bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LiDAR‐based automated UAV inspection of wind turbine rotor blades
Authors: Castelar Wembers Carlos , Pflughaupt Jasper , Moshagen Ludmila , Kurenkov Michael , Lewejohann Tim , Schildbach Georg
Published: March 2024

The global trend indicates that overall wind energy production, both onshore and offshore, will increase drastically in the next decade. Therefore, presently, much effort is focused on optimizing the operation and maintenance of wind turbines, since these are quite challenging and cost‐intensive. To aid or even completely fulfill a specific inspection task, an automated solution is proposed in this paper. The prototype is built on an M300 drone platform from DJI Technology Co. and is presented here. It requires a single, additional 2D‐LiDAR sensor mounted on an upwards frame. The proposed control and path planning algorithms have been tested in the AirSim simulation environment, as well as in local model airfields and at real onshore and offshore wind turbines. As a result, a comprehensive sequential‐phased mission is presented, which reduces the total time required for the inspection routine to approximately 14 min, representing about half the time an expert pilot may need for the same task. Additionally, a platform prototype that may be deployed on a ship's deck for a safe landing is presented. It guarantees instant adhesion upon contact and avoids unwanted drone backlash due to sudden and unexpected ship movement during the landing approach. Further work will focus mainly on additional offshore flight probes, optimizing the landing platform, and tuning the flight algorithms.
Surface movement detection and stability evaluation of a loose fine‐grained soil slope during reservoir operation: A case study in NE reservoir
Authors: Yin Penghai , Guo Tao , Guo Dahai , Jiang Long , Yu Shu
Published: March 2024

Landslide in reservoirs imposes challenges to reservoir operation and dam safety management practices. The understanding of the landside mechanism during reservoir operation is crucial to landslide‐related risk migration. During the reservoir operation from 2018 to 2021, a massive landslide occurred with over 107 m3 in total volume on the bank of the NE reservoir. The surface movement characteristics before and after the occurrence of landslides in the NE reservoir in the region scale were detected and interpreted by Sentinel‐2 time series images. Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the geotechnical properties of the fine‐grained soil. The slope stability was evaluated for a typical slope profile considering the rising water level using the extended Bishop's simplified method, which was implemented in the code STAB‐UNSAT. It can be found that the landslide in the fine‐grained soil occurred simultaneously when the water level rose. The cumulative area of soil slope failure on the left bank of the NE reservoir increased continuously during the reservoir operation from 2018 to 2020, especially had a remarkable increment from August to October in 2019. The extended Bishop's simplified method provides a more rational method to evaluate the soil slope stability. The slope failure mechanism of the studied soil, that is, collapse–erosion–slide upon the rising reservoir water has been proposed.
Surface Modification of NiO‐Al2O3 Nanocomposites using Stearic Acid as a Modifier and their Applications in Self‐cleaning and Removal of Dyes
Authors: Narwal Monika , Jeevanandam Pethaiyan
Published: March 2024

In the present study, a quick surface modification method has been developed for the modification NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites using stearic acid (SA). The surface modification of NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites with stearic acid was confirmed by various analytical techniques (FT‐IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry (TG), carbon and hydrogen (CH) and XPS). There is no change in XRD patterns, and FE‐SEM and TEM images of NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites after modification with SA. FT‐IR analysis of SA modified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites shows characteristic IR bands of carboxylate group. TG and CH analyses also confirm the presence of SA in the NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites. XPS analysis of SA modified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites shows the presence of carbon atoms of stearic acid. The SA modified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites show water contact angle greater than 90° which suggests their hydrophobic nature. The SA modified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites were explored for self‐cleaning and also as adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet and rhodamine B dyes from aqueous solutions. The SA modified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites remove the dyes within 30 minutes. The effect of various adsorption parameters (adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH, and temperature) was investigated to understand the optimum adsorption conditions. The SA modified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites show better self‐cleaning property as compared to unmodified NiO‐Al2O3 nanocomposites.
In Situ Preparation of Mo:BiVO4 Photoanodes Coupled with BiOBr Cathode for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Performance
Authors: Zhao Xiya , Li Zhiyu , Zhang Xiaochao , Guan Xiushuai , Zhang Changming , Tian Puqian , Yue Huiqiang , Wang Liyuan , Bai Yadong , Wang Yawen , Yang Song , Fan Caimei
Published: March 2024

