bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic integration of nutrient sensing in fish
Authors: Soengas José L. , Comesaña Sara , Conde-Sieira Marta , Blanco Ayelén M.
Published: July 2024

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating feeding behavior in fish. In this Review, we aim to summarise current knowledge on specific mechanisms for sensing glucose, fatty acids and amino acids in fish, and to consider how this information is integrated in the hypothalamus to modulate feed intake. In fish, specific neuronal populations in the nucleus lateralis tuberalis (NLTv) of the hypothalamus are equipped with nutrient sensors and hormone receptors, allowing them to respond to changes in metabolite levels and hormonal signals. These neurons produce orexigenic (Npy and Agrp) and anorexigenic (Pomc and Cart) neuropeptides, which stimulate and suppress appetite, respectively. The modulation of feeding behavior involves adjusting the expression of these neuropeptides based on physiological conditions, ultimately influencing feeding through reciprocal inhibition of anorexigenic and orexigenic neurons and signalling to higher-order neurons. The activation of nutrient sensors in fish leads to an enhanced anorexigenic effect, with downregulation of agrp and npy, and upregulation of cart and pomc. Connections between hypothalamic neurons and other populations in various brain regions contribute to the intricate regulation of feeding behaviour in fish. Understanding how feed intake is regulated in fish through these processes is relevant to understanding fish evolution and is also important in the context of aquaculture.
Συμβολή στη μελέτη των συνθετικών μονωτήρων
Authors: Κοκάλης Χρήστος-Χριστόδουλος
Published: July 2024

Στη σημερινή εποχή, οι συνθετικοί μονωτήρες χρησιμοποιούνται όλο και περισσότερο στα δίκτυα διανομής και μεταφοράς ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας, αντικαθιστώντας τους συμβατικούς μονωτήρες, οι οποίοι είναι κατασκευασμένοι από άλλα υλικά (γυαλί, πορσελάνη). Επομένως, κρίνεται επιτακτική η ανάγκη της επιθεώρησης και αξιολόγησης της ποιότητάς τους μέσω δοκιμών, μετρήσεων και ελέγχων. Σκοπός της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η μελέτη και η διεξαγωγή δοκιμών που περιγράφονται σε διεθνή Πρότυπα, καθώς και η πρόταση τροποποίησης αυτών ή εύρεσης νέων δοκιμών με στόχο τον αξιόπιστο έλεγχο της ποιότητας των συνθετικών μονωτήρων στον ελάχιστο δυνατό χρόνο. Στο θεωρητικό μέρος της διατριβής πραγματοποιήθηκε εκτενής βιβλιογραφική έρευνα σχετική με τις δοκιμές / ελέγχους σε συνθετικούς μονωτήρες που είτε περιλαμβάνονται ήδη σε διεθνή Πρότυπα, είτε μελετώνται ερευνητικά. Στο ερευνητικό μέρος της διατριβής διεξήχθησαν δοκιμές σε συνθετικούς μονωτήρες διαφόρων κατασκευαστών και ηλικίας δημιουργώντας μία βάση δεδομένων με τα αποτελέσματα τους, τα οποία μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν για τη διεξαγωγή γενικών συμπερασμάτων, καθώς και ως αναφορά για μελλοντικές έρευνες. Επίσης έγινε αποσαφήνιση και καταγραφή των πιο σημαντικών ευρημάτων των δοκιμών που εξετάστηκαν και προτάθηκαν τροποποιήσεις στη διαδικασία διεξαγωγής των δοκιμών που περιγράφονται στα διεθνή Πρότυπα. Η διατριβή αυτή συνέβαλλε επιπροσθέτως στη διαμόρφωση των προσδοκώμενων ευρών τιμών των δοκιμών, όταν αυτές εφαρμόζονται σε HTV silicone rubber συνθετικούς μονωτήρες, καθώς επίσης και στη μείωση του χρόνου εκτέλεσης ορισμένων δοκιμών με νέες διαδικασίες.Τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα της δοκιμής του κεκλιμένου επιπέδου και της υδροφοβικότητας αξιοποιήθηκαν για την ανάπτυξη υπολογιστικών μεθοδολογιών (πεδιακή προσέγγιση) και την επικύρωση των αποτελεσμάτων των μεθοδολογιών αυτών. Επιπλέον, παρουσιάσθηκε μια μεθοδολογία για την αξιολόγηση των μετρήσεων της σκληρότητας Shore A, που αναπτύχθηκε μέσω υπολογισμού αβεβαιοτήτων. Παράλληλα, ετέθησαν τα θεμέλια για την απομακρυσμένη επιθεώρηση σε πραγματικό χρόνο των συνθετικών μονωτήρων στα ηλεκτρικά δίκτυα, μέσω της ανάπτυξης τεχνητού νευρωνικού δικτύου το οποίο μπορεί να ενσωματωθεί σε μη επανδρωμένα ιπτάμενα οχήματα (drones). Προτάθηκε, δε, μία εδραζομένη επ’ αυτού μεθοδολογία για την εκτίμηση και πρόβλεψη της κλάσης υδροφοβικότητας των συνθετικών μονωτήρων με 98% ακρίβεια. Προτάθηκε, επιπλέον, μια πειραματική μεθοδολογία που προσομοιώνει την καταπόνηση των συνθετικών μονωτήρων από νιτρικό οξύ στο ηλεκτρικό δίκτυο, καθώς επίσης και δύο μεθοδολογίες, που επικυρώθηκαν πειραματικά, σχετικά με τις δοκιμές μηχανικής καταπόνησης μέσω των οποίων ο χρόνος εκτέλεσης των δοκιμών: α) εφελκυσμού και β) κάμψης μειώνεται από τις 96 ώρες στα 3 λεπτά.
Ophthalmology Oral Examination in a Virtual Trans-Atlantic Pilot Study – Evaluating Examiners’ and Examinees’ Perceptions
Authors: Rickels Kaersti L. , Shamim Muhammad M. , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M. , Chauhan Muhammad Z. , Gilmour Kenneth , Dhillon Baljean , Chadha Vikas , Sallam Ahmed B.
Published: July 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the transition of in-person examinations into virtual formats. As cases decreased, some examinations returned to in-person, while others remained virtual or instituted hybrid models. Virtual examinations offer benefits including decreased travel costs, and the opportunity to share examiners globally. We assessed a virtual trainee practice examination strategy and investigated perceptions and preferences regarding the virtual formats. Method: Ten ophthalmology residents from the Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, Scotland, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States, participated in virtual mock oral exams conducted by two examiners. Examiners and examinees answered questions graded on a Likert scale to determine perceptions of the format. Results: Most examinees and examiners were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall examination, as well as the internet connectivity, video quality, and audio quality. The majority of examinees (70%) had either no preference or a preference for in-person examination. One examiner preferred the virtual format, and the other had no preference. Conclusion: Virtual oral examinations can be a feasible and effective alternative to in-person examinations. They have the added benefit of decreased travel costs and the ability to share examiners amongst institutions to replicate a more realistic examination experience for trainees.
Information Inputs and Outputs of Quality Planning Processes and the Possibilities of Their Improvement through Digital Transformation
Authors: Slancová Iveta , Plura Jiří
Published: July 2024

