bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymph Nodes Evaluation in Rectal Cancer: Where Do We Stand and Future Perspective
Authors: Borgheresi Alessandra , De Muzio Federica , Agostini Andrea , Ottaviani Letizia , Bruno Alessandra , Granata Vincenza , Fusco Roberta , Danti Ginevra , Flammia Federica , Grassi Roberta , Grassi Francesca , Bruno Federico , Palumbo Pierpaolo , Barile Antonio , Miele Vittorio , Giovagnoni Andrea
Published: May 2022

The assessment of nodal involvement in patients with rectal cancer (RC) is fundamental in disease management. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is routinely used for local and nodal staging of RC by using morphological criteria. The actual dimensional and morphological criteria for nodal assessment present several limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. For these reasons, several different techniques, such as Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM), Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) in MRI have been introduced but still not fully validated. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT plays a pivotal role in the assessment of LNs; more recently PET/MRI has been introduced. The advantages and limitations of these imaging modalities will be provided in this narrative review. The second part of the review includes experimental techniques, such as iron-oxide particles (SPIO), and dual-energy CT (DECT). Radiomics analysis is an active field of research, and the evidence about LNs in RC will be discussed. The review also discusses the different recommendations between the European and North American guidelines for the evaluation of LNs in RC, from anatomical considerations to structured reporting.
Finding the Optimal Surgical Incision Pattern—A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Wachtel Nikolaus , Heidekrueger Paul , Brenner Carolin , Endres Maximilian , Burgkart Rainer , Micheler Carina , Thon Niklas , Ehrl Denis
Published: May 2022

The closure of wounds and subsequent optimal wound healing is essential to any successful surgical intervention. Especially on parts of the body with limited possibilities for local reconstruction, optimal distribution of load is essential. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine three different incision patterns, conventional straight, Lazy-S and Zigzag, with regard to their biomechanical stability and mode of failure on a porcine skin model. Our results demonstrate the superior biomechanical stability of Lazy-S and Zigzag incision patterns with perpendicular suture placement. This holds true, in particular, for Zigzag incisions, which showed the highest values for all parameters assessed. Moreover, the observed superior stability of Lazy-S and Zigzag incision patterns was diminished when sutures were placed in tensile direction. The conventional straight incision represents the standard access for a large number of surgical procedures. However, we were able to demonstrate the superior biomechanical stability of alternative incision patterns, in particular the Zigzag incision. This is most likely caused by an improved distribution of tensile force across the wound due to the perpendicular placement of sutures. Moreover, this technique offers additional advantages, such as a better overview of the operated area as well as several cosmetic improvements. We therefore advocate that the surgeon should consider the use of a Zigzag incision over a conventional straight incision pattern.
Robotic Living Donor Right Hepatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lincango Naranjo Eddy P. , Garces-Delgado Estefany , Siepmann Timo , Mirow Lutz , Solis-Pazmino Paola , Alexander-Leon Harold , Restrepo-Rodas Gabriela , Mancero-Montalvo Rafael , Ponce Cristina J. , Cadena-Semanate Ramiro , Vargas-Cordova Ronnal , Herrera-Cevallos Glenda , Vallejo Sebastian , Liu-Sanchez Carolina , Prokop Larry J. , Ziogas Ioannis A. , Vailas Michail G. , Guerron Alfredo D. , Visser Brendan C. , Ponce Oscar J. , Barbas Andrew S. , Moris Dimitrios
Published: May 2022

The introduction of robotics in living donor liver transplantation has been revolutionary. We aimed to examine the safety of robotic living donor right hepatectomy (RLDRH) compared to open (ODRH) and laparoscopic (LADRH) approaches. A systematic review was carried out in Medline and six additional databases following PRISMA guidelines. Data on morbidity, postoperative liver function, and pain in donors and recipients were extracted from studies comparing RLDRH, ODRH, and LADRH published up to September 2020; PROSPERO (CRD42020214313). Dichotomous variables were pooled as risk ratios and continuous variables as weighted mean differences. Four studies with a total of 517 patients were included. In living donors, the postoperative total bilirubin level (MD: −0.7 95%CI −1.0, −0.4), length of hospital stay (MD: −0.8 95%CI −1.4, −0.3), Clavien–Dindo complications I–II (RR: 0.5 95%CI 0.2, 0.9), and pain score at day > 3 (MD: −0.6 95%CI −1.6, 0.4) were lower following RLDRH compared to ODRH. Furthermore, the pain score at day > 3 (MD: −0.4 95%CI −0.8, −0.09) was lower after RLDRH when compared to LADRH. In recipients, the postoperative AST level was lower (MD: −0.5 95%CI −0.9, −0.1) following RLDRH compared to ODRH. Moreover, the length of stay (MD: −6.4 95%CI −11.3, −1.5) was lower after RLDRH when compared to LADRH. In summary, we identified low- to unclear-quality evidence that RLDRH seems to be safe and feasible for adult living donor liver transplantation compared to the conventional approaches. No postoperative deaths were reported.
Beach–Dune System Morphodynamics
Authors: D’Alessandro Felice , Tomasicchio Giuseppe Roberto , Frega Ferdinando , Leone Elisa , Francone Antonio , Pantusa Daniela , Barbaro Giuseppe , Foti Giandomenico
Published: May 2022

