bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical image segmentation model based on triple gate MultiLayer perceptron
Authors: Yan Jingke , Wang Xin , Cai Jingye , Qin Qin , Yang Hao , Wang Qin , Cheng Yao , Gan Tian , Jiang Hua , Deng Jianhua , Chen Bingxu
Published: April 2022

To alleviate the social contradiction between limited medical resources and increasing medical needs, the medical image-assisted diagnosis based on deep learning has become the research focus in Wise Information Technology of med. Most of the existing medical segmentation models based on Convolution or Transformer have achieved relatively sound effects. However, the Convolution-based model with a limited receptive field cannot establish long-distance dependencies between features as the Network deepens. The Transformer-based model produces large computation overhead and cannot generalize the bias of local features and perceive the position feature of medical images, which are essential in medical image segmentation. To address those issues, we present Triple Gate MultiLayer Perceptron U-Net (TGMLP U-Net), a medical image segmentation model based on MLP, in which we design the Triple Gate MultiLayer Perceptron (TGMLP), composed of three parts. Firstly, considering encoding the position information of features, we propose the Triple MLP module based on MultiLayer Perceptron in this model. It uses linear projection to encode features from the high, wide, and channel dimensions, enabling the model to capture the long-distance dependence of features along the spatial dimension and the precise position information of features in three dimensions with less computational overhead. Then, we design the Local Priors and Global Perceptron module. The Global Perceptron divides the feature map into different partitions and conducts correlation modelling for each partition to establish the global dependency between partitions. The Local Priors uses multi-scale Convolution with high local feature extraction ability to explore further the relationship of context feature information within the structure. At last, we suggest a Gate-controlled Mechanism to effectively solves the problem that the dependence of position embeddings between Patches and within Patches in medical images cannot be well learned due to the relatively small number of samples in medical images segmentation data. Experimental results indicate that the proposed model outperforms other state-of-the-art models in most evaluation indicators, demonstrating its excellent performance in segmenting medical images.
Procedures for obtaining muscle physiology parameters during a gracilis free-functioning muscle transfer in adult patients with brachial plexus injury
Authors: Persad Lomas S. , Ates Filiz , Evertz Loribeth Q. , Litchy William J. , Lieber Richard L. , Kaufman Kenton R. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: April 2022

A complete understanding of muscle mechanics allows for the creation of models that closely mimic human muscle function so they can be used to study human locomotion and evaluate surgical intervention. This includes knowledge of muscle–tendon parameters required for accurate prediction of muscle forces. However, few studies report experimental data obtained directly from whole human muscle due to the invasive nature of these experiments. This article presents an intraoperative, in vivo measurement protocol for whole muscle–tendon parameters that include muscle–tendon unit length, sarcomere length, passive tension, and active tension in response to external stimulation. The advantage of this protocol is the ability to obtain these rare experimental data in situ in addition to muscle volume and weight since the gracilis is also completely removed from the leg. The entire protocol including the surgical steps for gracilis harvest takes ~ 3 h. Actual testing of the gracilis where experimental data is measured takes place within a 30-min window during surgery.
Components of respiration and their temperature sensitivity in four reconstructed soils
Authors: Lei Na , Wang Huanyuan , Zhang Yang , Chen Tianqing
Published: April 2022

Seasonal changes characteristics in the respiration of four reconstructed soil masses in a barren gravel land were monitored. The results showed that (1) Respiration and heterotrophic respiration of the four reconstructed soils with added meteorite, shale, sand increased gradually with increasing soil temperatures, reaching its maximum in summer and decreasing to its minimum in winter. the average annual respiration of reconstructed soil with sand was 4.87 μmol·m–2·s–1, which was significantly higher than the other reconstructed soils (p < 0.05). (2) The maximum and minimum values of autotrophic respiration for the four reconstructed soils appeared in August 2018 and January 2018, respectively. the proportion of autotrophic respiration to total respiration was 12.5–38.0%, 9.5–42.0%, 7.7–41.2%, and 5.0–39.3% for the soils with reconstituted meteorite, shale, sand, and soft rock, respectively. (3) The relationship between respiration and the temperature of reconstructed soils can be represented by an exponential function. The 90% to 93% changes in reconstructed soils respiration were caused by soil temperature. The temperature sensitivity (Q10) of reconstituted soil with added sand was significantly higher than that of the other three reconstituted soils.
Radiation dose reduction during adrenal vein sampling using a new angiographic imaging technology
Authors: Spink Clemens , Avanesov Maxim , Lenz Alexander , Henes Frank Oliver , Well Lennart , Schmidt Thomas , Adam Gerhard , Ittrich Harald , Bannas Peter
Published: April 2022