Purpose: The article aims to identify the key information inputs of quality planning processes, analyse their availability in the company practice, and propose framework measures for their effective digital transformation.
Methodology/Approach: The quality planning process was divided into 10 sub-processes, and a total of 90 information inputs and outputs were identified. Based on the importance evaluation 20 most important information inputs of quality planning were determined. The average digitalisation degree and maturity of the used storage systems were analysed in company practice for these information inputs. The average degree of availability of these inputs was then evaluated, leading to framework proposals for improvement.
Findings: The analysis revealed that many key information inputs of quality planning processes are not sufficiently available in practice. Consequently, framework measures to improve the availability of information for quality planning processes were proposed.
Research Limitation/Implication:  This article provides valuable insights for companies aiming to enhance competitiveness through more effective quality planning in accordance with Industry 4.0 principles.
Originality/Value of paper: The paper identifies the information inputs and outputs of quality planning processes and offers framework suggestions for effectively incorporating digital transformation into these processes.
The Necessary Skillset Based on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Czech Top Organisations
Authors: Kronberger Zdeněk , Depoo Lucie , Říhová Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Purpose: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), is transforming the required skills in the workforce. This article presents research findings from large organisations that have adopted AI.
Methodology/Approach: The aim is to identify the skills driven by the utilisation of AI. The paper pinpoints the key skills for effective AI implementation and creates a model that delineates the specific groups related to AI utilisation. The data were obtained from the Top 100 organisations in Czechia, focusing on those actively leveraging AI.
Findings: The outputs show the orientation of the use of AI skills in marketing and human resources and basic administrative tasks. A significant gap was found in relation to emotional and interpersonal skills, which has not yet been emphasised in studied organisations.
Research Limitation/Implication: This paper formulates future-oriented, successful approaches to skill development with the wider use of AI. The limitation is first approach to technologically oriented Czech top organisations and limited sample due to a specific approach and early phase of AI use in operations.
Originality/Value of paper: The results yielded a new framework of AI-required skills, reflecting the changing competency requirements for effective AI utilisation. This research contributes to the academic domain by providing an integrated and fundamental framework for competency development that incorporates technological advancements.
Unsettling lingua franca through translation: Solidarity in migrant cities
Authors: Vidal África , King Lee Tong
Published: July 2024

Migrational cities are inherently cosmopolitan and translational. In such cities, language is no doubt one of the most difficult barriers for migrants, who are often identified because they speak Englishesrather than English—not only when they donotknow the language of their new “homeland” but also, perhaps even worse, at that stage when they are supposed to have learned it.Many of them never manage to speak the dominant language “well”; they are deemed to speak “weirdly” in terms of both grammar and accent. In this context, translation has much to say. Translation operates within a politics of language. Being translational does not necessarily mean finding common linguistic grounds—or lingua franca, conventionally defined as stable and neutral languages that bridge incommensurable cultures. This paper examines whetherlingua franca can instead be conceived of as being built on uncommon and unsettled grounds, more specifically as temporary, ever-shifting registers borne out of the conference of diverse tongues in particular time-spaces. Translationis understoodas a way to creolize the lingua franca to forge a language that is native to no one and thus potentially available to everyone. This redefinition of lingua franca can lead to a new understanding of solidarity in multilingual cities by advocating for a translationthat highlights rather than smooths over difference.
Acquihiring for Monopsony Power
Authors: Bar-Isaac Heski , Johnson Justin P. , Nocke Volker
Published: July 2024

It is often argued that startups are acquired for the sole purpose of hiring specialized talent. We show that the goal of such acquihires might be to shut down the most relevant labor market competitor. This grants the acquirer monopsony power over specialized talent. As a consequence, acquihiring may harm employees and be socially inefficient. We explore the robustness of these effects, allowing for private benefits associated with working at a startup, varying bargaining protocols, multiple employees with and without complementarities, and private information.

