bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Machinery of Lipid Droplet Degradation and Turnover in Plants
Authors: Qin Zhaoxia , Wang Tianyu , Zhao Yanxiu , Ma Changle , Shao Qun
Published: November 2023

Lipid droplets (LDs) are important organelles conserved across eukaryotes with a fascinating biogenesis and consumption cycle. Recent intensive research has focused on uncovering the cellular biology of LDs, with emphasis on their degradation. Briefly, two major pathways for LD degradation have been recognized: (1) lipolysis, in which lipid degradation is catalyzed by lipases on the LD surface, and (2) lipophagy, in which LDs are degraded by autophagy. Both of these pathways require the collective actions of several lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes, some of which have been purified and analyzed for their in vitro activities. Furthermore, several genes encoding these proteins have been cloned and characterized. In seed plants, seed germination is initiated by the hydrolysis of stored lipids in LDs to provide energy and carbon equivalents for the germinating seedling. However, little is known about the mechanism regulating the LD mobilization. In this review, we focus on recent progress toward understanding how lipids are degraded and the specific pathways that coordinate LD mobilization in plants, aiming to provide an accurate and detailed outline of the process. This will set the stage for future studies of LD dynamics and help to utilize LDs to their full potential.
Trisomies Reorganize Human 3D Genome
Authors: Zhegalova Irina V. , Vasiluev Petr A. , Flyamer Ilya M. , Shtompel Anastasia S. , Glazyrina Eugene , Shilova Nadezda , Minzhenkova Marina , Markova Zhanna , Petrova Natalia V. , Dashinimaev Erdem B. , Razin Sergey V. , Ulianov Sergey V.
Published: November 2023

Trisomy is the presence of one extra copy of an entire chromosome or its part in a cell nucleus. In humans, autosomal trisomies are associated with severe developmental abnormalities leading to embryonic lethality, miscarriage or pronounced deviations of various organs and systems at birth. Trisomies are characterized by alterations in gene expression level, not exclusively on the trisomic chromosome, but throughout the genome. Here, we applied the high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technique (Hi-C) to study chromatin 3D structure in human chorion cells carrying either additional chromosome 13 (Patau syndrome) or chromosome 16 and in cultured fibroblasts with extra chromosome 18 (Edwards syndrome). The presence of extra chromosomes results in systematic changes of contact frequencies between small and large chromosomes. Analyzing the behavior of individual chromosomes, we found that a limited number of chromosomes change their contact patterns stochastically in trisomic cells and that it could be associated with lamina-associated domains (LAD) and gene content. For trisomy 13 and 18, but not for trisomy 16, the proportion of compacted loci on a chromosome is correlated with LAD content. We also found that regions of the genome that become more compact in trisomic cells are enriched in housekeeping genes, indicating a possible decrease in chromatin accessibility and transcription level of these genes. These results provide a framework for understanding the mechanisms of pan-genome transcription dysregulation in trisomies in the context of chromatin spatial organization.
Seasonal Azithromycin Use in Paediatric Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis Does Not Promote Antimicrobial Resistance but Does Modulate the Nasopharyngeal Microbiome
Authors: Hardman Simon J. , Shackley Fiona M. , Ugonna Kelechi , Darton Thomas C. , Rigby Alan S. , Bogaert Debby , Binkowska Justyna M. , Condliffe Alison M.
Published: November 2023

Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) causes chronic wet cough for which seasonal azithromycin is increasingly used to reduce exacerbations. We investigated the impact of seasonal azithromycin on antimicrobial resistance and the nasopharyngeal microbiome. In an observational cohort study, 50 children with PBB were enrolled over two consecutive winters; 25/50 at study entry were designated on clinical grounds to take azithromycin over the winter months and 25/50 were not. Serial nasopharyngeal swabs were collected during the study period (12–20 months) and cultured bacterial isolates were assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility. 16S rRNA-based sequencing was performed on a subset of samples. Irrespective of azithromycin usage, high levels of azithromycin resistance were found; 73% of bacteria from swabs in the azithromycin group vs. 69% in the comparison group. Resistance was predominantly driven by azithromycin-resistant S. pneumoniae, yet these isolates were mostly erythromycin susceptible. Analysis of 16S rRNA-based sequencing revealed a reduction in within-sample diversity in response to azithromycin, but only in samples of children actively taking azithromycin at the time of swab collection. Actively taking azithromycin at the time of swab collection significantly contributed to dissimilarity in bacterial community composition. The discrepancy between laboratory detection of azithromycin and erythromycin resistance in the S. pneumoniae isolates requires further investigation. Seasonal azithromycin for PBB did not promote antimicrobial resistance over the study period, but did perturb the microbiome.
Beyond Loading: Functions of Plant ARGONAUTE Proteins
Authors: Liang Chao , Wang Xiaoliu , He Hualong , Xu Chi , Cui Jie
Published: November 2023

ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins are key components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) that mediates gene silencing in eukaryotes. Small-RNA (sRNA) cargoes are selectively loaded into different members of the AGO protein family and then target complementary sequences to in-duce transcriptional repression, mRNA cleavage, or translation inhibition. Previous reviews have mainly focused on the traditional roles of AGOs in specific biological processes or on the molecular mechanisms of sRNA sorting. In this review, we summarize the biological significance of canonical sRNA loading, including the balance among distinct sRNA pathways, cross-regulation of different RISC activities during plant development and defense, and, especially, the emerging roles of AGOs in sRNA movement. We also discuss recent advances in novel non-canonical functions of plant AGOs. Perspectives for future functional studies of this evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic protein family will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the multi-faceted AGO proteins.
The Force-Dependent Mechanism of an Integrin α4β7–MAdCAM-1 Interaction
Authors: Su Youmin , Luo Zhiqing , Sun Dongshan , Yang Bishan , Li Quhuan
Published: November 2023

The interaction between integrin α4β7 and mucosal vascular addressin cell-adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) facilitates the adhesion of circulating lymphocytes to the surface of high endothelial venules in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Lymphocyte adhesion is a multistep cascade involving the tethering, rolling, stable adhesion, crawling, and migration of cells, with integrin α4β7 being involved in rolling and stable adhesions. Targeting the integrin α4β7–MAdCAM-1 interaction may help decrease inflammation in IBDs. This interaction is regulated by force; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we investigate this mechanism using a parallel plate flow chamber and atomic force microscopy. The results reveal an initial increase in the lifetime of the integrin α4β7–MAdCAM-1 interaction followed by a decrease with an increasing force. This was manifested in a two-state curve regulated via a catch-bond–slip-bond conversion regardless of Ca2+ and/or Mg2+ availability. In contrast, the mean rolling velocity of cells initially decreased and then increased with the increasing force, indicating the flow-enhanced adhesion. Longer tether lifetimes of single bonds and lower rolling velocities mediated by multiple bonds were observed in the presence of Mg2+ rather than Ca2+. Similar results were obtained when examining the adhesion to substrates co-coated with chemokine CC motif ligand 25 and MAdCAM-1, as opposed to substrates coated with MAdCAM-1 alone. In conclusion, the integrin α4β7–MAdCAM-1 interaction occurs via ion- and cytokine-dependent flow-enhanced adhesion processes and is regulated via a catch-bond mechanism.
POSS-CNN: An Automatically Generated Convolutional Neural Network with Precision and Operation Separable Structure Aiming at Target Recognition and Detection
Authors: Hou Jia , Zhang Jingyu , Chen Qi , Xiang Siwei , Meng Yishuo , Wang Jianfei , Lu Cimang , Yang Chen
Published: November 2023

Artificial intelligence is changing and influencing our world. As one of the main algorithms in the field of artificial intelligence, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have developed rapidly in recent years. Especially after the emergence of NASNet, CNNs have gradually pushed the idea of AutoML to the public’s attention, and large numbers of new structures designed by automatic searches are appearing. These networks are usually based on reinforcement learning and evolutionary learning algorithms. However, sometimes, the blocks of these networks are complex, and there is no small model for simpler tasks. Therefore, this paper proposes POSS-CNN aiming at target recognition and detection, which employs a multi-branch CNN structure with PSNC and a method of automatic parallel selection for super parameters based on a multi-branch CNN structure. Moreover, POSS-CNN can be broken up. By choosing a single branch or the combination of two branches as the “benchmark”, as well as the overall POSS-CNN, we can achieve seven models with different precision and operations. The test accuracy of POSS-CNN for a recognition task tested on a CIFAR10 dataset can reach 86.4%, which is equivalent to AlexNet and VggNet, but the operation and parameters of the whole model in this paper are 45.9% and 45.8% of AlexNet, and 29.5% and 29.4% of VggNet. The mAP of POSS-CNN for a detection task tested on the LSVH dataset is 45.8, inferior to the 62.3 of YOLOv3. However, compared with YOLOv3, the operation and parameters of the model in this paper are reduced by 57.4% and 15.6%, respectively. After being accelerated by WRA, POSS-CNN for a detection task tested on an LSVH dataset can achieve 27 fps, and the energy efficiency is 0.42 J/f, which is 5 times and 96.6 times better than GPU 2080Ti in performance and energy efficiency, respectively.
Are Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms the Triggering Link for Mental Imbalance? An Exploratory Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Di Bello Francesco , Scandurra Cristiano , Muzii Benedetta , Colla’ Ruvolo Claudia , Califano Gianluigi , Mocini Edoardo , Creta Massimiliano , Napolitano Luigi , Morra Simone , Fraia Agostino , Bochicchio Vincenzo , Salzano Giovanni , Vaira Luigi Angelo , Mangiapia Francesco , Motta Gaetano , Motta Giovanni , Maldonato Nelson Mauro , Longo Nicola , Cantone Elena
Published: November 2023

Background: Both lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) could negatively impair the patients’ quality of life, increasing the sensitivity to psychological distress that results in mental health disorders. The relationships of both urinary and respiratory domains with psychological distress in obstructive sleep apnea patients is still underestimated. Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of a web-based Italian survey, which included 1998 participants. Three hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses with psychological distress as dependent variable were performed on the study of 1988 participants enrolled in the final analysis. Cohen’s f2 was used for the assessment of the effect size. Results: From the hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses, it emerged that the final statistical model (including sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, perceived urinary function, and excessive daytime sleepiness) for all dimensions accounted for 16.7% of the variance in psychological distress, with a medium effect size (f2 = 0.15). Conclusions: People reported psychological distress was impaired by the presence of LUTS and EDS. Specifically, our study showed that higher levels of distress were scored especially in young women exhibiting urinary symptoms and with high values of daytime sleepiness.
Spark Plasma Sintering and Hot Pressing of Cu+Al Powder Mixtures and Pre-Deposited Cu/Al Layers
Authors: Dudina Dina V. , Bokhonov Boris B. , Gavrilov Alexander I. , Ulianitsky Vladimir Yu. , Ukhina Arina V. , Ondar Aigul A. , Tikhov Serguei F. , Smorygo Oleg L.
Published: November 2023