To compare the patient radiation doses during angiographic selective adrenal vein sampling (AVS) before and after an imaging technology upgrade. In this retrospective single-center-study, cumulative air kerma (AK), cumulative dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time and contrast agent dosage were recorded from 70 patients during AVS. 35 procedures were performed before and 35 after an imaging processing technology upgrade. Mean values were calculated and compared using an unpaired student’s t-test. DSA image quality was assessed independently by two blinded readers using a four-point Likert scale (1 = poor; 4 = excellent) and compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. After the technology upgrade we observed a significant reduction of 35% in AK (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.7 Gy, p = 0.01) and a significant reduction of 28% in DAP (235.1 ± 113 vs. 170.1 ± 94 Gy*cm2, p = 0.01) in comparison to procedures before the upgrade. There were no significant differences between the number of exposure frames (143 ± 86 vs. 132 ± 61 frames, p = 0.53), fluoroscopy time (42 ± 23 vs. 36 ± 18 min, p = 0.22), or the amount of contrast medium used (179.5 ± 84 vs. 198.1 ± 109 ml, p = 0.41). There was also no significant difference regarding image quality (3 (2–4) vs. 3 (2–4), p = 0.67). The angiographic imaging technology upgrade significantly decreases the radiation dose during adrenal vein sampling without increasing time of fluoroscopy or contrast volume and without compromising image quality.
Implicit modeling of narrow vein type ore bodies based on Boolean combination constraints
Authors: Zhong Deyun , Zhang Ju , Wang Liguan , Bi Lin
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we implement an automatic modeling method for narrow vein type ore bodies based on Boolean combination constraints. Different from the direct interpolation approach, we construct the implicit functions of the hanging wall and foot wall surfaces, respectively. And then the combined implicit function is formed to represent the complete ore body model using the Boolean combination constraints. Finally, the complete ore body is obtained by Boolean operation of the hanging wall and foot wall surfaces. To model complex vein surfaces, some modeling rules are developed to allow the geological engineers to specify vein thickness constraints and vein boundary constraints. The method works for narrow vein type ore bodies (e.g., vein gold deposits and mineral sand deposits) which are large in two dimensions and narrow in the third. Taking the implicit function of radial basis functions interpolation as an example, several experiments are carried out by using the real geological sampling data of the mines. The experimental results show that the method is suitable for the modeling of narrow vein type ore bodies.
Association of bleb formation with peri-aneurysmal contact in unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Satoh Toru , Yagi Takanobu , Sawada Yoichi , Sugiu Kenji , Sato Yu , Date Isao
Published: April 2022

The mechanism of bleb formation in unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between peri-aneurysmal contact (PAC) and bleb formation. Forty-five aneurysms were classified depending on the presence of blebs and PAC using computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Aneurysmal hemodynamics were assessed using computational fluid dynamics. The independent variables associated with bleb formation were statistically assessed. Fourteen aneurysms (31.1%) had blebs, all of which were located at the site of PAC (group A). Thirty-one aneurysms (68.9%) had no bleb, of which 13 had a PAC (group B) and 18 had no PAC (group C). PAC was the only independent variable associated with bleb formation (p < 0.05). Aneurysmal volumes were significantly higher in group A, followed by groups B and C in series. Aneurysmal wall shear stress (WSS) tended to be lowest in group A, followed by groups B and C in series. The maximum WSS at the blebs was only 17% of the maximum WSS at the aneurysmal domes. This study demonstrated that bleb formation in UIAs was associated with the establishment of PAC during their growth, which may have more detrimental effects on bleb formation than hemodynamics.
Enhanced in situ H2O2 production explains synergy between an LPMO with a cellulose-binding domain and a single-domain LPMO
Authors: Stepnov Anton A. , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Forsberg Zarah
Published: April 2022

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are mono-copper enzymes that catalyze oxidative depolymerization of recalcitrant substrates such as chitin or cellulose. Recent work has shown that LPMOs catalyze fast peroxygenase reactions and that, under commonly used reaction set-ups, access to in situ generated H2O2 likely limits catalysis. Based on a hypothesis that the impact of a cellulose-binding module (CBM) on LPMO activity could relate to changes in in situ H2O2 production, we have assessed the interplay between CBM-containing ScLPMO10C and its truncated form comprising the catalytic domain only (ScLPMO10CTR). The results show that truncation of the linker and CBM leads to elevated H2O2 production and decreased enzyme stability. Most interestingly, combining the two enzyme forms yields strong synergistic effects, which are due to the combination of high H2O2 generation by ScLPMO10CTR and efficient productive use of H2O2 by the full-length enzyme. Thus, cellulose degradation becomes faster, while enzyme inactivation due to off-pathway reactions with excess H2O2 is reduced. These results underpin the complexity of ascorbic acid-driven LPMO reactions and reveal a potential mechanism for how LPMOs may interact synergistically during cellulose degradation.
Spatial–temporal changes in the degradation of marshes over the past 67 years
Authors: Tang Jing , Li Ying , Fu Bolin , Jin Xiaomin , Yang Gao , Zhang Xing
Published: April 2022

Agricultural reclamation is widely regarded as a primary cause of marshes degradation. However, the process of marshes degradation on different geomorphology has rarely explored, which fail to explain the marshes degradation driven by natural restrictions in detail. The information deficiency unable propounded the targeted suggestions for the sustainable management of marshes. According to the development of China, we quantified the degradation rate of marshes on different geomorphic types from 1954 to 2020 in a typical transect in the Sanjiang Plain. The results indicated that (1) A total of 1633.92 km2 of marshes reduced from 1954 to 2020. And 97% (1582.35 km2) of marshes were converted to crop cultivation. The process of marshes degradation had obvious historical stages characteristics. The marshes degradation rate showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The most serious period was 1995–2005 (6.29%) which was approximately 35 times of the period of before the reform and opening up (1954–1976) a minimal shrunk period. (2) The background of geological tectonic decided the whole trends in marshes degradation process. The degradation occurred first and worst in the meco-scale recent slow ascent region, and then extended to substantially recent slow subsidence region and the small-amplitude recent slow ascent region. (3) Significant location characteristics of marshes degradation reflected in this research. The spatial location of marshes degradation on the sub-regions sequentially consisted of alluvial plain, lower terrace, high floodplain, micro-knoll, low floodplain, and depressions. (4) Most of the existing marshes of the sub-Sanjiang Plain distribution in the national reserves. This study provides important scientific information for restoration and conservation of marshes.
Impact of weather parameters on Alternaria leaf spot of soybean incited by Alternaria alternata
Authors: Fagodiya R. K. , Trivedi Amit , Fagodia B. L.
Published: April 2022