This paper was accepted by Maria Guadalupe, strategy.

Funding: H. Bar-Isaac thanks the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for financial support. V. Nocke gratefully acknowledges support from the German Research Foundation (DFG) through CRC TR 224 [Project B03].
Development of Al-Qur'an-Based Physics Learning Media Applications to Improve Higher Order Thinking Skills and Spiritual Attitudes for Preservice Physics Teacher
Authors: Nuraini Lailatul , Anggraeni Firdha Kusuma Ayu , Harijanto Alex , Prastowo Sri Handono Budi , Subiki Subiki , Supriadi Bambang , Maryani Maryani , Sutarto Sutarto , Wahyu Rayendra
Published: July 2024

This study aims to develop an Android-based Al-Qur'an integrated physics learning media to improve preservice physics teachers' higher-order thinking skills and spiritual attitudes. The development of learning media uses the ADDIE model. Media and material experts assessed the feasibility of learning media through a validation questionnaire. The trial was carried out on 40 preservice physics teacher students. The validation results were analyzed using a descriptive technique. The analysis results show that the learning media developed is suitable for improving Higher Order Thinking Skills and the Spiritual Attitude of Preservice Physics Teachers. So, the Android-based physics learning media integrated with the Quran can be implemented for preservice physics teachers.
Estimation of Flores Sea Aftershock Rupture Data Based on AI
Authors: Jufriansah Adi , Khusnani Azmi , Pramudya Yudhiakto , Afriyanto Mulya
Published: July 2024

The earthquake catalog notes that there have been earthquakes with Mw > 7 that hit the Flores area, three of which occurred in the Flores Sea in 1992, 2015, and 2021. Revealed that the seismic activity of Eastern Indonesia is thought to be influenced by the isolated thrust fault segment of the island of Flores and the island of Wetar. The study of the rising fault segment on Flores Island and Wetar Island helps in further understanding the fault behavior, earthquake pattern, and seismic risk in the Flores Sea region. In earthquakes with giant magneto, an aftershock can occur due to the interaction of ground movements. This research analyzes and compares the data from the evaluation of the classification algorithm and the regression algorithm. The initial stages of this research include requesting IRIS DMC Web Service data. The data is then subjected to a cleaning process to obtain the expected feature extraction. The next stage is to perform the clustering process. This stage is carried out to label dependent data by adding new features as data clusters. The following procedure divides the validation value, which consists of training and test data. The estimation results show that the classification algorithm's evaluation value is better than that of the regression algorithm. The evaluation value of several algorithms indicates this, with an accuracy rate between 80% and 100%.
A Preliminary Study on Promoting Contextual Teaching and Learning Using Smart Water Quality Sensors
Authors: Sulisworo Dwi , Fitrianawati Meita , Subrata Arsyad Cahya , Kalid Khairul Shafee , Wan Ahmad Wan Fatimah
Published: July 2024

Building awareness among students on the issues of natural environmental phenomena has always been a challenge due to the difference in location between the student and the observed phenomena. The issues of the natural environment have been a part of the curriculum in elementary schools. One of the lessons taught on the natural environment in elementary schools is related to the water conditions in various areas filled with water, such as ponds, rivers, lakes, etc. Currently, learning in the natural environment is based on text, images, and videos, and learning activities using real-time data are still rare. This study presents the development of an IoT-based Smart Water Quality application prototype. The prototype consists of conductivity, pH, oxygen levels, salinity, and turbidity sensors. The IoT prototype can also be used to automatically monitor fish, shrimp, and other species in aquaculture ponds. Using the IoT-based Smart Water Quality application prototype, teachers can enhance students' higher-order thinking skills by designing learning activities using real-time data to identify, compare, and classify various concepts or phenomena.
Effect of Percentage Variation of Ketapang Fruit Biobrickets on Health Value and Combustion Rate
Authors: Fadilah Himmi Raudatul , Ahzan Sukainil , Pangga Dwi , Habibi Habibi , Bilad Muhammad Roil
Published: July 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of variations in the percentage of Ketapang fruit (KF) bio briquette on calorific value and burning rate. This research is experimental in a physics laboratory with a literature review carried out in three stages, namely the preparation stage, the bio briquette manufacturing stage, and the bio briquette testing stage. The main ingredient used in the manufacture of bio briquettes is Ketapang fruit. The adhesive materials used were tapioca flour and sago flour with percentages of 10%, 12.5% ​​and 15%. The results showed that the calorific value of the following bio briquettes using the tapioca predicate included 5,139.45 Cal, 5,540.97 Cal, 5,922.42 Cal, and those using the sago predicate including 2,409.12 Cal, 3,653.83 Cal, 3,894.74 cal. The highest calorific value was in bio briquettes with tapioca adhesive type in the sample at 85%:15%. The burning rate of bio briquettes using tapioca glue included 1.98 gr/minute, 1.76 gr/minute, 1.62 gr/minute and those using sago glue included 2.62 gr/minute, 2.50 gr/minute, 2.31 gr/minute. The lowest burning rate value was in bio briquettes with the type of sago glue in the sample at 85%:15%. Based on the test results, it is known that the lower the percentage of keta pang fruit in the bio briquettes, the lower the burning rate, and the resulting calorific value increases.
Addressing the intensity of rehabilitation evidence-practice gap: rapid review, stakeholder perspectives and recommendations for upper limb rehabilitation after acquired brain injury
Authors: Lannin Natasha A , Pellegrini Michael , Smith Madeleine J , Jolliffe Laura , Morris Meg E ,   Translating Research into Practice Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation Research Initiative
Published: July 2024

