bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of CT imaging changes of psoas major muscles in patients with lumbar disc herniation mainly based on low back pain and lower limb pain
Authors: Cui Mingchao , Zhang Qianru , Chen Xipeng , Wu Han
Published: January 2023

Background

The study aimed to compare the area changes of CT (computed tomograghy) imaging of psoas major muscle (PM) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) mainly based on low back pain (LBP) and lower limb pain (LLP), and to analyze the correlation among them.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the lumbar CT imaging data of 120 patients with LDH and 60 healthy control people in our hospital from July 2017 to August 2019. They were divided into LBP group (60 cases), LLP group (60 cases) and healthy controls group (60 cases). According to the pain duration and pain degree, LBP group and LLP group were divided into three subgroups respectively. The maximum cross-sectional area (CSA) of PM and the CSA of L5 vertebral body were calculated by Image J software, and the ratio of them was the maximum CSA index of PM. The maximum CSA indices of PM among three groups and three subgroups were compared, respectively.

Results

The baseline data among the three groups weren’t significantly different (P > 0.05), yet the maximum CSA index of PM did (P < 0.05). In the LBP group, the maximum CSA indices of PM among the three subgroups (short, medium and long) according to the pain duration were significantly different (P < 0.05), and those among the three subgroups (light, medium and heavy) according to pain degree did (P < 0.05). In the LLP group, the maximum CSA indices of PM among the three subgroups (short, medium and long) were compared, but there was not statistical difference among the three subgroups (P > 0.05). No statistical difference in terms of the maximum CSA indices of PM among the three subgroups (light, medium and heavy) was observed (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The atrophy and thinning of PM may be related to LDH. The correlation between the atrophy of PM and LBP was greater than that of LLP. The atrophy of PM in LDH patients with LBP increased with the prolongation of pain duration and aggravation of pain degree.
A Ford T-modell tervezője, Galamb József kapcsolata szülőföldjével
Authors: Gáti József , Kuti János , Némethy Krisztina
Published: January 2023

1908 októberében gördült ki a szerelőcsarnokból Galamb József és társai által tervezett Ford T-modell, amely máig tartó világsikert aratott. Az autó egyszerű kezelhetősége és megbízható konstrukciója, illetve a kedvező ára miatt annyira megnyerte a vevők tetszését, hogy a típust 1927-ig gyártották. A Ford Művek főkonstruktőre, az egyre sikeresebb Galamb József nem feledte el, hogy honnan származik. Amikor hazalátogatott, támogatta testvéreit egy makói Ford telephely és szerelőüzem kialakításában, működtetésében, valamint ösztöndíjat alapított, előadásokat tartott a szakmai közösségek tagjainak, és támogatta a makói református egyházat.
Gondolatok a műszaki kutatásról és képzésről a gépészeti diagnosztika kapcsán
Authors: Kocsis Imre , Sipos Dóra
Published: January 2023

A Debreceni Egyetem Műszaki Karon több évtizedes hagyománya van a gépészeti rendszerek üzemeltetési és karbantartási kérdései vizsgálatának. Az utóbbi évtizedben előtérbe kerültek a műszaki diagnosztikai kutatások, különösen a csapágy-diagnosztika, ezen a téren sok tapasztalat gyűlt össze, és számos eredmény született. A műszaki diagnosztika eszközrendszerének fejlesztésével, a témakörnek a mérnökképzés minden szintjén való megjelenítésével, az ipari kapcsolatok kialakításával egy olyan környezet alakult ki, melyben lehetőség kínálkozik a témakör aktuális kérdéseinek megválaszolására. A műszaki diagnosztika, amely jórészt alkalmazott informatika (és matematika) – több más mérnöki témakörrel együtt –, felvet oktatási kérdéseket is, melyekre szintén választ kívánunk adni a képzés egyes elemeinek átalakításával.
Kollaboratív robot és ipari számítógép kommunikációs lehetőségeinek vizsgálata
Authors: Tóth Szabolcs Balázs , Erdei Timotei István , Husi Géza
Published: January 2023

A bemutatásra kerülő projekt alapja, kollaboratív robotok (továbbiakban: KR) és ipari számítógépek, azon belül is a közöttük megvalósítható kommunikációs lehetőségek vizsgálata. A projekt kivitelezése során megvizsgáltam számos lehetőséget a probléma megoldásához, majd ezeket összegezve, egy-egy kollaboratív robotot és ipari számítógépet választottam ki. Mindezek után a két rendszer közötti kommunikációs lehetőségek kerültek a projekt fókuszába: I/O portokon való kommunikáció és hálózati kommunikáció (TCP/IP, Modbus/ TCP). Különböző szempontok szerint elemeztem a megoldási lehetőségeket (bonyolultság, rugalmasság, műszaki szempontok stb.) Végül megvalósítottam a választott eszközök közötti kommunikációt. A megvalósítás elsősorban szimulációs környezetben történt, viszont a projekt előrehaladtával valós ipari berendezéseken is teszteltem a kommunikációs megoldásomat.
Optimization Design and Experimental Verification for the Mixed-Flow Fan of a Stratospheric Airship
Authors: Qu Wei , Gong Wentao , Chen Chen , Zhang Taihua , He Zeqing
Published: January 2023