Reactive processing of metals is interesting for materials design and achieving new sets of properties. The transformation degree of the metals, the factor governing the properties of the material as a whole, depends on the sintering/heat treatment conditions. In the present investigation, the phase and microstructure formation of materials obtained by sintering of Cu-10 wt.% Al mixtures and layered Cu/Al structures under different modes of pressing/heating is presented. The samples were obtained via spark plasma sintering (SPS), hot pressing (HP) and pressureless sintering. The products of the interaction between the metals were Al2Cu and Cu9Al4 intermetallics and Cu(Al) solid solutions. The influence of the consolidation method on the phase composition of the sintered materials was studied. The hardness of the composites was analyzed in relation to their structural features. A model experiment has been conducted to trace the structural evolution at the Cu/Al interface caused by interdiffusion. The Cu/Al layered structures obtained by detonation spraying of the powders on a steel substrate were treated by SPS or HP. The effect of electric current, which is a feature of SPS processing, was in accelerating the reaction product formation in the layered structures still containing the starting metallic reactants.
Assessment of the Penetration of an Endodontic Sealer into Dentinal Tubules with Three Different Compaction Techniques Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Barbero-Navarro Ignacio , Velázquez-González Diego , Irigoyen-Camacho María Esther , Zepeda-Zepeda Marco Antonio , Mauricio Paulo , Ribas-Perez David , Castano-Seiquer Antonio
Published: November 2023

Adequate root canal sealing is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. There are numerous techniques available; identifying simple and efficient techniques is important to provide good patient care. The purpose of the study was to compare the maximum penetration depth and the percentage of sealant penetration of an endodontic sealer into dentine tubules using cold lateral condensation, continuous wave, and hybrid techniques, and to contrast the effectiveness of two different tapered gutta-percha master cones (0.02 and 0.04). A sample of sixty single root teeth was used. Six experimental groups were formed from the three filling techniques and the two tapered master cones. Images were acquired using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the apical root third, the penetration percentage was higher in the hybrid compared with the continuous wave technique. The results indicated a higher penetration depth of hybrid compared with cold lateral condensation in the middle and coronal thirds, and in the apical third, a higher penetration was identified in the hybrid group compared with the continuous wave group. No significant differences in penetration were found comparing 0.02 with 0.04 taper gutta-percha groups. The coronal cross-sections presented a higher penetration than the apical third sections. In conclusion, the hybrid technique a had higher maximum sealer penetration than the continuous wave in the apical third, and the coronal third hybrid and continuous wave had a higher penetration than cold lateral condensation.
Elastic Taping Application on the Neck: Immediate and Short-Term Impacts on Pain and Mobility of Cervical Spine
Authors: Russo Luca , Panessa Tommaso , Bartolucci Paolo , Raggi Andrea , Migliaccio Gian Mario , Larion Alin , Padulo Johnny
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to measure the effects on three-planar active cervical range of motion (ACROM) and self-perceived pain of elastic taping (ET) application in the cervical area. Thirty participants (n: 22-M and 8-F, age 35.4 ± 4.4 years; body height 173.1 ± 8.4 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 12.8 kg) in the study group (SG) and twenty participants (n: 11-M and 9-F, age 32.6 ± 3.9 years; body height 174.9 ± 10.9 cm; body mass 71.2 ± 12.9 kg) in the control group (CG) were recruited. All subjects had neck and cervical pain in baseline condition. Each group performed an ACROM test and measured the perceived pain in the neck based on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0--10, a.u.) at the baseline (T0), after 20′ from the ET application (T1), and after three days of wearing the ET application (T2). Between T0 and T1, an ET was applied to the cervical area of the SG participants. Statistical analysis did not show any significant change in CG in any measurement session for ACROM and neck pain parameters. Conversely, the SG showed significant improvements for ACROM rotation to the left (T0 64.8 ± 7.7°–T2 76.0 ± 11.1° p < 0.000) and right (T0 66.0 ± 11.9°–T2 74.2 ± 9.6° p < 0.000), lateral inclination to the left (T0 37.5 ± 6.9°–T2 40.6 ± 10.8° p < 0.000) and right (T0 36.5 ± 7.9°–T2 40.9 ± 5.2° p < 0.000), extension (T0 47.0 ± 12.9°–T2 55.1 ± 12.3° p < 0.001), and flexion (T0 55.0 ± 3.6°–T2 62.9 ± 12.0° p < 0.006). A significant decrease was also measured in SG for pain NRS between T0 and T2 (T0 7.5 ± 1.0°–T1 5.5 ± 1.4–T2 1.4 ± 1.5° p < 0.000). In conclusion, a bilateral and symmetrical ET cervical application is useful to enhance multiplanar ACROM and reduce subjective self-perceived cervical pain when it is needed. Based on the evidence, the use of ET on the neck is recommended for managing neck motion restrictions and pain in adult individuals.
3D Analysis of Human Movement, Sport, and Health Promotion
Authors: Petrigna Luca , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

