bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UAV hyperspectral imaging for multiscale assessment of Landsat 9 snow grain size and albedo
Authors: Skiles S. McKenzie , Donahue Christopher P. , Hunsaker Adam G. , Jacobs Jennifer M.
Published: January 2023

Snow albedo, a measure of the amount of solar radiation that is reflected at the snow surface, plays a critical role in Earth’s climate and in regional hydrology because it is a primary driver of snowmelt timing. Satellite multi-spectral remote sensing provides a multi-decade record of land surface reflectance, from which snow albedo can be retrieved. However, this observational record is challenging to assess because discrete in situ observations are not well suited for validation of snow properties at the spatial resolution of satellites (tens to hundreds of meters). For example, snow grain size, a primary driver of snow albedo, can vary at the sub-meter scale driven by changes in aspect, elevation, and vegetation. Here, we present a new uncrewed aerial vehicle hyperspectral imaging (UAV-HSI) method for mapping snow surface properties at high resolution (20 cm). A Resonon near-infrared HSI was flown on a DJI Matrice 600 Pro over the meadow encompassing Swamp Angel Study Plot in Senator Beck Basin, Colorado. Using a radiative transfer forward modeling approach, effective snow grain size and albedo maps were produced from measured surface reflectance. Coincident ground observations were used for validation; relative to retrievals from a field spectrometer the mean grain size difference was 2 μm, with an RMSE of 12 μm, and the mean broadband albedo was within 1% of that measured near the center of the flight area. Even though the snow surface was visually homogenous, the maps showed spatial variability and coherent patterns in the freshly fallen snow. To demonstrate the potential for UAV-HSI to be used to improve validation of satellite retrievals, the high-resolution maps were used to assess grain size and albedo retrievals, and subpixel variability, across 17 Landsat 9 OLI pixels from a satellite overpass with similar conditions two days following the flight. Although Landsat 9 did not capture the same range of values and spatial variability as the UAV-HSI, on average the comparison showed good agreement, with a mean grain size difference of 9 μm and the same broadband albedo (86%).
Will the adjustment of insertional pedicle screw positions affect the risk of adjacent segment diseases biomechanically? An in-silico study
Authors: Huang Chenyi , Liu Zongchao , Wei Zhangchao , Fang Zhongxin , Xi Zhipeng , Cai Ping , Li Jingchi
Published: January 2023

Background

The fixation-induced biomechanical deterioration will increase the risk of adjacent segment diseases (ASD) after lumbar interbody fusion with Bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) fixation. The accurate adjustment of insertional pedicle screw positions is possible, and published studies have reported its mechanical effects. However, no studies clarified that adjusting insertional screw positions would affect the postoperative biomechanical environment and the risk of ASD. The objective of this study was to identify this issue and provide theoretical references for the optimization of insertional pedicle screw position selections.

Methods

The oblique lumbar interbody fusion fixed by BPS with different insertional positions has been simulated in the L4-L5 segment of our previously constructed and validated lumbosacral model. Biomechanical indicators related to ASD have been computed and recorded under flexion, extension, bending, and axial rotation loading conditions.

Results

The change of screw insertional positions has more apparent biomechanical effects on the cranial than the caudal segment. Positive collections can be observed between the reduction of the fixation length and the alleviation of motility compensation and stress concentration on facet cartilages. By contrast, no pronounced tendency of stress distribution on the intervertebral discs can be observed with the change of screw positions.

Conclusions

Reducing the fixation stiffness by adjusting the insertional screw positions could alleviate the biomechanical deterioration and be an effective method to reduce the risk of ASD caused by BPS.
Perpendicular implantation of porcine trachea extracellular matrix for enhanced xenogeneic scaffold surface epithelialization in a canine model
Authors: Kato Ayumu , Go Tetsuhiko , Otsuki Yasuhiro , Yokota Naoya , Soo Chang Sung , Misaki Noriyuki , Yajima Toshiki , Yokomise Hiroyasu
Published: January 2023

Objective

The availability of clinically applied medical materials in thoracic surgery remains insufficient, especially materials for treating tracheal defects. Herein, the potential of porcine extracellular matrix (P-ECM) as a new airway reconstruction material was explored by xenotransplanting it into a canine trachea.

Methods

P-ECM was first transplanted into the buttocks of Narc Beagle dogs (n = 3) and its overall immuno-induced effects were evaluated. Subsequently, nine dogs underwent surgery to create a tracheal defect that was 1 × 2 cm. In group A, the P-ECM was implanted parallel to the tracheal axis (n = 3), whereas in group B the P-ECM was implanted perpendicular to the tracheal axis (n = 6). The grafts were periodically observed by bronchoscopy and evaluated postoperatively at 1 and 3 months through macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Immunosuppressants were not administered. Statistical evaluation was performed for Bronchoscopic stenosis rate, graft epithelialization rate, shrinkage rate and ECM live-implantation rate.