Background/Aims

For people living with acquired brain injury from stroke or trauma, clinical practice guidelines recommend high-intensity physical rehabilitation to optimise motor outcomes. There is an acknowledged evidence–practice gap between routine clinical practice and the amount, intensity and type of active upper limb rehabilitation recommended in research-informed guidelines. The aims of this study were to identify methods used to facilitate high doses of upper limb practice in published trials, understand stakeholder perspectives of the barriers and enablers to these methods in hospital settings, and to synthesise findings to form an evidence-based action plan for rehabilitation professionals, service providers and adults living with an acquired brain injury.

Methods

A rapid systematic literature review and a series of qualitative interviews with service users and rehabilitation clinicians explored the evidence on intensity and the experience of high intensity rehabilitation following brain injury and stroke. Triangulating this mixed method evidence, recommendations were generated on how to increase upper limb rehabilitation intensity during inpatient therapy.

Results

There was consensus in the literature that high-dose motor training improves a person's ability to move their hand and arm after brain injury and stroke. Trials mostly delivered therapy programmes as a replacement to usual care; however, it was unclear how high-intensity therapy was integrated into usual rehabilitation. Methods employed to increase the intensity of upper limb rehabilitation included strategies to optimise engagement (eg encourage independent practice and more practice); clinician-related processes (eg self-auditing, use of groups); environmental factors (eg equipment, dedicated space); and organisational influences (eg professional development, dedicated research positions and mentoring). Qualitative data showed that barriers and facilitators stem from service user factors (eg cognitive ability, advanced age, cultural mores) as well as clinician factors (eg quality of the therapeutic relationship, type and quality of therapist instructions). Organisational factors such as a strong research culture and a commitment to evidence-based practice positively influenced outcomes.

Conclusions

There is capacity to increase the intensity of upper limb rehabilitation by optimising organisational support and systems, as well as greater service user engagement in therapy processes.

Implications for practice

Rehabilitation clinicians have long understood that dose is a critical component of motor training. Findings may assist with structuring upper limb rehabilitation programs and addressing clinician factors to increase the intensity of therapy.
Financial Support of the Kazakhs to Türkiye in the First World War
Authors: Abdukadyrov Nurzhigit , Assanova Bayan , Akynova Aigerim
Published: July 2024

The First World War significantly influenced the destinies of numerous peoples, nations, empires, and states throughout human history. The Ottoman Empire emerged as a major participant in this global conflict, engaging on multiple fronts against the Entente States. During the war, Türkiye conducted various political, military, intelligence, and espionage activities. Among these, the Ottoman Empire incited Muslim populations in the East to join in a religious war against the Entente States. Notably, religious and propaganda efforts were undertaken in Turkestan as part of the Pan-Islamist ideology among the Turkic-Muslim peoples under Russian rule. Conversely, the Turkic-Muslim peoples of Turkestan provided various forms of support to the Turks, including financial assistance from the Kazakhs. This study aims to examine the financial aid extended by the Kazakhs to the Turks during the war, conducting a historical analysis of the reasons, development, and outcomes of this support. The analysis delves into the motivations behind Kazakh financial aid to the Turks, its evolution over time, and its impact on the war effort. By exploring these aspects, we gain insights into the complex dynamics of support networks during the First World War.
Rouranlarda (Juan-Juanlarda) Kültürel ve Toplumsal Yapı
Authors: Yıldırım Kürşat , Yıldırım Elvin
Published: July 2024

Rouran (Juan-juan) halkı V. yüzyılın başlarında bugünkü Moğolistan bozkırlarında büyük bir kağanlık kurdu. Yaklaşık 150 yıl yaşayan bu devlet, Asya Hunlarının mirasını sürdürdü. Rouranların tarihi üzerine bazı çalışmalar yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmamızda ise onların devletlerini kuruş süreci, yazısı, dini, hayat tarzı ve toplum yapısı üzerine daha önce az değinilen hususlara dayanarak bazı değerlendirmeler yapmak istedik. Ayrıca yakınlarda Khüis Tolgoi Yazıtı’nı Rouranlara atfeden araştırmacılar çıkınca bazı yeni notlar çıkardık. Buna göre şu konuları ele aldık: i) Rouranların atasının devletin temellerini atma süreci hakkında genelde yapılan “kaçaklar hareketi” değerlendirmesine katılmıyoruz; bozkır gelenekleri dâhilinde ve boy sistemi içinde bir devlet kurma süreci başlamıştır. ii) Rouranlar Çin, Sogd ve Brahmi (eğer Khüis Tolgoi kendilerine aitse) yazıları kullanmışlardır. iii) Rouran idarecileri tek tanrılı bir dine ve Şamanizm’e inanmakla birlikte diğer bozkırlı halklar gibi yöneticiler düzeyinde Buda dinine az da olsa ilgi göstermişlerdir. iv) Rouranlara yönelik Çinlilerin bakış açıları diğer bozkırlı halklara olandan farklı değildir ama Çinliler özellikle onların temiz olmadıkları üzerinde durmaktadırlar. v) Rouranlar geleneksel konar-göçer kültürü devam ettirmektedirler. vi) Diğer bozkırlılarda olduğu gibi Rouran toplumunda da kendine has bir toplumsal yapı ve bir tabakalaşma mevcuttur.
Başak Kuzakçı. Soğdlar ve Türkler: İpek Yolu’nun Tüccarları ve Hâkimleri. Vakıfbank Kültür Yayınları, 2023.
Authors: Kırmızıgül Şimşek Buket Nur
Published: July 2024