Weather attributes play a crucial role in the infection process and spread of pathogen. Alternaria leaf spot incited by Alternaria alternata is most destructive disease of soybean appeared in southern and eastern parts of Rajasthan as well as India. The effect of various weather parameters along with different date of sowing on the development of Alternaria leaf spot in susceptible soybean cultivar RKS-24 was investigated during Kharif season 2018 and 2019. The various weather factors viz., temperature, relative humidity and rainfall under inoculated conditions and with staggered dates of sowing were taken to observe effect on disease progression and their effect on seed yield. The maximum increase in disease severity (57.82 and 58.22%) and AUDPC (389.45 and 394.42) recorded in crop sown on 18th June (inoculated on 8th July). Lowest disease severity (39.80 and 38.50%) and AUDPC (266.18 and 259.18) were observed during 39–43th standard meteorological week (September, 24–October, 28) in year 2018 and 2019, respectively. Maximum seed yield (1699 kg ha−1) was recorded in plants sown on 9th July, while, lowest seed yield was recorded in plants sown on 18th June with 1441.20 kg ha−1. The trend of disease severity and AUDPC value decreased from early sowing to late sowing (18th June–9th July). Major reasons were fluctuations in temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. It was also observed that the soybean plants for Alternaria leaf spot disease in early sowing were predisposed and so farmers should be advised to practice delayed sowing of soybean crop.
Exploring cellulose nanocrystals obtained from olive tree wastes as sustainable crop protection tool against bacterial diseases
Authors: Schiavi Daniele , Francesconi Sara , Taddei Anna Rita , Fortunati Elena , Balestra Giorgio M.
Published: April 2022

Nanomaterials in agriculture represent one of the most innovative method for protecting crops, due to possibility of being applied as nanopesticides or nanocarriers for active ingredients. Furthermore, nanotechnology could be combined with the concept of circular economy through the opportunity of obtaining highly technological nanometric materials starting from agro-industrial wastes. The present research evaluated the possibility of synthesizing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from olive pruning wastes through chemical bleaching, reusing them as sustainable tool to control the causal agent of the olive knot disease (Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi). CNCs showed an interesting in vitro effect in inhibiting bacterial growth and bacterial biofilm formation, as well as the ability of reducing bacterial epiphytic survival in a comparable way to copper sulphate on leaf surfaces, when used at 1% w/v. CNCs were at the same time investigated for their interaction with olive tree seedlings, showing no negative effects on leaf development, and a promising root uptake, indicating that CNCs could be used also as nanocarriers for active ingredients. Obtained results highlight the innovative possibility of designing sustainable plant protection strategies capable of revalorise lignocellulosic wastes, meaning a simultaneous low environmental impact thanks to reduction of traditional agrochemicals input.
Proximity-induced superconductivity in (Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 topological-insulator nanowires
Authors: Bai Mengmeng , Wei Xian-Kui , Feng Junya , Luysberg Martina , Bliesener Andrea , Lippertz Gertjan , Uday Anjana , Taskin Alexey A. , Mayer Joachim , Ando Yoichi
Published: April 2022

When a topological insulator is made into a nanowire, the interplay between topology and size quantization gives rise to peculiar one-dimensional states whose energy dispersion can be manipulated by external fields. In the presence of proximity-induced superconductivity, these 1D states offer a tunable platform for Majorana zero modes. While the existence of such peculiar 1D states has been experimentally confirmed, the realization of robust proximity-induced superconductivity in topological-insulator nanowires remains a challenge. Here, we report the realization of superconducting topological-insulator nanowires based on (Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 (BST) thin films. When two rectangular pads of palladium are deposited on a BST thin film with a separation of 100–200 nm, the BST beneath the pads is converted into a superconductor, leaving a nanowire of BST in-between. We found that the interface is epitaxial and has a high electronic transparency, leading to a robust superconductivity induced in the BST nanowire. Due to its suitable geometry for gate-tuning, this platform is promising for future studies of Majorana zero modes.
Martini 3 coarse-grained force field for poly(para-phenylene ethynylene)s
Authors: Brosz Matthias , Michelarakis Nicholas , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Aponte-Santamaría Camilo , Gräter Frauke
Published: April 2022

From fine to coarse: insights into the large-scale assembly of poly(para-phenylene ethynylene)s from coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.
Self-assembly and cellular distribution of a series of transformable peptides
Authors: Gong Xuefeng , Qi Gaofeng , Li Yijing , Zhang Kuo , Gao Yonghong , Wang Dong , Cao Hui , Yang Zhou , Wang Lei
Published: April 2022

The schematic illustration of the molecular design, self-assembly and structural transformation of TPs.
5-Thiaporphyrinium cation: effect of sulphur incorporation on excited state dynamics
Authors: Takiguchi Asahi , Inai Naoto , Kang Seongsoo , Hagai Masaya , Lee Seokwon , Yanai Takeshi , Kim Dongho , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