This Special Issue, “3D Analysis of Human Movement, Sport, and Health Promotion”, aimed to collect studies that assessed motor functions and alterations [...]
Cultural Intelligence Deployed in One’s Own vs. in a Different Culture: The Same or Different?
Authors: Sternberg Robert J. , Co Caleb , Siriner Ilaria , Soleimani-Dashtaki Arezoo , Wong Chak Haang
Published: November 2023

Cultural intelligence is one’s ability to adapt when confronted with problems arising in interactions with people or artifacts of cultures other than one’s own. In this study, we explored two maximum-performance tests of cultural intelligence. One, used in previous research, measured cultural intelligence in the context of an individual conducting a business trip in another culture. The second, new to this research, measured cultural intelligence in the context of meeting someone from another culture while one is in the context of one’s own culture. So, the difference between the two tests was whether one was in one’s own culture or another and whether the individual who most had to adapt was oneself or someone else. We found that cultural intelligence in the two contexts was essentially the same construct. Cultural intelligence as measured by a typical-performance test is a different construct from cultural intelligence as measured by a maximum-performance test. In this research, general intelligence showed some limited correlation with cultural intelligence as measured by a maximum-performance, but not a typical-performance test. Cultural intelligence as an ability and as a disposition are not the same but rather complement each other.
Evaluation of Microstructure–Porosity–Hardness of Thermal Plasma-Sprayed NiTi Coating Layers
Authors: Samal Sneha , Zeman Jakub , Habr Stanislav , Pacherová Oliva , Chandra Mohit , Kopeček Jaromír , Šittner Petr
Published: November 2023

The quality of NiTi coating influences the thermal, microstructural, and mechanical behavior of the material produced by plasma spraying. To understand the behavior of the coating, the study has been designed and planned at two different plasma powers with various feed rates. NiTi as shape memory layers emerge as promising protective coatings on the surface of substrates against corrosion or wear. In the present investigation, NiTi multilayers were produced by thermal plasma spraying using NiTi (50 at. %) powder as the feedstock material. This work illustrates the studies of the microstructure, porosity of the coating layers, phase detection, hardness values, shape memory behavior, and the formation of samples produced by different spraying parameters. The porosity within coating layers has been analyzed based on the various shape factors of pores that correlate with the hardness and mechanical behavior of the samples. This work will explore the quality of the coating in terms of its porosity and compactness, which will affect the performance of the shape memory behavior. The functional coating of NiTi will have a significant influence on the durability of the material’s performance against corrosion.
Different Source Contributions of Bioactive Trace Metals in Sinking Particles in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Li Weiying , Zhang Jingjing , Li Hongliang , Wu Zezhou , He Xingju , Ran Lihua , Wiesner Martin G. , Chen Jianfang
Published: November 2023

Time-series samples intercepted via three synchronized moored sediment traps, deployed at 1000 m, 2150 m, and 3200 m in the northern South China Sea (NSCS) during June 2009–May 2010, were analyzed to quantify the bioactive trace metal fluxes in sinking particles and investigate their different source contributions. Iron (Fe) primarily originated from lithogenic sources. Manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) exhibited various degrees of enrichment over their continental crustal ratios. Since the sources of bioactive trace metals in sinking particles can be divided into lithogenic, biogenic, and excess fractions, mass conservation calculations were used to quantify the contribution of each source. The results showed that Fe, Mn, and Co had extremely low biogenic proportions (0.1–3.3%), while Ni, Cu, and Zn had higher proportions (2.7–17.3%), with the biogenic fraction decreasing with the depth. Moreover, excess sources accounted for a significant proportion of Mn (68–75%), Co (34–54%), Ni (60–62%), Cu (59–74%), and Zn (56–65%) in sinking particles at the three sampling depths. The excess fractions of Mn, Co, and Cu in sinking particles can be affected by authigenic particles. This is supported by their similar scavenging-type behavior, as observed via the increase in their fluxes and enrichment patterns with the increasing depth. Furthermore, the excess fractions of Ni, Cu, and Zn may have significant contributions from anthropogenic sources. The variability of Fe in sinking particles was mainly controlled via lithogenic matter. Notably, organic matter and opal were found to be pivotal carriers in the export of excess bioactive trace metals (Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu) via the water column, accompanied with the elevated ballast effect of lithogenic matter with the depth. However, the transportation of excess Zn was more complicated due to the intricate processes involved in Zn dynamics. These findings contribute to our understanding of the sources and transport mechanisms of bioactive trace metals in the marine environment.
Energy, Exergy, and Economic (3E) Analysis of SOFC-GT-ORC Hybrid Systems for Ammonia-Fueled Ships
Authors: Kim Jun-Seong , Kim Do-Yeop
Published: November 2023