Large-flow, high-pressure fans are required to improve the shape-keeping and flight-height-adjusting ability of stratospheric airships. This study optimizes and analyzes a fan MIX-130 suitable for a stratospheric airship. Five design parameters are selected to optimize the fan’s static pressure rise and efficiency: impeller outlet installation angle, installation angle increment, blade thickness, diffuser tilt angle, and L16(45) orthogonal test for optimization research. Based on the optimization results, the fan is processed, a fan test bench is built to verify the accuracy of the fan numerical analysis method, and the fan’s performance curve in the stratosphere environment is given. The results demonstrate that after optimization, the static pressure rise in the MIX-130 fan increases by 47.5%, and the efficiency increases by 8%. The performance test data of the MIX-130 fan are consistent with the numerical analysis results. Furthermore, the flow pressure curve is significantly improved compared with the existing fan, satisfying the requirements of airship flight missions. The fan structure optimization and testing methods presented in this manuscript can provide a reference for designing and testing stratospheric airship fans.
Zeolite as a Tool to Recycle Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Paddy Fields under Straw Returning Conditions
Authors: Hu Weiyu , Li Jiang , Jiao Xiyun , Jiang Hongzhe
Published: January 2023

Excess nitrogen (N) caused by straw returning to paddy fields undergoing flooding irrigation deteriorates the water quality. The purpose of this research was to use both simulated field and pot experiments to explore a new approach using zeolite to recycle this excess N. The results from simulated field experiments in stagnant water showed N adsorption with different zeolite applications (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 g L−1). Pot experiments revealed how straw and reused zeolite applications affected the concentrations of ammonia N (NH4+-N), nitrate N (NO3−-N), total N (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in the surface water and soil layers of the paddy field. Zeolite showed a strong ability to adsorb NH4+-N in wastewater, even in a simulated drainage ditch (100 g L−1 zeolite adsorbed 74% NH4+-N). The zeolite recycled from the drainage ditch was still able to reduce N concentration caused by straw decomposition in the surface water. Zeolite adsorption reduced the peak values of NH4+-N, TN, and TP by 30%, 19%, and 5%, respectively. Based on these findings and conventional field designs, the use of 20 t ha−1 zeolite in the field is effective for recycling N and P. This research provides a sustainable development method to mitigate the water quality deterioration caused by straw returning to the field.
Applicability of Machine-Learned Regression Models to Estimate Internal Air Temperature and CO2 Concentration of a Pig House
Authors: Yeo Uk-Hyeon , Jo Seng-Kyoun , Kim Se-Han , Park Dae-Heon , Jeong Deuk-Young , Park Se-Jun , Shin Hakjong , Kim Rack-Woo
Published: January 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the livestock industry are expected to increase. A response strategy for CO2 emission regulations is required for pig production as this industry comprises a large proportion of the livestock industry and it is projected that per capita pork consumption will rise. A CO2 emission response strategy can be established by accurately measuring the CO2 concentrations in pig facilities. Here, we compared and evaluated the performance of three different machine learning (ML) models (ElasticNet, random forest regression (RFR), and support vector regression (SVR)) designed to predict CO2 concentration and internal air temperature (Ti) values in the pig house used to regulate a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system. For each ML model, the hyperparameter was optimised and the predictive accuracy was evaluated. The order of predictive accuracy for the ML models was ElasticNet < SVR < RFR. Hence, random forest regression provided superior prediction performance. Based on the test dataset, for Ti prediction by RFR, R2 ≥ 0.848 and the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were 0.235 °C and 0.160 °C, respectively, whilst for CO2 concentration prediction by RFR, R2 ≥ 0.885 and the RMSE and MAE were 64.39 ppm and ≤ 46.17 ppm, respectively.
Energetic Implications of Morphological Changes between Fish Larval and Juvenile Stages Using Geometric Morphometrics of Body Shape
Authors: Martinez-Leiva Lorena , Landeira José M. , Fatira Effrosyni , Díaz-Pérez Javier , Hernández-León Santiago , Roo Javier , Tuset Víctor M.
Published: January 2023

The fish body shape is a key factor that influences multiple traits such as swimming, foraging, mating, migrations, and predator avoidance. The present study describes the body morphological changes and the growth trajectories during the transformation from 24 to 54 days post-hatching in the golden grey mullet, Chelon auratus, using geometric morphometric analysis (GMA). The results revealed a decrease in morphological variability (i.e., morphological disparity) with the somatic growth. The main changes affected head size, elongation, and widening of the body. Given that this variability could affect the metabolism, some individuals with different morphologies and in different ontogenetic developmental stages were selected to estimate their potential respiration rate using the Electron Transport System (ETS) analysis. Differences were detected depending on the developmental stage, and being significantly smaller after 54 days post-hatching. Finally, a multivariate linear regression indicated that the specific ETS activity was partially related to the fish length and body shape. Thus, our findings emphasized the relevance of larval morphological variability for understanding the physiological processes that occur during the development.
A Novel Approach in the Development of Larval Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Diets Using Largemouth Bass Muscle Hydrolysates as the Protein Source
Authors: Molinari Giovanni S. , Wojno Michal , Terova Genciana , Wick Macdonald , Riley Hayden , Caminiti Jeffrey T. , Kwasek Karolina
Published: January 2023