A free-base 5-thiaporphyrinium cation and its zinc complex were synthesised and their excited state dynamics were investigated experimentally and theoretically.
Insights into interfacial chemistry of Ni-rich cathodes and sulphide-based electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Jiang Heyang , Mu Xiaowei , Pan Hui , Zhang Menghang , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: April 2022

Critical issues including interface instability and mechanical failure between Ni-rich cathode active materials and sulphide-based solid-state electrolytes are thoroughly summarized. And corresponding strategies are elaborated comprehensively.
Structural dynamics of Ru clusters during nitrogen dissociation in ammonia synthesis
Authors: Fan Qi-Yuan , Liu Jing-Li , Gong Fu-Qiang , Wang Ye , Cheng Jun
Published: April 2022

The dynamic evolution of the Ru19 cluster structures at finite temperatures dramatically influences the reaction free energy of nitrogen dissociation in ammonia synthesis, showing the importance of statistical sampling of metastable configurations.
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube encapsulated Fe7S8 nanoparticles for the high-efficiency and selective removal of Pb2+ by pseudocapacitive coupling
Authors: Gao Yong , Xu Yingsheng , Xiang Shuhong , Zhang Xinyuan , Li Zhaolei , Zhou Hongjian
Published: April 2022

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube encapsulated Fe7S8 was successfully used as a promising cathode for the high-efficiency and selective removal of Pb2+ ions.
Self-assembled ruthenium and osmium nanosystems display a potent anticancer profile by interfering with metabolic activity
Authors: Marloye Mickaël , Inam Haider , Moore Connor J. , Mertens Tyler R. , Ingels Aude , Koch Marilin , Nowicki Michal O. , Mathieu Véronique , Pritchard Justin R. , Awuah Samuel G. , Lawler Sean E. , Meyer Franck , Dufrasne François , Berger Gilles
Published: April 2022

Amphiphilic ruthenium and osmium complexes auto-assemble to nanosystems that poison mitochondria and show highly promisingin vitroandin vivoanticancer activity.
Machine learning based on structural and FTIR spectroscopic datasets for seed autoclassification
Authors: Wang Hanqiu , Rehmetulla Aybek , Guo Shanshan , Kong Xin , Lü Zhiwei , Guan Yu , Xu Cong , Sulaiman Kaiser , Wei Gongxiang , Liu Huiqiang
Published: April 2022

In machine learning, traditional single datasets often cause confusion between species, mixing features to form a mixed dataset will solve this challenge.
Helical PdPtAu nanowires bounded with high-index facets selectively switch the pathway of ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Tang Jing-Xiao , Tian Na , Xiao Liang-Ping , Chen Qing-Song , Wang Qiong , Zhou Zhi-You , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: April 2022

This work reports the fabrication of helical PdPtAu NWs bounded with high-index facets for ethanol electrooxidation. The NWs can enhance the catalytic performance, and the selectivity of C1 products on Pd14Pt5Au2 NWs can be improved up to 23.2%.
Achieving ultrahigh discharge energy and power density in niobate-based glass ceramics via A-site substitution modulation during crystallization
Authors: Qin Yaoyi , Shang Fei , Chen Guohua , Xu Jiwen , Wang Yi , Li Zhenchun , Zhai Jiwei
Published: April 2022

Ultra-high energy and power density can be obtained by A-site substitution modulation in glass ceramics.
Mussel-inspired bioactive 3D-printable poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) and the in vitro assessment of its potential as cranioplasty implants
Authors: Xu Qian , Chen Zhiyu , Zhang Yuxin , Hu Xuefeng , Chen Fuhui , Zhang Liangkun , Zhong Ning , Zhang Jieyu , Wang Yunbing
Published: April 2022

3D-printable poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) was proposed as a novel cranioplasty implant material. The 3D-printed substrate was endowed with antibacterial and osteogenesis functions by a mussel-inspired technique.
LessNet: Lightweight and efficient semantic segmentation for large‐scale point clouds
Authors: Feng Guoqiang , Li Weilong , Zhao Xiaolin , Yang Xuemeng , Kong Xin , Huang TianXin , Cui Jinhao
Published: April 2022

With a wide range of applications in autonomous driving and robotics, semantic segmentation for large‐scale outdoor point clouds is a critical and challenging issue. Due to the large number and irregular arrangement of point clouds, it is difficult to balance the efficiency and effectiveness. In this paper, we propose LessNet, a lightweight and efficient voxel‐based method for LiDAR‐only semantic segmentation, taking advantage of cylindrical partition and intra‐voxel feature fusion. Specifically, we use a cylindrical partition method to distribute the outdoor point clouds more evenly in voxels. To better encode the voxel features, we adopt an intra‐voxel aggregation method without querying neighbours. The voxel features are further input into a lightweight and effective 3D U‐net to aggregate local features and dilate the receptive field. Extensive experiments prove the satisfied semantic segmentation performance and the improvement of each component in our proposed framework. Our method is capable of processing more than one million point clouds at a time while retaining low latency and few parameters. Moreover, our method achieves comparable performance with state‐of‐the‐art approaches and outperforms all projection‐based methods on the SemanticKITTI benchmark.
Bestimmung des Hydratationsstatus bei ambulanten Hämodialysepatienten mittels Bioimpedanzspektroskopie
Authors: Pfeifer Simone
Published: April 2022

