bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Salmo salar NLRP3 Inflammasome: Insights from Structural Modeling and Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Acevedo Waldo , Morán-Figueroa Rodrigo , Vargas-Chacoff Luis , Morera Francisco J. , Pontigo Juan Pablo
Published: September 2023

The NLRP3, one of the most heavily studied inflammasome-related proteins in mammals, remains inadequately characterized in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), despite the significant commercial importance of this salmonid. The NLRP3 inflammasome is composed of the NLRP3 protein, which is associated with procaspase-1 via an adapter molecule known as ASC. This work aims to characterize the Salmo salar NLRP3 inflammasome through in silico structural modeling, functional transcript expression determination in the SHK-1 cell line in vitro, and a transcriptome analysis on Atlantic salmon. The molecular docking results suggested a similar arrangement of the ternary complex between NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in both the Atlantic salmon and the mammalian NLRP3 inflammasomes. Moreover, the expression results confirmed the functionality of the SsNLRP3 inflammasome in the SHK-1 cells, as evidenced by the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in the transcription of genes involved in inflammasome activation, including ASC and NLRP3. Additionally, the transcriptome results revealed that most of the inflammasome-related genes, including ASC, NLRP3, and caspase-1, were down-regulated in the Atlantic salmon following its adaptation to seawater (also known as parr–smolt transformation). This is correlated with a temporary detrimental effected on the immune system. Collectively, these findings offer novel insights into the evolutionarily conserved role of NLRP3.
The Potential of JAG Ligands as Therapeutic Targets and Predictive Biomarkers in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Platonova Natalia , Lazzari Elisa , Colombo Michela , Falleni Monica , Tosi Delfina , Giannandrea Domenica , Citro Valentina , Casati Lavinia , Ronchetti Domenica , Bolli Niccolò , Neri Antonino , Torricelli Federica , Crews Leslie A. , Jamieson Catriona H. M. , Chiaramonte Raffaella
Published: September 2023

The NOTCH ligands JAG1 and JAG2 have been correlated in vitro with multiple myeloma (MM) cell proliferation, drug resistance, self-renewal and a pathological crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment resulting in angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggest that a therapeutic approach targeting JAG ligands might be helpful for the care of MM patients and lead us to explore the role of JAG1 and JAG2 in a MM in vivo model and primary patient samples. JAG1 and JAG2 protein expression represents a common feature in MM cell lines; therefore, we assessed their function through JAG1/2 conditional silencing in a MM xenograft model. We observed that JAG1 and JAG2 showed potential as therapeutic targets in MM, as their silencing resulted in a reduction in the tumor burden. Moreover, JAG1 and JAG2 protein expression in MM patients was positively correlated with the presence of MM cells in patients’ bone marrow biopsies. Finally, taking advantage of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass global dataset, we showed that JAG2 gene expression level was a predictive biomarker associated with patients’ overall survival and progression-free survival, independently from other main molecular or clinical features. Overall, these results strengthened the rationale for the development of a JAG1/2-tailored approach and the use of JAG2 as a predictive biomarker in MM.
Molecular Characterization and Mutational Analysis of Clarithromycin- and Levofloxacin-Resistance Genes in Helicobacter pylori from Gastric Biopsies in Southern Croatia
Authors: Šamanić Ivica , Dadić Blanka , Sanader Maršić Željka , Dželalija Mia , Maravić Ana , Kalinić Hrvoje , Vrebalov Cindro Pavle , Šundov Željko , Tonkić Marija , Tonkić Ante , Vuković Jonatan
Published: September 2023

Point mutations in the 23S rRNA, gyrA, and gyrB genes can confer resistance to clarithromycin (CAM) and levofloxacin (LVX) by altering target sites or protein structure, thereby reducing the efficacy of standard antibiotics in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections. Considering the confirmed primary CAM and LVX resistance in H. pylori infected patients from southern Croatia, we performed a molecular genetic analysis of three target genes (23S rRNA, gyrA, and gyrB) by PCR and sequencing, together with computational molecular docking analysis. In the CAM-resistant isolates, the mutation sites in the 23S rRNA gene were A2142C, A2142G, and A2143G. In addition, the mutations D91G and D91N in GyrA and N481E and R484K in GyrB were associated with resistance to LVX. Molecular docking analyses revealed that mutant H. pylori strains with resistance-related mutations exhibited a lower susceptibility to CAM and LVX compared with wild-type strains due to significant differences in non-covalent interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions) leading to destabilized antibiotic–protein binding, ultimately resulting in antibiotic resistance. Dual resistance to CAM and LVX was found, indicating the successful evolution of H. pylori resistance to unrelated antimicrobials and thus an increased risk to human health.
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomics Analyses Reveal Molecular Responses to Cold Stress in Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Seedlings
Authors: Lu Lilan , Yang Weibo , Dong Zhiguo , Tang Longxiang , Liu Yingying , Xie Shuyun , Yang Yaodong
Published: September 2023