Photoanode‐driven photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reduction of CO2 is an ideal way for solving problems such as the greenhouse effect and environmental crisis. In this study, a one‐step hydrothermal method is successfully used for the preparation of BiVO4 films doped with different mass fractions of Mo. In the results, it is shown that when Mo is doped at 1.5 wt%, photocurrent densities of up to 4.11 mA cm−2 are obtained, 3.36 times greater than those of undoped BiVO4, and there is a marked cathodic shifting of water oxidation reaction initiation potential. Subsequently, coupling it with the BiOBr nanosheet cathode, the generated CH3OH rate reaches 45.67 μmol L−1 h−1 cm−2 at a low applied voltage of 1.2 VRHE, with a Faraday efficiency of 60.68% for PEC CO2 reduction. This work is important for Bi‐based thin‐film self‐assembly coupled with PEC CO2 systems.
Oesophageal plasmacytoma in a dog: Outcome following surgical excision guided by computed tomographic features and oesophagoscopy biopsy findings
Authors: Wood Sean , Milne Jessica , Pearson Tim , Doyle Claire
Published: March 2024

A 10‐year‐old, female, spayed golden retriever crossbreed dog was referred for persistent vomiting and hypersalivation after eating. Thoracic radiographs showed a small, circular soft tissue opacityin the region of the mid‐caudal thoracic oesophagus An intraluminal, pedunculated mid‐caudal thoracic oesophageal mass was identified on subsequent computed tomography of the thorax. Oesophagoscopy guided endoscopic biopsies were consistent with a plasmacytoma, a neoplasm rarely diagnosed in the canine oesophagus. Thoracotomy via a rib pivot method, longitudinal oesophagotomy and partial longitudinal oesophagectomy were performed with successful mass excision. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of plasmacytoma excised with complete surgical margins, and the dog's clinical signs resolved. Repeat computed tomography and oesophagoscopy 7 months following surgical excision showed no recurrence, and the dog remained clinically well.
Ultrasound‐guided vacuum‐assisted excision for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis at the abscess stage
Authors: Wan Hangyu , Zhang Haiyan , Yu Shaolan , Wang Yan , Yang Feng , Luo Jing
Published: March 2024

Background

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory disease of the breast with clinical features that are often confused with those of breast cancer leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and cosmetic results of drainage surgery using ultrasound‐guided vacuum‐assisted excision (VAE) for the treatment of IGM at the abscess stage.

Methods

The time of recovery, cases of further surgical intervention, and cosmetic results were retrospectively collected and analyzed from patients who underwent drainage with VAE or conventional drainage between October 2017 and August 2021.

Results

A total of 65 patients diagnosed with IGM at the abscess stage who underwent drainage surgery with VAE or conventional drainage surgery were enrolled. Overall, 38 (58.5%) underwent conventional drainage surgery and 27 (41.5%) underwent drainage with VAE. We found that patients who underwent VAE recovered much faster than those who underwent traditional drainage surgery (30.1 vs. 48.0 days). Nine (33.3%) patients in the VAE group required further surgical intervention after drainage, whereas 33 (86.8%) patients in the control group underwent another surgery to resect residual lesions. Additionally, patients in the VAE group were more satisfied with the breast appearance, mainly due to less influence of the scars and better symmetry of their breasts.

Conclusion

Compared with conventional drainage surgery, drainage surgery using VAE for IGM patients at the abscess stage improved therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes. Furthermore, postoperative management of IGM is crucial.
Sex identification of birds in Taipei Zoo
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Wei , Hou Hsuan‐Yi , Hsieh Hsin‐I , Jang‐Liaw Nian‐Hong
Published: March 2024