Für das nephrologische Ärzteteam gehört es zum Praxisalltag, das optimale Sollgewicht (SG) für einen Dialysepatienten festzulegen. Das Ziel dieser Forschungsarbeit war die Überprüfung des SG, indem der Hydratationsstatus (Flüssigkeitsstatus) von Hämodialysepatienten mittels Body Composition Monitor (BCM) unter Zuhilfenahme der Bioimpedanzspektroskopie (BIS) ermittelt wurde. Folgender Forschungsfrage wurde nachgegangen: Stimmt das ärztlich verordnete SG mit der BCM-Messung bei Hämodialysepatienten überein? Der Vergleich fand an einem Stichtag statt. Im quantitativen Forschungsdesign wurde das Projekt mit ärztlicher Zustimmung in der Dialyseabteilung der Alb Fils Kliniken GmbH in Göppingen durchgeführt. Mit der BCM-Messung wurde die Überwässerung bei 10 ambulanten Hämodialysepatienten vor der Dialysebehandlung und bei 2 Kontrollpersonen ermittelt. Für 70 % der Probanden war die BCM-Messung eine sehr hilfreiche Methode für den ärztlichen Entscheidungsprozess, das SG teilweise anzupassen. Regelmäßige BCM-Messungen könnten durch die litergenauen Werte über den Hydratationsstatus und zusätzlicher Auskunft über die Fett -und Muskelmasse bei Dialysepatienten eine Bereicherung für die Therapieplanung darstellen.
Diagnostic Utility of Procalcitonin for Sporadic Medullary Thyroid
Carcinoma in Patients with Nodular Disease and Mild or Moderate
Hypercalcitoninemia
Authors: Rosario Pedro Weslley , Mourão Gabriela Franco
Published: April 2022

Many authors recommend the measurement of serum calcitonin (Ctn) to screen for
sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in patients with thyroid nodules. In
this situation, procalcitonin (pro-Ctn) would have greater utility in patients
with hypercalcitoninemia<100 pg/ml. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the utility of pro-Ctn in patients with thyroid nodules
and without a suspicion of familial MTC or type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia
who had mild or moderate hypercalcitoninemia without an apparent cause.
Consecutive patients with nodular thyroid disease assessed routinely by Ctn
measurement were selected. Sixty patients with basal
Ctn>10 pg/ml but<100 pg/ml were
included. Nine patients (15%) had MTC, with cytology being diagnostic in
only four. Among the 51 patients without MTC, pro-Ctn
was<0.1 ng/ml in 46 (90.2%). All patients with
MTC had pro-Ctn>0.1 ng/ml. Basal Ctn
was>24.6 pg/ml in all patients with MTC and in 42
patients (82.3%) without MTC. It is noteworthy that among patients with
basal Ctn>24.6 pg/ml (n=18)
pro-Ctn>0.1 ng/ml identified all patients with MTC and
64.2% of subjects with these pro-Ctn concentrations had this tumor. In
conclusion, we did not find superiority of pro-Ctn over Ctn for the diagnosis of
sporadic MTC in patients with nodular disease and mild or moderate
hypercalcitoninemia. However, in the case of patients with hypercalcitoninemia
in the gray zone, pro-Ctn has an excellent negative predictive value while the
data regarding its positive predictive value are not uniform.
FGF21: A Novel Regulator of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and
Whole-Body Energy Balance
Authors: Szczepańska Ewa , Gietka-Czernel Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is a recently recognized metabolic regulator
that evokes interest due to its beneficial action of maintaining whole-body
energy balance and protecting the liver from excessive triglyceride production
and storage. Together with FGF19 and FGF23, FGF21 belongs to the FGF family with
hormone-like activity. Serum FGF21 is generated primarily in the liver under
nutritional stress stimuli like prolonged fasting or the lipotoxic diet, but
also during increased mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress. FGF21
exerts its endocrine action in the central nervous system and adipose tissue.
Acting in the ventromedial hypothalamus, FGF21 diminishes simple sugar intake.
In adipose tissue, FGF21 promotes glucose utilization and increases energy
expenditure by enhancing adipose tissue insulin sensitivity and brown adipose
tissue thermogenesis. Therefore, FGF21 favors glucose consumption for heat
production instead of energy storage. Furthermore, FGF21 specifically acts in
the liver, where it protects hepatocytes from metabolic stress caused by lipid
overload. FGF21 stimulates hepatic fatty acid oxidation and reduces lipid flux
into the liver by increasing peripheral lipoprotein catabolism and reducing
adipocyte lipolysis. Paradoxically, and despite its beneficial action, FGF21 is
elevated in insulin resistance states, that is, fatty liver, obesity, and type 2
diabetes.
The Importance of DHEA-S Levels in Cushing’s Syndrome; Is
There a Cut-off Value in the Differential Diagnosis?
Authors: Ciftci Sema , Soyluk Ozlem , Selek Alev , Erol Selvinaz , Hekimsoy Zeliha , Esen Ayse , Dursun Huseyin , Sahin Serdar , Oruk Gonca , Mert Meral , Soylu Huseyin , Yurekli Banu Sarer , Ertorer Melek Eda , Omma Tulay , Evran Mehtap , Adas Mine , Tanrikulu Seher , Aydin Kadriye , Pekkolay Zafer , Can Bülent , Karakilic Ersen , Karaca Zuleyha , Bilen Habib , Canturk Zeynep , Cetinarslan Berrin , Kadioglu Pinar , Yarman Sema
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine possible cut-off levels of basal
DHEA-S percentile rank in the differential diagnosis of patients with
Cushing’s syndrome (CS) with ACTH levels in the gray zone and normal
DHEA-S levels.