This study’s objectives were to determine the effect of Largemouth Bass (LMB) muscle hydrolysates obtained using same-species digestive enzymes and the degree of LMB muscle hydrolysis when included in the first feeds of growth performance and survival, skeletal development, intestinal peptide uptake, and muscle-free amino acid composition of larval LMB. LMB muscle was mixed with digestive enzymes from adult LMB, and hydrolyzed for 1.5, 3, and 6 h, respectively. Five diets were produced, the intact diet containing non-hydrolyzed muscle and four diets with 37% muscle hydrolysate inclusion. Those diets were characterized by their level of each hydrolysate (presented as a ratio of 1.5, 3, and 6 Ts hydrolysates): 1:1:1, 1:3:6, 1:3:1, 6:3:1 for diets A, B, C, and D, respectively. To account for gut development, one group of larval LMB was fed a weekly series of diets B, C, and D to provide an increasing molecular weight profile throughout development. This group was compared against others that received either; (1) diets D, C, and B; (2) diet A; or (3) intact diet. The initial inclusion of the hydrolysates significantly improved the total length of the larval LMB; however, neither the hydrolysate inclusion nor the series of dietary molecular weight profiles improved the overall growth of larval LMB. The inclusion of hydrolysates significantly decreased the occurrence of skeletal deformities. The degree of hydrolysis did not have a significant effect on the parameters measured, except for intestinal peptide uptake, which was increased in the group that received the most hydrolyzed diet at the final time of sampling. The lack of overall growth improvement suggests that while the hydrolysates improve the initial growth performance, further research is necessary to determine the optimal molecular weight profile, hydrolysate inclusion level, and physical properties of feeds for larval LMB.
Efficacy and Safety of 4.7 mg Deslorelin Acetate Implants as a Neutering Option in Male Cats: A Large-Scale Multicentre Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Amaral Joana , Briantais Philippe , Fontaine Christelle , Rigaut Delphine
Published: January 2023

This multicenter-controlled, double-masked randomized European study was conduc-ted to confirm both the efficacy and safety of a deslorelin implant in controlling fertility and sexual behavior in a large population of tom cats over a 12-month period. Among the 225 screened individuals, a total of 205 privately owned indoor intact male cats, aged 3 months of age or older, were randomly allocated to a deslorelin implant (n = 154) or to a negative control group (n = 51). After the screening visit performed between day (D)-14 and D-7, six additional visits were sche-duled on D0, D45, D93, D186, D279 and D372. Effects on testosterone, sexual behaviors, penile spines, testicular volume and intact male cat urine odor were assessed at every visit under masked conditions as regards to the treatment group. In addition, phone calls from the investigators to the owners were scheduled on D7 and then on a monthly basis whenever no visit was scheduled. Success was defined as an individual serum testosterone concentration below or equal to 0.10 ng/mL and was 77.9% at D45, 83.1% at D93, 84.4% at D186 and D279, and 61.7% at D372 in the deslorelin group, and 3.9% at D45, 5.9% at D93, 3.9% at D186, 7.8% at D279 and 3.9% at D372 in the negative control group. Testing for superiority was made stepwise from D45 to D372 upwards; the difference in success rates was significant from D45 to D372 (p < 0.001 for each time point). The mean testosterone concentration dropped from baseline in the deslorelin group, remaining below the set threshold of 0.1 ng/mL until D372. From D7 onwards, the mean sum score for sexual behaviors (including vocalization, urine marking, aggression and intact male cat urine odor) was significantly lower at each observation time point in the deslorelin group compared to the control group, where no decrease in scores was observed. The mean percent change to baseline of the testicular volume and the percentage of cats with a decreased visibility and adult appearance of penile spines were significantly lower in the deslorelin group as soon as D45. No relevant safety concerns were reported during the course of the study. The deslorelin implant Suprelorin® 4.7 mg (Virbac, Carros, France) is a safe and effective neutering option, inducing infertility over a 12-month period when administered to intact male cats aged between 3 months of age and 11 years of age. The implants also successfully reduced sexual behaviors (i.e., vocalization, urine marking, aggression), intact male cat urine odor, testicular volume and penile spine score for 1 year (372 ± 5 days).
Evaluation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Faecal Microbiota, Noxious Gas Emission, and Faecal Score on Weaning Pigs Supplement with and without Probiotics Complex Supplementation in Different Level of Zinc Oxide
Authors: Wang Huan , Yu Shi-Jun , Kim In-Ho
Published: January 2023

