor information fusion in stochastic uncertain systems with unknown disturbances, an improved evidence theory multi-sensor data fusion method is proposed in this article. First, the affiliation function in fuzzy set theory is introduced as a support function to assign initial evidence for multi-sensor data, and the initial evidence is corrected according to the degree of data bias. Second, a divergence measure is employed to measure the degree of conflict and discrepancy among the evidence, and each piece of evidence is allocated proportional weight based on the conflict allocation principle. Finally, the evidence is synthesized through the evidence combination rule, and the data are weighted and summed to obtain the data fusion results. Since it is difficult to obtain dynamic information from multiple sensors carried by unmanned surface vehicles in practical applications, and considering that the proposed method has universal applicability, practical application experiments using previous research demonstrate that the proposed method has higher fusion accuracy than other existing data fusion methods.
IFISTRATEGY: Spanish National Survey of Invasive Fungal Infection in Hemato-Oncologic Patients
Authors: Vallejo Carlos , Jarque Isidro , Fortun Jesus , Casado Araceli , Peman Javier
Published: May 2023

Recent advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies have improved the overall survival rate, but the number of patients at risk of developing an invasive fungal infection (IFI) has increased. Invasive infections caused by non-Candida albicans species, non-Aspergillus molds, and azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus have been increasingly reported in recent years. We developed a cross-sectional multicenter survey which involved a total of 55 hematologists and infectious disease specialists from a total of 31 Spanish hospitals, to determine the most frequent strategies used for the management of IFIs. Data collection was undertaken through an online survey which took place in 2022. Regarding key strategies, experts usually prefer early treatment for persistent febrile neutropenia, switching to another broad-spectrum antifungal family if azole-resistant Aspergillus is suspected, broad-spectrum azoles and echinocandins as prophylactic treatment in patients receiving midostaurin or venetoclax, and liposomal amphotericin B for breakthrough IFIs after prophylaxis with echinocandins in patients receiving new targeted therapies. For antifungals failing to reach adequate levels during the first days and suspected invasive aspergillosis, the most appropriate strategy would be to associate an antifungal from another family.
Ultrasound Fusion: Applications in Musculoskeletal Imaging
Authors: Gross Jordan Scott , Yaeger Andrew , Tchelepi Hisham , Matcuk George R.
Published: May 2023

Ultrasound fusion is an established technique that pairs real time B-scan ultrasound (US) with other forms of cross-sectional imaging, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Each of these imaging modalities has distinct advantages. CT provides superior anatomic resolution, with improved imaging of bone and calcified structures; MRI has superior contrast resolution; and PET provides physiologic information, identifying processes that are metabolically active (i.e., tumor, inflammatory conditions). However, these modalities are static. A key highlight of ultrasound is its capability of dynamic, real-time scanning. The ability to pair CT, MRI or PET with ultrasound can have significant advantages, both in diagnostic evaluation and when performing difficult or challenging image-guided interventions. Percutaneous interventions using ultrasound fusion have been described in the abdominal imaging literature; however, there have been very few musculoskeletal applications detailed in the literature. The purpose of this article is to review the basic concepts of real-time ultrasound fusion, and to detail, through the use of multiple case examples, its potential use as a safe and effective method for performing image-guided musculoskeletal interventions.
Association of Gut Lachnospiraceae and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Ćesić Diana , Lugović Mihić Liborija , Ozretić Petar , Lojkić Ivana , Buljan Marija , Šitum Mirna , Zovak Mario , Vidović Dinko , Mijić August , Galić Nada , Tambić Andrašević Arjana
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has been linked to the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, various studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), whose production is primarily regulated by the gut microbiota. However, only a few studies have investigated the role of major SCFA producers, such as Lachnospiraceae, in skin inflammatory diseases. (2) Goal: This study aimed to compare the abundance of Lachnospiraceae between CSU patients and healthy controls (HCs). (3) Material and methods: In this case–control study, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to compare the composition of the gut microbiome between 22 CSU patients and 23 HCs. (4) Results: Beta-diversity revealed significant clustering (p < 0.05) between the CSU patients and HCs. Alpha diversity in the CSU group was significantly decreased according to the Evenness index (p < 0.05). The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified the significant depletion of the Lachnospiraceae family in CSU patients. (5) Conclusion: Our study revealed the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in CSU patients, including decreased levels of Lachnospiraceae members, responsible for SCFA production, suggesting that SCFAs may contribute to immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of CSU. We speculate that the modulation of SCFAs could serve as a prospective additional option in CSU treatment.
Yttrium and Niobium Elements Co-Doping and the Formation of Double Perovskite Structure Ba2YNbO6 in BCZT
Authors: Mao Runyu , Zheng Deyi , Wu Qiyun , Wang Yuying , Liu Chang
Published: May 2023