İranî halklardan biri olan Soğdlar, Eski Türklerle sıkı ticari, siyasi, kültürel, dinî temaslar içinde olmuş ve İslam öncesi Türk devlet ve topluluklarına derinden tesir etmiş bir halktır. 10. yüzyıldan itibaren tarih sahnesinden kaybolan bu halk, bilhassa ticari etkinlikleri ile tanınmıştır. Eski Türklerin Budizm, Maniheizm gibi dinleri benimsemesinden, Uygur alfabesinin kullanılmasına kadar tarihimizde yer etmişlerdir. Bu nedenle Türklerle iç içe yaşamış Soğdların dili, kültürü ve tarihi üzerine yapılan ve yapılacak çalışmalar Türkoloji çalışmaları için de önem arz etmektedir. Bu yazıda Türk-Soğd ilişkileri üzerine yapılmış önemli bir yayının değerlendirmesi yapılmıştır.
Online detection technology of triangular-blade tool grinding precision based on machine vision
Authors: Hong Weijun , Ji Huawei , Wang Changhao , Hu Xiaoping
Published: July 2024

To address the problems of repeat positioning accuracy and secondary clamping caused by a triangular-blade tool during grinding, this paper proposes an online detection method for the machining accuracy of the triangular-blade tool based on machine vision. The method utilizes a weighted average approach for grayscale processing of the original image and an adaptive median filtering algorithm for filtering and noise reduction. The processed image is then binarized. The Canny and Zernike moment edge detection algorithms are utilized for pixel-level and sub-pixel-level edge positioning. A curvature-based feature extraction method is proposed to complete image stitching. Measurement software is designed and developed on the MATLAB app designer platform. Experimental results show that the relative error in tool grinding length is within 0.094%, the average error in cutting edge width is 1.105%, the relative error in thickness is 5.065%, and the relative error in symmetry is 6.044%. The accuracy of the proposed method is confirmed through a comparison between image and microscope measurement.
Adversarial training collaborating hybrid convolution-transformer network for automatic identification of reactive lymphocytes in peripheral blood
Authors: Mei Liye , Peng Haoran , Luo Ping , Jin Shuangtong , Shen Hui , He Jing , Yang Wei , Ye Zhiwei , Sui Haigang , Mei Mengqing , Lei Cheng , Xiong Bei
Published: July 2024

Reactive lymphocytes may indicate diseases such as viral infections. Identifying these abnormal lymphocytes is crucial for disease diagnosis. Currently, reactive lymphocytes are mainly manually identified by pathological experts with microscopes and morphological knowledge, which is time-consuming and laborious. Some studies have used convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify peripheral blood leukocytes, but there are limitations in the small receptive field of the model. Our model introduces a transformer based on CNN, expands the receptive field of the model, and enables it to extract global features more efficiently. We also enhance the generalization ability of the model through virtual adversarial training (VAT) without changing the parameters of the model. Finally, our model achieves an overall accuracy of 93.66% on the test set, and the accuracy of reactive lymphocytes also reaches 88.03%. This work takes another step toward the efficient identification of reactive lymphocytes.
Towards perceptual uniformity and HDR-WCG image processing: a projection-based color space
Authors: Huang Yiming , Xu Haisong , Zhang Yuntao , Hu Bing , Deng Jiaci , Li Li
Published: July 2024

High dynamic range (HDR) and wide color gamut (WCG) images are now commonly available, challenging the property of the existing color spaces, which play an important role in color image processing and color vision applications. In this study, a perceptually uniform color space is proposed for HDR and WCG image processing. The basic structure of this color space is reconstructed by two 3D projection transformation matrices and a modified nonlinear function. On this basis, a series of optimization objectives for perceptual uniformity, as well as the crosstalk characteristics for image applications, are designed. The proposed color space is evaluated via the standard residual sum of squares (STRESS) for visual data prediction, as well as PU-PSNR, PU-SSIM, and HDR-VDP-3 for image processing performance. The comparison results with 7 existing color spaces reveal that the proposed color space achieves the significantly best overall performance in perceptual uniformity and HDR-WCG image processing.
Multi-point vibration positioning method for long-distance forward transmission distributed vibration sensing
Authors: Rao Xing , Dai Shangwei , Chen Ming , Zhu Runlong , Lu Danxia , Chen George Y. , Wang Yiping
Published: July 2024