A total of 200 26-day-old crossbred weaning piglets ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc; 6.55 ± 0.62 kg) were used in a 6-week experiment to evaluate the effects of adding probiotics complex supplementation (Syner-ZymeF10) with high and low ZnO diets on the performance of weaning pigs in 42 days. Pigs were randomly allotted to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and they were supplemented with two concentration level of ZnO with 3000 ppm and 300 ppm and probiotics complex supplementation with 0 and 0.1%. There were ten replicate pens per treatment with five pigs per pen (two gilts and three barrows). Pigs fed diets with 3000 ppm ZnO had a higher BW during the overall period and ADG during d 8–21, d 22–42, and overall period than pigs receiving 300 ppm ZnO diets (p < 0.05), as well as a G: F which tended to increase on d 8–21 and overall period (p < 0.1) and decreased tendency on faecal gas emission of methyl mercaptans and acetic acid concentration (p < 0.1). Dietary probiotics complex supplementation had decreased the E. coli count (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the Lactobacillus count (p < 0.1). Dietary probiotics complex supplementation and different level of ZnO supplementation had no significant effect on the nutrition digestibility and faecal score (p > 0.05). In conclusion, probiotic supplementation reduced the fecal E. coli counts and tended to improve Lactobacillus counts. There were no interactive effects between ZnO and probiotic complex supplementation on all the measured parameters.
Research on Damage Mechanism and Performance-Based Design Process of Reinforced Concrete Column Members
Authors: Wang Yukui , Liu Zhefeng , Guo Jia , Zhong Dou
Published: January 2023

In order to understand the seismic damage assessment of reinforced concrete column members, the coupling relationship between the capacity degradation and the accumulated hysteretic energy and the displacement history was considered. The energy-based damage index under the random variable amplitude loading history was proposed. On the basis of preliminary research, the corresponding relationship between the damage index and the construction member parameters and seismic parameters was established, the damage mechanism was analyzed according to the damage index, and then the performance-based design process was proposed. It was found that increase in the stirrup ratio can slow down the damage, and the slowing effect was initially fast and then slows. When the reinforcement ratio is doubled, the damage index decreased by 0.063. The longer the earthquake duration was, the more serious the damage was, and this phenomenon was more obvious when the ductility coefficient was larger. With the increase in the ductility coefficient, the damage continuously increased. Therefore, it is an effective way to decrease the damage by controlling the ductility coefficient. Among all the influencing factors, the fundamental period and seismic intensity contributed more significantly to the damage indicators. When the damage index (performance objective) was determined, the target stirrup ratio can be obtained according to the proposed performance design process, that is, this design process can be used in the performance-based design. The design method based on damage index can make up for the deficiency that the design method based on the ductility coefficient does not consider the earthquake duration.
“Atoms” Special Issue (Many-Electron and Multiphoton Atomic Processes: A Tribute to Miron Amusia)
Authors: Kheifets Anatoli S. , Gribakin Gleb , Ivanov Vadim K.
Published: January 2023

The late Professor Miron Amusia was a key figure in theoretical atomic physics on the international stage for more than five decades [...]
Optimal Capacity and Cost Analysis of Battery Energy Storage System in Standalone Microgrid Considering Battery Lifetime
Authors: Wongdet Pinit , Boonraksa Terapong , Boonraksa Promphak , Pinthurat Watcharakorn , Marungsri Boonruang , Hredzak Branislav
Published: January 2023

In standalone microgrids, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a popular energy storage technology. Because of renewable energy generation sources such as PV and Wind Turbine (WT), the output power of a microgrid varies greatly, which can reduce the BESS lifetime. Because the BESS has a limited lifespan and is the most expensive component in a microgrid, frequent replacement significantly increases a project’s operating costs. This paper proposes a capacity optimization method as well as a cost analysis that takes the BESS lifetime into account. The weighted Wh throughput method is used in this paper to estimate the BESS lifetime. Furthermore, the well-known Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to maximize battery capacity while minimizing the total net present value. According to simulation results, the optimal adjusting factor of 1.761 yields the lowest total net present value of US$200,653. The optimal capacity of the BESS can significantly reduce the net present value of total operation costs throughout the project by extending its lifetime. When applied to larger power systems, the proposed strategy can further reduce total costs.
A New Osteogenic Membrane to Enhance Bone Healing: At the Crossroads between the Periosteum, the Induced Membrane, and the Diamond Concept
Authors: Manon Julie , Evrard Robin , Fievé Lies , Bouzin Caroline , Magnin Delphine , Xhema Daela , Darius Tom , Bonaccorsi-Riani Eliano , Gianello Pierre , Docquier Pierre-Louis , Schubert Thomas , Lengelé Benoît , Behets Catherine , Cornu Olivier
Published: January 2023

The lack of viability of massive bone allografts for critical-size bone defect treatment remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The literature has reviewed the advantages of a multi-combined treatment with the synergy of an osteoconductive extracellular matrix (ECM), osteogenic stem cells, and growth factors (GFs). Questions are still open about the need for ECM components, the influence of the decellularization process on the latter, the related potential loss of function, and the necessity of using pre-differentiated cells. In order to fill in this gap, a bone allograft surrounded by an osteogenic membrane made of a decellularized collagen matrix from human fascia lata and seeded with periosteal mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) was analyzed in terms of de-/recellularization, osteogenic properties, PMSC self-differentiation, and angiogenic potential. While the decellularization processes altered the ECM content differently, the main GF content was decreased in soft tissues but relatively increased in hard bone tissues. The spontaneous osteogenic differentiation was necessarily obtained through contact with a mineralized bone matrix. Trying to deepen the knowledge on the complex matrix–cell interplay could further propel these tissue engineering concepts and lead us to provide the biological elements that allow bone integration in vivo.
Fibroblast-Generated Extracellular Matrix Guides Anastomosis during Wound Healing in an Engineered Lymphatic Skin Flap
Authors: Chiu Alvis , Jia Wenkai , Sun Yumeng , Goldman Jeremy , Zhao Feng
Published: January 2023