Results

No sign of P-ECM rejection was observed after its implantation in the buttocks. Bronchoscopic findings showed no improvement concerning stenosis in group A until 3 months after surgery; epithelialization of the graft site was not evident, and the ECM site appeared scarred and faded. In contrast, stenosis gradually improved in group B, with continuous epithelium within the host tissues and P-ECM. Histologically, the graft site contracted longitudinally and no epithelialization was observed in group A, whereas full epithelialization was observed on the P-ECM in group B. No sign of cartilage regeneration was confirmed in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found in bronchoscopic stenosis rate, shrinkage rate and ECM live-implantation rate, but graft epithelialization rate showed a statistically significant difference (G-A; sporadic (25%) 3, vs. G-B; full covered (100%) 3; p = 0.047).

Conclusions

P-ECM can support full re-epithelialization without chondrocyte regeneration, with perpendicular implantation facilitating epithelialization of the ECM. Our results showed that our decellularized tracheal matrix holds clinical potential as a biological xenogeneic material for airway defect repair.
Expression of collagenases (matrix metalloproteinase-1, -8, -13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) in naturally occurring bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas
Authors: Daraban Bocaneti Florentina , Altamura Gennaro , Corteggio Annunziata , Tanase Oana Irina , Dascalu Mihaela Anca , Pasca Sorin Aurelian , Hritcu Ozana , Mares Mihai , Borzacchiello Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas are among the most common skin tumors in cattle; their etiology is associated with infection by bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types−1/-2 which are considered oncogenic. Degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), especially collagenolysis, is a key event during a series of relevant physiological processes, including tissue remodeling and repair. Various types of proteins are implicated in the regulation of ECM degradation: among these, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of zinc-dependent endoenzymes, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are known to play a major role. Previous studies reported that aberrant expression of collagenolytic MMPs (MMP-1/-8/-13) and unbalancing between MMPs and TIMPs represent a critical step in tumor growth and invasion; however, studies regarding this topic in bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the collagenases MMP-1/-8/-13 and TIMP-3 in naturally occurring fibropapillomas harboring BPV-2 DNA and normal skin samples. Here, by immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis, we demonstrated overexpression of MMP-8/-13 along with a down-regulation of MMP-1, associated with a decrease in TIMP-3 levels in tumor compared with normal skin samples. This is the first study describing MMP-1/-8/-13 and TIMP−3 expression in bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas and our results suggest that an impaired expression of collagenases along with an imbalance between MMPs/TIMPs may contribute to an increased collagenolytic activity, which in turn could be important in ECM changes and tumors development.
Influences of Bacillus subtilis and fructooligosaccharide on growth performances, immune responses, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Panase Arporn , Thirabunyanon Mongkol , Promya Jongkon , Chitmanat Chanagun
Published: January 2023

The present study investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performances, immunity improvement, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish (24.5 ± 1.6 g) were fed a basal diet (G1), diets supplemented with 1 g/kg (G2), 3 g/kg (G3) and 5 g/kg (G4) of FOS as well as diets supplemented with 1 × 109 CFU/g (G5), 3 × 109 CFU/g (G6) and 5 × 109 CFU/g (G7) of B. subtilis for 56 days. After the feeding trial, the complement C3, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, hsp70 gene expression in the liver was then analyzed by a quantitative Real-time PCR. Then, fish were infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, and the survival rate was recorded. The results showed that FOS and B. subtilis had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on growth performances and survival rate. Lysozyme activity was significantly greater in the G4, G5, G6, and G7 groups. Also, all fish fed FOS and B. subtilis showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher respiratory burst activity than other groups. The expressions of complement C3, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and hsp-70 in the liver were significantly higher for fish fed 5 g/kg of FOS as well as for fish that received any concentration level of B. subtilis (P < 0.05) used in the study. After the S. agalactiae challenge test, the survival rate of fish-fed diets supplemented with FOS and B. subtilis was slightly higher than for the control group. The results indicated that FOS and B. subtilis could stimulate immune responses and immune-related genes in tilapia. However, further investigation of other prebiotics or herbs in combination with B. subtilis is encouraged at molecular levels and screening for beneficial metabolites that may increasingly improve digestive enzymes, growth performances, and health benefits in tilapia. In addition, on-farm experiments are needed.
Comparison between a fitness tracker (EquimetreTM) and standard base-apex electrocardiography in dromedary camels
Authors: Al Khamis Taleb , Shawaf Turke , Almubarak Adel , Al-Ali Mohammed Ali
Published: January 2023

Background

Personalized healthcare technology has grown explosively through the use of portable and smart monitoring devices for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the practicality and usability of the EquimetreTM fitness tracker on camels in comparison to the standard base-apex system in normal and clinical cases.

Methods

Five apparently healthy adult camels, five clinical adult cases and two clinical calves were enrolled in this study. The camels were equipped with two monitoring systems: EquimetreTM and a standard base-apex electrocardiogarphy. Each tracing was evaluated for the normal ECG variable's measure, including heart rate beats per min, P-R, QRS, R-R, Q-T, S-T intervals, and P-R and S-T segments in seconds. The amplitudes for P, Q, R, S, and T-peaks were evaluated in millivolts.