Beach–dune system morphodynamics is probably one of the most classical coastal engineering problems. While the topic has been studied extensively and literature is plentiful of considerable research contributions, from the authors’ knowledge the subject is still challenging for coastal and environmental sciences. As a part of the Special Issue entitled “Beach–dune system morphodynamics” of this Journal, the present paper reviews traditional issues and design advances building bridges between potential risks and adaptation measures. The benefits of nature-based and hybrid solutions and the need for multidisciplinary studies and approaches to promote sustainable and resilient conservation of the coastal environment are emphasized. Considering the importance and complexity of the subject, this work cannot be fully complete. It is limited to providing a general overview and outlining some important directions intending to serve as a springboard for further research in the field of beach–dune system morphodynamics.
Strut-and-Tie Model and Numerical Simulation of Sleeve Grouting Connection for Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Column
Authors: Che Wenpeng , Chen Jianwei , Cao Jinglu , Tian Wenling
Published: May 2022

To study the performance and failure mechanisms of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) column sleeve grouting connections, theoretical analysis and finite element simulation were performed for the structure in the connection. In this paper, a theoretical strut-and-tie model suitable for calculation of the axial compression capacity of sleeve grouting connections was proposed. High-precision numerical models were established to verify the applicability of the strut-and-tie model and the rationality of parameter selection in the sleeve grouting connection. The parameters include the shear key height, shear key shape, shear key distance, and grouting material strength. The results showed that the prediction values of the strut-and-tie model accorded well with the experimental values and simulated values. The average ratio of the calculated values based on the ACI and EC2 codes to experimental values were 1.07 and 1.09, respectively. An increase in the shear key height can improve the axial compression capacity of the sleeve grouting connection, and it was suggested that the range of the shear key height was reasonable at 2~3 mm. The shear key shapes of semicircular, rectangular vertical and trapezoidal were recommended, which can meet the requirements of sleeve grouting connections of CFST columns. The load-transmitting behavior of rectangular vertical shear keys was better due to the insignificant stress concentration. The rectangular horizontal form of shear keys is not recommended since it has the worst load transmission. The shear key height-to-distance ratios were recommended to be 0.044~0.1, the amplitude of the strength attenuation was different only after failure, and all models showed good ductility and compression capacity. With the increase in grouting material strength, the axial compression capacity of the sleeve grouting connection increased. It is reasonable to use grouting material strengths C50 to C90 for the sleeve grouting connection.
Lipid Nanoparticles as Platforms for Theranostic Purposes: Recent Advances in the Field
Authors: Naziris Nikolaos , Demetzos Costas
Published: May 2022

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the first approved nanomedicines and the most well-studied class of nanocarriers for drug delivery. Currently, they are in the frontline of the pandemic fight as vaccine formulations and therapeutic products. However, even though they are so well-studied, new materials and new modifications arise every day that can improve their properties. Their dynamic nature, especially the liquid crystal state of membranes, is under constant investigation and it is that which many times leads to their complex biological behavior. In addition, newly discovered biomaterials and nanoparticles that possess promising effects and functionalities, but also toxicity and/or poor pharmacokinetics, can be combined with LNPs to ameliorate their properties. As a result, many promising theranostic applications have emerged during the past decade, proving the huge potential of LNPs in the field. In the present review, we summarize some of the most prominent classes of LNPs for nanotheranostic purposes, and present state-of-the-art research examples, with emphasis on the utilized biomaterials and the functionality that they confer to the resultant supramolecular nanosystems, in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Although there has been unprecedented progress in theranostics, the translational gap between the bench and the clinic is undeniable. This issue must be addressed by experts in a coordinated way, in order to fully exploit these nanomedicines for the benefit of the society.
Secondary Treatment for Men with Localized Prostate Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of PRIAS and ERSPC-Rotterdam Data within the PIONEER Data Platform
Authors: Beyer Katharina , Straten Vera , Remmers Sebastiaan , MacLennan Steven , MacLennan Sara , Gandaglia Giorgio , Willemse Peter-Paul M. , Herrera Ronald , Omar Muhammad Imran , Russell Beth , Huber Johannes , Kreuz Markus , Asiimwe Alex , Abbott Tom , Briganti Alberto , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Roobol Monique J. ,   The PRIAS Consortium,   The ERSPC Rotterdam Study Group,   The PIONEER Consortium
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Treatment choice for localized prostate cancer is complicated, as each treatment option comes with various pros and cons. It is well established that active surveillance (AS), may be ended with a change to curative treatment at the time of disease progression, but it is less clear whether secondary treatment after initial curative treatment is required. As part of the PIONEER project, we quantified the probabilities of treatment change. Methods: A cohort study based on PRIAS and ERSPC-Rotterdam data was conducted. Patients were followed up for 10 years or until the 31st of December 2017. The primary outcome was the incidence of treatment change following initial treatment (i.e., a change to curative treatment following AS or secondary treatment after initial RP/RT). Results: Over a period of 1 to 5 years after initial treatment, the cumulative incidence of treatment change ranged from 3.8% to 42.8% for AS, from 7.6% to 12.1% for radical prostatectomy (RP) and from no change to 5.3% for radiation therapy (RT). While the possibility of treatment change in AS is known, the numbers within a five-year period were substantial. For RP and RT, the rate of change to secondary treatment was lower, but still non-neglectable, with 5 (10)-year incidences up to 12% (20%) and 5% (16%), respectively. Conclusion: This is one of the first studies comparing the incidence of guideline-recommended treatment changes in men receiving different primary treatments (i.e., AS, RT, or RP) for localized prostate cancer (PCa).
Bird Welfare in Zoos and Aquariums: General Insights across Industries
Authors: Woods Jocelyn M. , Eyer Adrienne , Miller Lance J.
Published: May 2022