Coconut is an important tropical and subtropical fruit and oil crop severely affected by cold temperature, limiting its distribution and application. Thus, studying its low-temperature reaction mechanism is required to expand its cultivation range. We used growth morphology and physiological analyses to characterize the response of coconuts to 10, 20, and 30 d of low temperatures, combined with transcriptome and metabolome analysis. Low-temperature treatment significantly reduced the plant height and dry weight of coconut seedlings. The contents of soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD), soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves were significantly increased, along with the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the endogenous hormones abscisic acid (ABA), auxin (IAA), zeatin (ZR), and gibberellin (GA) contents. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (9968) were detected under low-temperature conditions. Most DEGs were involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway-plant, plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interaction, biosynthesis of amino acids, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, carbon metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, purine metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. Transcription factors (TFs), including WRKY, AP2/ERF, HSF, bZIP, MYB, and bHLH families, were induced to significantly differentially express under cold stress. In addition, most genes associated with major cold-tolerance pathways, such as the ICE-CBF-COR, MAPK signaling, and endogenous hormones and their signaling pathways, were significantly up-regulated. Under low temperatures, a total of 205 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were enriched; 206 DAMs were in positive-ion mode and 97 in negative-ion mode, mainly including phenylpropanoids and polyketides, lipids and lipid-like molecules, benzenoids, organoheterocyclic compounds, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues. Comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome analysis revealed that the related genes and metabolites were mainly enriched in amino acid, flavonoid, carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism pathways under cold stress. Together, the results of this study provide important insights into the response of coconuts to cold stress, which will reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms and help in coconut screening and breeding.
Dynamic Alterations to Hepatic MicroRNA-29a in Response to Long-Term High-Fat Diet and EtOH Feeding
Authors: Liang Tiebing , Kota Janaiah , Williams Kent E. , Saxena Romil , Gawrieh Samer , Zhong Xiaoling , Zimmers Teresa A. , Chalasani Naga
Published: September 2023

MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) is a well characterized fibro-inflammatory molecule and its aberrant expression is linked to a variety of pathological liver conditions. The long-term effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) in combination with different levels of EtOH consumption on miR-29a expression and liver pathobiology are unknown. Mice at 8 weeks of age were divided into five groups (calorie-matched diet plus water (CMD) as a control group, HFD plus water (HFD) as a liver disease group, HFD plus 2% EtOH (HFD + 2% E), HFD + 10% E, and HFD + 20% E as intervention groups) and fed for 4, 13, 26, or 39 weeks. At each time point, analyses were performed for liver weight/body weight (BW) ratio, AST/ALT ratio, as well as liver histology assessments, which included inflammation, estimated fat deposition, lipid area, and fibrosis. Hepatic miR-29a was measured and correlations with phenotypic traits were determined. Four-week feeding produced no differences between the groups on all collected phenotypic traits or miR-29a expression, while significant effects were observed after 13 weeks, with EtOH concentration-specific induction of miR-29a. A turning point for most of the collected traits was apparent at 26 weeks, and miR-29a was significantly down-regulated with increasing liver injury. Overall, miR-29a up-regulation was associated with a lower liver/BW ratio, fat deposition, inflammation, and fibrosis, suggesting a protective role of miR-29a against liver disease progression. A HFD plus increasing concentrations of EtOH produces progressive adverse effects on the liver, with no evidence of beneficial effects of low-dose EtOH consumption. Moreover, miR-29a up-regulation is associated with less severe liver injury.
Sex Differences in Brain Disorders
Authors: Ziemka-Nalecz Malgorzata , Pawelec Paulina , Ziabska Karolina , Zalewska Teresa
Published: September 2023

A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Stress-Responsive Genes and Alternative Splice Variants in Arabidopsis Roots under Osmotic Stresses
Authors: Seok Hye-Yeon , Lee Sun-Young , Sarker Swarnali , Bayzid Md , Moon Yong-Hwan
Published: September 2023

Plant roots show distinct gene-expression profiles from those of shoots under abiotic stress conditions. In this study, we performed mRNA sequencing (mRNA-Seq) to analyze the transcriptional profiling of Arabidopsis roots under osmotic stress conditions—high salinity (NaCl) and drought (mannitol). The roots demonstrated significantly distinct gene-expression changes from those of the aerial parts under both the NaCl and the mannitol treatment. We identified 68 closely connected transcription-factor genes involved in osmotic stress-signal transduction in roots. Well-known abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent and/or ABA-independent osmotic stress-responsive genes were not considerably upregulated in the roots compared to those in the aerial parts, indicating that the osmotic stress response in the roots may be regulated by other uncharacterized stress pathways. Moreover, we identified 26 osmotic-stress-responsive genes with distinct expressions of alternative splice variants in the roots. The quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction further confirmed that alternative splice variants, such as those for ANNAT4, MAGL6, TRM19, and CAD9, were differentially expressed in the roots, suggesting that alternative splicing is an important regulatory mechanism in the osmotic stress response in roots. Altogether, our results suggest that tightly connected transcription-factor families, as well as alternative splicing and the resulting splice variants, are involved in the osmotic stress response in roots.
The Involvement of Neuroinflammation in the Onset and Progression of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jurcau Anamaria , Andronie-Cioara Felicia Liana , Nistor-Cseppento Delia Carmen , Pascalau Nicoleta , Rus Marius , Vasca Elisabeta , Jurcau Maria Carolina
Published: September 2023