Results

EquimetreTM showed stability on ECG tracing with less movement artifacts compared with the standard base-apex system. Different polarities were observed for the P-waves and T-waves between the standard base-apex system and EquimetreTM. Both devices showed perfect agreement for heart rate (ICC = 1.00, P ≥ 0.0001, 95% = 1.00–1.00) in healthy and clinical adults. A good correlation was observed for the R-R interval between the devices in healthy and clinical adults. A moderate correlation was observed between the devices for Q-peak in clinical adults, with no correlation in clinical calves.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated acceptable ECG measurements between the standard base-apex and EquimetreTM device. This suggests that EquimetreTM could be a useful device in camels for initial electrocardiographic examinations in remote areas such as deserts.
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Pakistani Potato Genotypes Using Retrotransposon-Based Markers
Authors: Mehmood Asim , Dracatos Peter M. , Maqsood Linta , Yousafi Qudsia , Hussain Abrar , Jaskani Muhammad J. , Sajid Muhammad W. , Haider Muhammad S. , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: January 2023

Molecular germplasm characterization is essential for gathering information on favorable attributes and varietal improvement. The current study evaluated the genetic divergence and population structure of 80 potato genotypes collected from Punjab, Pakistan, using polymorphic retrotransposon-DNA-based markers (iPBS). A total of 11 iPBS primers generated 787 alleles with a mean value of 8.9 alleles per primer, of which ~95% were polymorphic across the 80 genotypes. Different variation attributes, such as mean expected heterozygosity (H = 0.21), mean unbiased expected heterozygosity (µHe = 0.22), and mean Shannon’s information index (I = 0.32), showed the existence of sufficient genetic diversity in the studied potato genotypes. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation within the population was higher (84%) than between populations (16%). A neighbor-joining tree was constructed based on the distance matrices that arranged the 80 genotypes into five distinct groups, and the genotypes FD61-3 and potato 2 had the highest genetic distance. A STRUCTURE analysis corroborated the dendrogram results and distributed the 80 genotypes also into five clusters. Our results determined that retrotransposon-based markers are highly polymorphic and could be used to evaluate genetic diversity between local and exotic potato genotypes. The genotypic data and population structure dissection analysis reported in this study will enhance potato varietal improvement and development.
Prospects for Bioenergy Development Potential from Dedicated Energy Crops in Ecuador: An Agroecological Zoning Study
Authors: Parra Christian R. , Ramirez Angel D. , Navas-Gracia Luis Manuel , Gonzales David , Correa-Guimaraes Adriana
Published: January 2023

Most climate change mitigation scenarios rely on the incremental use of biomass as energy feedstock. Therefore, increasing the share of alternative sustainable energy sources as biomass is crucial to provide both peak and base electricity loads in future scenarios. The bioenergy potential of Ecuador has been addressed for agricultural by-products but not for dedicated bioenergy crops. Agricultural zoning studies have been developed for food crops but not for energy crops. Currently, the bioenergy share of electricity produced in Ecuador (1.4%) comes mainly from the use of sugar cane bagasse from sugar production. This study aims to identify potential sustainable bioenergy resources for continental Ecuador using agroecological zoning methodologies and considerations regarding land management, food security, in-direct land use change and ecological and climate change risks. The results identified 222,060.71 ha available to grow dedicated bioenergy crops and potential electricity production of 8603 GWh/year; giant reed ranks first with a potential net energy yield of 4024 GWh per year, and Manabí province presents the highest potential with 3768 GWh/year. Large-scale deployment of bioenergy in Ecuador would require the study of sustainability considerations of each project. The species studied are traditional bioenergy crops; research on novel species is encouraged.
Semisynthetic Amides of Amphotericin B and Nystatin A1: A Comparative Study of In Vitro Activity/Toxicity Ratio in Relation to Selectivity to Ergosterol Membranes
Authors: Tevyashova Anna , Efimova Svetlana , Alexandrov Alexander , Omelchuk Olga , Ghazy Eslam , Bychkova Elena , Zatonsky Georgy , Grammatikova Natalia , Dezhenkova Lyubov , Solovieva Svetlana , Ostroumova Olga , Shchekotikhin Andrey
Published: January 2023

Polyene antifungal amphotericin B (AmB) has been used for over 60 years, and remains a valuable clinical treatment for systemic mycoses, due to its broad antifungal activity and low rate of emerging resistance. There is no consensus on how exactly it kills fungal cells but it is certain that AmB and the closely-related nystatin (Nys) can form pores in membranes and have a higher affinity towards ergosterol than cholesterol. Notably, the high nephro- and hemolytic toxicity of polyenes and their low solubility in water have led to efforts to improve their properties. We present the synthesis of new amphotericin and nystatin amides and a comparative study of the effects of identical modifications of AmB and Nys on the relationship between their structure and properties. Generally, increases in the activity/toxicity ratio were in good agreement with increasing ratios of selective permeabilization of ergosterol- vs. cholesterol-containing membranes. We also show that the introduced modifications had an effect on the sensitivity of mutant yeast strains with alterations in ergosterol biosynthesis to the studied polyenes, suggesting a varying affinity towards intermediate ergosterol precursors. Three new water-soluble nystatin derivatives showed a prominent improvement in safety and were selected as promising candidates for drug development.
The Role of Biomarkers in Influenza and COVID-19 Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults
Authors: Carbonell Raquel , Moreno Gerard , Martín-Loeches Ignacio , Bodí María , Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: January 2023