Animal welfare is a priority across accredited zoological institutions; however, historically, research has been prioritized for mammals. Bird-focused studies accounted for less than 10% of welfare research in zoos and aquariums over the last ten years. Due to the lack of scientific publications on bird welfare, zoo scientists and animal practitioners can look to other industries such as agriculture, laboratories, and companion animal research for insight. This qualitative review highlights findings across industries to inform animal care staff and scientists on the welfare needs of birds within zoos and aquariums. Specifically, the review includes an overview of research on different topics and a summary of key findings across nine resources that affect bird welfare. We also highlight areas where additional research is necessary. Future welfare research in zoos and aquariums should prioritize studies that consider a diversity of bird species across topics and work to identify animal-based measures with empirical evidence. Moving forward, research from other industries can help develop innovative research on bird welfare within zoos and aquariums.
“Satark”: Landslide Prediction System over Western Ghats of India
Authors: Kulkarni Jeevan R. , Kulkarni Sneha S. , Inamdar Mitali U. , Tamhankar Nitin M. , Waghmare Spandan B. , Thombare Kiran R. , Mhetre Paresh S. , Khatavkar Tanuja , Panse Yashodhan , Patwardhan Amey , Soman Yogini , Bhagat Prasad , Bhale Sumit , Prabhune Mayuresh G. , Kumar Vinay
Published: May 2022

Mountains on the west coast of India are known as the Western Ghat (WG). The WG region has a landslide (LS) susceptibility index of four and is prone to LSs in the monsoon season due to rainfall activity. The LS study focuses on the area between 15.5–20.5° N, 72.5–77.0° E in the Maharashtra state. A catalog of 115 LS events in the study area has been prepared by collecting LS data for 17 years (2000–2016) from various sources. The area from the windward to the leeward side of the WG mountains is divided into three regions: (1) the windward region (72.5–73.4° E) (90 km width), (2) the immediate lee side (ILS) (73.40–74.20° E) (80 km width), and (3) distant lee side (DLS) (74.2–77.0° E) (280 km width). The Center for Citizen Science (CCS), Pune, India, developed the LS-predicting model “Satark” using data from satellites, the India Meteorological Department weather forecasts, radar products, synoptic conditions, and atmospheric sounding data from the Wyoming site for inferring conditions for a hydraulic jump on the WG. The model validation for the 5 years (2017–2021) showed a reasonably good Heidke skill score of 0.44. The model showed 76.5% success in LS prediction 1 day in advance. It is the first attempt of this kind in the Indian region.
Spatial Distribution of Precise Suitability of Plantation: A Case Study of Main Coniferous Forests in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Yi Yang , Shi Mingchang , Liu Jialin , Zhang Chen , Yi Xiaoding , Li Sha , Chen Chunyang , Lin Liangzhao
Published: May 2022

(1) Background. Conifers are the main plantation species in southern China, including Masson Pine (MP), Chinese fir (CF) and Chinese thuja (CT). Clarifying the suitable site conditions for these conifers is helpful for large-area afforestation, so as to manage forests to provide a higher level of ecosystem services. To achieve the research goals, we take the conifers in Hubei Province of southern China as a case study. (2) Methods. The situations of conifers, as well as environmental conditions of 448 sampling plots, were then investigated. The suitable growth environment of conifers in the studied area was determined by the maximum entropy algorithm, and the suitability spatial distribution of coniferous forests at the provincial level was also analyzed. (3) Results. The effect of the conifers suitability prediction model reached an accurate level, where AUC values of MP, CF and CT training set were 0.828, 0.856 and 0.970, respectively. Among multiple environmental factors, such as geography and climate, altitude is the most important factor affecting conifer growth. The contribution of altitude to the growth suitability of MP, CF and CT was 38.1%, 36.2% and 36.1%, respectively. Suitable areas of MP, CF and CT were 97,400 ha, 74,300 ha and 39,900 ha, accounting for 52.45%, 39.97% and 21.46% of the studied area, respectively. We concluded that the suitable site conditions of conifer plantations were 2800–5600 °C annual accumulated temperature, 40–1680 m a.s.l., and <40° slopes. (4) Conclusions. The study suggests that accurate spatial suitability evaluation should be carried out to provide sufficient support for the large-area afforestation in southern China. However, due to our data and study area limitations, further studies are needed to explore the above findings for a full set of plantation species in an extensive area of southern China.
Clinical Impact of Computational Heart Valve Models
Authors: Toma Milan , Singh-Gryzbon Shelly , Frankini Elisabeth , Wei Zhenglun (Alan) , Yoganathan Ajit P.
Published: May 2022