As a conservation and breeding institution for birds, Taipei Zoo plays an important role in restoring endangered species. As approximately half of all bird species are monomorphic, precisely confirming the sex of individuals is critical for the management of ex‐situ conservation breeding populations, as well as for understanding the sex ratio of those in the wild. Generally, PCR is used more reliably for sex determination versus traditional methods such as plumage, behavior or hormone levels. Nevertheless, the various primer sets and annealing temperatures vary between species, and so inaccurate sexing can occasionally happen due to inadequate PCR conditions. To reduce the probability of misidentification, and to establish a PCR condition database for sex determination across the diverse range of avian taxa, we tested multiple primer sets and annealing temperatures for amplification of the bird sex‐specific gene fragments (CHD1) for each captive or rescued avian species held at Taipei Zoo since 2014. A total of 162 species across 22 orders were tested using one or two primer sets. One hundred and fifty‐five species were successfully sexed by the primer set 2550F/2718R and the success rate of sex typing reached over 90% of species tested in each order. Most species have suitable PCR annealing temperatures between 45°C and 55°C, and the species in the same avian taxa showed similar results in temperature. This indicates that it is possible to select the annealing temperature of other species in the same family when the species had not been tested before. We expect this study will improve the success rate of identifying sex by using applicable PCR conditions and reduce the time for searching references every time before attempts to PCR sex birds.
Entanglement phase transition in holographic pseudo entropy
Authors: Kanda Hiroki , Kawamoto Taishi , Suzuki Yu-ki , Takayanagi Tadashi , Tasuki Kenya , Wei Zixia
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we present holographic descriptions of entanglement phase transition using AdS/BCFT. First, we analytically calculate the holographic pseudo entropy in the AdS/BCFT model with a brane localized scalar field and show the entanglement phase transition behavior where the time evolution of entropy changes from the linear growth to the trivial one via a critical logarithmic evolution. In this model, the imaginary valued scalar field localized on the brane controls the phase transition, which is analogous to the amount of projections in the measurement induced phase transition. Next, we study the AdS/BCFT model with a brane localized gauge field, where the phase transition looks different in that there is no logarithmically evolving critical point. Finally, we discuss a bulk analog of the above model by considering a double Wick rotation of the Janus solution. We compute the holographic pseudo entropy in this model and show that the entropy grows logarithmically.
Thermo-electric transport of dyonic Gubser-Rocha black holes
Authors: Ge Xian-Hui , Xu Zhaojie
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We study the thermo-electric transport coefficients of an extended version of the Gubser-Rocha model. After reviewing the two relaxation time model from holography and studying the effect of the magnetic field on thermo-electric transports from hydrodynamic theory, we present a new dilatonic dyonic asymptotically AdS black hole solution. Notice that S-duality plays an important role in finding the analytic solution with the magnetic field. Using the AdS/CMT dictionary, we analyze the electric and thermo-electric transport properties of the dual field theory. The resistivity and the Hall angle are both linear in T for fixed k/μ and B/μ2 for low temperatures. For fixed k/T and μ/T, the electric transport coefficients are strange metallic. The magnetoresistance is approximately quadratic in B for various choices of parametrizations. The Nernst signal is a bell-shaped function in terms of the magnetic field even when the momentum relaxation is strong.
Discriminating Majorana and Dirac heavy neutrinos at lepton colliders
Authors: Mękała Krzysztof , Reuter Jürgen , Żarnecki Aleksander Filip
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper we investigate how well the nature of heavy neutral leptons can be determined at a future lepton collider, after its potential discovery. Considered in a simplified model are prompt decays of the neutrino in the mass range from 100 GeV to 10 TeV. We study event selection and application of multivariate analyses to determine whether such a newly discovered particle is of the Dirac or Majorana nature. Combining lepton charge and kinematic event variables, we find that the nature of a heavy neutrino, whether it is a Dirac or a Majorana particle, can be determined at 95% C.L. almost in the whole discovery range. We will briefly speculate about other than the studied channels and the robustness of this statement in more general models of heavy neutral leptons, particularly on the complementarity of high-energy electron-positron vs. muon colliders on resolving the flavor structure of heavy neutrinos.
High-content method for mechanosignaling studies using IsoStretcher technology and quantitative Ca2+ imaging applied to Piezo1 in cardiac HL-1 cells
Authors: Merten Anna-Lena , Schöler Ulrike , Guo Yang , Linsenmeier Fabian , Martinac Boris , Friedrich Oliver , Schürmann Sebastian
Published: March 2024

The importance of mechanosensory transduction pathways in cellular signalling has prominently come to focus in the last decade with the discovery of the Piezo ion channel family. Mechanosignaling involving Piezo1 ion channels in the function of the heart and cardiovascular system has only recently been identified to have implications for cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, in particular for heart failure (i.e., hypertrophy or dilative cardiomyopathy). These results have emphasized the need for higher throughput methods to study single-cell cardiovascular mechanobiology with the aim of identifying new targets for therapeutic interventions and stimulating the development of new pharmacological agents. Here, we present a novel method to assess mechanosignaling in adherent cardiac cells (murine HL-1 cell line) using a combination of isotropic cell stretch application and simultaneous Ca2+ fluorescence readout with quantitative analysis. The procedure implements our IsoStretcher technology in conjunction with a single-cell- and population-based analysis of Ca2+ signalling by means of automated image registration, cell segmentation and analysis, followed by automated classification of single-cell responses. The method is particularly valuable for assessing the heterogeneity of populations with distinct cellular responses to mechanical stimulation and provides more user-independent unbiased drug response classifications.
$${{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(3)$$-Homogeneous Decomposition of the Flag Scheme of $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_3$$ over $$\mathbb {Z}\left[ 1/2\right] $$
Authors: Hayashi Takuma
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we give $$\mathbb {Z}\left[ 1/2\right] $$

Z

1
/
2

-forms of $${{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(3,\mathbb {C})$$

SO

(
3
,
C
)

-orbits in the flag variety of $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_3(\mathbb {C})$$

SL

3

(
C
)

. We also prove that they give a $$\mathbb {Z}\left[ 1/2\right] $$

Z

1
/
2

-form of the $${{\,\textrm{SO}\,}}(3,\mathbb {C})$$

SO

(
3
,
C
)

-orbit decomposition of the flag variety of $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_3$$

SL

3

.
Adversarial robustness improvement for deep neural networks
Authors: Eleftheriadis Charis , Symeonidis Andreas , Katsaros Panagiotis
Published: March 2024