Pneumonia is a growing problem worldwide and remains an important cause of morbidity, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admission and mortality. Viruses are the causative agents in almost a fourth of cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults, with an important representation of influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Moreover, mixed viral and bacterial pneumonia is common and a risk factor for severity of disease. It is critical for clinicians the early identification of the pathogen causing infection to avoid inappropriate antibiotics, as well as to predict clinical outcomes. It has been extensively reported that biomarkers could be useful for these purposes. This review describe current evidence and provide recommendations about the use of biomarkers in influenza and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, focusing mainly on procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Evidence was based on a qualitative analysis of the available scientific literature (meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and clinical guidelines). Both PCT and CRP levels provide valuable information about the prognosis of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Additionally, PCT levels, considered along with other clinical, radiological and laboratory data, are useful for early diagnosis of mixed viral and bacterial CAP, allowing the proper management of the disease and adequate antibiotics prescription. The authors propose a practical PCT algorithm for clinical decision-making to guide antibiotic initiation in cases of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Further well-design studies are needed to validate PCT algorithm among these patients and to confirm whether other biomarkers are indeed useful as diagnostic or prognostic tools in viral pneumonia.
Salinity Stress Ameliorates Pigments, Minerals, Polyphenolic Profiles, and Antiradical Capacity in Lalshak
Authors: Sarker Umakanta , Hossain Md. Nazmul , Oba Shinya , Ercisli Sezai , Marc Romina Alina , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have shown that salinity eustress enhances the nutritional and bioactive compounds and antiradical capacity (ARC) of vegetables and increases the food values for nourishing human diets. Amaranth is a salinity-resistant, rapidly grown C4 leafy vegetable with diverse variability and usage. It has a high possibility to enhance nutritional and bioactive compounds and ARC by the application of salinity eustress. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium chloride stress response in a selected Lalshak (A. gangeticus) genotype on minerals, ascorbic acid (AsA), Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity, beta-carotene (BC), total flavonoids (TF), pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC. A high-yield, high-ARC genotype (LS6) was grown under conditions of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride in four replicates following a block design with complete randomization. We recognized nine copious polyphenolic compounds in this accession for the first time. Minerals, Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity, AsA, BC, pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC of Lalshak were augmented progressively in the order: 0 < 25 < 50 < 100 mM sodium chloride. At 50 mM and 100 mM salt concentrations, minerals, AsA, Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity, BC, TF, pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC of Lalshak were much greater than those of the control. Lalshak could be used as valuable food for human diets as a potent antioxidant. Sodium chloride-enriched Lalshak provided outstanding quality to the final product in terms of minerals, AsA, Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity, BC, TF, pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC. We can cultivate it as a promising alternative crop in salinity-prone areas of the world.
Study of Ferroptosis Transmission by Small Extracellular Vesicles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Alarcón-Veleiro Carmen , Mato-Basalo Rocío , Lucio-Gallego Sergio , Vidal-Pampín Andrea , Quindós-Varela María , Al-Qatarneh Thamer , Berrecoso Germán , Vizoso-Vázquez Ángel , Arufe María C. , Fafián-Labora Juan
Published: January 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer. The current treatment for EOC involves surgical debulking of the tumors followed by a combination of chemotherapy. While most patients achieve complete remission, many EOCs will recur and develop chemo-resistance. The cancer cells can adapt to several stress stimuli, becoming resistant. Because of this, new ways to fight resistant cells during the disease are being studied. However, the clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Recently, ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death trigged by the accumulation of iron and toxic species of lipid metabolism in cells, has emerged as a promising anti-tumor strategy for EOC treatment. This process has a high potential to become a complementary treatment to the current anti-tumor strategies to eliminate resistant cells and to avoid relapse. Cancer cells, like other cells in the body, release small extracellular vesicles (sEV) that allow the transport of substances from the cells themselves to communicate with their environment. To achieve this, we analyzed the capacity of epithelial ovarian cancer cells (OVCA), treated with ferroptosis inducers, to generate sEV, assessing their size and number, and study the transmission of ferroptosis by sEV. Our results reveal that OVCA cells treated with ferroptotic inducers can modify intercellular communication by sEV, inducing cell death in recipient cells. Furthermore, these receptor cells are able to generate a greater amount of sEV, contributing to a much higher ferroptosis paracrine transmission. Thus, we discovered the importance of the sEV in the communication between cells in OVCA, focusing on the ferroptosis process. These findings could be the beginning form to study the molecular mechanism ferroptosis transmission through sEV.
High Performing Facial Skin Problem Diagnosis with Enhanced Mask R-CNN and Super Resolution GAN
Authors: Kim Mira , Song Myeong Ho
Published: January 2023