This paper provides a review of engineering applications and computational methods used to analyze the dynamics of heart valve closures in healthy and diseased states. Computational methods are a cost-effective tool that can be used to evaluate the flow parameters of heart valves. Valve repair and replacement have long-term stability and biocompatibility issues, highlighting the need for a more robust method for resolving valvular disease. For example, while fluid–structure interaction analyses are still scarcely utilized to study aortic valves, computational fluid dynamics is used to assess the effect of different aortic valve morphologies on velocity profiles, flow patterns, helicity, wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index in the thoracic aorta. It has been analyzed that computational flow dynamic analyses can be integrated with other methods to create a superior, more compatible method of understanding risk and compatibility.
Zeolite-Supported Aggregate as Potential Antimicrobial Agents in Gypsum Composites
Authors: Król Magdalena , Syguła-Cholewińska Justyna , Sawoszczuk Tomasz
Published: May 2022

Relatively easy treatment of glass aggregates can lead to the formation of a highly porous zeolite aggregate. This study focuses on the possibility of using such an aggregate as an active additive to a gypsum binder. The physical properties of hardened gypsum composites with zeolite fillers doped with various metal ions (Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) have been compared. In addition to studies of the basic physical properties of the composites, structural and microstructural studies as well as antimicrobial tests were performed. It was found that the parameters of the composites with the addition of various ions do not differ significantly from the reference but modifies the microstructure. Among other things, the ions analyzed reduce the microporosity of gypsum composites. Using all aggregates, a product with adequate strength (above 2 MPa) and thermal conductivity (about 0.35 W/m·K) appropriate for typical lightweight gypsum composites can be obtained. The bacteriostatic effect of formulations with copper and zinc against Escherichia coli and with copper against Staphylococcus aureus was found.
Material and Structural Functionalization of Knitted Fabrics for Sportswear
Authors: Salopek Čubrić Ivana , Potočić Matković Vesna Marija , Pavlović Željka , Pavko Čuden Alenka
Published: May 2022

Comfort is an important quality criterion, especially for sportswear. It influences well-being, performance and efficiency. The necessary dissipation of heat and air flow, at high metabolic rates, must be designed and planned in advance. The influence of structure, density, mass and thickness of fabric were considered as well as yarn material composition, yarn linear density, yarn evenness and yarn hairiness. The influence of the mentioned parameters on thermal properties and air permeability was calculated. From the correlation analysis, it can be concluded that yarn’s linear density, yarn short fibers hairiness, and mass per unit area of knitted fabric has the greatest impact on heat resistance. The yarn linear density, the yarn hairiness of the longer protruding fibers, and the thickness of the knitted fabric have the greatest impact on air permeability. A statistically significant model of multiple linear regression equations was offered to predict the thermal comfort of knitted fabric.
Evaluation of Micro-Tensile Bond Strength of Fibre Post with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles as Fillers in Experimental Dental Composite Resin
Authors: Sihivahanan Dhanasekaran , Maniyan Vijayakumari Mavishna , Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Boreak Nezar , Binalrimal Sultan , Alqahtani Saeed M. , Wadei Mohammed Hussain Dafer Al , Vinothkumar Thilla Sekar , Chohan Hitesh , Dewan Harisha , Bhandi Shilpa , Patil Shankargouda
Published: May 2022

Background: The clinical success of post-core restorations is determined by the composite utilized and the strength of the post-core adhesion. The effectiveness of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) as a multifunctional material with photo-induced activities and better mechanical characteristics are observed as particle size is reduced to under 50 nm. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the bond strength of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) posts with TiO2 NP as fillers and to compare it with conventional composite resin core material. Materials and Methods: 30 single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected and routine root canal procedures were done. A quantity of 5% TiO2 NPs were synthesized and added as silanized filler to the experimental composite resin. Post space was prepared and fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) post luting was performed. The specimens were then grouped into the following groups: Group I consisted of the experimental composite resin containing 5% TiO2 fillers, Group II consisted of core X flow, and Group III consisted of Multicore Flow. All test groups were submitted for thermocycling. After this, the samples were tested for micro tensile bond strength. A stereomicroscope with a magnification of 20× was used to examine the fractured surfaces. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that Group I showed the highest mean bond strength value of 35.6180 Mpa. The results obtained with Group III showed the lowest mean bond strength value of 19.4690 Mpa. Adhesive failures were identified by stereomicroscopy of the fractured surfaces. Conclusion: The experimental composite resin comprising 5% TiO2 NP had a greater bond to the FRC post than other materials tested.
Polyurethane-Based Porous Carbons Suitable for Medical Application
Authors: Swinarew Andrzej S. , Flak Tomasz , Jarosińska Agnieszka , Garczyk Żaneta , Gabor Jadwiga , Skoczyński Szymon , Brożek Grzegorz , Paluch Jarosław , Popczyk Magdalena , Stanula Arkadiusz , Stach Sebastian
Published: May 2022