The (Ba0.85Ca0.15) (Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 + x Y3+ + x Nb5+ (abbreviated as BCZT-x(Nb + Y), x = 0 mol%, 0.05 mol%, 0.1 mol%, 0.2 mol%, 0.3 mol%) lead-free piezoceramics samples were prepared by a traditional solid-state sintering method. And the effects of Yttrium and Niobium elements (Y3+ and Nb5+) co-doping on the defect, phase and structure, microstructure, and comprehensive electrical properties have been investigated. Research results show that the Y and Nb elements co-doping can dramatically enhance piezoelectric properties. It is worth noting that XPS defect chemistry analysis, XRD phase analysis and TEM results together show that a new phase of double perovskite structure Barium Yttrium Niobium Oxide (Ba2YNbO6) is formed in the ceramic, and the XRD Rietveld refinement and TEM results show the coexistence of the R-O-T phase. Both these two reasons together lead to significant performance improvements of piezoelectric constant (d33) and planar electro-mechanical coupling coefficient (kp). The functional relation between temperature and dielectric constant testing results present that the Curie temperature increases slightly, which shows the same law as the change of piezoelectric properties. The ceramic sample reaches an optimal performance at x = 0.1% of BCZT-x(Nb + Y), where d33 = 667 pC/N, kp = 0.58, εr = 5656, tanδ = 0.022, Pr = 12.8 μC/cm2, EC = 2.17 kV/cm, TC =92 °C, respectively. Therefore, they can be used as potential alternative materials to lead based piezoelectric ceramics.
The Upper Bound of the Edge Mostar Index with Respect to Bicyclic Graphs
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Mengmeng
Published: May 2023