Facial skin condition is perceived as a vital indicator of the person’s apparent age, perceived beauty, and degree of health. Machine-learning-based software analytics on facial skin conditions can be a time- and cost-efficient alternative to the conventional approach of visiting facial skin care shops or dermatologist’s offices. However, the conventional CNN-based approach is shown to be limited in the diagnosis performance due to the intrinsic characteristics of facial skin problems. In this paper, the technical challenges in facial skin problem diagnosis are first addressed, and a set of 5 effective tactics are proposed to overcome the technical challenges. A total of 31 segmentation models are trained and applied to the experiments of validating the proposed tactics. Through the experiments, the proposed approach provides 83.38% of the diagnosis performance, which is 32.58% higher than the performance of conventional CNN approach.
CAD-Based Feature Recognition for Process Monitoring Planning in Assembly
Authors: Gonnermann Clemens , Gebauer Daniel , Daub Rüdiger
Published: January 2023

Process understanding and process monitoring are of great importance in production in order to control processes and guarantee a high quality. Demanding customer requirements with an increasing number of variants pose an even greater challenge to the quality of the processes, as this must be maintained at the highest level even in the event of process changes. In addition, new regulations and standards require process data to be recorded and stored, especially in manufacturing environments for medical and safety equipment (e.g., surgical instruments, camera systems in the automotive industry). Continuous variations in production processes and changes to products and the production system mean that the planning effort required to implement process monitoring has become vast. This is where automated planning and decision support systems become important. They are able to manage the complexity arising from alternative solutions and present suitable alternatives to the user. This article deals with the computer-aided identification of assembly features, which influence process monitoring and the generation of production system-neutral tasks for process monitoring. Computer-aided feature recognition methods were used to derive features from three-dimensional models. Furthermore, a skill-based approach was used to formulate tasks for process monitoring. This publication thus aims at the automated and product-specific generation of processes for process monitoring.
Effect of Antimony Content on Transition Behavior and Electric Properties of (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.9−xTa0.10Sbx)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Difeo Mauro , Rubio-Marcos Fernando , Gibbs Florencia , Castro Miriam , Ramajo Leandro
Published: January 2023

Here, (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.9−xTa0.1Sbx)O3 [KNL−(N0.9−xTSx)] lead-free ceramics with potential technological applications are made through B-position substitution on the perovskite structure by Sb ions. This strategy generates crystal structure changes and stabilizes a tetragonal symmetry, T, giving place to an orthorhombic (O–T) phase boundary close to room temperature. Specifically, our results establish that an increase in relative volume fractions of the T on the O–T phase boundary produces an increase in functional properties. More relevantly, this improvement in properties is accompanied by controlling the grain size. Therefore, an increase in grain size promotes the increased domain size, favoring more domain wall motion and domain switching. Both effects result in an increase in the d33 coefficient. Finally, we believe this work helps to understand the factors that determine the improvement in the functional properties of the KNN–based piezoelectric ceramics.
Numerical Simulation of Co-Barrier Efficiency of Air Curtains in Mine Refuge Chambers
Authors: Shen Zhenqiang , Zhang Zujing , Lan Jiang , Tian Xusong , Ma Hong , Mao Ruiyong
Published: January 2023

Toxic and harmful gases may follow evacuees into the mine refuge chamber, endangering their life during the mine disaster. Gases from the outside environment are successfully kept out of the mine refuge chamber by air curtains. The effect of the air curtain installation position, jet velocity, angle, and structural parameters on the CO barrier efficiency is studied using numerical simulation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in this paper. The results are also used to show the influence of the above factors on the efficiency of the air curtain. The results show that: (1) increasing the air curtain jet speed does not always increase or even decrease the air curtain barrier efficiency. (2) The best CO barrier efficiency of 68.1% was obtained by an air curtain installed on the top side of the refuge door with a velocity of 22 m/s and a jet angle of 10°. (3) A mathematical relationship between air curtain structural parameters and barrier efficiency is developed to provide a reference for the design of air curtain pipeline structures.
Simulation Study on the Factors Affecting the Solidification of Liquid Droplets with Different Salinity on Cold Surfaces
Authors: Wang Zhongyi , Deng Zhiwei , Wang Yanhua , Yi Yi
Published: January 2023