A healthy lymphatic system is required to return excess interstitial fluid back to the venous circulation. However, up to 49% of breast cancer survivors eventually develop breast cancer-related lymphedema due to lymphatic injuries from lymph node dissections or biopsies performed to treat cancer. While early-stage lymphedema can be ameliorated by manual lymph drainage, no cure exists for late-stage lymphedema when lymph vessels become completely dysfunctional. A viable late-stage treatment is the autotransplantation of functional lymphatic vessels. Here we report on a novel engineered lymphatic flap that may eventually replace the skin flaps used in vascularized lymph vessel transfers. The engineered flap mimics the lymphatic and dermal compartments of the skin by guiding multi-layered tissue organization of mesenchymal stem cells and lymphatic endothelial cells with an aligned decellularized fibroblast matrix. The construct was tested in a novel bilayered wound healing model and implanted into athymic nude rats. The in vitro model demonstrated capillary invasion into the wound gaps and deposition of extracellular matrix fibers, which may guide anastomosis and vascular integration of the graft during wound healing. The construct successfully anastomosed in vivo, forming chimeric vessels of human and rat cells. Overall, our flap replacement has high potential for treating lymphedema.
Emergence of Gloomy Eyelet inside DNA
Authors: Sabatier Jean-Marc , Amini Farzan
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this article is to study gloomy eyelet (GE) inside the cell nucleus by using models of warp drive hydro (WDH), swinging spring, Rankine, co-moving reference frame, and Poincare. The beat wave frequency (ω) of blood pressure on the vessel and the swinging spring frequency (Ω) of DNA coincide together on the Rankine model. In this case, it leads to appearing as a sudden pressure drop and an accelerated cavity in the medium of the warp drive hydro (WDH) model. In transient conditions, the vortex flow inside WDH can generate gloomy eyelet (GE), and the tiny distortion of nano space–time revealed inside the gloomy eyelet (GE) inside DNA and the tiny distortion of nano space–time revealed inside the co-moving reference frame (CMRF) model of the gloomy eyelet (GE). The space–time distortion can act as a hidden potential for the cell nucleus and some behaviors of gloomy eyelet can be traced by the frequency responses of human body organs. The interactions between two adjacent different mediums such as the normal cells and abnormal cells, earth’s gravitational effects can lead to changes in the distortion of space–time inside the cell nucleus. Transient bonds between particles can be expected to appear in the gloomy eyelet inside DNA. Identifying the range of changes in the frequency responses and the transient bonds inside the cell nucleus can be introduced as one of the health indicators.
Skin-Inspired Tactile Sensor on Cellulose Fiber Substrates with Interfacial Microstructure for Health Monitoring and Guitar Posture Feedback
Authors: Karmakar Rajat Subhra , Chu Chia-Pei , Li Chia-Lin , Hsueh Chun-Hway , Liao Ying-Chih , Lu Yen-Wen
Published: January 2023

Skin-inspired flexible tactile sensors, with interfacial microstructure, are developed on cellulose fiber substrates for subtle pressure applications. Our device is made of two cellulose fiber substrates with conductive microscale structures, which emulate the randomly distributed spinosum in between the dermis and epidermis layers of the human skin. The microstructures not only permit a higher stress concentration at the tips but also generate electrical contact points and change contact resistance between the top and bottom substrates when the pressure is applied. Meanwhile, cellulose fibers possessing viscoelastic and biocompatible properties are utilized as substrates to mimic the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin. The electrical contact resistances (ECR) are then measured to quantify the tactile information. The microstructures and the substrate properties are studied to enhance the sensors’ sensitivity. A very high sensitivity (14.4 kPa−1) and fast recovery time (approx. 2.5 ms) are achieved in the subtle pressure range (approx. 0–0.05 kPa). The device can detect subtle pressures from the human body due to breathing patterns and voice activity showing its potential for healthcare. Further, the guitar strumming and chord progression of the players with different skill levels are assessed to monitor the muscle strain during guitar playing, showing its potential for posture feedback in playing guitar or another musical instrument.
Miniaturized Microfluidic Electrochemical Biosensors Powered by Enzymatic Biofuel Cell
Authors: Wang Linlin , Zhu Wenlei , Zhang Jianrong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical biosensors, in which enzymatic biofuel cells simultaneously work as energy power and signal generators, have become a research hotspot. They display the merits of power self-support, a simplified structure, in vivo operational feasibility, online and timely monitoring, etc. Since the concept of enzymatic biofuel cell-powered biosensors (EBFC-SPBs) was first proposed, its applications in health monitoring have scored tremendous achievements. However, the creation and practical application of portable EBFC-SPBs are still impeded by the difficulty in their miniaturization. In recent years, the booming microfluidic technology has powerfully pushed forward the progress made in miniaturized and portable EBFC-SPBs. This brief review recalls and summarizes the achievements and progress made in miniaturized EBFC-SPBs. In addition, we also discuss the advantages and challenges that microfluidic and screen-printing technologies provide to wearable and disposable EBFC-SPBs.
Electro-Nano Diagnostic Platform Based on Antibody–Antigen Interaction: An Electrochemical Immunosensor for Influenza A Virus Detection
Authors: Büyüksünetçi Yudum Tepeli , Anık Ülkü
Published: January 2023