A feasible solid oxide fuel cell–gas turbine–organic Rankine cycle (SOFC-GT-ORC) hybrid system for ammonia-fueled ships is presented in this study. To confirm the quantitative changes in thermodynamic performance and economics according to the system configuration, the system using ammonia fuel was simulated, and energy, exergy, and economic (3E) analyses were performed. As a result, the system economics generally had an inversely proportional relationship with the thermodynamic performance. System optimization was performed using a multi-objective genetic algorithm, setting the conflicting thermodynamic performance and economics as objective functions. The key results of this study obtained through optimization are as follows. With the introduction of the ORC, the SOFC-GT hybrid system thermal efficiency was increased by 2–6%, but the cost increased by 14–24%. In the SOFC-GT-ORC hybrid system, preferentially reducing the irreversibility of the SOFC, combustor, and ORC evaporator is advantageous in terms of performance. It is economical to use a moderate amount of SOFC fuel to achieve the target output; the cost of the ORC in the SOFC-GT-ORC hybrid system was approximately $23/h. This study is unique in that it systematically conducted a 3E analysis, which had not been previously well-performed for SOFC hybrid systems for ammonia-fueled ships.
Genus Acacia in Mainland Portugal: Knowledge and Experience of Stakeholders in Their Management
Authors: Colaço Maria Conceição , Sequeira Ana Catarina , Skulska Iryna
Published: November 2023

The global rise in issues related to the invasion of alien tree species is becoming increasingly prominent. Genus Acacia is one of the most pervasive invaders among the non-native flora introduced to Portugal over the centuries. This research aimed to pinpoint the key players engaged in its management, their expertise, and the methodologies applied to control acacias or decrease affected regions. Data were gathered via an online survey and subjected to diverse statistical analyses. Numerous stakeholders have emerged in recent decades, employing various methods to fight acacia invasion. Mechanical, chemical, and combined methods are the most frequently applied. The findings highlight the need for continued funding for long-term acacia control in the same invaded areas, increased training actions and best practices demonstration in the field and increased public awareness and engagement in local communities and the general public.
The Metaphorical and Metonymical Conceptualizations of the Term Sea (Hai) in the Four-Character Chinese Idioms
Authors: Zhao Yali , Mohd Nor Nor Fariza , Abdullah Imran Ho
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the term “sea” (hai) in the four-character Chinese idioms according to conceptual metaphor and metonymy theory, attempting to illustrate their conceptualization, determine their possible underlying motivations, and explore Chinese maritime thought and culture. Based on idiomatic expressions, three types of conceptual metaphors are identified: abstract qualities of concrete entities are the sea, abstract entity is sea, and a certain aspect of a human being is sea. Moreover, the four types of conceptual metonymies are the part for the whole, the whole for the part, the place for the product, and the place for the responsible deities or goddesses. They are motivated by a culture of worship of and accordance with nature, the pursuit of achievements in traditional Chinese literature, “man paid, nature made” as the attitude towards the ups and downs of life, and a self-centered conceptualization of the world. The maritime culture represented in these conceptualizations comprises fear of and respect for the sea, harmony between humans and the sea, and static–dynamic integrations of river, land, and sea. The findings show that the motivations of these conceptualizations do not only originate from the embodiment and Chinese philosophy of the unity of heaven and humanity but are also constrained by the most influential talent selection mechanism, the Imperial Examination System, as well as by agriculture, the foundation of the economy in ancient China.
The Role of Specialized Instruments for Advanced Endoscopic Resections in Gastrointestinal Disease
Authors: Brand Markus , Fuchs Karl-Hermann , Troya Joel , Hann Alexander , Meining Alexander
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Advanced endoscopic therapy techniques have been developed and have created alternative treatment options to surgical therapy for several gastrointestinal diseases. This work will focus on new endoscopic tools for special indications of advanced endoscopic resections (ER), especially endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), which were developed in our institution. This paper aims to analyze these specialized instruments and identify their status. Methods: Initially, the technical process of ESD was analyzed, and the following limitations of the different endoscopic steps and the necessary manipulations were determined: the problem of traction–countertraction, the grasping force needed to pull on tissue, the instrument tip maneuverability, the limited angulation/triangulation, and the mobility of the scope and instruments. Five instruments developed by our team were used: the Endo-dissector, additional working channel system, external independent next-to-the-scope grasper, 3D overtube working station, and over-the-scope grasper. The instruments were used and applied according to their special functions in dry lab, experimental in vivo, and clinical conditions by the members of our team. Results: The Endo-dissector has a two-fold function: (1) grasping submucosal tissue with enough precision and strength to pull it off the surrounding mucosa and muscle, avoiding damage during energy application and (2) effectively dividing tissue using monopolar energy. The AWC system quickly fulfills the lack of a second working channel as needed to complete the endoscopic task on demand. The EINTS grasper can deliver a serious grasping force, which may be necessary for a traction–countertraction situation during endoscopic resection for lifting a larger specimen. The 3D overtube multifunctional platform provides surgical-like work with bimanual-operated instruments at the tip of the scope, which allows for a coordinated approach during lesion treatment. The OTSG is a grasping tool with very special features for cleaning cavities with debris. Conclusions: The research and development of instruments with special features can solve unmet needs in advanced endoscopic procedures. The latter may help to increase indications for the endoscopic resections of gut lesions in the future.
Graphene Oxide/Cholesterol-Substituted Zinc Phthalocyanine Composites with Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy Properties
Authors: Erden Fuat
Published: November 2023