Salt spray splashing on the structural surfaces of ships is a common difficulty in polar navigation. In this paper, experiments are designed to study the variation in the growth peak of pure water droplets on the surface of a hydrophobic coating with a contact angle of 90°, and the numerical simulation method is verified according to the experiment. The variation in the growth peak calculated by the numerical simulation is consistent with the experiment, and the calculation error of the freezing time obtained by numerical simulation is less than 10% of that of the experiment. The freezing processes of droplets with salinity levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 10 μL on the surfaces of the hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and super hydrophobic plates are studied. The freezing time of the droplets is calculated, along with the effects of the wall temperature, surface contact angle, and salinity on the freezing time and freezing process of the droplets. The results show that the freezing time increased dramatically with increasing salinity. The influence of the contact angle and substrate temperature on the freezing process was also concentrated. All these results contribute to a better understanding of the icing mechanism on marine surfaces.
Early Investigation of a Landslide Sliding Surface by HVSR and VES Geophysical Techniques Combined, a Case Study in Guarumales (Ecuador)
Authors: Alonso-Pandavenes Olegario , Torrijo Francisco Javier , Garzón-Roca Julio , Gracia Alberto
Published: January 2023

The access road to the powerhouse’s hydraulic system’s facilities in Guarumales (Azuay, Ecuador) presents a medium-sized landslide. Geophysical tests were conducted in the initial research stage, combining electrical and seismic methods. A vertical electrical sounding (VES) and horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) survey campaign have been taken as a reference for the analysis of the landslide area. The distribution of these test points has been at three different levels along the landslide where the access road crosses it, trying to cover the area’s most extensive possible length and width. In the area, we find the geology dominated by the presence of schists, altered to different degrees and presenting blocks of material with a lower degree of alteration within colluvium formed by a clayey matrix and coarse material of the exact nature. There is also observed runoff water and groundwater in the area. The results obtained through SEV tests have allowed for defining the separation zone of the mobilized or sliding materials compared to the fixed or immobile ones (potentially, the sliding surface was marked). Using the HVSR technique, the natural vibration frequencies of the ground associated with the sliding mass (separation of seismic impedances between a two-layer model: mobile and fixed) have been determined. Previous authors proposed an empirical relationship establishing the exponential relationship, already proposed by previous authors, between sediment thickness and natural frequencies. It has been possible to determine the depth of the position of the loosely compacted sediment zone (and probably moving or mobilized) compared to that of compact materials (immobile) and thereby define the potential rupture surface.
Learning Models for Bone Marrow Edema Detection in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ribeiro Gonçalo , Pereira Tania , Silva Francisco , Sousa Joana , Carvalho Diogo Costa , Dias Sílvia Costa , Oliveira Hélder P.
Published: January 2023

Bone marrow edema (BME) is the term given to the abnormal fluid signal seen within the bone marrow on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It usually indicates the presence of underlying pathology and is associated with a myriad of conditions/causes. However, it can be misleading, as in some cases, it may be associated with normal changes in the bone, especially during the growth period of childhood, and objective methods for assessment are lacking. In this work, learning models for BME detection were developed. Transfer learning was used to overcome the size limitations of the dataset, and two different regions of interest (ROI) were defined and compared to evaluate their impact on the performance of the model: bone segmention and intensity mask. The best model was obtained for the high intensity masking technique, which achieved a balanced accuracy of 0.792 ± 0.034. This study represents a comparison of different models and data regularization techniques for BME detection and showed promising results, even in the most difficult range of ages: children and adolescents. The application of machine learning methods will help to decrease the dependence on the clinicians, providing an initial stratification of the patients based on the probability of edema presence and supporting their decisions on the diagnosis.
Numerical Study of Mixed Convection and Heat Transfer in Arc-Shaped Cavity with Inner Heat Sources
Authors: Cui Huimin , An Haoran , Wang Wenyue , Han Zhiming , Hu Bo , Xu Feng , Liu Qingkuan , Saha Suvash C.
Published: January 2023

The mixed convection and heat transfer in enclosures with inner heat sources widely exist in building ventilation, cooling of nuclear reactors and cooling of electronic components. In this study, the heat transfer characteristics of mixed convection in an open arc-shaped cavity with double heat sources under the condition of bottom heating and top wall cooling are studied by two-dimensional numerical simulation using ANSYS FLUENT. The influence of the Reynolds number on flow structures, transient characteristics and heat transfer characteristics in the arc cavity was studied by changing inlet wind speed. As the Reynolds number changes from 2.19 × 105 to 4.38 × 107, the flow in the fully developed stage will evolve from turbulent flow to periodic flow and then to steady state flow. In this study, the critical Reynolds number intervals for three different flow states are given. The increase in the Reynolds number enhances the heat convection in the cavity. The difference between heat convection and heat conduction is increased, which has a linear relationship with the Reynolds number. As the Reynolds number increases, the heat removal capacity in the middle region of the double heat sources is not always enhanced, which is due to the sudden change in flow structure and flow state around Re = 1.18 × 107.
Load Models Representative of Brazilian Actual Traffic in Girder-Type Short-Span Highway Bridges
Authors: Rossigali Carlos Eduardo , Pfeil Michèle Schubert , Sagrilo Luis Volnei Sudati , de Oliveira Hugo Medeiros
Published: January 2023