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are key components for the implementation of autonomy in systems that operate in highly complex and unpredictable environments (self-driving cars, smart traffic systems, smart manufacturing, etc.). It is well known that DNNs are vulnerable to adversarial examples, i.e. minimal and usually imperceptible perturbations, applied to their inputs, leading to false predictions. This threat poses critical challenges, especially when DNNs are deployed in safety or security-critical systems, and renders as urgent the need for defences that can improve the trustworthiness of DNN functions. Adversarial training has proven effective in improving the robustness of DNNs against a wide range of adversarial perturbations. However, a general framework for adversarial defences is needed that will extend beyond a single-dimensional assessment of robustness improvement; it is essential to consider simultaneously several distance metrics and adversarial attack strategies. Using such an approach we report the results from extensive experimentation on adversarial defence methods that could improve DNNs resilience to adversarial threats. We wrap up by introducing a general adversarial training methodology, which, according to our experimental results, opens prospects for an holistic defence against a range of diverse types of adversarial perturbations.
White mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds: the role of oven and microwave roasting on their bioactive components, antioxidant potential, fatty acids and mineral contents
Authors: Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Yalım Nazlı , Kandil Merve , Namalan Zeynep , Atasoy Zehra Beyza
Published: March 2024

The oil amounts of raw and roasted mustard seeds were reported between 12.05 (control) and 16.30% (oven). Total phenolic and flavonoid amounts of untreated (control) and roasted mustard seeds were recorded to be between 473.90 (control) and 569.96 mgGAE/100 g (oven) to 345.48 (control) and 479.76 mg/100 g (microwave), respectively. Antioxidant capacity results of untreated and roasted mustard seeds were determined to be between 6.71 (oven) and 6.97 mmol/kg (control). Total phenolic and flavonoid amounts of oven-roasted seeds were higher than those of control and microwave-roasted seeds. L* values of mustard seeds varied between 35.04 and 65.52. Heat treatment caused a decrease in L* values. The lowest L* value was observed in the sample dried in conventional oven. The quantitative values of gallic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids of mustard seeds were recorded to be between 8.47 (control) and 117.31 mg/100 g (microwave) to 2.16 (control) and 11.79 mg/100 g (microwave), respectively. Erucic acid values of the oils extracted from raw and roasted mustard seeds were reported between 41.38 (control) and 42.81% (microwave). Oleic and linoleic acid amounts of mustard oils differed between 26.06 (microwave) and 26.90% (control) and between 13.08 (oven) and 13.98% (control), respectively. The oven roasting system had the most effect on the element and protein contents of the seeds, followed by the microwave in decreasing order. As with the bioactive components of the seeds, the amounts of phenolic constituents of roasted mustard seeds increased significantly compared to the control.

Graphical abstract
Taking time to compose thoughts with prefrontal schemata
Authors: Ryom Kwang Il , Basu Anindita , Stendardi Debora , Ciaramelli Elisa , Treves Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Under what conditions can prefrontal cortex direct the composition of brain states, to generate coherent streams of thoughts? Using a simplified Potts model of cortical dynamics, crudely differentiated into two halves, we show that once activity levels are regulated, so as to disambiguate a single temporal sequence, whether the contents of the sequence are mainly determined by the frontal or by the posterior half, or by neither, depends on statistical parameters that describe its microcircuits. The frontal cortex tends to lead if it has more local attractors, longer lasting and stronger ones, in order of increasing importance. Its guidance is particularly effective to the extent that posterior cortices do not tend to transition from state to state on their own. The result may be related to prefrontal cortex enforcing its temporally-oriented schemata driving coherent sequences of brain states, unlike the atemporal “context” contributed by the hippocampus. Modelling a mild prefrontal (vs. posterior) lesion offers an account of mind-wandering and event construction deficits observed in prefrontal patients.
The TRICK-TIP Rhinoplasty: Tip of the Nose Preservation Using the Combined Synergy of Open and Closed Approaches
Authors: Villegas-Alzate Francisco
Published: March 2024

Background

This study introduces and assesses the outcomes of a novel rhinoplasty technique, TRICK-TIP (Transcolumellar and Inter Cartilaginous Keystoning with Tip preservation), employing a combined open and closed approach with tip anatomy conservation and structured tip support.

Methods

The procedure involves a low stairstep columellar sectioning, followed by transmembranous and intercartilaginous incisions without skin dissection in the columella or tip. Elevating the entire mobile nose as a three-layered flap provides extensive access to the entire nasal pyramid and septum. Tip modifications, including retrograde cephalic cartilage resection and supratip skin thinning, are performed based on individual cases. A key columellar strut is frequently used, initially sutured in the interdomal space and then turned down for height adjustment and final fixation. Interdomal sutures, supratip sutures, and alar resection are implemented as needed.

Results

One hundred twenty patients participated, with high satisfaction and a low frequency of adverse effects reported using four FACE-Q™ questionnaires. One hundred and two independent raters evaluated pre and postoperative photographs, scoring “overall nose result” as 3.6 out of 5, with minimal or absent nostril deformities (1.84), soft triangle deformities (1.73), and columellar external scar deformity/visibility (1.35) where 1 is the absence of the deformity and 5 is disfigurement. Complications were absent, and revisions were infrequent.