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease exhibiting the fastest growth in incidence in recent years. As with most neurodegenerative diseases, the pathophysiology is incompletely elucidated, but compelling evidence implicates inflammation, both in the central nervous system and in the periphery, in the initiation and progression of the disease, although it is not yet clear what triggers this inflammatory response and where it begins. Gut dysbiosis seems to be a likely candidate for the initiation of the systemic inflammation. The therapies in current use provide only symptomatic relief, but do not interfere with the disease progression. Nonetheless, animal models have shown promising results with therapies that target various vicious neuroinflammatory cascades. Translating these therapeutic strategies into clinical trials is still in its infancy, and a series of issues, such as the exact timing, identifying biomarkers able to identify Parkinson’s disease in early and pre-symptomatic stages, or the proper indications of genetic testing in the population at large, will need to be settled in future guidelines.
A Multi-Objective Improved Cockroach Swarm Algorithm Approach for Apartment Energy Management Systems
Authors: Alhasnawi Bilal Naji , Jasim Basil H. , Jasim Ali M. , Bureš Vladimír , Alhasnawi Arshad Naji , Homod Raad Z. , Alsemawai Majid Razaq Mohamed , Abbassi Rabeh , Sedhom Bishoy E.
Published: September 2023

The electrical demand and generation in power systems is currently the biggest source of uncertainty for an electricity provider. For a dependable and financially advantageous electricity system, demand response (DR) success as a result of household appliance energy management has attracted significant attention. Due to fluctuating electricity rates and usage trends, determining the best schedule for apartment appliances can be difficult. As a result of this context, the Improved Cockroach Swarm Optimization Algorithm (ICSOA) is combined with the Innovative Apartments Appliance Scheduling (IAAS) framework. Using the proposed technique, the cost of electricity reduction, user comfort maximization, and peak-to-average ratio reduction are analyzed for apartment appliances. The proposed framework is evaluated by comparing it with BFOA and W/O scheduling cases. In comparison to the W/O scheduling case, the BFOA method lowered energy costs by 17.75%, but the ICSA approach reduced energy cost by 46.085%. According to the results, the created ICSA algorithm performed better than the BFOA and W/O scheduling situations in terms of the stated objectives and was advantageous to both utilities and consumers.
Sensing Spontaneous Combustion in Agricultural Storage Using IoT and ML
Authors: Shafi Umar Farooq , Bajwa Imran Sarwar , Anwar Waheed , Sattar Hina , Ramzan Shabana , Mahmood Aqsa
Published: September 2023

The combustion of agricultural storage represents a big hazard to the safety and quality preservation of crops during lengthy storage times. Cotton storage is considered more prone to combustion for many reasons, i.e., heat by microbial growth, exothermic and endothermic reactions in storage areas, and extreme weather conditions in storage areas. Combustion not only increases the chances of a big fire outbreak in the long run, but it may also affect cotton’s quality factors like its color, staple length, seed quality, etc. The cotton’s quality attributes may divert from their normal range in the presence of combustion. It is difficult to detect, monitor, and control combustion. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers efficient and reliable solutions for numerous research problems in agriculture, healthcare, business analytics, and industrial manufacturing. In the agricultural domain, the IoT provides various applications for crop monitoring, warehouse protection, the prevention of crop diseases, and crop yield maximization. We also used the IoT for the smart and real-time sensing of spontaneous combustion inside storage areas in order to maintain cotton quality during lengthy storage. In the current research, we investigate spontaneous combustion inside storage and identify the primary reasons for it. Then, we proposed an efficient IoT and machine learning (ML)-based solution for the early sensing of combustion in storage in order to maintain cotton quality during long storage times. The proposed system provides real-time sensing of combustion-causing factors with the help of the IoT-based circuit and prediction of combustion using an efficient artificial neural network (ANN) model. The proposed smart sensing of combustion is verified by a different set of experiments. The proposed ANN model showed a 99.8% accuracy rate with 95–98% correctness and 97–99% completeness. The proposed solution is very efficient in detecting combustion and enables storage owners to become aware of combustion hazards in a timely manner; hence, they can improve the storage conditions for the preservation of cotton quality in the long run. The whole article consists of five sections.
Non-Destructive Discrimination of Blue Inks on Suspected Documents through the Combination of Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Saravanan Sruthi Thiraviam , Ganesamurthi Jaysiva , Chen Shen-Ming , Chen Tse-Wei , Chen Chun-Jung , Lakshmanan Keseven , Chinnamuthu Partheeban , Liu Xiaoheng , Balaji Ramachandran
Published: September 2023