The Brazilian code NBR 7188 for highway bridge design prescribes a live load model consisting of a 3-axle vehicle plus a uniform load, which are both affected by an impact factor when considering dynamic effects. It does not play out actual traffic static effects and may be, in some cases, non-conservative. This work presents two load model configurations developed by gathering a real traffic database, traffic simulations, modeling of the dynamic interaction between vehicles and structure, and statistical extrapolations. Proposed load models comprise dynamic effects and were calibrated for two-lane single carriageway bridges with span lengths up to 40 m under free-flowing traffic. The target values of the effects were compared to those generated by the new proposed load models, as well as by the Brazilian design load model. Adequacy of the proposed models is demonstrated; results show that the effects generated by the Brazilian design load model are underestimated in many cases, particularly for negative moments in cantilevers.
Trait-Based Method of Quantitative Assessment of Ecological Functional Groups in the Human Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Kropochev Andrew I. , Lashin Sergey A. , Matushkin Yury G. , Klimenko Alexandra I.
Published: January 2023

We propose the trait-based method for quantifying the activity of functional groups in the human gut microbiome based on metatranscriptomic data. It allows one to assess structural changes in the microbial community comprised of the following functional groups: butyrate-producers, acetogens, sulfate-reducers, and mucin-decomposing bacteria. It is another way to perform a functional analysis of metatranscriptomic data by focusing on the ecological level of the community under study. To develop the method, we used published data obtained in a carefully controlled environment and from a synthetic microbial community, where the problem of ambiguity between functionality and taxonomy is absent. The developed method was validated using RNA-seq data and sequencing data of the 16S rRNA amplicon on a simplified community. Consequently, the successful verification provides prospects for the application of this method for analyzing natural communities of the human intestinal microbiota.
Early Prediction in Classification of Cardiovascular Diseases with Machine Learning, Neuro-Fuzzy and Statistical Methods
Authors: Taylan Osman , Alkabaa Abdulaziz , Alqabbaa Hanan , Pamukçu Esra , Leiva Víctor
Published: January 2023

Timely and accurate detection of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is critically important to minimize the risk of a myocardial infarction. Relations between factors of CVDs are complex, ill-defined and nonlinear, justifying the use of artificial intelligence tools. These tools aid in predicting and classifying CVDs. In this article, we propose a methodology using machine learning (ML) approaches to predict, classify and improve the diagnostic accuracy of CVDs, including support vector regression (SVR), multivariate adaptive regression splines, the M5Tree model and neural networks for the training process. Moreover, adaptive neuro-fuzzy and statistical approaches, nearest neighbor/naive Bayes classifiers and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) are used to predict seventeen CVD risk factors. Mixed-data transformation and classification methods are employed for categorical and continuous variables predicting CVD risk. We compare our hybrid models and existing ML techniques on a CVD real dataset collected from a hospital. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the influence and exhibit the essential variables with regard to CVDs, such as the patient’s age, cholesterol level and glucose level. Our results report that the proposed methodology outperformed well known statistical and ML approaches, showing their versatility and utility in CVD classification. Our investigation indicates that the prediction accuracy of ANFIS for the training process is 96.56%, followed by SVR with 91.95% prediction accuracy. Our study includes a comprehensive comparison of results obtained for the mentioned methods.
Effects of Climate Change on Chlorophyll a in the Barents Sea: A Long-Term Assessment
Authors: Dvoretsky Vladimir G. , Vodopianova Veronika V. , Bulavina Aleksandra S.
Published: January 2023

The Arctic climate strongly affects phytoplankton production and biomass through several mechanisms, including warming, sea ice retreat, and global atmospheric processes. In order to detect the climatic changes in phytoplankton biomass, long-term variability of chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was estimated in situ with the changes in the surface sea temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS) in the Barents Sea and adjacent waters during the period of 1984–2021. Spatial differences were detected in SST, SSS, and Chl-a. Chl-a increased parallel to SST in the summer-autumn and spring periods, respectively. Chl-a peaks were found near the ice edge and frontal zones in the spring season, while the highest measures were observed in the coastal regions during the summer seasons. SST and Chl-a demonstrated increasing trends with greater values during 2010–2020. Generalized additive models (GAMs) revealed that SST and Chl-a were positively related with year. Climatic and oceanographic variables explained significant proportions of the Chl-a fluctuations, with six predictors (SST, annual North Atlantic Oscillation index, temperature/salinity anomalies at the Kola Section, and sea ice extent in April and September) being the most important. GAMs showed close associations between increasing Chl-a and a decline in sea ice extent and rising water temperature. Our data may be useful for monitoring the Arctic regions during the era of global changes and provide a basis for future research on factors driving phytoplankton assemblages and primary productivity in the Barents Sea.
Modeling Human Lung Cells Exposure to Wildfire Uncovers Aberrant lncRNAs Signature
Authors: Nguyen Piercen K. , Son Yeongkwon , Petereit Juli , Khlystov Andrey , Panella Riccardo
Published: January 2023