Observation of intensity, phase, or polarization properties of light propagating through telecom submarine cables can enable widespread monitoring of geological and undersea events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and shipping lane traffic. We conducted a comparative analysis of external physical perturbations acting on submarine optical cables and unprotected optical fibers; introduced both intensity and phase demodulation-based sensing systems for long-distance vibration sensing; presented an extension to the phase-spectrum time delay method for forward-transmission distributed sensing (same as optical communications) to distinguish and quantify multiple simultaneous vibration events; and overcame the previous spatial resolution fundamental lower limit set by the time-domain sampling rate. We experimentally demonstrated multi-vibration positioning over 202.3 km single-span sensing distance, with a positioning accuracy as small as 17.9 m for sinewave vibrations, and a spatial resolution of 1.25 m. Other key sensor parameters include phase sensitivity of 40.6 mrad/µε @ 80 Hz, a corresponding limit of detection (LoD) of 101.7 pε/Hz1/2, intensity sensitivity of 7.1%/µε @ 80 Hz, and a corresponding LoD of 20.1 pε/Hz1/2. The tested frequency range was 0.01-100 Hz. No signal averaging was performed during signal processing to allow faster real-time processing, which would otherwise further improve the results. This forward transmission approach has the potential to upgrade the existing submerged global internet fiber-optic network into a vast ocean-spanning observation network while allowing telecom operations to operate normally without sacrificing bandwidth.
Quality control in structured illumination-based super-resolution FRET imaging via machine learning
Authors: Di Xing , Luo Zewei , Nie Heyu , Wu Ge , Chen Tongsheng
Published: July 2024

Structured illumination-based super-resolution Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy (SISR-FRETM) has facilitated better observation of molecular behavior in living cells. However, SIM tends to produce artifacts in reconstruction, especially when the raw SIM inputs are of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or out-of-focus, leading to erroneous signals in subsequent FRET. Current SIM quality evaluation metrics fail to utilize both SNR and out-of-focus features, making it challenging to classify unqualified raw data for FRET. Here, we propose an ensemble machine learning based SISR-FRETM quality control algorithm (SFQC) to evaluate the quality of SISR-FRETM raw data from the perspective of both SNR and focus quality. Specifically, SFQC extracts features with both SNR and focus quality metrics and combines them as feature vectors for machine learning models to train. To ensure high robustness of quality control, four different classifiers are trained and ensembled. In our experiment, SFQC is demonstrated to surpass all conventional SIM quality metrics on the F1-score up to 0.93 for the focus detection task and 0.95 for the SNR detection task, while also achieving the fastest processing time compared to other metrics. SFQC also provides options for researchers to generate focus error maps for error localization and masking for FRET results. Overall, by combining different quality metrics, we propose SFQC as an accurate, fast solution for selecting trust-worthy images of SR quantitative FRET imaging microscopy, which saves scientists from tedious human efforts on large scale microscopy image quality control works.
Polarization-insensitive multifunctional reconfigurable band-notched absorber with wideband switchable absorption properties utilizing Galinstan
Authors: Li Huangyan , Tong Jiacong , Cui Yichun , Brizi Danilo , Yuan Hang , Fang Xiaoxing , Wang Xiang , Sima Boyu , Hu Jun , Wu Wen , Monorchio Agostino
Published: July 2024

A dual-polarized multifunctional reconfigurable band-notched absorber (MRBNA) based on Galinstan is presented in this paper. The proposed MRBNA comprises a liquid metal transmission/reflection switchable layer (LM-T/RSL) and a wideband band-notched absorber (BNA). The MRBNA represents a paradigm shift in adaptive electromagnetic (EM) solutions, offering unprecedented wideband switching capabilities between superior band-notched absorption and full-band reflection states. By harnessing the potential of LM-T/RSL and innovative polarization selection mechanisms, this design sets a new benchmark for advanced stealth systems. The impact of LM-T/RSL on transmission and reflection characteristics is investigated, followed by experimental investigation of fluid flow in microfluidic channels. Then, the structural conception of the MRBNA is examined, employing the equivalent circuit method (ECM) and surface current distributions for a better understanding of its operating mechanism. Finally, a prototype is fabricated and empirical validation is conducted to demonstrate the simulated results. Positioning it at the forefront, the seamless adaptability of the proposed MRBNA to changing EM conditions promises to revolutionize modern stealth operations.
INeAT: an artifact-suppressed and resolution-enhanced computed tomography through iterative neural adaptive tomography
Authors: Xiong Bo , Su Changqing , Lin Zihan , Zhou You , Yu Zhaofei
Published: July 2024

Computed tomography (CT) with its remarkable capability for three-dimensional imaging from multiple projections, enjoys a broad range of applications in clinical diagnosis, scientific observation, and industrial detection. Neural adaptive tomography (NeAT) is a recently proposed 3D rendering method based on neural radiance field for CT, and it demonstrates superior performance compared to traditional methods. However, it still faces challenges when dealing with the substantial perturbations and pose shifts encountered in CT scanning processes. Here, we propose a neural rendering method for CT reconstruction, named iterative neural adaptive tomography (INeAT), which incorporates iterative posture optimization to effectively counteract the influence of posture perturbations in data, particularly in cases involving significant posture variations. Through the implementation of a posture feedback optimization strategy, INeAT iteratively refines the posture corresponding to the input images based on the reconstructed 3D volume. We demonstrate that INeAT achieves artifact-suppressed and resolution-enhanced reconstruction in scenarios with significant pose disturbances. Furthermore, we show that our INeAT maintains comparable reconstruction performance to stable-state acquisitions even using data from unstable-state acquisitions, which significantly reduces the time required for CT scanning and relaxes the stringent requirements on imaging hardware systems, underscoring its immense potential for applications in short-time and low-cost CT technology.
Dual-wavelength solid-state Raman laser at 555 and 579.5 nm for spectrophotometric determination of carboxyhemoglobin
Authors: Chen Yung-Fu , Chang Xiu-Wei , Lin Song-Qing , Huang Hsin-Jia , Hsieh Li-Wei , Liang Hsing-Chih
Published: July 2024