In the present work, cholesterol (Chol)-substituted zinc phthalocyanine (Chol-ZnPc) and its composite with graphene oxide (GO) were prepared for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. Briefly, Chol-substituted phthalonitrile (Chol-phthalonitrile) was synthesized first through the substitution of Chol to the phthalonitrile group over the oxygen bridge. Then, Chol-ZnPc was synthesized by a tetramerization reaction of Chol-phthalonitrile with ZnCl2 in a basic medium. Following this, GO was introduced to Chol-ZnPc, and the successful preparation of the samples was verified through FT-IR, UV–Vis, 1H-NMR, MALDI-TOF MS, SEM, and elemental analysis. Regarding PDT properties, we report that Chol-ZnPc exhibited a singlet oxygen quantum yield (Φ∆) of 0.54, which is slightly lower than unsubstituted ZnPc. Upon introduction of GO, the GO/Chol-ZnPc composite exhibited a higher Φ∆, about 0.78, than that of unsubstituted ZnPc. Moreover, this enhancement was realized with a simultaneous improvement in fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) to 0.36. In addition, DPPH results suggest low antioxidant activity in the composite despite the presence of GO. Overall, GO/Chol-ZnPc might provide combined benefits for PDT, particularly in terms of image guidance and singlet oxygen generation.
A Deep Multi-Task Learning Approach for Bioelectrical Signal Analysis
Authors: Medhi Jishu K. , Ren Pusheng , Hu Mengsha , Chen Xuhui
Published: November 2023

Deep learning is a promising technique for bioelectrical signal analysis, as it can automatically discover hidden features from raw data without substantial domain knowledge. However, training a deep neural network requires a vast amount of labeled samples. Additionally, a well-trained model may be sensitive to the study object, and its performance may deteriorate sharply when transferred to other study objects. We propose a deep multi-task learning approach for bioelectrical signal analysis to address these issues. Explicitly, we define two distinct scenarios, the consistent source-target scenario and the inconsistent source-target scenario based on the motivation and purpose of the tasks. For each scenario, we present methods to decompose the original task and dataset into multiple subtasks and sub-datasets. Correspondingly, we design the generic deep parameter-sharing neural networks to solve the multi-task learning problem and illustrate the details of implementation with one-dimension convolutional neural networks (1D CNN), vanilla recurrent neural networks (RNN), recurrent neural networks with long short-term memory units (LSTM), and recurrent neural networks with gated recurrent units (GRU). In these two scenarios, we conducted extensive experiments on four electrocardiogram (ECG) databases. The results demonstrate the benefits of our approach, showing that our proposed method can improve the accuracy of ECG data analysis (up to 5.2%) in the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database.
Enhanced Checkerboard Detection Using Gaussian Processes
Authors: Hillen Michaël , De Boi Ivan , De Kerf Thomas , Sels Seppe , Cardenas De La Hoz Edgar , Gladines Jona , Steenackers Gunther , Penne Rudi , Vanlanduit Steve
Published: November 2023

Accurate checkerboard detection is of vital importance for computer vision applications, and a variety of checkerboard detectors have been developed in the past decades. While some detectors are able to handle partially occluded checkerboards, they fail when a large occlusion completely divides the checkerboard. We propose a new checkerboard detection pipeline for occluded checkerboards that has a robust performance under varying levels of noise, blurring, and distortion, and for a variety of imaging modalities. This pipeline consists of a checkerboard detector and checkerboard enhancement with Gaussian processes (GP). By learning a mapping from local board coordinates to image pixel coordinates via a Gaussian process, we can fill in occluded corners, expand the board beyond the image borders, allocate detected corners that do not fit an initial grid, and remove noise on the detected corner locations. We show that our method can improve the performance of other publicly available state-of-the-art checkerboard detectors, both in terms of accuracy and the number of corners detected. Our code and datasets are made publicly available. The checkerboard detector pipeline is contained within our Python checkerboard detection library, called PyCBD. The pipeline itself is modular and easy to adapt to different use cases.
Insight into Functional Boiti–Leon–Mana–Pempinelli Equation and Error Control: Approximate Similarity Solutions
Authors: Alqhtani Manal , Srivastava Rekha , Abdel-Gawad Hamdy I. , Macías-Díaz Jorge E. , Saad Khaled M. , Hamanah Waleed M.
Published: November 2023

The Boiti–Leon–Mana–Pempinelli Equation (BLMPE) is an essential mathematical model describing wave propagation in incompressible fluid dynamics. In the present manuscript, a novel generalization of the BLMPE is introduced, called herein the functional BLMPE (F-BLMPE), which involves different functions, including exponential, logarithmic and monomaniacal functions. In these cases, the F-BLMPE reduces to an explicit form in the dependent variable. In addition to this, it is worth deriving approximate similarity solutions of the F-BLMPE with constant coefficients using the extended unified method (EUM). In this method, nonlinear partial differential equation (NLPDE) solutions are expressed in polynomial and rational forms through an auxiliary function (AF) with adequate auxiliary equations. Exact solutions are estimated using formal solutions substituted into the NLPDEs, and the coefficients of the AF of all powers are set equal to zero. This approach is valid when the NLPDE is integrable. However, this technique is not valid for non-integrable equations, and only approximate solutions can be found. The maximum error can be controlled by an adequate choice of the parameters in the residue terms (RTs). Multiple similarity solutions are derived, and the ME is depicted in various examples within this work. The results found here confirm that the EUM is an efficient method for solving NLPDEs of the F-BLMPE type.
A CNN-LSTM and Attention-Mechanism-Based Resistance Spot Welding Quality Online Detection Method for Automotive Bodies
Authors: Chang Fengtian , Zhou Guanghui , Ding Kai , Li Jintao , Jing Yanzhen , Hui Jizhuang , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2023