The main aim of the study was to synthesize and analyze spectral data to determine the structure and stereometry of the carbon-based porous material internal structure. Samples of a porous biomaterial were synthesized through anionic polymerization following our own patent and then carbonized. The samples were investigated using MALDI ToF MS, FTIR ATR spectroscopy, optic microscopy, SEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy and CMT imaging. The analysis revealed the chemical and stereological structure of the obtained porous biomaterial. Then, the parameters characterizing the pore geometry and the porosity of the samples were calculated. The developed material can be used to collect adsorption of breathing phase samples to determine the parity composition of exhaled air.
Waterborne Polyurethane Acrylates Preparation towards 3D Printing for Sewage Treatment
Authors: Li Kunrong , Li Yan , Hu Jiale , Zhang Yuanye , Yang Zhi , Peng Shuqiang , Wu Lixin , Weng Zixiang
Published: May 2022

Conventional immobilized nitrifying bacteria technologies are limited to fixed beds with regular shapes such as spheres and cubes. To achieve a higher mass transfer capacity, a complex-structured cultivate bed with larger specific surface areas is usually expected. Direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technology is capable of preparing fixed beds where nitrifying bacteria are embedded in without geometry limitations. Nevertheless, conventional bacterial carrier materials for sewage treatment tend to easily collapse during printing procedures. Here, we developed a novel biocompatible waterborne polyurethane acrylate (WPUA) with favorable mechanical properties synthesized by introducing amino acids. End-capped by hydroxyethyl acrylate and mixed with sodium alginate (SA), a dual stimuli-responsive ink for DIW 3D printers was prepared. A robust and insoluble crosslinking network was formed by UV-curing and ion-exchange curing. This dual-cured network with a higher crosslinking density provides better recyclability and protection for cryogenic preservation. The corresponding results show that the nitrification efficiency for printed bioreactors reached 99.9% in 72 h, which is faster than unprinted samples and unmodified WPUA samples. This work provides an innovative immobilization method for 3D printing bacterial active structures and has high potential for future sewage treatment.
Manufacturing of a Magnetic Composite Flexible Filament and Optimization of a 3D Printed Wideband Electromagnetic Multilayer Absorber in X-Ku Frequency Bands
Authors: Vong Christophe , Chevalier Alexis , Maalouf Azar , Ville Julien , Rosnarho Jean-François , Laur Vincent
Published: May 2022

With the multiplication of electronic devices in our daily life, there is a need for tailored wideband electromagnetic (EM) absorbers that could be conformed on any type of surface-like antennas for interference attenuation or military vehicles for stealth applications. In this study, a wideband flexible flat electromagnetic absorber compatible with additive manufacturing has been studied in the X-Ku frequency bands. A multilayer structure has been optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA), adapting the restrictions of additive manufacturing and exploiting the EM properties of loaded and non-loaded filaments, of which the elaboration is described. After optimization, a bi-material multilayer absorber with a thickness of 4.1 mm has been designed to provide a reflectivity below −12 dB between 8 and 18 GHz. Finally, the designed multilayer structure was 3D-printed and measured in an anechoic chamber, achieving −11.8 dB between 7 and 18 GHz. Thus, the development of dedicated materials has demonstrated the strong potential of additive technologies for the manufacturing of thin wideband flexible EM absorbers.
Phase Prediction of High-Entropy Alloys by Integrating Criterion and Machine Learning Recommendation Method
Authors: Hou Shuai , Li Yujiao , Bai Meijuan , Sun Mengyue , Liu Weiwei , Wang Chao , Tetik Halil , Lin Dong
Published: May 2022

The comprehensive properties of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are highly-dependent on their phases. Although a large number of machine learning (ML) algorithms has been successfully applied to the phase prediction of HEAs, the accuracies among different ML algorithms based on the same dataset vary significantly. Therefore, selection of an efficient ML algorithm would significantly reduce the number and cost of the experiments. In this work, phase prediction of HEAs (PPH) is proposed by integrating criterion and machine learning recommendation method (MLRM). First, a meta-knowledge table based on characteristics of HEAs and performance of candidate algorithms is established, and meta-learning based on the meta-knowledge table is adopted to recommend an algorithm with desirable accuracy. Secondly, an MLRM based on improved meta-learning is engineered to recommend a more desirable algorithm for phase prediction. Finally, considering poor interpretability and generalization of single ML algorithms, a PPH combining the advantages of MLRM and criterion is proposed to improve the accuracy of phase prediction. The PPH is validated by 902 samples from 12 datasets, including 405 quinary HEAs, 359 senary HEAs, and 138 septenary HEAs. The experimental results shows that the PPH achieves performance than the traditional meta-learning method. The average prediction accuracy of PPH in all, quinary, senary, and septenary HEAs is 91.6%, 94.3%, 93.1%, and 95.8%, respectively.
Existence and Uniqueness Theorems in the Inverse Problem of Recovering Surface Fluxes from Pointwise Measurements
Authors: Pyatkov Sergey , Shilenkov Denis
Published: May 2022