Increasingly sophisticated techniques for falsifying and forging legal documents demand non-destructive and accurate analysis methods. Researchers have extensively investigated ink discrimination through an interdisciplinary analysis involving Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics, which is now regarded as a leading forensic document analysis approach. In this study, a groundbreaking method was developed to identify the specific origin of blue-ink pens used in written documents. By employing Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with principal component analysis (PCA), we successfully differentiated between 45 different blue-ink pens used on various documents. The Raman spectroscopy analysis provided a visual examination of each blue ink’s unique Raman signature, and PCA was then applied to the processed spectral data. Moreover, we successfully distinguished highly similar ink types in documents through the combined use of Raman spectroscopy, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and a statistical approach (PCA).
Normative Reference Values of the Tibial Nerve in Healthy Individuals Using Ultrasonography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Senarai Thanyaporn , Suwannakhan Athikhun , Pratipanawatr Thongchai , Yammine Kaissar , Yurasakpong Laphatrada , Sathapornsermsuk Tanapat , Janta Sirorat , Kittiboonya Achiraya
Published: September 2023

Background: High-resolution ultrasound of the tibial nerve has been used for screening of several neurologic disorders, but normative reference values of tibial nerve cross-sectional areas (CSA) have not been well established. Thus, the present meta-analysis was performed to generate normative estimates of tibial nerve CSA at various sites of the lower limb based on ultrasonography. Methods: Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed were searched for potential studies. Studies were required to report tibial nerve CSA in healthy individuals to be included. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate tibial nerve CSA values. Subgroup and statistical analyses were performed to study covariates. Results: Forty-eight eligible articles consisting of 2695 limbs were included. The average tibial nerve CSA was found to be 10.9 mm2 at the ankle (95% CI: 9.9–11.8) and should not exceed 11.8 mm2 in healthy adults. At the popliteal fossa, the overall CSA was 21.7 mm2 (95% CI: 17.5–25.8) in healthy adults. At both sites, the average tibial nerve CSA was significantly larger in adults than in children, and the differences by geographical region were not statistically significant. At the ankle, tibial nerve CSA increased with age and body mass index, while at the popliteal fossa it increased with age and weight. Conclusions: our findings indicate that the tibial nerve varied not only along its course but also among sub-variables. Establishing normal references values of tibial nerve CSA is helpful to differentiate healthy from diseased tibial nerves such as in diabetic peripheral neuropathy or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Pancreaticogastrostomy versus Pancreaticojejunostomy and the Proposal of a New Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Risk Score
Authors: Mastalier Bogdan , Cauni Victor , Tihon Constantin , Septimiu Petrutescu Marius , Ghita Bogdan , Popescu Valentin , Andras Dan , Radu Ion Mircea , Vlasceanu Vasile Gabriel , Floroiu Marius Florian , Draghici Cristian , Botezatu Cristian , Cretoiu Dragos , Varlas Valentin Nicolae , Lazar Angela Madalina
Published: September 2023

Despite the substantial decrease in mortality rates following a pancreaticoduodenectomy to less than 5%, morbidity rates remain significant, reaching even 73%. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is one of the most frequent major complications and is significantly associated with other complications, including patient death. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the ideal type of pancreatic anastomosis, as the question of the choice between a pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy is still open. Furthermore, worldwide implementation of an ideal pancreatic fistula risk prediction score is missing. Our study found several significant predictive factors for the postoperative occurrence of fistulas, such as the soft consistency of the pancreas, non-dilated Wirsung duct, important intraoperative blood loss, other perioperative complications, preoperative patient hypoalbuminemia, and patient weight loss. Our study also revealed that for patients who exhibit fistula risk factors, pancreaticogastrostomy demonstrates a significantly lower pancreatic fistula rate than pancreaticojejunostomy. The occurrence of pancreatic fistulas has been significantly associated with the development of other postoperative major complications, and patient death. As the current pancreatic fistula risk scores proposed by various authors have not been consensually validated, we propose a simple, easy-to-use, and sensitive score for the risk prediction of postoperative pancreatic fistula occurrence based on important predictors from statistical analyses that have also been found to be significant by most of the reported studies. The new pancreatic fistula risk score proposed by us could be extremely useful for improved therapeutic management of cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy patients.
Cochlear Implant Stimulation Parameters Play a Key Role in Reducing Facial Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Gärtner Lutz , Backus Bradford C. , Le Goff Nicolas , Morgenstern Anika , Lenarz Thomas , Büchner Andreas
Published: September 2023