Emissions generated by wildfires are a growing threat to human health and are characterized by a unique chemical composition that is tightly dependent on geographic factors such as fuel type. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules proven to be critical to many biological processes, and their condition-specific expression patterns are emerging as prominent prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for human disease. We utilized a new air-liquid interface (ALI) direct exposure system that we designed and validated in house to expose immortalized human tracheobronchial epithelial cells (AALE) to two unique wildfire smokes representative of geographic regions (Sierra Forest and Great Basin). We conducted an RNAseq analysis on the exposed cell cultures and proved through both principal component and differential expression analysis that each smoke has a unique effect on the LncRNA expression profiles of the exposed cells when compared to the control samples. Our study proves that there is a link between the geographic origin of wildfire smoke and the resulting LncRNA expression profile in exposed lung cells and also serves as a proof of concept for the in-house designed ALI exposure system. Our study serves as an introduction to the scientific community of how unique expression patterns of LncRNAs in patients with wildfire smoke-related disease can be utilized as prognostic and diagnostic tools, as the current roles of LncRNA expression profiles in wildfire smoke-related disease, other than this study, are completely uncharted.
The Need for Glaucoma Management in Glaucoma Patients with Concurrent Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Chia-Yi , Chien Hsiang-Wen , Huang Jing-Yang , Yen Chieh-Hung , Chen Hung-Chi , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Chang Chao-Kai , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: January 2023

We try to evaluate glaucoma management numbers in patients with both glaucoma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted and patients with glaucoma were enrolled and divided into the OSA and non-OSA populations. A total of 11,778 participants were selected in both the OSA and non-OSA groups. The primary outcomes were the number of anti-glaucomatous medications each year and the total number of glaucoma laser and glaucoma surgeries. The Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to produce the adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) between the two groups. After a study period of 18 years, 286 and 352 events of laser and surgeries for glaucoma were found in the OSA and non-OSA groups, respectively. After considering the effect of potential confounders, no significant difference concerning the numbers of laser trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery, cyclodestructive procedure and eyeball removal were found between the two groups (all 95% CIs included one). In addition, the multiple anti-glaucomatous medication usages were similar between the two groups (all p > 0.05) In the subgroup analyses, glaucoma patients older than 60 years and with OSA received significantly lesser trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery compared to glaucoma patients older than 60 years without OSA (AHR: 0.774, 95% CI: 0.611–0.981) while other analyses revealed insignificant results (all 95% CIs included one). In conclusion, the presence of OSA does not increase the need for glaucoma management.
Identification of Geometrical Features of Cell Surface Responsible for Cancer Aggressiveness: Machine Learning Analysis of Atomic Force Microscopy Images of Human Colorectal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Petrov Mikhail , Sokolov Igor
Published: January 2023

It has been recently demonstrated that atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows for the rather precise identification of malignancy in bladder and cervical cells. Furthermore, an example of human colorectal epithelial cells imaged in AFM Ringing mode has demonstrated the ability to distinguish cells with varying cancer aggressiveness with the help of machine learning (ML). The previously used ML methods analyzed the entire cell image. The problem with such an approach is the lack of information about which features of the cell surface are associated with a high degree of aggressiveness of the cells. Here we suggest a machine-learning approach to overcome this problem. Our approach identifies specific geometrical regions on the cell surface that are critical for classifying cells as highly or lowly aggressive. Such localization gives a path to colocalize the newly identified features with possible clustering of specific molecules identified via standard bio-fluorescence imaging. The biological interpretation of the obtained information is discussed.
The Critical Role of Acyl Hydrocarbon Receptor on the Combined Benefits of Postbiotic Propionate on Active Vitamin D3-Orchestrated Innate Immunity in Salmonella Colitis
Authors: Huang Fu-Chen , Huang Shun-Chen
Published: January 2023

Our recent study observed the combined beneficial effects of postbiotic butyrate on active vitamin D3-orchestrated innate immunity to Salmonella Colitis. There is increasing interest in the role of acyl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) on colitis and innate immunity. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of AhR in the effects. Salmonella colitis model is conducted with 6–8 w/o male C57BL/6 mice: Streptomycin (20 mg/mouse p.o.)-pretreated C57BL/6 mice were mock infected with sterile PBS or infected orally with 1 × 108 CFU of an S. typhimurium wild-type strain SL1344 for 48 h. Before and after the colitis induction, mice were oral gavage with active vitamin D3 0.2 μg/25 g mice (VD3) and/or postbiotics propionate (PP), in the absence of the presence of intraperitoneal injection of AhR inhibitor for 4 and 7 days, respectively. We observed AhR inhibitor counteracted the synergistic effects of PP and VD3 on reducing the severity of Salmonella colitis and body weight loss in C57BL/6 mice, reducing the cecal inflammatory but enhancing antimicrobial peptide mRNAs expression, and reducing the bacterial translocation in liver/spleen, compared to single treatment. It suggests the involvement of AhR on the synergistic effects of postbiotics PP and VD3 on the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory responses in Salmonella colitis and the potential biological treatment of Salmonella colitis.