Conclusions

The combined benefits of the wide-open approach, shortened surgery duration, and nasal tip preservation contribute to outcome optimization. TRICK-TIP rhinoplasty is characterized by simplicity, enabling targeted modifications, preventing soft triangle and rim complications, and facilitating essential tip support while maintaining favorable results.

Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Endophytic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jensen Christian Greve , Dybdahl Marco , Valtersson John , Mussmann Bo Redder , Duus Louise Aarup , Junker Theresa , Pietersen Pia Iben , Lund Lars , Welch Brian T. , Graumann Ole
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Endophytic renal cancer treatment is a challenge. Due to difficulties in endophytic tumor visualization during surgical extirpation, image-guided percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) is an attractive alternative. The minimally invasive nature of PCA makes it favorable for comorbid patients as well as patients in which surgery is contraindicated. Oncological outcomes and complications after PCA of endophytic biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were reviewed in this study.

Materials and Methods

Patients were included after a multidisciplinary team conference from January 2015 to November 2021. Inclusion criteria were endophytic biopsy-proven T1 RCC treated with PCA with one year of follow-up. Complications were reported according to the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) classification system and the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) system. Major complications were defined as a grade ≥ 3 according to the CDC.

Results

Fifty-six patients were included with a total of 56 endophytic tumors treated during 61 PCA sessions. The median RENAL nephrometry score was 9 (IQR 2), and the mean tumor size was 25.7 mm (SD ± 8.9 mm). Mean hospitalization time was 0.39 (SD ± 1.1) days. At a mean follow-up of 996 days (SD ± 559), 86% of tumors were recurrence free after one PCA. No patients progressed to metastatic disease. According to the CIRSE classification, 10.7% (n = 6) had grade 3 complications, and 5.4% (n = 3) had CDC major complications.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that PCA of endophytic biopsy-proven T1 RCC is safe with few major complications and excellent local tumor control rates at almost three-year mean follow-up.

Level of Evidence 3

Retrospective cohort study.

Graphic Abstract
Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the setting of cochlear implantation: a retrospective analysis of 700 cases
Authors: Schaumann Katharina , Mütz D. , Althaus L. , Prinzen T. , Schipper J. , Klenzner T.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Postoperative wound infections after cochlear implantation are rare but sometimes serious and can lead to explantation. Therefore, perioperative antibiotic administration is often recommended. However, in clinical practice, the type and duration of antibiotic prophylaxis varies between different centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing postoperative complications.

Methods

700 patients who underwent cochlear implantation between 2007 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated with regard to wound infections within the first 28 postoperative days. These were classified into major and minor complications. Data were analyzed using the IBM statistical program SPSS.

Results

In 670 out of 700 patients the type and duration of perioperative antibiotic administration could be reconstructed from the records. Of these 67 patients (10%) received antibiotics as a single shot, 158 patients (23.6%) were treated with antibiotics for a period of 48 h, and 445 patients (66.4%) received prolonged antibiotic therapy for more than 72 h. In total 64 patients (9.5%) showed abnormalities in wound assessment within the first 28 postoperative days after implantation. Major infections (1.6%) were detected in 11 patients. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in wound infection rates between the group receiving single-shot antibiosis and the group receiving 48 h prophylaxis or antibiotic treatment > 72 h (p = 0.46).

Conclusion

Patients receiving an antibiotic single shot do not appear to be at significantly increased risk for postoperative wound infections compared with patients with prolonged antibiotic treatment. Continuation of data collection across centers seems reasonable.
Power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition decreases in a non-linear fashion during prolonged exercise
Authors: Gallo Gabriele , Faelli Emanuela Luisa , Ruggeri Piero , Filipas Luca , Codella Roberto , Plews Daniel J. , Maunder Ed
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aims of this study were to: (i) describe the time course of the decrease in power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition during prolonged exercise; (ii) investigate the association between durability of the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition and exercise capacity; and (iii) explore physiological correlates of durability of the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition.

Methods

Twelve trained cyclists (age: 40 ± 8 y, $$\dot{\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2peak: 52.3 ± 5.2 mL·min−1·kg−1) performed an exhaustive cycling protocol involving alternating incremental exercise tests to determine power output at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition via the first ventilatory threshold (VT1), and 30-min bouts at 90% of the power output at the previously estimated VT1 in the rested state. The individual time course of VT1 was modelled using linear and second-order polynomial functions, and time to a 5% decrease in VT1 (Δ5%VT1) was estimated using the best-fitting model.

Results

Power output at VT1 decreased according to a second-order polynomial function in 11 of 12 participants. Time-to-task failure (234 ± 66 min) was correlated with Δ5%VT1 (139 ± 78 min, rs = 0.676, p = 0.016), and these were strongly correlated with absolute and relative rates of fat oxidation at specific exercise intensities measured during the incremental test performed in the rested state.