Let G be a connected graph; the edge Mostar index Moe(G) of G is defined as Moe(G)=∑e=uv∈E(G)|mu(e)−mv(e)|, where mu(e) and mv(e) denote the number of edges in G that are closer to vertex u than to vertex v and the number of edges that are closer to vertex v than to vertex u, respectively. In this paper, we determine the upper bound of the edge Mostar index for all bicyclic graphs and identify the extremal graphs that achieve this bound.
Hypotensive Effect of Electric Stimulation of Caudal Ventrolateral Medulla in Freely Moving Rats
Authors: Chomanskis Žilvinas , Jonkus Vytautas , Danielius Tadas , Paulauskas Tomas , Orvydaitė Monika , Melaika Kazimieras , Rukšėnas Osvaldas , Hendrixson Vaiva , Ročka Saulius
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: An altered sympathetic function is established in primary arterial hypertension (PAH) development. Therefore, PAH could be targeted by applying an electric current to the medulla where reflex centers for blood pressure control reside. This study aims to evaluate the electric caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) stimulation effect on blood pressure and animal survivability in a freely moving rat model. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 Wistar rats aged 12–16 weeks were randomly assigned to either: the experimental group (n = 10; electrode tip implanted in CVLM region) or the control group (n = 10; tip implanted 4 mm above the CVLM in the cerebellum). After a period of recovery (4 days), an experimental phase ensued, divided into an “OFF stimulation” period (5–7 days post-surgery) and an “ON stimulation” period (8–14 days post-surgery). Results: Three animals (15%, one in the control, two in the experimental group) dropped out due to postoperative complications. Arterial pressure in the experimental group rats during the “OFF stimulation” period decreased by 8.23 mm Hg (p = 0.001) and heart rate by 26.93 beats/min (p = 0.008). Conclusions: From a physiological perspective, CVLM could be an effective deep brain stimulation (DBS) target for drug-resistant hypertension: able to influence the baroreflex arc directly, having no known direct integrative or neuroendocrine function. Targeting the baroreflex regulatory center, but not its sensory or effector parts, could lead to a more predictable effect and stability of the control system. Although targeting neural centers in the medullary region is considered dangerous and prone to complications, it could open a new vista for deep brain stimulation therapy. A possible change in electrode design would be required to apply CVLM DBS in clinical trials in the future.
Primary Effusion Lymphoma, Multicentric Castleman’s Disease, and Kaposi’s Sarcoma in an HHV-8 and HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Caballero Juan Carlos , Pardo Laura , Rodriguez-Pinilla Maria Socorro , Piris Miguel Angel , Alvarez Beatriz , Solan Laura , Cornago Javier , Lopez-Lorenzo Jose Luis , Llamas Pilar , Cordoba Raul , Lopez-Garcia Alberto
Published: May 2023

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) is an uncommon group of diseases included in the same spectrum with related characteristics. The coexistence of all of them in the same individual is a rare occurrence. We present the case of a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the development of all these related pathologies. Despite the use of intensive treatment according to the latest recommendations, the evolution was unfavorable. This case reflects the need for new therapies and research in this field.
Comprehensive Geriatric Care in Older Adults: Walking Ability after an Acute Fracture
Authors: Niemöller Ulrich , Arnold Andreas , Stein Thomas , Juenemann Martin , Erkapic Damir , Rosenbauer Josef , Kostev Karel , Meyer Marco , Tanislav Christian
Published: May 2023

Background/Objectives: Comprehensive Geriatric Care (CGC) is a specific multimodal treatment for older patients. In the current study, we aimed to investigate walking performance after CGC in medically ill patients versus those with fractures. Methods: The timed up and go test (TuG), a 5-grade scale assessment (1 = no walking impairment to 5 = no walking ability at all) for evaluating individual walking ability was performed in all patients who underwent CGC prior to and after treatment. Factors associated with improvement in walking ability were analyzed in the subgroup of patients with fractures. Results: Out of 1263 hospitalized patients, 1099 underwent CGC (median age: 83.1 years (IQR 79.0–87.8 years); 64.1% were female). Patients with fractures (n = 300) were older than those without (n = 799), (median 85.6 versus 82.4 years, p = 0.001). Improvement in TuG after CGC was found in 54.2% of the fracture patients compared to just 45.9% of those without fractures. In fracture group patients, TuG improved from median 5 on admission to median 3 on discharge (p = 0.001). In fracture patients, improvement in walking ability was associated with higher Barthel index values on admission (median 45 (IQR: 35–55) versus 35 (IQR: 20–50): p = 0.001) and Tinetti assessment scores (median 9 (IQR: 4–14.25) versus 5 (IQR: 0–13); p = 0.001) and was negatively associated with the diagnosis of dementia (21.4% versus 31.5%; p = 0.058). Conclusion: CGC improved walking ability in more than half of all patients examined. Older patients in particular might benefit from undergoing the procedure after an acute fracture. A better initial functional status favors a positive result following the treatment.
Extraction of Lanthanides(III) from Aqueous Nitric Acid Solutions with Tetra(n-octyl)diglycolamide into Methyltrioctylammonium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonul)imide Ionic Liquid and Its Mixtures with Molecular Organic Diluents
Authors: Turanov Alexander N. , Karandashev Vasilii K. , Baulin Vladimir E.
Published: May 2023