In this retrospective study including 623 pathologically confirmed CS, the
DHEA-S percentile rank was calculated in 389 patients with DHEA-S levels within
reference interval. The patients were classified as group 1 (n=265
Cushing’s disease; CD), group 2 (n=104 adrenal CS) and group 3
(n=20 ectopic ACTH syndrome).ROC-curve analyses were used to calculate
the optimal cut-off level of DHEA-S percentile rank in the reference interval in
the differential diagnosis of CS, and the effectiveness of this cut-off level in
the identification of the accurate etiology of CS was assessed in patients who
were in gray zone according to their ACTH levels.

The DHEA-S percentile rank in the reference interval were significantly
lower in group 2 compared to the other two groups (p<0.001), while group
1 and group 3 had similar levels. The optimal cut-off level of DHEA-S percentile
rank in the reference interval providing differential diagnosis between group 1
and group 2 was calculated as 19.5th percentile (80.8% sensitivity,
81.5% specificity) and the level demonstrated the accurate etiology in
100% of CD and 76% of adrenal CS patients who were in the gray
zone.

This study showed that the cut-off value of DHEA-S level less than
20% of the reference interval could be used for differential diagnosis
of CD and adrenal CS with high sensitivity and specificity, and it should be
taken into the initial evaluation.
Geben Sie acht auf Ihre Nieren – erst recht nach einer COVID-19-Erkrankung
Authors: Albers Bettina
Published: April 2022

Ziel des Weltnierentags ist es, die öffentliche Aufmerksamkeit auf die Prävention von Nierenerkrankungen zu richten. Denn Nierenerkrankungen sind schmerzlos, werden oft über eine lange Zeit nicht von den Betroffenen bemerkt, schreiten aber stetig voran – bis die Nieren ganz versagen. Früh erkannt und behandelt, lässt sich dieser Prozess deutlich verlangsamen, bestenfalls sogar ganz aufhalten. Auf die Nieren achtzugeben, lohnt sich also! Diese Präventionsbotschaft hat vor dem Hintergrund von COVID-19 noch an Relevanz gewonnen: COVID-19 geht an die Nieren und kann in der Folge das lebenswichtige Entgiftungsorgan schädigen.
The Role of Skin Substitutes in Acute Burn and Reconstructive Burn Surgery: An Updated Comprehensive Review
Authors: Palackic Alen , Duggan Robert P. , Campbell Matthew S. , Walters Elliot , Branski Ludwik K. , Ayadi Amina El , Wolf Steven E.
Published: April 2022

Burns disrupt the protective skin barrier with consequent loss of cutaneous temperature regulation, infection prevention, evaporative losses, and other vital functions. Chronically, burns lead to scarring, contractures, pain, and impaired psychosocial well-being. Several skin substitutes are available and replace the skin and partially restore functional outcomes and improve cosmesis. We performed a literature review to update readers on biologic and synthetic skin substitutes to date applied in acute and reconstructive burn surgery. Improvement has been rapid in the development of skin substitutes in the last decade; however, no available skin substitute fulfills criteria as a perfect replacement for damaged skin.
Musical Backgrounds, Listening Habits, and Aesthetic Enjoyment of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Gfeller Kate , Christ Aaron , Knutson John F. , Witt Shelley , Murray Kathleen T. , Tyler Richard S.
Published: April 2022

This paper describes the listening habits and musical enjoyment of postlingually deafened adults who use cochlear implants. Sixty-five implant recipients (35 females, 30 males) participated in a survey containing questions about musical background, prior involvement in music, and audiologic success with the implant in various listening circumstances. Responses were correlated with measures of cognition and speech recognition. Sixty-seven implant recipients completed daily diaries (7 consecutive days) in which they reported hours spent in specific music activities. Results indicate a wide range of success with music. In general, people enjoy music less postimplantation than prior to hearing loss. Musical enjoyment is influenced by the listening environment (e.g., a quiet room) and features of the music.

Abbreviations: HIGH = high school, POST = adult education, PRIM = primary school, SCT = Sequence Completion Test, SE = standard error, TERT = tertiary, VMT = Visual Monitoring Task, VMT1 = Visual Monitoring Task one per second rate, VMT2 = Visual Monitoring Task two per second rate.
The new approach for obtaining aqueous solutions of fullerene C60@{H2O}n by the cryogenic sublimation method
Authors: Vinnikov N. A. , Cherednichenko S. V. , Dolbin A. V. , Eselson V. B. , Gavrilko V. G. , Basnukaeva R. M. , Plokhotnichenko A. M.
Published: April 2022

For the first time, a solid phase of the C60@{H2O}n mixture has been obtained through joint condensation of water vapor and fullerene C60 on a cooled substrate. When heated to room temperature and melted, the mixture C60@{H2O}n forms a stable solution without applying any treatment such as shaking or sonication. The visible and UV spectroscopic analysis of the product shows that the absorption spectrum of the solution prepared by melting the mixture condensed at T1 = 90 K exhibits features characteristic of C60 molecules in pure fullerite films at λ1 = 344 nm, λ2 = 265 nm, and λ3 = 220 nm. The absorption spectrum of the mixture condensed at T2 = 223 K has no features in the long-wavelength region (λ1 = 344 nm), which may be attributed to the functionalization of fullerene vapors in the process of condensation at higher temperatures of the substrate.
Electronic transport properties of a single biphenyl molecule anchored on Au(111)with sulfur, selenium, and tellurium atoms
Authors: Berdiyorov G. R. , Hamoudi H.
Published: April 2022