Inverse problems of recovering surface fluxes on the boundary of a domain from pointwise observations are considered. Sharp conditions on the data ensuring existence and uniqueness of solutions in Sobolev classes are exposed. They are smoothness conditions on the data, geometric conditions on the location of measurement points, and the boundary of a domain. The proof relies on asymptotics of fundamental solutions to the corresponding elliptic problems and the Laplace transform. The inverse problem is reduced to a linear algebraic system with a nondegerate matrix.
A Safe and Efficient Lane Change Decision-Making Strategy of Autonomous Driving Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Lv Kexuan , Pei Xiaofei , Chen Ci , Xu Jie
Published: May 2022

As an indispensable branch of machine learning (ML), reinforcement learning (RL) plays a prominent role in the decision-making process of autonomous driving (AD), which enables autonomous vehicles (AVs) to learn an optimal driving strategy through continuous interaction with the environment. This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based motion planning strategy for AD tasks in the highway scenarios where an AV merges into two-lane road traffic flow and realizes the lane changing (LC) maneuvers. We integrate the DRL model into the AD system relying on the end-to-end learning method. An improved DRL algorithm based on deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is developed with well-defined reward functions. In particular, safety rules (SR), safety prediction (SP) module and trauma memory (TM) as well as the dynamic potential-based reward shaping (DPBRS) function are adopted to further enhance safety and accelerate learning of the LC behavior. For validation, the proposed DSSTD algorithm is trained and tested on the dual-computer co-simulation platform. The comparative experimental results show that our proposal outperforms other benchmark algorithms in both driving safety and efficiency.
Thermoelastic Plane Waves in Materials with a Microstructure Based on Micropolar Thermoelasticity with Two Temperature and Higher Order Time Derivatives
Authors: Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Marin Marin , Alsharari Fahad
Published: May 2022

The study of the effect of the microstructure is important and is most evident in elastic vibrations of high frequency and short-wave duration. In addition to deformation caused by temperature and acting forces, the theory of micropolar thermoelasticity is applied to investigate the microstructure of materials when the vibration of their atoms or molecules is increased. This paper addresses a two-dimensional problem involving a thermoelastic micro-polar half-space with a traction-free surface and a known conductive temperature at the medium surface. The problem is treated in the framework of the concept of two-temperature thermoelasticity with a higher-order time derivative and phase delays, which takes into consideration the impact of microscopic structures in non-simple materials. The normal mode technique was applied to find the analytical formulas for thermal stresses, displacements, micro-rotation, temperature changes, and coupled stress. The numerical results are graphed, and the effect of the discrepancy indicator and higher-order temporal derivatives is examined. There are also some exceptional cases that are covered.
Algorithms for Multi-Customer Scheduling with Outsourcing
Authors: Feng Qi , Li Shisheng
Published: May 2022

There are two customers and two uniform machines. Each customer has a set of jobs. These jobs may be processed on a uniform machine or may be outsourced with an outsourcing cost. Every customer has an objective function for his jobs. Manufacturers want to find the best scheduling scheme for both customers. We present algorithms for these problems for the first time.
EADN: An Efficient Deep Learning Model for Anomaly Detection in Videos
Authors: Ul Amin Sareer , Ullah Mohib , Sajjad Muhammad , Cheikh Faouzi Alaya , Hijji Mohammad , Hijji Abdulrahman , Muhammad Khan
Published: May 2022

Surveillance systems regularly create massive video data in the modern technological era, making their analysis challenging for security specialists. Finding anomalous activities manually in these enormous video recordings is a tedious task, as they infrequently occur in the real world. We proposed a minimal complex deep learning-based model named EADN for anomaly detection that can operate in a surveillance system. At the model’s input, the video is segmented into salient shots using a shot boundary detection algorithm. Next, the selected sequence of frames is given to a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) that consists of time-distributed 2D layers for extracting salient spatiotemporal features. The extracted features are enriched with valuable information that is very helpful in capturing abnormal events. Lastly, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) cells are employed to learn spatiotemporal features from a sequence of frames per sample of each abnormal event for anomaly detection. Comprehensive experiments are performed on benchmark datasets. Additionally, the quantitative results are compared with state-of-the-art methods, and a substantial improvement is achieved, showing our model’s effectiveness.
A Novel Method of Chinese Herbal Medicine Classification Based on Mutual Learning
Authors: Han Meng , Zhang Jilin , Zeng Yan , Hao Fei , Ren Yongjian
Published: May 2022