A percentage (i.e., 5.6%) of Cochlear Implant (CI) users reportedly experience unwanted facial nerve stimulation (FNS). For some, the effort to control this problem results in changing stimulation parameters, thereby reducing their hearing performance. For others, the only viable solution is to deactivate the CI completely. A growing body of evidence in the form of case reports suggests that undesired FNS can be effectively addressed through re-implantation with an Oticon Medical (OM) Neuro-Zti implant. However, the root of this benefit is still unknown: is it due to surgical adjustments, such as varied array geometries and/or positioning, or does it stem from differences in stimulation parameters and/or grounding? The OM device exhibits two distinct features: (1) unique stimulation parameters, including anodic leading pulses and loudness controlled by pulse duration—not current—resulting in lower overall current amplitudes; and (2) unconventional grounding, including both passive (capacitive) discharge, which creates a pseudo-monophasic pulse shape, and a ‘distributed-all-polar’ (DAP) grounding scheme, which is thought to reduce current spread. Unfortunately, case reports alone cannot distinguish between surgical factors and these implant-related ones. In this paper, we present a novel follow-up study of two CI subjects who previously experienced FNS before re-implantation with Neuro-Zti implants. We used the Oticon Medical Research Platform (OMRP) to stimulate a single electrode in each subject in two ways: (1) with traditional monopolar biphasic cathodic-first pulses, and (2) with distinct OM clinical stimulation. We progressively increased the stimulation intensity until FNS occurred or the sound became excessively loud. Non-auditory/FNS sensations were observed with the traditional stimulation but not with the OM clinical one. This provides the first direct evidence demonstrating that stimulation parameters and/or grounding—not surgical factors—play a key role in mitigating FNS.
Scattered Radiation Distribution Utilizing Three Different Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Devices for Maxillofacial Diagnostics: A Research Study
Authors: Petsaros Sotirios , Chatzipetros Emmanouil , Donta Catherine , Karaiskos Pantelis , Boziari Argiro , Papadakis Evangelos , Angelopoulos Christos
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to estimate scattered radiation and its spatial distribution around three cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices, in order to determine potential positions for an operator to stand if they needed to be inside the CBCT room. The following devices were tested: Morita Accuitomo (CBCT1), Newtom Giano HR (CBCT2), Newtom VGi (CBCT3). Scattered radiation measurements were performed using different kVp, mA, and Field of View (FOV) options. An anthropomorphic phantom (NATHANIA) was placed inside the X-ray gantry to simulate clinical conditions. Scattered measurements were taken with the Inovision model 451P Victoreen ionization chamber once placed at fixed distances from each irradiation isocenter, away from the primary beam. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was found in the mean value of the scattered radiation estimations between the CBCT devices. Scattered radiation was reduced with a different rate for each CBCT device as distance was increased. For CBCT1 the reduction was 0.047 μGy, for CBCT2 it was 0.036 μGy, and for CBCT3 it was 0.079 μGy, for every one meter from the X-ray gantry. Therefore, at certain distances from the central X-ray, the scattered radiation was below the critical level of 1 mGy, which is defined by the radiation protection guidelines as the exposure radiation limit of the general population. Consequently, an operator could stay inside the room accompanying the patient being scanned, if necessary.
Comparison of Antero-Lateral Thigh Flap and Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap for the Treatment of Extensive Scalp Defects—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Moratin Julius , Dao Trong Philip , Semmelmayer Karl , Mrosek Jan , Zittel Sven , Bleymehl Moritz , Ristow Oliver , Freudlsperger Christian , Hoffmann Jürgen , Engel Michael
Published: September 2023

Free flap reconstruction is the standard of care for extensive defects of the head and neck area. In this study, two types of free flaps, the antero-lateral thigh flap (ALT) and the vastus lateralis muscle flap, were compared. The primary endpoint was flap success, secondary endpoints were complication rates, hospitalization and surgery time. Cases with defect situations of the scalp and consecutive microvascular free flap reconstructions using either ALT flaps or vastus lateralis muscle flaps between 2014 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Indications, perioperative handling and outcomes were compared. Twenty patients were included in the analysis. Ten patients (50%) received a free flap reconstruction using an ALT flap and ten patients (50%) received a vastus lateralis flap. A simultaneous two-team approach was possible in each case and the flap success rate was 100% with the need for one successful anastomosis revision. The mean defect size in our cohort was 147 ± 46 cm2. There were no significant differences in surgery time, duration of hospitalization or complication rate between both cohorts. Both free flaps, the ALT and the vastus lateralis flap, are suitable for the closure of large scalp defects. They provide high success rates, short surgery times without the need for patient repositioning and low donor-site morbidity. The vastus lateralis muscle flap bares the advantage of being perforator-independent and allows for the preparation of long vessels for anastomosis if needed while baring the disadvantage of a prolonged period of healing via granulation or the need for secondary surgery in terms of covering by split-thickness skin grafts which may interfere with necessary adjuvant treatment in oncological patients.
Method for Assessing the Influence of Phobic Stimuli in Virtual Simulators
Authors: Obukhov Artem , Krasnyanskiy Mikhail , Volkov Andrey , Nazarova Alexandra , Teselkin Daniil , Patutin Kirill , Zajceva Darya
Published: September 2023