Conclusions

These data: (i) identify a non-linear time course of decreases in the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition during prolonged exercise; (ii) support the importance of durability of the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition in prolonged exercise capacity; and (iii) suggest durability of the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition is related to fat oxidation rates.
The role of motor inhibition in implicit negation processing: two Go/No-Go behavioral studies
Authors: Montalti Martina , Calbi Marta , Umiltà Maria Alessandra , Gallese Vittorio , Cuccio Valentina
Published: March 2024

Several studies demonstrated that explicit forms of negation processing (e.g., “I don’t know”) recruits motor inhibitory mechanisms. However, whether this is also true for implicit negation, in which the negative meaning is implicated but not explicitly lexicalized in the sentence (e.g., “I ignore”), has never been studied before. Two Go/No-Go studies, which differed only for the time-windows to respond to the Go stimulus, were carried out. In each, participants (N = 86 in experiment 1; N = 87 in experiment 2) respond to coloured circle while reading task-irrelevant affirmative, explicit negative and implicit negative sentences. We aimed to investigate whether: (i) the processing of implicit negations recruits inhibitory mechanisms; (ii) these inhibitory resources are differently modulated by implicit and explicit negations. Results show that implicit negative sentences recruit the inhibitory resources more strongly when compared to explicit ones, probably due to their inferential nature, likely requiring deeper processing of the negative meaning. Implicit and inferential meaning (i.e., pragmatic information) are grounded too in the same mechanisms that integrate action with perception. Such findings provide further evidence to the embodied account of language, showing that even abstract aspects, like implicit negation, are grounded in the sensory-motor system, by means of functional link between language and motor activity.
Neuromuscular effects suggest that imagery engages motor components directly – a commentary on Frank et al. (2023)
Authors: Stadler Waltraud , Hermsdörfer Joachim
Published: March 2024

Not applicable.
Unveiling the role of PYGB in pancreatic cancer: a novel diagnostic biomarker and gene therapy target
Authors: Ren Li-kun , Lu Ri-shang , Fei Xiao-bin , Chen Shao-jie , Liu Peng , Zhu Chang-hao , Wang Xing , Pan Yao-zhen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor that poses a severe threat to human health. Brain glycogen phosphorylase (PYGB) breaks down glycogen and provides an energy source for tumor cells. Although PYGB has been reported in several tumors, its role in PC remains unclear.

Methods

We constructed a risk diagnostic model of PC-related genes by WGCNA and LASSO regression and found PYGB, an essential gene in PC. Then, we explored the pro-carcinogenic role of PYGB in PC by in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Results

We found that PYGB, SCL2A1, and SLC16A3 had a significant effect on the diagnosis and prognosis of PC, but PYGB had the most significant effect on the prognosis. Pan-cancer analysis showed that PYGB was highly expressed in most of the tumors but had the highest correlation with PC. In TCGA and GEO databases, we found that PYGB was highly expressed in PC tissues and correlated with PC's prognostic and pathological features. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we found that high expression of PYGB promoted the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PC cells. Through enrichment analysis, we found that PYGB is associated with several key cell biological processes and signaling pathways. In experiments, we validated that the MAPK/ERK pathway is involved in the pro-tumorigenic mechanism of PYGB in PC.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PYGB promotes PC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, leading to poor patient prognosis. PYGB gene may be a novel diagnostic biomarker and gene therapy target for PC.
An investigation of the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Soleymani Moghadam Mahboobeh , Parvizifard Aliakbar , Foroughi Aliakbar , Ahmadi Seyed Mojtaba , Farshchian Negin
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast cancer is an extremely unpleasant and unbearable experience that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Compared to other types of cancer, breast cancer has a more severe psychological impact on women.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer.

Method

A sample of 30 women with breast cancer were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The research was conducted in the oncology division of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah by the clinical trial method with a two-group pretest–posttest design and a 2 month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy for eight sessions. The intervention was carried out individually in weekly 60 min sessions. While the control group received self-help treatment (through an educational book). A demographic questionnaire, Demoralization Scale (DS-II), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect data. For data analysis, means and standard deviations were calculated and repeated measures and the Bonferroni test was conducted using SPSS 26.

Results

The results showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function (p < 0.05). Concerning demoralization in the intervention group, the pre-test mean was 16.73 ± 3.33, and it reduced to 11.93 ± 1.49 in the post-test. The body image mean score showed a decreasing trend in the intervention group, from 12.47 ± 1.88 in the pre-test to 8.80 ± 3.21 in the post-test. The mean score for sexual function showed an increasing trend, increasing from 18.06 ± 2.29 in the pre-test to 23.07 ± 0.91 in the post-test. There was no significant difference in the mean score of the post-test compared to the pre-test and follow-up in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

MICBT can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and medical treatments to improve the psychological symptoms of women with breast cancer, according to this study’s results.