H1N1 is a kind of influenza A virus that causes serious health issues throughout the world. Its symptoms are more serious than seasonal flu and can sometimes be lethal. For this reason, rapid, accurate, and effective diagnostic tests are needed. In this study, an electrochemical immunosensor for the sensitive, selective, and practical detection of the H1N1 virus was developed. The sensor platform included multi-walled carbon nanotube gold-platinum (MWCNT-Au-Pt) hybrid nanomaterial and anti-hemagglutinin (anti-H1) monoclonal antibody. For the construction of this biosensor, a gold screen-printed electrode (AuSPE) was used as a transducer. Firstly, AuSPE was modified with MWCNT-Au-Pt hybrid nanomaterial via drop casting. Anti-H1 antibody was immobilized onto the electrode surface after the modification process with cysteamine was applied. Then, the effect of the interaction time with cysteamine for surface modification was investigated. Following that, the experimental parameters, such as the amount of hybrid nanomaterial and the concentration of anti-H1 were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the analytical characteristics of the developed electrochemical immunosensor were investigated for the H1N1 virus by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. As a result, a linear range was obtained between 2.5–25.0 µg/mL with a limit of the detection value of 3.54 µg/mL. The relative standard deviation value for 20 µg/mL of the H1N1 virus was also calculated and found as 0.45% (n = 3). In order to determine the selectivity of the developed anti-H1-based electrochemical influenza A immunosensor, the response of this system towards the H3N2 virus was investigated. The matrix effect was also investigated by using synthetic saliva supplemented with H1N1 virus.
Changes in ImPACT Cognitive Subtest Networks Following Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Goodwin Grace J. , John Samantha E. , Donohue Bradley , Keene Jennifer , Kuwabara Hana C. , Maietta Julia E. , Kinsora Thomas F. , Ross Staci , Allen Daniel N.
Published: January 2023

Objective: High school athletes are administered ImPACT at the start of the academic year or sport season and again after suspected concussion. Concussion management involves the comparison of baseline and post-injury cognitive scores with declines in scores providing evidence for concussive injury. A network framework may provide additional information about post-concussive cognitive changes and expand characterization of sport-related concussion (SRC) recovery. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: High school. Participants: High school athletes (n = 1553) were administered ImPACT at baseline (T1), post-SRC (T2 = 72 h of injury), and prior to return to play (T3 = within two weeks post-injury). Independent Variables: ImPACT cognitive subtest scores. Main Outcome Measures: Cognitive networks were calculated and compared over three time points. Centrality indices were calculated to determine the relative importance of cognitive variables within networks. Results: Network connectivity increased from T1 to T2 and remained hyperconnected at T3. There was evidence of network reorganization between T1 and T3. Processing speed was central within each network, and visual memory and impulsivity became more central over time. Conclusions: The results suggest potential evidence of cognitive network change over time. Centrality findings suggest research specific to visual memory and impulse control difficulties during the post-concussion recovery period is warranted. Network analysis may provide additional information about cognitive recovery following SRC and could potentially serve as an effective means of monitoring persisting cognitive symptoms after concussion.
The Association between Sleep Patterns, Educational Identity, and School Performance in Adolescents
Authors: Bacaro Valeria , Andreose Alice , Grimaldi Martina , Natale Vincenzo , Tonetti Lorenzo , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: January 2023

Adolescents’ school experience can be developmentally related to adolescents’ sleep. This study aimed to understand how sleep patterns (i.e., sleep duration and sleep-schedule) and weekend sleep-recovery strategies (i.e., social jetlag and weekend catch-up sleep) are associated with adolescents’ school experience (i.e., educational identity and school performance). Moreover, the differences in the school experiences between adolescents with different numbers of weekend-sleep-recovery strategies were assessed. For this purpose, 542 Italian adolescents (55.2% females, mean age 15.6 years) wore an actigraph for one week. After the actigraphic assessment, questionnaires on educational identity and school performance were administered. Results showed that short sleep-duration, later bedtime during weekdays and weekends, and a higher amount of social jetlag were negatively associated with school performance. Furthermore, adolescents who did not use any sleep-recovery strategy during the weekend presented lower levels of educational in-depth exploration compared to adolescents with higher levels of catch-up sleep but not social jetlag. These data pointed out a potentially detrimental role of social jetlag on school performance and differences in identity processes between adolescents who used and those who did not use sleep-recovery strategies, which could affect adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment.
Gastrodin Improves Cognitive Dysfunction in REM Sleep-Deprived Rats by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Fei , Xu Yunyan , Wu Qin , Shi Jingshan
Published: January 2023