For accurate measurement of carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood, a compact dual-wavelength laser at 555 and 579.5 nm with conversion efficiency up to 27.5% is originally developed by using Nd:YVO4/KGW/LBO laser with intracavity stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), second harmonic generation (SHG), and sum frequency generation (SFG). The SRS material is an Np-cut KGW crystal to produce the Stokes wave at 1159 nm from the fundamental wave at 1064 nm. The SHG of the Stokes wave and the SFG of the Stokes and fundamental waves are efficiently achieved by employing two LBO crystals. The temperature of the first LBO crystal is steadily fixed at the optimal phase-matching for generating the output power at 579.5 nm, whereas the temperature of the second one is varied to manipulate the power ratio between the yellow and green emissions. At the balanced temperature of the second LBO crystal, the output powers of the yellow and green emissions can simultaneously reach 5.5 W at a pump power of 40 W.
Laser ignition of hydrogen/air mixtures in a constant-volume combustion chamber using a pulse-burst Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG laser spark plug
Authors: Grigore Oana-Valeria , Pavel Nicolaie
Published: July 2024

In this study, characteristics of laser ignition of H2/air mixtures are investigated in a constant-volume combustion chamber using a compact, passively Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG laser spark plug. Ignition was conducted at a single point, with precise timing achieved through two laser modes of operation: delivering a single laser pulse and operating in pulse-burst mode, emitting trains of up to five laser pulses. Experiments covered a wide range of relative equivalence ratios (λ= 1.5 to 5.0) at 1 bar initial pressure and extended to 9 bar. Under similar pressure conditions, igniting H2/air mixtures with higher λ values (lean mixtures) results in a reduction of maximum pressure and a slower combustion process. Conversely, maintaining the same λ value for H2/air mixtures, while elevating the initial pressure, yields higher maximum pressures, but concurrently decelerates the combustion process. Pulse-burst mode laser ignition expedited combustion, especially for lean mixtures (λ> 4.0), showcasing advantages over single-pulse laser ignition. Additionally, lean ignition limits were determined at different pressures, revealing pressure-dependent differences between single pulse and pulse-burst modes laser ignition. These results provide insights into the features of laser ignition with pulse trains of H2/air mixtures and the use of this ignition technique in hydrogen-powered reciprocating engines.
Single-shot spatial light interference microscopy for dynamic monitoring of membrane fluctuations
Authors: Huang Weinan , Deng Youwei , Feng Yueshu , Shen Binglin , Guo Jiaqing , Hu Rui , Qu Junle , Liu Liwei
Published: July 2024

Single-shot spatial light interference microscopy (SS-SLIM) with a pair of non-polarizing beam splitters is proposed for substantially enhancing the speed and efficiency of conventional SLIM systems. Traditional methods are limited by the need for multiple-frame serial modulation and acquisition by spatial light modulators and detectors. Our approach integrates non-polarizing beam splitters to simultaneously capture four phase-shifted intensity images, increasing the imaging speed by at least fourfold while maintaining high quality. This capability is crucial for effectively monitoring the dynamic fluctuations of red blood cell membranes. Furthermore, the potential applications of the SS-SLIM system in biomedical research are demonstrated, particularly in scenarios requiring high temporal resolution and label-free imaging.
Cholesterol-dependent dynamic changes in the conformation of the type 1 cholecystokinin receptor affect ligand binding and G protein coupling
Authors: Harikumar Kaleeckal G. , Zhao Peishen , Cary Brian P. , Xu Xiaomeng , Desai Aditya J. , Dong Maoqing , Mobbs Jesse I. , Toufaily Chirine , Furness Sebastian G. B. , Christopoulos Arthur , Belousoff Matthew J. , Wootten Denise , Sexton Patrick M. , Miller Laurence J.
Published: July 2024

Development of optimal therapeutics for disease states that can be associated with increased membrane cholesterol requires better molecular understanding of lipid modulation of the drug target. Type 1 cholecystokinin receptor (CCK1R) agonist actions are affected by increased membrane cholesterol, enhancing ligand binding and reducing calcium signaling, while agonist actions of the closely related CCK2R are not. In this work, we identified a set of chimeric human CCK1R/CCK2R mutations that exchange the cholesterol sensitivity of these 2 receptors, providing powerful tools when expressed in CHO and HEK-293 model cell lines to explore mechanisms. Static, low energy, high-resolution structures of the mutant CCK1R constructs, stabilized in complex with G protein, were not substantially different, suggesting that alterations to receptor dynamics were key to altered function. We reveal that cholesterol-dependent dynamic changes in the conformation of the helical bundle of CCK receptors affects both ligand binding at the extracellular surface and G protein coupling at the cytosolic surface, as well as their interrelationships involved in stimulus-response coupling. This provides an ideal setting for potential allosteric modulators to correct the negative impact of membrane cholesterol on CCK1R.
Multitask learning of a biophysically-detailed neuron model
Authors: Verhellen Jonas , Beshkov Kosio , Amundsen Sebastian , Ness Torbjørn V. , Einevoll Gaute T.
Published: July 2024