Trial registration (IRCT20160103025817N6). 2022-04-06.
The value of cryoablation in orbital surgery
Authors: Herta Johannes , Matula Christian , Wadiura Lisa , Millesi Matthias
Published: March 2024

Aim of this article is to give an overview of the technical background and the advantages of modern devices for different applications of cryoablation in cranio-orbital neurosurgery.

The treatment of orbital lesions is complicated by the complex and potentially inapparent anatomy due to retro-orbital fat. With the help of cryoprobes different well-defined lesions such as cavernous venous malformations can be safely and effectively removed thanks to the cryoadhesive effect. Their use has been described in several different approaches including traditional lateral or transcranial orbitotomy but also anterior transconjunctival as well as transnasal endoscopic approaches. Recently, single-use devices were introduced that allow the use of cryosurgery also without the need for large investment or service costs.
Numerical Semigroups with Monotone Apéry Set and Fixed Multiplicity and Ratio
Authors: Robles-Pérez Aureliano M. , Rosales José Carlos
Published: March 2024

We characterise the numerical semigroups with a monotone Apéry set (MANS-semigroups for short). Moreover, we describe the families of MANS-semigroups when we fix the multiplicity and the ratio.
Capillary zone electrophoresis method for quantification of therapeutic peptide glatiramer acetate
Authors: Niaei Navid , Vališ Martin , Petr Jan
Published: March 2024

This study presents the development and validation of a novel capillary zone electrophoresis method for the precise determination of glatiramer acetate and its amino acid constituents. A 120 mmol dm−3 phosphoric acid solution adjusted to pH 1.9 with Tris, supplemented with 20 mmol dm−3 triethylamine to achieve a final of pH 2.1, resulted in a repeatable analysis of glatiramer acetate. The method demonstrated a limit of detection and quantification of 39.2 µg cm−3 and 130.7 µg cm−3, respectively. This method allows for the rapid control of glatiramer acetate-based pharmaceuticals and distinguishes glatiramer acetate from the amino acids used in its synthesis.

Graphical abstract
Thermal effects on nonlinear vibration of nonlocal nanobeam embedded in nonlinear elastic medium
Authors: Mamu Redwan Mohammed , Togun Necla
Published: March 2024

Nanotechnology has an impact on our lives in a many ways, from better medical treatments and more efficient energy sources to stronger and lighter materials and advanced electronics and this article presents the implementation of a perturbation method for the vibration analysis of simply supported and clamped–clamped Euler–Bernoulli nanobeams resting on nonlinear elastic foundations in thermal environment using nonlocal elasticity theory. Hamilton's principle is used to construct the differential equation of motion of a nanobeam in conjunction with appropriate boundary conditions. The equations of motion of the Euler–Bernoulli nanobeam are determined using nonlocal elasticity theory. It is shown how thermal loadings affect the vibration of the Euler–Bernoulli nanobeam. The multiple scale method, which is one of the perturbation method, is used to get an approximated solution for the presented system. The effects of temperature, Winkler, Pasternak and nonlinear foundation parameters on the vibration analysis of simply supported and clamped–clamped nanobeams are determined and results are given in tables and graphs.
Pulmonary surfactant impacts in vitro activity of selected antifungal drugs against Candida krusei and Candida albicans
Authors: Nussbaumer-Pröll Alina , Matzneller Peter , Eberl Sabine , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how surfactants affect the in-vitro anti-infective efficacy of micafungin, caspofungin, anidulafungin, and amphotericin B in treating pulmonary mycoses.

Methods

MIC values for antifungal agents were determined against Candida krusei (now Pichia kudriavzevii) ATCC 6258, Candida albicans ATCC 90028, and 18 clinical isolates using the broth microdilution method in RPMI medium, following EUCAST recommendations. MIC assays included testing with and without Curosurf® surfactant at 1 mg/mL for C. krusei ATCC 6258 and all C. krusei isolates. Subsequent Time-kill studies in Sabouraud broth involved testing both C. albicans ATCC 90028 and C. krusei ATCC 6258 strains at concentrations equal their respective MIC values, with and without surfactant, using all four antifungals. CFU/mL were assessed at multiple time points up to 24 h. TKCs with different surfactant concentrations for C. krusei ATCC 6258 and mini-TKCs at various concentrations relative to the MIC of C. krusei isolates and the reference strain were conducted with micafungin, anidulafungin, and caspofungin.

Results

MIC results showed that 1 µg/mL surfactant reduced killing of micafungin and anidulafungin against C. krusei, while caspofungin was unaffected. Amphotericin B's MIC decreased by half. TKCs demonstrated significant effects of surfactant on micafungin and anidulafungin against C. krusei, with complete abolition of anidulafungin's activity against C. albicans.