Chinese herbal medicine classification is an important research task in intelligent medicine, which has been applied widely in the fields of smart medicinal material sorting and medicinal material recommendation. However, most current mainstream methods are semi-automatic, with low efficiency and poor performance. To tackle this problem, a novel Chinese herbal medicine classification method based on mutual learning has been proposed. Specifically, two small student networks are designed for collaborative learning, and each of them collects knowledge learned from the other one respectively. Consequently, student networks obtain rich and reliable features, which will further improve the performance of Chinese herbal medicinal classification. In order to validate the performance of the proposed model, a dataset with 100 Chinese herbal classes (about 10,000 samples) was utilized and extensive experiments were performed. Experimental results verify that the proposed method is superior to those of the latest models with equivalent or even fewer parameters, specifically, obtaining 3∼5.4% higher accuracy rate and 13∼37% lower loss. Moreover, the mutual learning model achieves 80.8% Chinese herbal medicine classification accuracy.
New Lower Bound for the Generalized Elliptic Integral of the First Kind
Authors: Zhu Ling
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we obtain a new simple rational approximation for Ka(r): the inequality 2Ka(r)/π>g2r′/g1r′ holds for all r∈(0,1), where Ka(r) is the generalized elliptic integral of the first kind, r′=1−r2, g1r′ and g2r′ are specific primary and quadratic polynomials about r′, respectively. In particular, when a is taken as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5 and 1/6 respectively, we can obtain some new specific lower bounds of the corresponding functions.
Numerical Modeling and Investigation of Fault-Induced Water Inrush Hazard under Different Mining Advancing Directions
Authors: Li Chong , Xu Zhijun
Published: May 2022

Evaluations of the risk of fault-induced water inrush hazard is an important issue for mining engineering applications. According to the characteristics of the seam floor during mining advancing, a mechanical model of fault activation is built to obtain the equations of normal stress and shear stress on the surface of fault, as well as the mechanics criterion of fault activation. Furthermore, using FLAC3D numerical software, the stress variation on the surface of fault under two different mining advancing directions are numerically simulated, and the distribution characteristics of the plastic failure zone of the roof and floor near the fault are obtained. The results show that: (1) When mining advances from the hanging wall, the normal stress increases more greatly than that from the foot wall, the shear stress distribution changes drastically with a large peak, and it is more likely to cause fault activation. (2) When mining advances from the hanging wall and approaches the fault, the normal stress and shear stress within the fault first increases, and then decreases suddenly. When mining advances from the foot wall, the normal stress and shear stress increases constantly, and the fault zone stays in the compaction state where the hanging wall and foot wall are squeezed together, which is unfavorable for water inrush hazard. (3) When mining advances from the hanging wall, the deep-seated fault under the floor is damaged first, and the plastic failure zone of the floor increases obviously. When mining advances from the foot wall, the shallow fault under the floor is damaged first, and the plastic failure zone of roof increases obviously. (4) For a water-conducting fault, the waterproof coal pillar size of the mining advancing from the hanging wall should be larger than that from the foot wall. (5) The in-situ monitoring results are in agreement with the simulation results, which proves the effectiveness of the simulation.
A Modified Approach for Minimally Invasive Tubular Microdiscectomy for Far Lateral Disc Herniations: Docking at the Caudal Level Transverse Process
Authors: Echt Murray , Bakare Adewale , Fessler Richard G.
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: The use of minimally invasive retractor systems has significantly decreased the amount of tissue dissection and blood loss, and the duration of post-operative recovery after far-lateral disc herniations (FLDH). In this technical note, the technique of docking the tubular retractor on the caudal transverse process is described for an efficient approach with a decreased need for manipulation of the exiting nerve root. Materials and Methods: The case reported is that of a woman affected by a right-sided FLDH at the L4–5 level causing an L4 radiculopathy with weakness and numbness. A review of the literature for FLDH regarding the key anatomy used during a far lateral approach was also performed. Results: The patient showed a significant improvement of her dorsiflexion weakness and radiating leg pain at her 2-week and 5-week post-operative visits, and at a 6-month follow-up she had near-complete relief of her symptoms, including resolution of foot numbness. Prior techniques for tubular microdiscectomy for FLDH report docking on the facet joint, pars interarticularis, and the cranial transverse process. Conclusions: This technical note details that the utility of docking a tubular retractor at the caudal transverse process improves upon already established techniques for minimally invasive tubular discectomy for FLDH.
The Human Meconium Metabolome and Its Evolution during the First Days of Life
Authors: Bekhti Nihel , Castelli Florence , Paris Alain , Guillon Blanche , Junot Christophe , Moiron Clémence , Fenaille François , Adel-Patient Karine
Published: May 2022