Resistance spot welding poses potential challenges for automotive manufacturing enterprises with regard to ensuring the real-time and accurate quality detection of each welding spot. Nowadays, many machine learning and deep learning methods have been proposed to utilize monitored sensor data to solve these challenges. However, poor detection results or process interpretations are still unaddressed key issues. To bridge the gap, this paper takes the automotive bodies as objects, and proposes a resistance spot welding quality online detection method with dynamic current and resistance data based on a combined convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory network (LSTM), and an attention mechanism. First, an overall online detection framework using an edge–cloud collaboration was proposed. Second, an online quality detection model was established. In it, the combined CNN and LSTM network were used to extract local detail features and temporal correlation features of the data. The attention mechanism was introduced to improve the interpretability of the model. Moreover, the imbalanced data problem was also solved with a multiclass imbalance algorithm and weighted cross-entropy loss function. Finally, an experimental verification and analysis were conducted. The results show that the quality detection accuracy was 98.5%. The proposed method has good detection performance and real-time detection abilities for the in-site welding processes of automobile bodies.
Rectangular Cylinder Orientation and Aspect Ratio Impact on the Onset of Vortex Shedding
Authors: Tahir Neelam , Abbasi Waqas Sarwar , Rahman Hamid , Alrashoud Mubarak , Ghoneim Ahmed , Alelaiwi Abdulhameed
Published: November 2023

Rectangular cylinders have the potential to provide valuable insights into the behavior of fluids in a variety of real-world applications. Keeping this in mind, the current study compares the behavior of fluid flow around rectangular cylinders with an aspect ratio (AR) of 1:2 or 2:1 under the effect of the Reynolds number (Re). The incompressible lattice Boltzmann method is used for numerical computations. It is found that the flow characteristics are highly influenced by changes in the aspect ratio compared to the Reynolds number. The flow exhibits three different regimes: Regime I (steady flow), Regime II (initial steady flow that becomes unsteady afterward), and Regime III (completely unsteady flow). In the case of the cylinder with an aspect ratio of 2:1, vortex generation, variation in drag, and the lift coefficient occur much earlier at very low Reynolds numbers compared to the cylinder with an aspect ratio of 1:2. For the cylinder with an aspect ratio of 1:2, the Reynolds number ranges for Regimes I, II, and III are 1 ≤ Re ≤ 120, 121 ≤ Re ≤ 144, and 145 ≤ Re ≤ 200, respectively. For the cylinder with an aspect ratio of 2:1, the Reynolds number ranges for Regimes I, II, and III are 1 ≤ Re ≤ 24, 25 ≤ Re ≤ 39, and 40 ≤ Re ≤ 200, respectively. The cylinder with an aspect ratio of 1:2 is found to have the ability to stabilize the incoming flow due to its extended after-body flatness. Generally, it has been found that a cylinder with an AR of 2:1 is subjected to higher pressures, higher drag forces, higher curvatures of cross-flow rotations, and higher amplitudes of flow-induced drag, as well as higher lift coefficients and lower shedding frequencies, compared to cylinders with an AR of 1:2. In Regime III, elliptic and vertically mounted airfoil-like flow structures are also observed in the wake of the cylinders.
Pituitary-Related Adverse Events and Onset Patterns Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Analysis Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database
Authors: Asano Hiroki , Noguchi Yoshihiro , Kimura Michio , Usami Eiseki , Yoshimura Tomoaki
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: One type of immune-related adverse event caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is pituitary-related adverse events. The management of pituitary-related adverse events is important because they can be fatal if not treated promptly. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the onset of pituitary-related adverse events using the Japanese Adverse Drug Report (JADER) database. Materials and Methods: Cases registered in the JADER database from 2004 to 2019 were used. The target drugs were ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, avelumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab, and the target adverse events were the high-level terms “Anterior pituitary hypofunction,” “Anterior pituitary hyperfunction,” “Posterior pituitary disorder,” and “Pituitary neoplasm” in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, Japanese version (MedDRA/J). The information component (IC) was used for signal detection and IC delta (ICΔ) was used for women-related signals. Onset timing and patterns were analyzed using the Weibull distribution. Results: Signals were detected with ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab in “Anterior pituitary hypofunction,” with ICs and 95% credible intervals (95%CrI) of 5.53 (5.30–5.69), 4.96 (4.79–5.08), 4.04 (3.76–4.25), and 2.40 (1.53–3.00). Significant signals were detected in women, except for atezolizumab. Additionally, the time of onset was classified as the wear-out failure type. Inverse signals were detected with ipilimumab and nivolumab in “Posterior pituitary disorder,” with ICs (95%CrI) of −1.24 (−2.80–−0.26), and −0.89 (−1.64–−0.37). Conclusions: Anterior pituitary hypofunction is likely to occur with the long-term administration of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. Further investigation is needed to determine the differences in the tendencies to detect signals in the anterior and posterior pituitaries between ipilimumab and nivolumab.
Application of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in the Field of Potentiometric Sensors: A Review
Authors: Lenar Nikola , Piech Robert , Wardak Cecylia , Paczosa-Bator Beata
Published: November 2023