Gastrodin is the active ingredient in Gastrodia elata. Our previous studies demonstrated that gastrodin ameliorated cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and hypoperfusion injury and improved cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s disease. This study aims to examine the effects of gastrodin on REM sleep deprivation in rats. Gastrodin (100 and 150 mg/kg) was orally administered for 7 consecutive days before REM sleep deprivation. Seventy-two hours later, pentobarbital-induced sleep tests and a Morris water maze were performed to measure REM sleep quality and learning and memory ability. Histopathology was observed with hematoxylin–eosin staining, and the expression of the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways was examined using Western blot. After REM sleep deprivation, sleep latency increased and sleep duration decreased, and the ability of learning and memory was impaired. Neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and the cortex were damaged. Gastrodin treatment significantly improved REM sleep-deprivation-induced sleep disturbance, cognitive deficits and neuron damage in the hippocampus CA1 region and cerebral cortex. A mechanism analysis revealed that the NF-κB pathway was activated and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited after REM sleep deprivation, and gastrodin ameliorated these aberrant changes. Gastrodin improves REM sleep-deprivation-induced sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of REM sleep deprivation.
The Associations between Results in Different Domains of Cognitive and Psychomotor Abilities Measured in Medical Students
Authors: Pavlinac Dodig Ivana , Qazzafi Aisha , Lusic Kalcina Linda , Demirovic Sijana , Pecotic Renata , Valic Maja , Dogas Zoran
Published: January 2023

We aimed to investigate the associations between intelligence quotient test scores obtained using the Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and psychomotor testing using the Complex Reactionmeter Drenovac (CRD) test battery, while taking into account previous theoretical approaches recognizing intelligent behavior as the cumulative result of a general biological speed factor reflected in the reaction time for perceptual detections and motor decisions. A total of 224 medical students at the University of Split School of Medicine were recruited. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven’s APM, while the computerized tests of CRD-series were used for testing the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus (CRD311), psychomotor limbs coordination task (CRD411), and solving simple arithmetic operations (CRD11). The total test-solving (TTST) and the minimum single-task-solving (MinT) times were analyzed. On the CRD11 test, task-solving times were shorter in students with higher APM scores (r = −0.48 for TTST and r = −0.44 for MinT; p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times and APM scores were reported on CRD311 (r = −0.30 for TTST and r = −0.33 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times in CRD411 and APM scores (r = −0.40 for TTST and r = −0.30 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both) were found. Faster reaction time in psychomotor limbs coordination tasks, the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus, and the reaction time of solving simple arithmetic operations were associated with a higher APM score in medical students, indicating the importance of mental speed in intelligence test performance. However, executive system functions, such as attention, planning, and goal weighting, might also impact cognitive abilities and should be considered in future research.
Academics–Athletics Conflict and College Athletes’ Well-Being: The Mediating Effect of Negative Emotions and the Moderating Effect of Life Motivation
Authors: Sun Wujun , Liu Lei , Jiang Yuan , Fang Ping , Ding Xiaosheng , Wang Guangjun
Published: January 2023

For college athletes who perform dual roles (student and athlete), the academics–athletics conflict is inevitable in daily life. Although existing studies have focused on the adverse effects of this conflict on the well-being of college athletes, they have not yet determined the underlying mechanism and effective measures to alleviate it. To explore the underlying mechanism of academics–athletics conflict, which affects the well-being of college athletes, we constructed a moderated mediating model to examine the critical role of negative emotions and life motivation in the relationship between them. The study randomly selected 802 college athletes from China to examine the relationships between academics–athletics conflict, negative emotions, eudaimonic motives, hedonic motives, and life satisfaction. The results showed that (1) negative emotions played an important mediating role between academics–athletics conflict and college athletes’ life satisfaction, with more than 79% of the effect of academics–athletics conflict being achieved through negative emotions. (2) Eudaimonic motives significantly moderated the first half of the mediation path of negative emotions between academics–athletics conflict and life satisfaction. Individuals with high eudaimonic motives experienced fewer negative emotions in the medium and weak conflict conditions. (3) Hedonic motives had a significant moderating effect on the second half of the mediation path. Individuals with high hedonic motives had greater life satisfaction across negative emotion conditions. This study provides important insights for a comprehensive understanding and in-depth study of the relationship between conflict and the well-being of college athletes, as well as a reference for the quality-of-life enhancement and motivation development for college athletes.
A Study on the Willingness and Factors Influencing the Digital Upgrade of Rural E-Commerce
Authors: Wang Yuncheng , Zhang Zhongming
Published: January 2023