The human brain operates at multiple levels, from molecules to circuits, and understanding these complex processes requires integrated research efforts. Simulating biophysically-detailed neuron models is a computationally expensive but effective method for studying local neural circuits. Recent innovations have shown that artificial neural networks (ANNs) can accurately predict the behavior of these detailed models in terms of spikes, electrical potentials, and optical readouts. While these methods have the potential to accelerate large network simulations by several orders of magnitude compared to conventional differential equation based modelling, they currently only predict voltage outputs for the soma or a select few neuron compartments. Our novel approach, based on enhanced state-of-the-art architectures for multitask learning (MTL), allows for the simultaneous prediction of membrane potentials in each compartment of a neuron model, at a speed of up to two orders of magnitude faster than classical simulation methods. By predicting all membrane potentials together, our approach not only allows for comparison of model output with a wider range of experimental recordings (patch-electrode, voltage-sensitive dye imaging), it also provides the first stepping stone towards predicting local field potentials (LFPs), electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals from ANN-based simulations. While LFP and EEG are an important downstream application, the main focus of this paper lies in predicting dendritic voltages within each compartment to capture the entire electrophysiology of a biophysically-detailed neuron model. It further presents a challenging benchmark for MTL architectures due to the large amount of data involved, the presence of correlations between neighbouring compartments, and the non-Gaussian distribution of membrane potentials.
Factors associated with the willingness to provide telerehabilitation by physiotherapists treating older adults or people with neurological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Humphries Sophia , Bezuidenhout Lucian , Häger Charlotte K. , Moulaee Conradsson David
Published: July 2024

Background

While telerehabilitation is a promising alternative to traditional rehabilitation, previous studies suggest that it is still underutilised by physiotherapists. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the willingness, and use of, telerehabilitation among physiotherapists.

Method

An online survey, covering self-reported use of, and attitudes toward telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, was distributed to physiotherapists who were members of the Swedish Association of Physiotherapists and working in geriatrics or neurology in Sweden.

Results

A total of 307 responding physiotherapists were included, most of whom were female (n = 277, 90.2%), working full-time (n = 225, 73.3%), had a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy as their highest education (n = 238, 77.8%) and working in community care settings (n = 131, 43.0%). Overall, 42.3% responded that they would be willing to work with telerehabilitation daily and 47% responded that they had previously worked with telerehabilitation to some degree during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analysis revealed that feeling comfortable using digital tools (OR = 1.81, P = .043), believing that telerehabilitation increases the accessibility of rehabilitation (OR = 2.27, P = .009), and that patients will appreciate it (OR = 2.10, P = .025), were significantly associated with willingness to work daily with telerehabilitation. Working in primary care or rehabilitation centres (OR = 3.48, P < .012), having previously used telerehabilitation (OR = 55.86, P < .001), and perceiving the workplace reimbursement system as facilitating telerehabilitation (OR = 8.24, P = .003), were factors significantly associated with reported use of telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Among physiotherapists in Sweden, willingness to use telerehabilitation is largely associated with personal attitudes towards it, whereas reported use of telerehabilitation appears to be related to organisational factors. These findings could be used to shape future implementation of telerehabilitation practices in geriatric and neurorehabilitation in Sweden and contribute to the broader understanding of telerehabilitation among physiotherapists across different contexts.
CED-5/CED-12 (DOCK/ELMO) can promote and inhibit F-actin formation via distinct motifs that may target different GTPases
Authors: Venkatachalam Thejasvi , Mannimala Sushma , Pulijala Yeshaswi , Soto Martha C.
Published: July 2024

Coordinated activation and inhibition of F-actin supports the movements of morphogenesis. Understanding the proteins that regulate F-actin is important, since these proteins are mis-regulated in diseases like cancer. Our studies of C. elegans embryonic epidermal morphogenesis identified the GTPase CED-10/Rac1 as an essential activator of F-actin. However, we need to identify the GEF, or Guanine-nucleotide Exchange Factor, that activates CED-10/Rac1 during embryonic cell migrations. The two-component GEF, CED-5/CED-12, is known to activate CED-10/Rac1 to promote cell movements that result in the engulfment of dying cells during embryogenesis, and a later cell migration of the larval Distal Tip Cell. It is believed that CED-5/CED-12 powers cellular movements of corpse engulfment and DTC migration by promoting F-actin formation. Therefore, we tested if CED-5/CED-12 was involved in embryonic migrations, and got a contradictory result. CED-5/CED-12 definitely support embryonic migrations, since their loss led to embryos that died due to failed epidermal cell migrations. However, CED-5/CED-12 inhibited F-actin in the migrating epidermis, the opposite of what was expected for a CED-10 GEF. To address how CED-12/CED-5 could have two opposing effects on F-actin, during corpse engulfment and cell migration, we investigated if CED-12 harbors GAP (GTPase Activating Protein) functions. A candidate GAP region in CED-12 faces away from the CED-5 GEF catalytic region. Mutating a candidate catalytic Arginine in the CED-12 GAP region (R537A) altered the epidermal cell migration function, and not the corpse engulfment function. We interfered with GEF function by interfering with CED-5’s ability to bind Rac1/CED-10. Mutating Serine-Arginine in CED-5/DOCK predicted to bind and stabilize Rac1 for catalysis, resulted in loss of both ventral enclosure and corpse engulfment. Genetic and expression studies strongly support that the GAP function likely acts on different GTPases. Thus, we propose CED-5/CED-12 support the cycling of multiple GTPases, by using distinct domains, to both promote and inhibit F-actin nucleation.