In the organizing of professional training, the assessment of the trainee’s reaction and state in stressful situations is of great importance. Phobic reactions are a specific type of stress reaction that, however, is rarely taken into account when developing virtual simulators, and are a risk factor in the workplace. A method for evaluating the impact of various phobic stimuli on the quality of training is considered, which takes into account the time, accuracy, and speed of performing professional tasks, as well as the characteristics of electroencephalograms (the amplitude, power, coherence, Hurst exponent, and degree of interhemispheric asymmetry). To evaluate the impact of phobias during experimental research, participants in the experimental group performed exercises in different environments: under normal conditions and under the influence of acrophobic and arachnophobic stimuli. The participants were divided into subgroups using clustering algorithms and an expert neurologist. After that, a comparison of the subgroup metrics was carried out. The research conducted makes it possible to partially confirm our hypotheses about the negative impact of phobic effects on some participants in the experimental group. The relationship between the reaction to a phobia and the characteristics of brain activity was revealed, and the characteristics of the electroencephalogram signal were considered as the metrics for detecting a phobic reaction.
BlinkLinMulT: Transformer-Based Eye Blink Detection
Authors: Fodor Ádám , Fenech Kristian , Lőrincz András
Published: September 2023

This work presents BlinkLinMulT, a transformer-based framework for eye blink detection. While most existing approaches rely on frame-wise eye state classification, recent advancements in transformer-based sequence models have not been explored in the blink detection literature. Our approach effectively combines low- and high-level feature sequences with linear complexity cross-modal attention mechanisms and addresses challenges such as lighting changes and a wide range of head poses. Our work is the first to leverage the transformer architecture for blink presence detection and eye state recognition while successfully implementing an efficient fusion of input features. In our experiments, we utilized several publicly available benchmark datasets (CEW, ZJU, MRL Eye, RT-BENE, EyeBlink8, Researcher’s Night, and TalkingFace) to extensively show the state-of-the-art performance and generalization capability of our trained model. We hope the proposed method can serve as a new baseline for further research.
Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Performance of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Manufactured by Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Rodriguez Jon , Zuriarrain Aitor , Madariaga Aitor , Arrazola Pedro J. , Dominguez Erika , Fraile Itziar , Soler Daniel
Published: September 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is gaining importance as an alternative and complementary technology to conventional manufacturing processes. Among AM technologies, the Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) technology is a novel extrusion-based process involving metallic filaments. In this work, the widely used 17-4 PH stainless steel filament was selected to study the effect of different deposition strategies of ADAM technology on mechanical properties. The printed parts had mechanical properties comparable to those obtained by other more developed AM technologies. In the case of tensile and fatigue tests, obtained values were in general greatly affected by deposition strategy, achieving better results in horizontal built orientation specimens. Interestingly, the effect was also considered of machining post-process (turning), which in the case of the tensile test had no remarkable effect, while in fatigue tests it led to an improvement in fatigue life of two to four times in the tested range of stresses.
Photophysiological Characterization of Phytoplankton by Measuring Pigment Production Rates: A Description of Detail Method and a Case Study
Authors: Kang Jae-Joong , Min Jun-Oh , Joo Huitae , Youn Seok-Hyun , Lee Sang-Heon
Published: September 2023

Each phytoplankton species has intrinsic pigments, which result in different photophysiological characteristics in response to natural light conditions. Therefore, phytoplankton pigments provide important information on the photosynthetic activity that produces the basic food source for marine ecosystems. This study addresses the challenge of accurately measuring pigment production rates in phytoplankton communities. Two strategies are proposed for improving measurement sensitivity. Firstly, increasing the injection of 13C substrate into incubation bottles up to 15% of the total dissolved inorganic carbon is recommended, with minimal impact on pigment production rate determinations. Secondly, optimizing sample injection volume for high-performance liquid chromatography balances analysis time and dilution effects. The in situ field experiments conducted in this study for pigment production measurements revealed diminished activity of photoprotective mechanisms involving zeaxanthin and diatoxanthin during the study period. Furthermore, the results showed that the notable production rates of chl-b (0.069–0.105 ng C L–1 h–1, 74–89% of total accessary pigment production rates), an accessory pigment mainly attributed to prasinophytes, potentially due to restricted light availability. Prioritization of chl-b production over primary production (negative correlation between primary and chl-b production; R2 = 0.6662) highlights the potential impact of compensatory pigment-related activities on overall phytoplankton productivity. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of directly quantifying pigment production rates to enhance our comprehension of phytoplankton photophysiology and the production mechanisms specific to various pigments.
Experimental and CFD Assessment of Harmonic Characteristics of Point-Absorber Wave-Energy Converters with Nonlinear Power Take-Off System
Authors: Yi Yang , Sun Ke , Liu Yongqian , Ma Gang , Zhao Chuankai , Zhang Fukang , Zhang Jianhua
Published: September 2023