Selenium and tellurium have recently been proposed as alternatives to sulfur anchoring groups for self-assembly of organic molecules on noble-metal substrates. Here, we conduct quantum transport calculations for a single biphenyl molecule anchored on Au (111) electrodes with thiolate, selenolate, and telluride terminal groups taking into account both dispersive interactions and spin–orbit coupling. The numerical results show that the current through the junction decreases by increasing the atomic number of the chalcogen atom due to nanoscale charge localization as revealed in transmission eigenstates analysis. The effect of spin–orbit coupling becomes more pronounced by increasing the atomic number of the chalcogen atom. Clear current rectification is obtained when the molecule is asymmetrically connected to the electrodes using different chalcogen atoms. These findings can be useful in exploring transport properties of organic molecules adsorbed on metallic surfaces using alternatives to sulfur chalcogen atoms.
Nano-engineering the evolution of skyrmion crystal in synthetic antiferromagnets
Authors: Ma Mangyuan , Huang Ke , Li Yong , Li Sihua , Feng Qiyuan , Ang Calvin Ching Ian , Jin Tianli , Lu Yalin , Lu Qingyou , Lew Wen Siang , Ma Fusheng , Renshaw Wang X.
Published: April 2022

The evolution of skyrmion crystals encapsulates skyrmion's critical behaviors, such as nucleation, deformation, and annihilation. Here, we achieve a tunable evolution of artificial skyrmion crystals in nanostructured synthetic antiferromagnet multilayers, which are composed of perpendicular magnetic multilayers and nanopatterned arrays of magnetic nanodots. The out-of-plane magnetization hysteresis loops and first-order reversal curves show that the nucleation and annihilation of the artificial skyrmion can be controlled by tuning the diameter of and spacing between the nanodots. Moreover, when the bottom layer thickness increases, the annihilation of skyrmion shifts from evolving into a ferromagnetic spin texture to evolving into an antiferromagnetic spin texture. Most significantly, nonvolatile multiple states are realized at zero magnetic field via controlling the proportion of the annihilated skyrmions in the skyrmion crystal. Our results demonstrate the tunability and flexibility of the artificial skyrmion platform, providing a promising route to achieve skyrmion-based multistate devices, such as neuromorphic spintronic devices.
Optimal transport of surface-actuated microswimmers
Authors: Giri Pritam , Shukla Ratnesh K.
Published: April 2022

We analyze the transport behavior of surface-actuated spheroidal microswimmers that locomote steadily with or without a spatiotemporally uniform external forcing. The surface actuation is in the form of either a tangential surface motion or a zero-net-mass-flux wall-normal transpiration. Starting from a general modal expansion in terms of an appropriate basis set, we link the surface actuation, the force exerted on the spheroid, and its forward speed through a Stokesian representation of the microhydrodynamics. Our analysis is generic and enables a systematic investigation over the complete range of aspect ratios from zero (streamlined needlelike spheroid) to infinity (disc-shaped spheroid). We identify a critical aspect ratio of 1.82 below and above which tangential and wall-normal surface actuations enable transport at minimal energetic cost, irrespective of whether the spheroidal microswimmer is free or forced. Crucially, we find the propulsive performance of a forced spheroidal swimmer to be appreciably higher than the one of an analogous self-propelled swimmer. Most importantly, the optimal energy expenditure minimizing tangential or wall-normal surface actuation for forced transport is passive overall so that the power requirement arises solely from the rate at which work is done by the external forcing. We highlight the complementing roles of external forcing and surface actuation over moderate and extreme aspect ratios and also exemplify the crucial disparities between optimal transport in free and forced environments. Our results indicate that a combination of external forcing and an optimal surface actuation could substantially enhance the transport of generic streamlined and bluff microswimmers.
Artificial intelligent optoelectronic skin with anisotropic electrical and optical responses for multi-dimensional sensing
Authors: Gong Yanting , Zhang Yi-Zhou , Fang Shiqiang , Liu Chen , Niu Jian , Li Guanjun , Li Fang , Li Xiangchun , Cheng Tao , Lai Wen-Yong
Published: April 2022

Artificial intelligent skins hold the potential to revolutionize artificial intelligence, health monitoring, soft robotics, biomedicine, flexible, and wearable electronics. Present artificial skins can be characterized into electronic skins (e-skins) that convert external stimuli into electrical signals and photonic skins (p-skins) that convert deformations into intuitive optical feedback. Merging both electronic and photonic functions in a single skin is highly desirable, but challenging and remains yet unexplored. We report herein a brand-new type of artificial intelligent skin, an optoelectronic skin (o-skin), which combines the advantages of both e-skins and p-skins in a single skin device based on one-dimensional photonic crystal-based hydrogels. Taking advantage of its anisotropic characteristics, the resulting o-skin can easily distinguish vector stimuli such as stress type and movement direction to meet the needs of multi-dimensional perception. Furthermore, the o-skin also demonstrates advanced functions such as full-color displays and intelligent response to the environment in the form of self-adaptive camouflage. This work represents a substantial advance in using the molecular engineering strategy to achieve artificial intelligent skins with multiple anisotropic responses that can be integrated on the skin of a soft body to endow superior functions, just like the natural organisms that inspire us.
On the transition from weak to strong shock response
Authors: Bourne Neil K. , Bourne Freya L.
Published: April 2022