The extraction of lanthanides(III) from aqueous nitric acid solutions with tetra(n-octyl)diglycolamide into methyltrioctylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonul)imide ([N1888][Tf2N]) ionic liquid and its mixtures with molecular organic diluents is investigated in this study. This study also investigates the effect of HNO3 concentration in the aqueous phase on the extraction of Ln(III) ions. Subsequently, the stoichiometry of the extracted complexes is determined, and the mechanism of Ln(III) extraction in a system with [N1888][Tf2N] is discussed. It is shown that the intragroup selectivity of the extraction of Ln(III) ions is significantly higher when using [N1888][Tf2N] than when using the imidazolium-based ionic liquid [C4mim][Tf2N].
Excited-State Dynamics of All the Mono-cis and the Major Di-cis Isomers of β-Apo-8′-Carotenal as Revealed by Femtosecond Time-Resolved Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Horiuchi Kota , Uragami Chiasa , Tao Ruohan , Kosumi Daisuke , Cogdell Richard J. , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: May 2023

Cis isomers of carotenoids play important roles in light harvesting and photoprotection in photosynthetic bacteria, such as the reaction center in purple bacteria and the photosynthetic apparatus in cyanobacteria. Carotenoids containing carbonyl groups are involved in efficient energy transfer to chlorophyll in light-harvesting complexes, and their intramolecular charge–transfer (ICT) excited states are known to be important for this process. Previous studies, using ultrafast laser spectroscopy, have focused on the central-cis isomer of carbonyl-containing carotenoids, revealing that the ICT excited state is stabilized in polar environments. However, the relationship between the cis isomer structure and the ICT excited state has remained unresolved. In this study, we performed steady-state absorption and femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy on nine geometric isomers (7-cis, 9-cis, 13-cis, 15-cis, 13′-cis, 9,13′-cis, 9,13-cis, 13,13′-cis, and all-trans) of β-apo-8′-carotenal, whose structures are well-defined, and discovered correlations between the decay rate constant of the S1 excited state and the S0−S1 energy gap, as well as between the position of the cis-bend and the degree of stabilization of the ICT excited state. Our results demonstrate that the ICT excited state is stabilized in polar environments in cis isomers of carbonyl-containing carotenoids and suggest that the position of the cis-bend plays an important role in the stabilization of the excited state.
Exogenous Nucleotides Ameliorate Ageing-Related Intestinal Inflammation in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone-8 (SAMP8) Mice
Authors: You Mei , Liu Rui , Wei Chan , Wang Xiujuan , Yu Xiaochen , Li Zhen , Mao Ruixue , Hu Jiani , Zhu Na , Liu Xinran , Fan Rui , Li Yong , Xu Meihong
Published: May 2023

As one of the most important barriers in the body, the intestinal barrier is a key factor in maintaining human health. Ageing of the intestine is a degenerative process that is closely associated with a variety of poor health conditions in the elderly. Inflammation and the immune system are anti-ageing targets that can regulate the function of the intestine. Nucleotides (NTs) are involved in important physiological and biochemical reactions in the body, but there are few studies about their effect on the ageing intestine. This paper examines the role of exogenous NTs in the ageing intestine. For this purpose, we used senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice and senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice for the experiment, and randomly divided the mice into NTs-free, Normal Control, NTs-low, NTs-medium, NTs-high, and SAMR1 groups. After 9 months of intervention, we collected the colon tissue of mice for testing. In our study, exogenous NTs could increase bodyweight of mice during ageing and improve the morphological structure of the intestine, and we found that NTs could promote the secretion of intestinal protective factors, such as TFF3 and TE. Furthermore, supplementation with NTs suppressed intestinal inflammation and improved intestinal immunity, possibly by activating the p38 signaling pathway. These results suggest that exogenous NTs are able to maintain the health condition of the ageing intestine.