The current problems of the low digital upgrading of rural e-commerce, single marketing method and high homogeneous competition will seriously hinder the development of rural e-commerce and rural revitalization. Therefore, finding how to guide the digital upgrading of rural e-commerce will be a key step in achieving rural revitalization and common prosperity. Based on 1387 Zhejiang rural e-commerce digital upgrading questionnaires, this paper analyzes willingness regarding rural e-commerce digital upgrading and its influencing factors using planned behavior theory and structural equation modeling. The findings show that (1) behavioral attitudes are the main influencing factors of upgrading willingness, and subjective norms are secondary influencing factors; (2) in terms of the behavioral attitudes of rural e-merchants, the greater the proportion of their online sales or the higher the proportion of online income, the better behavioral attitudes formed on this basis can promote the willingness to digitally upgrade rural e-merchants; (3) in terms of subjective norms, when rural e-merchant subjects perceive that the increased local participation in e-merchant association is too large or online income tends to saturate the total income, the more subjective norms can influence their willingness to digitally upgrade.
Identification of Differences in the Seasonality of the Developer and Individual Housing Market as a Basis for Its Sustainable Development
Authors: Frącz Paweł , Dąbrowski Ireneusz , Wotzka Daria , Zmarzły Dariusz , Mach Łukasz
Published: January 2023

This article identifies seasonality profiles for three stages of housing construction. The profiles were determined as average monthly values obtained for permits issued for the construction of new apartments, for apartments whose construction has begun, and for apartments put into operation. The research process showed that there are differences in seasonality profiles between investments carried out by individual investors and those who build apartments for sale or rent. The research clearly showed that the development of reports and analyses for the housing market should include a breakdown of the market for the activities of individual developers as well as those operating as investments. Unfortunately, at present, reports on the real estate market are developed in total terms, which significantly reduces their utilitarian application. Taking into account the recommendations of the research will allow for sustainable development of the housing market in such a way that the market will strengthen its resilience to the occurrence of cyclical fluctuations, among other things.
Quantitative Risk Evaluation by Building Type Based on Probability and Cost of Accidents
Authors: Soh Jayho , Jeong Jaewook , Jeong Jaemin , Lee Jaehyun
Published: January 2023

The construction industry has the highest frequency of injuries and fatal accidents compared to other industries. Therefore, an accurate evaluation of the level of risk is necessary to effectively manage accidents in the construction industry. Although risk assessments are used in the construction industry to identify and reduce risk, they are carried out qualitatively by the subjective opinion of safety managers. Therefore, this study proposed a quantitative risk assessment based on the risk levels of 17 building facilities. Moreover, this study classified the building facilities into groups of similar risk levels. This study involved five steps. The results of the study indicated that in terms of both accident probability and financial losses, the facility type with the highest risk ranking was “Residential buildings” (5.92). The risk assessment method proposed in this study can contribute toward reducing accidents by identifying the exact risk level for each facility type. Moreover, clients and contractors can utilize this study and its findings as a basis for different safety management approaches depending on the risk group level.
Immune-Related Thyroiditis in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Imaging Features and Clinical Implications
Authors: Park Hyesun , Hata Akinori , Hatabu Hiroto , Ricciuti Biagio , Awad Mark , Nishino Mizuki
Published: January 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are widely used in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, and the immune-related adverse events involving many organs have been recognized. This article investigated the incidence and imaging characteristics of immune-related thyroiditis in NSCLC patients and correlated the findings with clinical features. A total of 534 NSCLC patients treated with ICI were included. Imaging findings indicative of thyroiditis included changes in morphology and attenuation on restaging chest CT scans and FDG uptake on PET/CT during ICI therapy. Fifty patients (9.4%) had imaging findings indicative of thyroiditis. The median time to onset was 9.5 weeks (range: 0.9–87.4 weeks). The most common finding was diffuse hypoattenuation of the gland (72%), with enlargement in 15 and atrophy in 12 patients. Heterogeneous attenuation of the gland was noted in 12 patients (24%), with enlargement in 7 and atrophy in 1 patient. Two patients (4%) showed increased FDG uptake in the gland on PET/CT without changes in the CT scan. Twenty-two patients who had both clinical and radiologic diagnoses of thyroiditis were more frequently managed with hormone replacement than those with thyroiditis without an imaging abnormality (p < 0.0001). Therefore, awareness of the imaging findings of immune-related thyroiditis may alert clinicians to the presence of clinically relevant thyroiditis.
In Vitro Measurement and Mathematical Modeling of Thermally-Induced Injury in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Chamani Faraz , Pyle Marla M. , Shrestha Tej B. , Sebek Jan , Bossmann Stefan H. , Basel Matthew T. , Sheth Rahul A. , Prakash Punit
Published: January 2023

Thermal therapies are under investigation as part of multi-modality strategies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the present study, we determined the kinetics of thermal injury to pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and evaluated predictive models for thermal injury. Cell viability was measured in two murine pancreatic cancer cell lines (KPC, Pan02) and a normal fibroblast (STO) cell line following in vitro heating in the range 42.5–50 °C for 3–60 min. Based on measured viability data, the kinetic parameters of thermal injury were used to predict the extent of heat-induced damage. Of the three thermal injury models considered in this study, the Arrhenius model with time delay provided the most accurate prediction (root mean square error = 8.48%) for all cell lines. Pan02 and STO cells were the most resistant and susceptible to hyperthermia treatments, respectively. The presented data may contribute to studies investigating the use of thermal therapies as part of pancreatic cancer treatment strategies and inform the design of treatment planning strategies.