Meconium represents the first newborn stools, formed from the second month of gestation and excreted in the first days after birth. As an accumulative and inert matrix, it accumulates most of the molecules transferred through the placenta from the mother to the fetus during the last 6 months of pregnancy, and those resulting from the metabolic activities of the fetus. To date, only few studies dealing with meconium metabolomics have been published. In this study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the meconium metabolic composition using 33 samples collected longitudinally from 11 healthy newborns and to analyze its evolution during the first 3 days of life. First, a robust and efficient methodology for metabolite extraction was implemented. Data acquisition was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), using two complementary LC-HRMS conditions. Data preprocessing and treatment were performed using the Workflow4Metabolomics platform and the metabolite annotation was performed using our in-house database by matching accurate masses, retention times, and MS/MS spectra to those of pure standards. We successfully identified up to 229 metabolites at a high confidence level in human meconium, belonging to diverse chemical classes and from different origins. A progressive evolution of the metabolic profile was statistically evidenced, with sugars, amino acids, and some bacteria-derived metabolites being among the most impacted identified compounds. Our implemented analytical workflow allows a unique and comprehensive description of the meconium metabolome, which is related to factors, such as maternal diet and environment.
Lipidomics Revealed Aberrant Lipid Metabolism Caused by Inflammation in Cardiac Tissue in the Early Stage of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Murine Model
Authors: Zhang Jida , Lu Lu , Tian Xiaoyu , Wang Kaili , Xie Guanqun , Li Haichang , Wen Chengping , Hu Changfeng
Published: May 2022

Cardiac involvement, displayed as premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), is one of common clinical symptoms of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), contributing to mortality of the disease. The precise underlying pathological mechanism(s) for the cardiac involvement in lupus remains poorly understood. Lipids and their metabolites are directly involved in atherosclerosis development, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which are closely related to the development of CVD. In the study, shotgun lipidomics was exploited to quantitatively analyze cellular lipidomes in the cardiac tissue of MRL/lpr mice at two different time points (i.e., pre-lupus and lupus state) with/without treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs). Urine protein, spleen index, and renal histopathological evaluation of the mice were also performed for assessment of SLE onset and/or outcome. Lipidomics analysis revealed that the deposition of cholesterol and the aberrant metabolism of lipids caused by the increased energy metabolism and the enhanced activation of phospholipases, both of which were originally induced by inflammation, were already present in cardiac tissues from lupus-prone mice even at pre-lupus state. These lipid alterations could further induce inflammation and autoimmune responses, accelerating the process of CVD. In addition, the present study also demonstrated that GCs therapy could not only delay the progression of SLE, but also partially corrected these alterations of lipid species in cardiac tissue due to their anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the medications with better anti-inflammatory effect might be a useful therapeutic method for premature CVD of SLE.
Native Cultivable Bacteria from the Blueberry Microbiome as Novel Potential Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Chacón Florencia Isabel , Sineli Pedro Eugenio , Mansilla Flavia Ivana , Pereyra Martina Maria , Diaz Mariana Andrea , Volentini Sabrina Inés , Poehlein Anja , Meinhardt Friedhelm , Daniel Rolf , Dib Julián Rafael
Published: May 2022

Blueberry production is affected by fungal postharvest pathogens, including Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata, the causative agents of gray mold disease and Alternaria rot, respectively. Biocontrol agents adapted to blueberries and local environments are not known to date. Here, we report on the search for and the identification of cultivable blueberry epiphytic bacteria with the potential to combat the aforementioned fungi. Native, blueberry-borne bacterial strains were isolated from a plantation in Tucumán, Argentina and classified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Antagonistic activities directed at B. cinerea and A. alternata were studied in vitro and in vivo. The 22 bacterial strains obtained could be attributed to eleven different genera: Rosenbergiella, Fictibacillus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Microbacterium, Asaia, Acinetobacter, Curtobacterium, Serratia, Sphingomonas and Xylophilus. Three strains displaying antagonistic impacts on the fungal pathogens were identified as Bacillus velezensis (BA3 and BA4) and Asaia spathodeae (BMEF1). These strains are candidates for biological control agents of local blueberry production and might provide a basis for the development of eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
Effects of ε-Poly-L-Lysine Combined with Wuyiencin as a Bio-Fungicide against Botryris cinerea
Authors: Lv Zhaoyang , Lu Yanxuan , Li Boya , Shi Liming , Zhang Kecheng , Ge Beibei
Published: May 2022

This study mainly evaluated the broad-spectrum fungicidal activity of ε-poly L lysine (ε-PL) against 12 pathogenic fungi. We further demonstrated synergistic antifungal activity of ε-PL combined with wuyiencin against Botryris cinerea. The combined bio-fungicide achieved an inhibition rate of 100% for mycelial growth using ε-PL at 500 μg/mL + wuyiencin at 50 μg/mL and for spore germination using ε-PL at 200 μg/mL + wuyiencin at 80 μg/mL in vitro. This synergistic spore and mycelia-damaging effect of the combination was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy. In vivo assays with combined bio-fungicide (1500 μg/mL ε-PL + 60 μg/mL wuyiencin) on detached leaves showed depressed growth and development of the spores of B. cinerea. The synergistic effect was further tested in combinations of ε-PL with wuyiencin by measuring the fractional inhibition concentration index (FICI) value below 0.5. Moreover, ε-PL and wuyiencin inoculation before B. cinerea infection significantly increased the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities, which suggested their involvement in tomato defense responses to disease to minimize damage to B. cinerea. These findings revealed that a combined bio-fungicide comprising ε-PL and wuyiencin had a good prospect for controlling plant fungal disease.