The wave-energy excitation of point absorbers is highly associated with their resonant movement, and harmonic characteristics are of increasing concern in affecting resonance. However, the commonly used linearized power take-off (PTO) systems underestimate the impact of harmonics. The purpose of this study is to address the knowledge gap in assessing the contribution of hydraulic PTO systems to higher harmonic wave loads and velocities. In the present work, higher harmonics in point-absorber wave-energy converters (PA-WECs) with hydraulic power take-off (PTO) systems are investigated through both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The fast Fourier transform is used to decompose the high-order harmonics. To account for the influence of nonlinear wave–wave interaction on harmonics, the isolated PA-WEC is used as a basis for comparison with the paired PA-WECs. The influence of wave steepness is also estimated at two resonance periods. Results indicate that the additional resonance of the paired PA-WECs may be attributed to the harmonic wave loads at longer wave periods. Harmonic wave loads of paired PA-WECs typically have a more substantial impact and increase more rapidly with increasing wave steepness compared to isolated PA-WECs. Furthermore, as the wave steepness increases, there are significant enhancements in both the harmonic wave loads and heaving velocity, which strongly correlate with the instantaneous maximum hydraulic power. Consequently, our study will contribute to enhancing the maximum power output in the design of future point absorber arrays.
Acute and Chronic Effects of the Antifouling Booster Biocide Diuron on the Harpacticoid Copepod Tigriopus japonicus Revealed through Multi-Biomarker Determination
Authors: Yun Young-Joo , Kim Sung-Ah , Kim Jaehee , Rhee Jae-Sung
Published: September 2023

Diuron, an additive biocide in antifouling paints, is widely employed to curtail the attachment of organisms on submerged surfaces in aquatic structures. Despite the detection of diuron in aquatic ecosystems, information regarding its acute and chronic impacts on aquatic invertebrates, particularly planktonic crustaceans, remains limited. In this study, we analyzed the acute (24 h) and chronic (12 days exposure across three generations) effects of different concentrations of diuron (1/10 of the no observed effect concentration (NOEC), the NOEC, and 1/10 of the lethal concentration 50% (LC50), derived from the 24 h acute toxicity value of 1152 μg L−1) on the harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus japonicus. The acute exposure experiment indicated that the 1/10 LC50 value of diuron significantly reduced the copepod’s feeding rate and acetylcholinesterase activity. In response to the 1/10 LC50 value, the intracellular reactive oxygen species were elevated alongside increased malondialdehyde levels, while the glutathione content was depleted. The enzymatic activities of glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly enhanced by the 1/10 LC50 value, suggesting a proactive role of the antioxidant defense system against oxidative stress. Conversely, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes were increased at the NOEC value, while their values were reduced by the 1/10 LC50 value. Chronic exposure to 1/10 NOEC and NOEC values revealed the adverse multigenerational effects of diuron. The second generation exhibited the most sensitivity to diuron, with the NOEC value notably reducing survival rate, body length, nauplius-to-adult development, neonates per brood count, and extending the reproduction period. Taken together, our findings underscore that even sublethal diuron levels can adversely impact copepod populations across generations through intergenerational toxicity.
Factors Controlling the Pore Development of Low-Mature Marine–Continental Transitional Shale: A Case Study of the Upper Permian Longtan Shale, Western Guizhou, South China
Authors: Zhang Manting , Hu Mingyi , Wei Sile , Cai Quansheng , Fu Wei , Shi Fang , Zhang Lei , Ding Haiyan
Published: September 2023