Conclusion

This in-vitro study highlights the concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of surfactant on antifungal activity against C. krusei and, to some extent, C. albicans, necessitating further clinical validation for invasive lung mycoses treatment.
Using sequential statistical tests for efficient hyperparameter tuning
Authors: Buczak Philip , Groll Andreas , Pauly Markus , Rehof Jakob , Horn Daniel
Published: March 2024

Hyperparameter tuning is one of the most time-consuming parts in machine learning. Despite the existence of modern optimization algorithms that minimize the number of evaluations needed, evaluations of a single setting may still be expensive. Usually a resampling technique is used, where the machine learning method has to be fitted a fixed number of k times on different training datasets. The respective mean performance of the k fits is then used as performance estimator. Many hyperparameter settings could be discarded after less than k resampling iterations if they are clearly inferior to high-performing settings. However, resampling is often performed until the very end, wasting a lot of computational effort. To this end, we propose the sequential random search (SQRS) which extends the regular random search algorithm by a sequential testing procedure aimed at detecting and eliminating inferior parameter configurations early. We compared our SQRS with regular random search using multiple publicly available regression and classification datasets. Our simulation study showed that the SQRS is able to find similarly well-performing parameter settings while requiring noticeably fewer evaluations. Our results underscore the potential for integrating sequential tests into hyperparameter tuning.
A Data Augmentation Methodology to Reduce the Class Imbalance in Histopathology Images
Authors: Escobar Díaz Guerrero Rodrigo , Carvalho Lina , Bocklitz Thomas , Popp Juergen , Oliveira José Luis
Published: March 2024

Deep learning techniques have recently yielded remarkable results across various fields. However, the quality of these results depends heavily on the quality and quantity of data used during the training phase. One common issue in multi-class and multi-label classification is class imbalance, where one or several classes make up a substantial portion of the total instances. This imbalance causes the neural network to prioritize features of the majority classes during training, as their detection leads to higher scores. In the context of object detection, two types of imbalance can be identified: (1) an imbalance between the space occupied by the foreground and background and (2) an imbalance in the number of instances for each class. This paper aims to address the second type of imbalance without exacerbating the first. To achieve this, we propose a modification of the copy-paste data augmentation technique, combined with weight-balancing methods in the loss function. This strategy was specifically tailored to improve the performance in datasets with a high instance density, where instance overlap could be detrimental. To validate our methodology, we applied it to a highly unbalanced dataset focused on nuclei detection. The results show that this hybrid approach improves the classification of minority classes without significantly compromising the performance of majority classes.
Hierarchies of description enable understanding of cognitive phenomena in terms of neuron activity
Authors: Coward L. Andrew
Published: March 2024

One objective of neuroscience is to understand a wide range of specific cognitive processes in terms of neuron activity. The huge amount of observational data about the brain makes achieving this objective challenging. Different models on different levels of detail provide some insight, but the relationship between models on different levels is not clear. Complex computing systems with trillions of components like transistors are fully understood in the sense that system features can be precisely related to transistor activity. Such understanding could not involve a designer simultaneously thinking about the ongoing activity of all the components active in the course of carrying out some system feature. Brain modeling approaches like dynamical systems are inadequate to support understanding of computing systems, because their use relies on approximations like treating all components as more or less identical. Understanding computing systems needs a much more sophisticated use of approximation, involving creation of hierarchies of description in which the higher levels are more approximate, with effective translation between different levels in the hierarchy made possible by using the same general types of information processes on every level. These types are instruction and data read/write. There are no direct resemblances between computers and brains, but natural selection pressures have resulted in brain resources being organized into modular hierarchies and in the existence of two general types of information processes called condition definition/detection and behavioral recommendation. As a result, it is possible to create hierarchies of description linking cognitive phenomena to neuron activity, analogous with but qualitatively different from the hierarchies of description used to understand computing systems. An intuitively satisfying understanding of cognitive processes in terms of more detailed brain activity is then possible.
Evidence of cross-channel dispersal into England of the forest pest Ips typographus
Authors: Inward Daegan J. G. , Caiti Emilio , Barnard Kerry , Hasbroucq Séverine , Reed Katy , Grégoire Jean-Claude
Published: March 2024

A breeding population of the tree-killing European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus was detected in England for the first time in 2018 and was initially assumed to have arrived with infested timber. To test the hypothesis that the beetles are dispersing naturally across the English channel, extensive trap networks were deployed in 2021 and 2022 to track the flight activity of the beetles from an outbreak hotspot in France and Belgium to southern England, including parallel ‘coastal’ traps on either side of the channel. Beetles were caught all along the transect, decreasing in abundance with distance from the outbreak area. Linear modelling indicates that beetles dispersed into England during 2021 and 2022, and that during a large-scale dispersal event in June 2021, beetles could have penetrated more than 160 km inland. The 2021 dispersal event initiated new incursions of the beetle in southeast England and demonstrates the extraordinary distance I. typographus may move under outbreak conditions. Our findings support the hypothesis of a damaging forest pest aerially dispersing across the barrier of the English channel and suggest that future incursions of this and other plant-associated pests may move via the same pathway.