Recently, there has been rapid development of electrochemical sensors, and there have been numerous reports in the literature that describe new constructions with improved performance parameters. Undoubtedly, this is due to the fact that those sensors are characterized by very good analytical parameters, and at the same time, they are cheap and easy to use, which distinguishes them from other analytical tools. One of the trends observed in their development is the search for new functional materials. This review focuses on potentiometric sensors designed with the use of various metal oxides. Metal oxides, because of their remarkable properties including high electrical capacity and mixed ion-electron conductivity, have found applications as both sensing layers (e.g., of screen-printing pH sensors) or solid-contact layers and paste components in solid-contact and paste-ion-selective electrodes. All the mentioned applications of metal oxides are described in the scope of the paper. This paper presents a survey on the use of metal oxides in the field of the potentiometry method as both single-component layers and as a component of hybrid materials. Metal oxides are allowed to obtain potentiometric sensors of all-solid-state construction characterized by remarkable analytical parameters. These new types of sensors exhibit properties that are competitive with those of the commonly used conventional electrodes. Different construction solutions and various metal oxides were compared in the scope of this review based on their analytical parameters.
Study on Debinding and Sintering Conditions in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of 316L and 316L + Cu
Authors: Silvain Jean-François , Gifford Daniel Lincoln , Fourcade Sébastien , Cuzacq Laurent , Grosseau-Poussard Jean-Luc , Debiemme-Chouvy Catherine , Tessier Doyen Nicolas , Lu Yongfeng
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the use of a methylcellulose binder in extrusion additive manufacturing of 316L as an alternative to common wax-based binders. Various quantities of copper (Cu) powder were also added in the paste composition to attempt to reduce the sintering temperature by promoting persistent liquid phase sintering. Debinding experiments were conducted under different temperatures and dwell times using argon (Ar), Ar/5%H2, and Ar/1%O2 atmospheres. Debinding reduced carbon (C) content to 0.032 wt.% by using a two-step debinding process of Ar/5%H2 and Ar/1%O2 thermal treatments. Using this debinding process, sintering was conducted at 1200 °C under Ar/5%H2 atmosphere with the presence of 0, 10, and 20 vol.% Cu in the paste. Microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties were studied. Cu additions allowed the improvement of the densification when sintering at 1200 °C was performed. A 20 vol.% Cu addition yielded 88% relative density after sintering for 10 h, while pure 316L powder sintered under the same conditions had 70%. Mechanical properties were inferior to fully dense stainless steel, but it is not clear if this is due to the Cu additions or insufficient densification.
Ceramic Conversion Treatment of Commercial Pure Titanium with a Pre-Deposited Vanadium Layer
Authors: Zhang Zhenxue , Deng Rui , Dong Hanshan
Published: November 2023

Titanium is characterized by poor wear resistance which restricts its application. Ceramic conversion treatment (CCT) is used to modify the surface; however, it is a time-consuming process. In this work, a thin vanadium layer was pre-deposited on the commercial pure titanium (CPTi) samples’ surface, and it increased the oxygen absorption significantly and assisted in obtaining a much thicker oxide layer than those samples without a V layer at the treatment temperatures of 620 °C and 660 °C. The oxidation of the samples pre-deposited with the V layer had a much higher oxidation rate, and V was evenly distributed in the oxide layer. After CCT, all samples had a low wear volume and stable coefficient of friction in comparison to the untreated CPTi sample. A slightly higher wear area in the wear track was observed on the V pre-deposited samples than those samples without vanadium, especially those with a thicker oxide layer (>4 µm). This might be associated with defects in a thicker oxide layer and insufficient support from a shallower oxygen diffusion zone or hard debris created at the initial stage. Vanadium in the oxide layer reduced the contact angles of the surface and increased the wettability significantly.
The Design of a 1–6 GHz Broadband Double-Balanced Mixer
Authors: Wang Yujun , Tian Jianglai , Wang Bo , Wan Lixi , Jin Zhi
Published: November 2023

This brief proposes a 1–6 GHz broadband double-balanced mixer. On the basis of the standard Marchand balun mixer, two techniques to enhance the performance of the mixer are proposed. Firstly, by loading capacitors, the amplitude and phase imbalance of the balun at high frequencies are improved, thereby expanding the relative bandwidth of the mixer by 0.1. Secondly, by cascading a first-order LC filter at the intermediate-frequency (IF) port, the leakage of radio frequency (RF) and local oscillator (LO) signals at the IF port is reduced by approximately 8 dB and 7 dB, respectively. This brief analyzes the various parameters that affect balun indicators and designs a broadband balun with a double-layer spiral line structure. As a result of these technologies, a 1–6 GHz double-balanced mixer is realized. The chip area is 1.13 mm × 0.95 mm, and the isolation between the IF port and the RF port is 34 dB and yields 13.5 dBm input power at 1 dB compression point (IP1 dB). The chip is fabricated via the GaAs pHEMT process.