The Upper Permian Longtan Shale is a significant reservoir in western Guizhou. To clarify the main factors controlling the low-mature marine–continental transitional shale pore development in western Guizhou, pore types were classified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the pore developmental stages and morphological structures were quantitatively characterized by nitrogen adsorption isotherm analyses. Additionally, the qualitative or semi-quantitative relationships between the pore developmental stages and the main controlling factors were established via geochemical analysis. The results showed that the Longtan Shale pores include intergranular pores, intragranular pores, organic pores, and microfractures. The intergranular pore structures were categorized into ink-bottle, slit, layered, and irregular types. The intragranular pores were found to be of the elliptical, nearly circular, ink-bottle, and irregular varieties. The organic pores were categorized into elliptical, bubble-like, and irregular polygonal variants. The microfractures were only of the elongated type. The clay-mineral-related intergranular pores were the predominant pore type. The organic pores were found to be poorly developed. The mesopores were predominant, followed by macropores. The shale pore diameters ranged between 1 nm and 100 nm, and they are characterized by multiple peaks. The specific surface area (SSA) was primarily provided by nanopores in the range of 5 nm to 10 nm, such that the smaller pores provided a greater contribution to the SSA, and they are more conducive to shale gas adsorption and accumulation. Clay mineral content was the dominant internal factor controlling pore development and the SSA, with the illite–smectite mixed layer being the most obvious controlling factor. While too low or too high clay mineral content is adverse to macropore development, brittle mineral content, carbonate mineral content, and total organic carbon (TOC) content are adverse to pore development and the SSA. Thermal maturity has no remarkable control effect on pore volume and the SSA of non-organic pores.
An Efficient Multi-AUV Cooperative Navigation Method Based on Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhu Zixiao , Zhang Lichuan , Liu Lu , Wu Dongwei , Bai Shuchang , Ren Ranzhen , Geng Wenlong
Published: September 2023

Positioning errors introduced by low-precision navigation devices can affect the overall accuracy of a positioning system. To address this issue, this paper proposes a master-slave multi-AUV collaborative navigation method based on hierarchical reinforcement learning. First, a collaborative navigation system is modeled as a discrete semi-Markov process with defined state and action sets and reward functions. Second, trajectory planning is performed using a hierarchical reinforcement learning-based approach combined with the polar Kalman filter to reduce the positioning error of slave AUVs, realizing collaborative navigation in multi-slave AUV scenarios. The proposed collaborative navigation method is analyzed and validated by simulation experiments in terms of the relative distance between the master and slave AUVs and the positioning error of a slave AUV. The research results show that the proposed method can not only successfully reduce the observation and positioning errors of slave AUVs in the collaborative navigation process but can also effectively maintain the relative measurement distance between the master and slave AUVs within an appropriate range.
Incoherent Shallow-Water Seabed Logging Using Numerical-Model-Based Optimization for the Prediction of Unperturbed UEP Signatures
Authors: Broecheler Claas , Thiel Christian , Ludwar Frank , Rennings Andreas , Erni Daniel
Published: September 2023

Underwater electric potential (UEP) ship signatures are evaluated at a test site that provides only incoherent data from electric field sensors placed on the seabed. This paper shows how these data sets can be used to extract significant seabed parameters, which are evaluated by a numerical model combined with an optimization process in the frequency range from 1 Hz up to 100 kHz. This is in contrast to the controlled electromagnetic source technology used by geophysicists, which has to track both phase and amplitude, and, therefore, cannot simply be applied to data from per se stationary systems. Using the aforementioned frequency range within COMSOL Multiphysics (v6.0), the finite-element-based simulation software, a sensitivity analysis of seabed parameter behavior within a seabed depth range from 1 m to 20 m is evaluated for the highest sensitivity for each of the measurable field amplitudes of the locally available sensors. From this, the electrical conductivities of two seabed layers and the depth of the first layer can be extracted using a combination of a genetic algorithm and the Nelder–Mead method. In summary, phase information is not required to characterize the stratified seabed, providing a cost-effective approach to obtaining effective environmental conditions for free-water signature calculations.
Analysis of Thermally Activated Sacrificial Micro Soft Layers for Reduced Surface–Ice Interface Strength
Authors: Tian Hao , Yi Tiantian , Gong Yongjun
Published: September 2023

The prompt removal of ice is crucial to the safe operation of maritime equipment. However, traditional deicing approaches such as steam jets or manual tools are costly in terms of energy consumption and human labor. If the ice interfacial strength can be reduced, the above problems can be much alleviated. Therefore, this paper introduces a new type of low-cost, thermally activated sacrificial soft layer that can change phase according to the user’s activation signal to reduce the surface–ice adhesion strength. The proposed gelatine soft layers, containing an environmentally friendly compound (CH3COOH or NaHCO3), are prepared in 50–70 mm2 films with a thickness between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm at room temperature in around 1 h. Layers containing different chemical compounds are stacked vertically, which stay inert at room temperature or lower, but can be thermally activated to change from a solid to gas–liquid phase. The CO2 gas released from the chemical reaction is trapped between the surface–ice interface, greatly reducing the overall contact area, as well as the surface–ice adhesion strength. An experimental testbed was assembled in the lab, capable of measuring the interfacial ice adhesion strength according to the deflection of a polyurethane cantilever beam. The initial test results showed the promising properties of the layers, where no expansive equipment is required during the sample preparation, and the cost of raw materials to make a pair of soft layers is well below 0.1 USD/mm2. Under a −13 °C environment, the surface–ice adhesion strength of pure water ice was found to reduce by over 20%.