Many materials show differing responses to weak than to strong shock waves. This study looks at the threshold in behavior that occurs between these two regimes and offers a hypothesis to define it that is supported by available data. It appears that weak shock behavior is characterized by the local collapse of material microstructure to place solids at less than the maximum density, while strong shock compression induces a homogeneous, hydrodynamic state and reduces bandgaps under extreme high pressures and temperatures. The transition from one to the other occurs by the collapse of mesoscale volume defects, activating a suite of mechanisms to achieve theoretical maximum density. This threshold is hypothesized to be the stress corresponding to the theoretical strength of the element—the weak shock limit. This is tested here for solid elements across the periodic table. Above this limit, shock velocity is found to have linear dependence with particle velocity behind the front for elements in the strong shock regime, and values for the constants characterizing this response are determined. The variation of these with atomic number highlights the dependence on the electronic state under compression and reflects some of the observed electromagnetic properties of elements beyond this limit.
Pinhole mirror-based ultra-small angle light scattering setup for simultaneous measurement of scattering and transmission
Authors: Ali Samim , Mao Yimin , Prabhu Vivek M.
Published: April 2022

An ultra-small angle light scattering setup with the ability of simultaneous registration of scattered light by a charge-coupled device camera and the transmitted direct beam by a pin photodiode was developed. A pinhole mirror was used to reflect the scattered light; the transmitted direct beam was focused and passed through the central pinhole with a diameter of 500 μm. Time-resolved static light scattering measurement was carried out over the angular range 0.2° ≤θ≤ 8.9° with a time resolution of ∼33 ms. The measured scattering pattern in the q-range between 5 × 10−5 and 1.5 × 10−3 nm−1 enables investigating structures of few micrometers to submillimeter, where q is the scattering vector. A LabVIEW-based graphical user interface was developed, which integrates the data acquisition of the scattering pattern and the transmitted intensity. The Peltier temperature-controlled sample cells of varying thicknesses allow for a rapid temperature equilibration and minimization of multiple scattering. The spinodal decomposition for coacervation (phase separation) kinetics of an aqueous mixture of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes was demonstrated.
Single β-Ga2O3 nanowire based lateral FinFET on Si
Authors: Xu Siyuan , Liu Lining , Qu Guangming , Zhang Xingfei , Jia Chunyang , Wu Songhao , Ma Yuanxiao , Lee Young Jin , Wang Guodong , Park Ji-Hyeon , Zhang Yiyun , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Yeliang , Li Jinmin
Published: April 2022

A fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) based on single β-Ga2O3 nanowire with a diameter of ∼60 nm transferred to Si substrate is demonstrated. The FinFET device shows good saturation performance within a drain-to-source voltage up to 5 V and exhibits a high on/off ratio of ∼4 × 108, a system-limit low leakage current (∼4 fA), and a relatively low subthreshold swing (∼110 mV). Simulation shows that the channel of the FinFET depletes much faster than that of the back-gate FET with negative gate bias, which is consistent with the measurement results. Moreover, trap-related 1/f noise and 1/f2 noise have been identified according to low frequency noise analysis, and a carrier number fluctuation is expected to be the dominant 1/f noise mechanism in the β-Ga2O3 FinFET in this work.
Evaluation of pseudostem trapping as a control measure against banana weevil,Cosmopolites sordidus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Uganda
Authors: Gold C.S. , Okech S.H. , Nokoe S.
Published: April 2022

Controlled studies to determine the efficacy of pseudostem trapping in reducing adult populations of the banana weevil,Cosmopolites sordidus(Germar), were conducted under farmer conditions in Ntungamo district, Uganda. Twenty-seven farms were stratified on the basis ofC. sordiduspopulation density (estimated by mark and recapture methods) and divided among three treatments: (i) researchermanaged trapping (one trap per mat per month): (ii) farmer-managed trapping (trap intensity at discretion of farmer); and (iii) controls (no trapping), Intensive trapping (managed by researchers) resulted in significantly lowerC. sordidusdamage after one year. Over the same period,C. sordidusnumbers declined by 61% on farms where trapping was managed by researchers, 53% where farmers managed trapping and 38% on farms without trapping; however, results varied greatly among farms and, overall, there was no significant effect of trapping onC. sordidusnumbers. Moreover, there was only a weak relationship between the number ofC. sordidusremoved and the change in population density. Trapping success appeared to be affected by management levels and immigration from neighbouring farms. Although farmers were convinced that trapping was beneficial, adoption has been low due to resource requirements.
Valence Quark Ratio in the Proton
Authors: Cui Zhu-Fang , Gao Fei , Binosi Daniele , Chang Lei , Roberts Craig D. , Schmidt Sebastian M.
Published: April 2022

Beginning with precise data on the ratio of structure functions in deep inelastic scattering (DIS) from 3He and 3H, collected on the domain 0.19 ≤ x
B ≤ 0.83, where x
B is the Bjorken scaling variable, we employ a robust method for extrapolating such data to arrive at a model-independent result for the x
B = 1 value of the ratio of neutron and proton structure functions. Combining this with information obtained in analyses of DIS from nuclei, corrected for target-structure dependence, we arrive at a prediction for the proton valence-quark ratio: dν
/uνq
|
x
B → 1 = 0.230 (57). Requiring consistency with this result presents a challenge to many descriptions of proton structure.